Camping options near Cottleville, Missouri range from primitive tent sites to full-service RV parks within a 30-mile radius. The region sits at approximately 500 feet elevation with average summer temperatures reaching 90°F and winter lows around 20°F. Spring camping is often complicated by Missouri River flooding, which typically crests between March and May depending on rainfall patterns.
What to do
Biking access to wineries: Beyond the Trail RV Park provides direct access to the Katy Trail with proximity to local wineries. "The park is bordered by the Katy Trail which will take you into town and many other scenic places, so bring your bikes! Just on the other side of the trail is a great brewery with a fantastic patio and rooftop deck," notes Jamie C.
Paddling opportunities: St. Peters' 370 Lakeside Park offers kayak rentals and lake access. "This is a great place to kayak and camp if you don't want to drive that fare and live in the city," says Lindsey C. The park rents "paddleboats, kayaks, and canoes in addition to different kinds of bikes."
Fishing spots: Cuivre River State Park provides fishing access with accessibility features. "The campground has a lake you can rent kayaks for. They have a small store at the check in booth. It also has an accessible fishing dock that is covered," explains Kayla S.
Hiking trail variety: Dr. Edmund A. Babler Memorial State Park features challenging yet accessible trails. "The trails are not too long but can be challenging for small kids or folks that are not used to hiking," says Scott M. The park has "miles of hiking/paved biking/equestrian trails, picnic shelters, a playground, and ball fields."
What campers like
Quiet camping despite urban proximity: Babler Memorial State Park provides peaceful camping despite its urban location. "This is truly a hidden gem. 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," shares Lahree C.
Clean, modern facilities: Klondike Park offers updated amenities in a scenic setting. "The shower house wash disappointingly dirty for as new as it was, but it was a busy holiday weekend," notes Annie C. Another camper adds that there is a "seasonal bathhouse, which is clean and well kept, but serves all 43 campsites with its 3 stalls and 2 showers per gender."
Spacious sites: Pere Marquette State Park provides roomy camping areas with natural features. "The campground has 88 sites total 1-85 are either 30 amp or 50 amp electric sites. These are the class A sites $20 a night, they also have about 15 Class C sites for tents with no electric for $8 a night," explains Michael M.
Park security: 370 Lakeside Park maintains 24-hour security for campers. According to one reviewer, "The staff is SUPER NICE AND CARING. Example 1: There was some rough springtime weather expected one day. A park ranger went around to every site and notified every camper of where the shelters were and gave out a flyer about the specific weather forecast!"
What you should know
Seasonal closures and limitations: Facilities at many parks have limited winter operations. At Babler State Park, "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."
Noise considerations: Sundermeier RV Park experiences urban noise due to its location. "Expensive for what you get. On Lambert international airports flight path, next to a major train trestle, right next to Highway 370," notes Jack G. However, another camper mentions, "The planes and trains stopped after about 10-11pm I think."
Site selection matters: At Greensfelder County Park, "The Family tent sites are very close to the road, as in 10ft from it, so traffic to and from the stables are rather annoying." Sites 24-26 "can fit a fifth wheel probably no bigger than 36-38 ft" while "site 29 can fit a 40' fifth wheel."
Reservation requirements: Most parks fill quickly in peak seasons. For Cuivre River State Park, "The park has plenty of well groomed trails and facilities spread out nicely. You could camp here for a weekend and stay busy," but advance planning is essential during summer and fall.
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly amenities: St. Louis West / Historic Route 66 KOA offers family-focused activities and facilities. "There is a pool, bike rentals, dog park, movie night, basketball court, and more. You can bring your RV, travel trailer, tent camp, or stay in a cabin," explains Crystal H.
Educational opportunities: Pere Marquette offers historical context for family learning. "The Lewis & Clark expedition started nearby," and the park features "a lot of historical buildings built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930's."
Wildlife viewing potential: 370 Lakeside Park provides opportunities to see local animals. "You can see all kinds of wildlife in and around the lake- deer, bald eagles, pelicans, ducks, snakes," making it ideal for nature education.
Playground access: Multiple parks feature playgrounds for children. At 370 Lakeside Park, "The grounds are clean and pleasant" with "a dog run, and a small playground" along with "boating and archery on site."
Tips from RVers
Hookup variations: Beyond the Trail RV Park offers full hookup sites with variable quality. "Full hookup and wineries," notes Matthew H., but he cautions, "Stay away from creek side spot lots of mosquitoes and possible flooding with enough rain."
Site leveling challenges: At Jellystone Park, "The site we had was very small and there are train tracks that run near by the campground so it can be quite noisy. The pool is nice as well as the bathrooms and showers," shares Charles S.
Seasonal pricing: Pere Marquette offers different rates based on season and hookup needs. Electric sites run "$20 a night" with discounts for seniors, making it a budget-friendly option for extended stays.
Weather preparedness: At 370 Lakeside Park, staff actively monitor weather threats. During severe weather, "A park ranger went around to every site and notified every camper of where the shelters were and gave out a flyer about the specific weather forecast."
