Cabin camping near Chesterfield, Missouri gives visitors access to both natural landscapes and proximity to St. Louis attractions. The region sits at the confluence of the Missouri and Mississippi Rivers, with elevations ranging from 400-800 feet above sea level. Most campgrounds remain open from April through October, though several offer year-round cabin rentals with varying levels of winterization.
What to do
Fishing access: At St. Peters' 370 Lakeside Park, fishing opportunities exist directly adjacent to camping areas. "Located right next to a lake with a lot of RV and tent camping spots. Kids had a blast riding bikes. Even finding a few little frogs jumping around and fireflies at night," notes Joseph F.
Kayaking: Washington State Park Campground offers river activities beyond standard camping. "My husband and i kayaked here and it was amazing! probably the best short trip you could take on a kayak. It started pouring halfway thru our ride, but even still we had a blast!" reports Allyson D.
Historical exploration: Visit the petroglyphs at Washington State Park for a cultural experience. "Washington State Park is a hidden gem in Missouri! The prehistoric Petroglyphs nearby are a must see," shares Phil W., highlighting attractions beyond the typical nature activities.
What campers like
Park security: Cahokia RV Parque maintains safety protocols that travelers appreciate. "The staff are friendly, the facility is clean and professional. Will stay again since I am in St. Louis every month," reports Tom B., noting the well-managed environment despite its urban setting.
Easy access to St. Louis: Camping cabins near Chesterfield provide convenient access to city attractions. "Best campsite we've found to explore STL. Five minutes from food and stores. 30 minutes from downtown Saint Louis," notes Nathaniel B. about St. Peters' 370 Lakeside Park.
Swimming options: Multiple parks offer water recreation during summer months. "This park has a great canopy of trees located next to a stream as a setting for the campground that bounds with wildlife. We saw deer and raccoons here that entered our campsite," reports Tom K. about Meramec State Park Campground.
What you should know
Train noise: Some campgrounds near urban areas experience railroad disruptions. "There are few campgrounds with full hook-ups in the Edwardsville, IL area, so we were pleased to find this one. Yes, trains pass 2 blocks away several times nightly, but after the first night you won't notice," explains Jennifer B. about St. Louis NE-Granite City KOA.
Cell service limitations: Coverage varies significantly between properties. "The campground is great. Most of the sites are flat and paved. The campground is right next to the Meramec River. There is WiFi available but it is not reliable. The cell phone service is virtually non-existent," warns Mats about Meramec State Park.
Campsite spacing: Site privacy varies considerably between properties. "Washington State Park is very well kept and is perfect for tent camping. The only downfall is the amount trees. Although the sites are very large, flat, and easy, you can see everyones business because there is maybe 1 tree in between each site," explains April D.
Tips for camping with families
Kids activities: Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park Resort At Six Flags specializes in family-oriented experiences. "We stayed here last minute for Labor Day Weekend and the staff were great with finding us a good tent site available. 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," explains Lindsey R.
Wildlife viewing: Cabin rentals often provide enhanced opportunities to observe local fauna. "The Campground is located in a gym of a park located along the Missouri River. Reservations are required and the sites are in high demand," notes Marty C. about St. Charles County Klondike Park.
Swimming options: Pools and natural swimming areas provide recreation for younger campers. "Cuivre River is about an hour outside St.Louis and offers a multitude of outdoor options from hiking, biking, boating and fishing. The trails are fantastic and have different levels for all," shares Chad K.
Tips from RVers
Leveling challenges: Pin Oak RV Park requires some navigation for larger rigs. "Sites in the middle seemed more crowded. Facility was clean, owners and staff were friendly. Fishing pond was a blast for the kids!" explains Chad H., highlighting both the constraints and recreational opportunities.
Site selection strategy: Position matters for comfort at many parks. "We were checking out right before a weekend. Our site, previously not available that weekend, had opened up. The staff called to tell us that the site had opened up over the weekend and wanted to check with us before giving it to someone else," shares Mats about St. Peters' 370 Lakeside Park.
Urban camping considerations: Many cabin rentals near Chesterfield balance nature access with city proximity. "This is a very nice park. The spaces are a bit close together and not many trees but I've been to worse. The not many trees is due to it still being a fairly new campground. The lake is nice and they have some spots close to it," explains Barbie B.
