Campsite options near Defiance, Missouri range from basic tent sites to full RV hookups across several parks. The region sits in the Ozark foothills with elevations between 500-800 feet, creating varied terrain for camping experiences. Summer temperatures average 85-95°F with high humidity, while spring and fall offer milder conditions with temperature ranges of 55-75°F.
What to do
Trail exploration: 5+ miles of hiking available at Klondike Park with routes that provide views of the Missouri River valley. The park features multiple terrains for different hiking experiences. "Trails are beautiful and perfect for families wanting to just come to a park for a day and hikers. Can't go wrong for a 10$ a night campsite with restrooms and water available," notes a visitor.
Fishing opportunities: Multiple stocked ponds at Dr. Edmund A. Babler Memorial State Park Campground, though without larger bodies of water. "There is no bodies of water within the park for fishing, but there are tons near by," mentions one camper. The park offers varied hiking trails despite its proximity to urban areas.
Biking adventures: Katy Trail access points provide direct connections to Missouri wine country. Bikes can be rented in several locations if you don't bring your own. "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," reports a camper at Beyond the Trail RV Park.
What campers like
Proximity to wineries: Multiple tasting options within short biking or driving distance make this area popular with adult groups. "It is located in a sleepy little winery town. It is just a few minutes from the main part of town with multiple beautiful wineries within a few miles," notes a visitor at Beyond the Trail RV Park.
Quiet natural settings: Despite proximity to towns, several campsites maintain a feeling of seclusion. At Robertsville State Park Campground, campers appreciate the atmosphere: "It's in the tall trees with lots of shade and greenery you kind of feel like you're in a jungle. Lots of things to do in the area. Great Verizon reception."
Clean facilities: Modern shower houses at most campgrounds in the area provide comfort without sacrificing outdoor experience. "The showers house is really nice, lake is beautiful. Will definitely be back," mentions a visitor to Klondike Park, while another notes the "clean new shower house" at Beyond the Trail.
What you should know
Seasonal crowding: Weekends fill quickly from May through October, especially at sites near the Katy Trail. Reservations are essential during peak times. "Klondike park is a gorgeous park along the Katy Trail in Augusta, MO. The campsites are very quiet, very family friendly park... Campsites are pretty close to each other is the only downfall," notes one visitor.
Wildlife management: Raccoons are active at multiple campgrounds, requiring proper food storage. "Make sure to store your food securely overnight - the racoons are pretty thick and hungry at night," warns a camper at Klondike Park, while another mentions at St. Louis West / Historic Route 66 KOA: "It was a nice campground with tree cover over most of it. Our site was gravel to park on with grass around it."
Drainage issues: Heavy rain can affect some sites, particularly at lower elevations. "Warning, this place will likely flood if it rains heavy. Which means the mosquitos might be plenty if they don't spray for them," advises a camper about Beyond the Trail RV Park. "A few of the campsites will flood, not bad enough to get to your camper, but just enough to be annoying."
Tips for camping with families
Site selection strategies: Choose higher ground for family camping to avoid potential drainage issues during storms. For families with children, sites near shower facilities provide convenience. "Our site, 35, like its neighbor sites was small and pretty close to others. Other sites like #19 and 20 were more secluded, offered more trees and privacy," shares a Klondike Park visitor.
Activities for kids: Multiple playgrounds and designated recreation areas exist at several parks. At Pin Oak RV Park, "Nice pool and an arcade area with plenty of room to hangout inside. There is a pond with some decent sized fish in it. A lot of the campground has good tree coverage."
Event scheduling: Special themed weekends occur throughout the camping season at various campgrounds. "We go every October for Halloween. It is tight you need to reserve a premium spot for a little room. Staff and owners are great lots to do for the kids," notes a Pin Oak RV Park visitor.
Tips from RVers
Hookup locations: Extension cords may be necessary at some campgrounds due to placement of utilities. At Beyond the Trail RV Park, "The site services, electric, water and sewer, are located to the front of the site and extensions were needed for both the electric and sewer."
Site leveling considerations: Many campgrounds have uneven terrain, requiring leveling blocks. "The spaces are pretty uneven so make sure you bring plenty of cribbing," recommends a visitor to Robertsville State Park. "Mostly gravel pads and two cemented Ada accessible sites."
Length restrictions: Sites vary considerably in maximum accommodations. At Greensfelder County Park, "Most sites are great for trailers 26' or less and 1 slide (sites 24-26 can fit a fifth wheel probably no bigger than 36-38 ft)." At some parks, premium sites are recommended for larger rigs: "You need to reserve a premium spot for a little room."
