81 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Campgrounds near Chesterfield, Missouri provide a mix of developed and semi-primitive sites within a 30-minute drive of the St. Louis metropolitan area. Dr. Edmund A. Babler Memorial State Park offers electric and basic sites with concrete pads for both tent and RV camping in a wooded setting. Several other options exist within a short drive, including St. Peters' 370 Lakeside Park with tent, RV, and cabin accommodations, and Klondike Park which provides tent sites and cabin rentals. Most campgrounds in the region feature a combination of wooded and open sites, with varying levels of privacy and amenities ranging from primitive to full-hookup facilities.
The camping season in the Chesterfield area typically runs year-round, though services may be limited during winter months. Many campgrounds, including Babler State Park, close their shower facilities and restrict water access from November through March, requiring campers to be more self-sufficient during cold weather camping. Reservations are recommended, particularly for weekend stays from April through October when campgrounds frequently reach capacity. Most established sites in the area feature level concrete pads, picnic tables, and fire rings, with electrical hookups available at many locations. According to one visitor, "Babler is one of those state parks that you just don't expect to see so close to a major city. The hiking trails are plentiful and quiet."
Campers consistently note the convenience of having natural settings so close to urban amenities. The mixed-use campgrounds often provide hiking and biking trails, with some offering water recreation opportunities at nearby lakes or rivers. Several visitors mentioned tick activity during warmer months, particularly at wooded sites, so proper precautions are advisable. Cell phone coverage is generally reliable throughout the area, making these campgrounds suitable for those needing to stay connected. A review highlighted that "You would never know how close you are to a metropolis. It is clean and feels extremely safe. There aren't many sites, but the ones they have are quiet and spacious." Many campgrounds in the region close their entrance gates in the evening, typically around 9 PM, so campers should plan arrivals accordingly or contact camp hosts for after-hours access codes.
"Tucked away, not far from St. Louis, you wouldn't know you were that close to a big city. It is clean and feels extremely safe. There aren't many sites, but the ones they have are quiet and spacious."
"Great for taking long walks or bike rides, although very steep hills. Close to St Louis, so you can do some urban exploring."
from $15 - $35 / night
Check Availability"Our site was gravel to park on with grass around it. Close to train tracks and highway, but didn’t notice with AC on in the camper. Close to 6 flags."
"This campground is fairly close to downtown and very close to lots of shopping. A great place to stay to stock up on supplies before heading west."
"I've been to 370 Lakeside Park many times to walk around the huge lake and to hear concerts in the summer, but I had never camped there. Still haven't. I'll explain."
"All hookups were conveniently located. Shower house and restrooms were clean and well maintained/cleaned every day. Had a lakefront site but didn’t get to fish this time."
from $35 - $60 / night
Check Availability"We were able to park next to our 5th wheel with enough room to not feel crowded while using the picnic bench. Also the site was level. We stayed for a week to enjoy St. Louis, St."
"You can literally be parked right at the Katy Trail. Through the gate at the rear of the campground, and you can bike for miles. Easy ride in to St."
from $56 - $61 / night
Check Availability"A short 5 minute walk to “downtown” Defiance, the campground is right next to the Katy Trail. Forgot your bike? Walk 3 minutes away and rent one. Want to float the Missouri?"
"Excellent little RV park behind a brewery. The Katy trail borders the park for easy access to town."
from $25 - $58 / night
Check Availability"pros- activities for kids/fam nice pool tons of trees easy access from highway close amenities (Walmart, six flags, etc) close to StL (tons to do) we did grants farm and city museum one day"
"We spent a weekend here because we wanted to be close to six flags. I swear this place was more fun!!!"
"The views are spectacular with some sandy shores of a small pond in the middle of the campground and some great trails. Augusta is a nice place away from St. Louis and a short drive down 94."
"Amazing park close to the city. Great lake and hiking trails. Access to the Katy and bike trails. Camp site are large, warning that some are hike in and not car camping."
from $10 - $65 / night
Check Availability"The park is known for its well-groomed trails, which are used by hikers, mountain bikers, and equestrians alike."
"Well taken care of and close to the city. Trails range from a short walk to an endless combination."
"Pere Marquette Campground is a little gym, just past Grafton, Missouri. It is located in the Great River Road, and within 10 minutes to restaurants and bars."
"Great little campground just outside of Grafton, Illinois, on the Mississippi River. The campground is located in an open grove of old trees. There were owls when we were there."
from $10 - $20 / night
Check Availability"Hiking trails, a stocked pond, meramec river access, 12 basic and 13 electric shaded campsites available, play ground away from the campground and shelters available to rent for a family gathering. 2 trails"
"The hook up sites are on the inside of the loop and the tent sites are on the outside of the loop. You need to look carefully for a level tent site as some are fairly slopped."
from $14 - $38 / night
Check Availability
ScoutWe camped here for 5 nights. It is so clean and well maintained. It’s quietly tucked in along the Mississippi River (except for a train that runs nearby). Nice level concrete pads with electric hookup! Water (not potable) and dump available. It’s close proximity to everything in the St. Louis area can’t be beat!
ScoutGreat spot for tents or hammocks. Just a single spot with a big parking lot. There is a fire ring, and a picnic table.
TravelerVery clean. Hiking and cave exploring in the park. Campground is nicely laid out with different amenities.
LegendGood location close to O'Fallon and Hwy 70. Kind of close to the busy main road running through town. Some long term rigs are there, but look kept up.
ScoutThis camp grown is right on the Kathy trail which is over two hundred and twenty miles of a rail to the trail state park. It is also nestled in a small area with lots of wineries and microbreweries , making it a very nice place to stay for a while. Located only about twenty minutes from a major community with all the amenities you need.
GuideThe campground is nicely shaded with large trees but not to the point that there isn't grass. Think of camping in a large manicured city park without the city. The town of Grafton is a bonus. Many restaurants and pubs.
ScoutStaff is very friendly and great at their jobs. Bathroom was clean and nice. Gets a little crowded but it's still fairly small so not too crowded. Can't speak much for RV camping, but tent/car camping was better than some other state park sites.
LegendWe enjoyed the family site with another friend. It was good for a tent and 26 foot rv. Not a good big rig campground. It has tight turning and narrow roads. We took out kayak on the river for a float. Dirty water. Good hiking.
LegendGreat place for exploring the cave on a tour or playing in the water to cool off. Campground is small and reservations are needed. Great hiking.
Campsites near Chesterfield, Missouri offer a mix of county and state park options within 45 minutes of the metropolitan area. The region sits at the edge of the Ozark foothills where the Missouri River valley creates distinctive terrain with limestone bluffs. Temperatures typically range from 26°F in winter to 89°F in summer, with camping facilities adapting to seasonal shifts in precipitation and temperature.
Bike the Katy Trail: Access the 240-mile Katy Trail directly from Beyond the Trail RV Park, which offers full hookup sites adjacent to this scenic rail-trail. "The Katy trail borders the park for easy access to town. Beautiful views across a large farm field (soy beans when we were here) to the hills beyond with incredible sunsets," notes camper Sam C.
Equestrian activities: Greensfelder County Park maintains dedicated facilities for horse owners with "tie stalls under a roof and a round pen mounting blocks shower and bathrooms in camp. Electricity at each site and water nearby," according to Alicia B. The park features specialized trails with jumps for equestrian riders.
Archery and water sports: At St. Peters' 370 Lakeside Park, visitors can access multiple recreational facilities. "This is a great place to kayak and camp if you don't want to drive that fare and live in the city," writes Lindsey C. Another visitor noted, "There is an archery range. They rent out peddle boats, bikes and peddle cars/buggies as well. We rented a peddle buggy. Those are a lot harder to get moving then they look."
Proximity to urban amenities: Campers value the short commute from St. Louis. At Dr. Edmund A. Babler Memorial State Park, April D. explains, "Babler is located off I-64 in the chesterfield area about 30 minutes from Saint Louis. There are many spots to choose from. Basic and electric/water sites. Tent and Rv set ups are mixed."
Level sites with concrete pads: Serious RVers appreciate the paved campsites at multiple locations. According to Nancy W. at Babler State Park, "What we liked about this campground was the comfortable feel of being at a state park with plenty of trees, hiking trails, space between sites, but also the convenience of having a level, paved site with electricity and television/phone reception."
Wine country access: Campsites in the western parts of St. Charles County provide convenient access to Missouri wine regions. "This is a very nice park. The spaces are a bit close together and not many trees but I've been to worse," reports Barbie B. about St. Peters' 370 Lakeside Park, adding that "The lake is nice and they have some spots close to it."
Noise considerations: Several campgrounds report noise from nearby transportation corridors. At St. Louis West / Historic Route 66 KOA, campers mention train tracks and highway noise. Todd P. comments, "This was such a nice and serene setting. Close to the city and local attractions, yet surrounded by nature none the less. It will be even better when they invent silent trains."
Campground flooding risks: Low-lying areas experience periodic closure due to water levels. "One of the downsites to this location is that it is prone to flooding. It was out of commission for most of the summer of 2019 as the entire area was flooded," reports Annie C. about St. Peters' 370 Lakeside Park.
Wildlife encounters: Beyond the typical forest creatures, some parks have notable animal activity. April D. shares this warning about Babler State Park: "The only issue is the raccoons. They dont give a darn who you are. They will walk right up to, smile, and take your chips. Scandalous!"
Cabin options for beginners: Those new to camping can ease into outdoor experiences with cabin rentals. At Klondike Park, Jonathan P. reports, "My kids loved exploring out there I will be renting a cabin later this week." The park offers cabins as alternatives to tent sites.
Theme campgrounds with activities: Families with children often prefer campgrounds with scheduled programming. At Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park Resort At Six Flags, Lindsey R. notes, "This is not a rugged style campground as there are many amenities such as a pool, putt putt golf, volleyball, and more. They also host daily kids activities and crafts."
Site selection for group comfort: When camping with families, strategic site selection matters. Scott M. suggests, "The campground is not very large. Most of the sites are small. This works well for me since I like to talk and meet other campers. However, if you prefer some space while camping, this one may not be for you."
Electrical limitations: RV campers should verify amperage availability. At Greensfelder County Park, Matthew H. advises, "Only sites 20-29 have electric and 28 can't be reserved," adding that most sites have "2-20 amp plugs and 1-30amp plug" but site 29 "only have 2-20 amp plugs no 30."
Water access concerns: Seasonal water limitations affect winter camping. At Babler State Park, one camper noted, "Not having water available except at the camp host, and no open restrooms and showers until after April 1, regardless of when the last freeze is was inconvenient for a spring break trip."
Site dimensions and pull-through availability: RV owners should research exact dimensions. Nancy W. reports about Babler, "Not all sites are long enough for large RVs and the roads in some loops prevent you from turning around. The camp hosts we encountered are very helpful and have a list of site lengths and can tell you which ones are appropriate for large RVs."
Frequently Asked Questions
Where are the best camping locations near Chesterfield, MO?
Several excellent camping options exist near Chesterfield. Dr. Edmund A. Babler Memorial State Park Campground is just 30 minutes from St. Louis in the Chesterfield area, offering both basic and electric/water sites for tents and RVs, plus equestrian and hiking trails. For campers willing to drive a bit further, St. Louis West / Historic Route 66 KOA provides a convenient location right off I-44 next to Six Flags St. Louis with level spots and good hookups. Other notable options include St. Francois State Park (1 hour from St. Louis), Beyond the Trail RV Park in Defiance, and Sundermeier RV Park with its convenient highway access.
What amenities are available at Chesterfield campgrounds?
Campgrounds near Chesterfield offer a variety of amenities to enhance your stay. Cahokia RV Parque, while across the river in Illinois, provides full hookups, gravel sites with concrete pads, fire pits, and picnic tables. Recreational amenities include a playground, swimming pool, and walking pond. Sundermeier RV Park features level concrete pads with picnic tables, 30-amp service, and decent water pressure (30 pounds). Many area campgrounds provide shower facilities, firewood sales, ice, potable water, and dump stations. Some locations like Beyond the Trail RV Park offer proximity to recreational activities such as the Katy Trail for biking and Missouri River for water activities.
Are there tent-specific camping sites near Chesterfield?
St. Charles County Klondike Park offers excellent tent-only camping sites near Chesterfield. This well-maintained county park requires reservations as sites are in high demand. The park provides water access and places you in the heart of Missouri Wine Country, making it an ideal base for exploring. It's particularly popular with bike-packers along the Katy Trail, though the climb from the trail can be challenging. Another great option for tent campers is St. Francois State Park Campground, located about an hour from St. Louis in Missouri's beautiful rolling hills. While not exclusively for tents, Babler Memorial State Park also accommodates tent camping with basic sites separate from those with electric/water hookups.
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