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Best Campgrounds near Defiance, MO

702 Reviews

Defiance, Missouri supports various camping styles along the Katy Trail and Missouri River corridor. Beyond the Trail RV Park provides full hookups with easy access to both the Katy Trail and downtown Defiance, making it popular for RV travelers and cyclists. Klondike Park, operated by St. Charles County, offers tent camping, cabins, and access to numerous hiking trails. Both parks serve as gateways to Missouri's wine country, with Augusta and neighboring communities accessible via the Katy Trail or nearby Highway 94.

Camping areas throughout the region experience variable conditions depending on rainfall and seasonal factors. Klondike Park features hillside terrain with some sites offering views of the Missouri River valley. Many campgrounds require reservations, particularly during summer weekends and fall wine harvest season. The Katy Trail provides a convenient transportation corridor for cyclists looking to explore multiple campgrounds. Water management can be an issue at some sites during heavy rain. A camper noted, "Warning, this place will likely flood if it rains heavy. Which means the mosquitos might be plenty if they don't spray for them."

Mixed-use campgrounds dominate the landscape around Defiance, combining outdoor recreation with proximity to wineries, breweries and dining options. Campers frequently mention the convenience of Defiance's camping options for accessing both natural and cultural attractions. "This new little (and fast expanding) campground has it all. A short 5 minute walk to 'downtown' Defiance, the campground is right next to the Katy Trail," noted one reviewer about Beyond the Trail RV Park. Several visitors highlighted the benefits of camping near the Katy Trail for bike-packing adventures, with some sites requiring "a tough, but short, climb from the trail." Raccoon activity is mentioned in multiple reviews, suggesting proper food storage is essential when tent camping at Klondike Park. Both parks attract a mix of overnight cyclists, wine country tourists, and outdoor enthusiasts.

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Best Camping Sites Near Defiance, Missouri (84)

    1. Dr. Edmund A. Babler Memorial State Park Campground

    27 Reviews
    Wildwood, MO
    5 miles
    Website
    +1 (636) 458-3813

    "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."

    2. St. Louis West / Historic Route 66 KOA

    30 Reviews
    Eureka, MO
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (636) 257-3018

    "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."

    3. Klondike Park

    14 Reviews
    Augusta, MO
    4 miles
    Website

    $10 - $65 / night

    "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."

    4. Beyond the Trail RV Park

    10 Reviews
    Defiance, MO
    1 mile
    Website
    +1 (636) 484-0059

    $25 - $58 / night

    "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."

    5. St. Peters' 370 Lakeside Park

    26 Reviews
    St. Charles, MO
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (636) 387-5253

    $35 - $60 / night

    "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."

    6. Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park Resort At Six Flags

    13 Reviews
    Eureka, MO
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (636) 938-5925

    "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!!!"

    7. Pin Oak RV Park

    15 Reviews
    Union, MO
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (406) 962-1501

    "Nice little lake to fish in and areas to walk around in."

    "We were close to the playground though, which had bright lights at night and loud kids - I would avoid that area next time."

    8. Greensfelder County Park

    8 Reviews
    Eureka, MO
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (314) 615-4386

    "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."

    9. St. Charles County Klondike Park

    5 Reviews
    Augusta, MO
    4 miles
    Website
    +1 (636) 949-7535

    "It is a tough, but short, climb from the trail. You may have to walk up the hill - challenge made :-) . This is a St. Charles County Park and it is well maintained."

    "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. Tent camping only. There is water available in the park."

    10. Robertsville State Park Campground

    13 Reviews
    Robertsville, MO
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (636) 257-3788

    "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."

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Recent Camping Photos near Defiance, MO

163 Photos of 84 Defiance Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Defiance, MO

702 Reviews of 84 Defiance Campgrounds

  • SThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 9, 2025

    Meramec State Park Campground

    Great Campground!

    Stopped for one night, but could have stayed more. Great campground with tons of trees and shade. Each site has a table and fire pit. Big, clean bathrooms and showers. Playgrounds for kids. Caves to explore. I’m

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 8, 2025

    Pere Marquette State Park Campground

    Fun Little Getaway

    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. There is a Lodge located next door which also serves a wonderful breakfast.

  • DThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 5, 2025

    Cuivre River State Park Campground

    Quiet and Peaceful

    Cuivre River State Park Campground delivers a lovely, rustic camping experience framed by woods, wildlife, and water. With a variety of site types and decent amenities, it’s ideal for families or solo campers seeking tranquility. Just be selective about your site—some offer better privacy and facilities than others.

  • Eleanor the Airstream R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 27, 2025

    Purina Farms

    PWD National Specialty

    Stayed the week for the PWD National Specialty trials. Convenient, clean, and solid FHUs.

    "Please note that RV reservations are only accepted for those entered(or those who have dogs/cats entered) in an event that has contracted space, which includes the overnight camping lots."

  • Lisa M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 26, 2025

    Meramec State Park Campground

    Huge park right on the River

    We arrived on a Saturday and the park was packed, but were able to have a spot with electric. Campground probably has well over 200 sites with electric, electric and water, and tent camping. Right on the Merrimack river where one could go hang out in the river or float or tube down the river. Cave that is situated in the park that one can pay for a tour Fisher cave. We actually went to the Meramec Caverns tour about 15 miles away. Road into park is fairly narrow and has a pretty good grade going up and down. Park is actually almost 3 miles from the visitor center. Even though the park was very full when we arrived, it emptied out to almost no one on Sunday afternoon. You are nicely spaced apart from other people for the most part. Showers were adequate.

  • Natasha T.
    Aug. 21, 2025

    Cahokia RV Parque

    Very clean place with reasonable prices. price

    They were so accommodating. Even on the phone I didnt feel like a burden

  • Julie F.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 17, 2025

    Meramec State Park Campground

    Lots of spots, close to highway

    Great park close to hwy 44 (5ish minutes + drive to campground) Lots of spots to choose from even though it was a Saturday in August. All are pretty flat and open with not much privacy. Showed up at 5pm and chose an open spot but had to call to reserve because I had no cell service (phone worked, internet didn’t). Phone reservation was super easy and efficient. Our spot (#86) had a lot of broken glass under the picnic table and the fire out was filthy. Convenient potable water and dump station areas. We just stopped for the night while driving through the area so didn’t use the park which seems to have tons to do.

  • Linda C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 13, 2025

    Brazil Creek Camping Area

    Small and picturesque

    Stayed one night. Beautiful country drive from 1-44. Abundant shade. No Verizon service. Aggressive horseflies and mosquitoes. Lots of sewer flies in the vault toilet. Water source is creek.

  • Sam B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 5, 2025

    Klondike Park

    Love it

    Second time camping here. Much better spot this time, since I could pull right up to the spot, site 26. Last time we were in spot 22. 22 is a long ways from the bathroom and parking lot. The trails are great, the shower house is really nice, lake is beautiful. Will definitely be back.

Guide to Defiance

Camping near Defiance, Missouri, offers a mix of beautiful scenery and fun activities for everyone. Whether you're looking for a peaceful getaway or an adventure-filled weekend, there are plenty of campgrounds to choose from.

What to do:

  • Hiking and Trails: Many campers enjoy the scenic trails available. At Meramec State Park Campground, one reviewer mentioned, "The Cub Scouts loved the site, the Natural Wonders Trail, and the visitors’ center." This park is great for exploring nature.
  • Fishing: If you love fishing, Cuivre River State Park Campground has some excellent spots. A visitor shared, "The park did have nice trails, fishing areas, breathtaking riverside views."
  • Cave Tours: Check out the nearby Meramec Caverns for a unique experience. One camper noted, "We walked the Walking Fern trail... offered varied terrain and its own cave."

What campers like:

What you should know:

  • Limited Cell Service: Many campgrounds have poor cell reception. A visitor at Dr. Edmund A. Babler Memorial State Park Campground noted, "Only negative... was there is no wifi and poor cell phone reception."
  • Reservations Recommended: Some campgrounds fill up quickly, especially on weekends. A camper at Cuivre River State Park Campground said, "I am bad at making reservations, but we got lucky with the last spot in the RV section."
  • Wildlife Encounters: Be prepared for wildlife. One family at Meramec State Park Campground mentioned, "Our site had skunks and raccoons each night."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose Family-Friendly Sites: Look for campgrounds with amenities for kids. At St. Peters' 370 Lakeside Park, a reviewer said, "The playground was good for the kiddos."
  • Plan Activities: Make sure to have a list of activities. A camper at Meramec Caverns mentioned, "The river access and bathhouse were both just a quick walk away."
  • Pack Snacks: Keep snacks handy for the kids. One visitor at Cahokia RV Parque noted, "Service was great and site came with power and water and sewer hookup."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Size: Make sure your RV fits the site. A reviewer at Casino Queen RV Park said, "Asphalt level pads with FHU, both 30 & 50 amp service."
  • Be Aware of Surroundings: Some areas may feel sketchy. One camper mentioned, "I’m just happy there are a lot of people here... Just want to feel a tad safer."
  • Easy Check-In Process: Many RV parks have straightforward check-in. A visitor at Cahokia RV Parque shared, "The online reservations were easy to make."

Camping near Defiance, Missouri, has something for everyone. With beautiful parks and plenty of activities, it’s a great spot for your next outdoor adventure!

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Defiance campground located in Missouri?

Beyond the Trail RV Park is located in Defiance, Missouri, a small town situated along the Katy Trail. Defiance is in eastern Missouri, approximately 45 minutes west of St. Louis. The town and campground are nestled in Missouri's wine country, making it an ideal base for exploring local vineyards and outdoor attractions in the region.

What amenities are available at Defiance campground?

Camping options in Defiance offer various amenities to enhance your stay. Beyond the Trail RV Park provides full hookups for RVs, proximity to the Katy Trail, and on-site canoe outfitting services. The campground is within walking distance to downtown Defiance and offers bike rentals nearby. For those wanting to experience the area's outdoor activities, the park provides convenient access to both the Katy Trail for cycling and the Missouri River for floating adventures.

Do I need reservations for camping at Defiance campground?

Reservations are highly recommended for camping in the Defiance area, especially during peak seasons. While specific reservation policies for Beyond the Trail RV Park aren't detailed in the reviews, nearby St. Charles County Klondike Park requires reservations, and sites are in high demand. This is typical for campgrounds in this popular region of Missouri wine country. To secure your preferred dates and site, it's advisable to book in advance, particularly during weekends, holidays, and the summer months.

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