Campgrounds near Defiance, Missouri provide access to scenic Ozark foothills terrain with varying elevation changes from 500-800 feet. Summer temperatures average 85-90°F with high humidity, while spring and fall camping offers milder conditions. Winter camping requires preparation for temperatures that regularly drop below freezing from December through February.
What to do
Trail access to wineries: Beyond the Trail RV Park sits adjacent to the Katy Trail with easy walking distance to local wineries. "This is just a great park. 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 Jamie C.
Fishing opportunities: Pin Oak RV Park maintains a stocked pond for catch-and-release fishing. "Fishing pond was a blast for the kids!" reports Chad H. The campground offers family-friendly activities including mini-golf and a swimming pool during summer months.
Riverfront recreation: St. Peters' 370 Lakeside Park provides water recreation options with kayak and paddleboat rentals. "You can see all kinds of wildlife in and around the lake- deer, bald eagles, pelicans, ducks, snakes," according to Annie C. The park features a 3-mile paved trail surrounding the lake.
What campers like
Historic town access: Sundermeier RV Park provides direct access to the historic district of St. Charles. "Through the gate at the rear of the campground, and you can bike for miles. Easy ride in to St. Charles a wonderful historic river town on the Missouri River," explains Cheryl K. The Katy Trail connects directly to the campground.
Local brewery proximity: Many campers appreciate the convenience of local breweries near camping areas. "Excellent little RV park behind a brewery. The Katy trail borders the park for easy access to town," says Sam C. about Beyond the Trail RV Park. Visitors often mention walking to breweries for food and entertainment.
Urban camping conveniences: Casino Queen RV Park offers excellent views of downtown St. Louis. "Very clean and secure overnight park just outside of STL. Phenomenal views of downtown and the arch, and fairly easy access to I-55/64/70," according to Scott C. The park provides concrete pads with full hookups.
What you should know
Seasonal flooding concerns: St. Peters' 370 Lakeside Park sometimes closes due to flooding, particularly during spring. "It was out of commission for most of the summer of 2019 as the entire area was flooded," reports Annie C. Check park status before planning trips during heavy rain seasons.
Limited shade in newer parks: Several parks in the region have young trees that provide minimal shade. "The grounds are clean and pleasant, if a bit sparse with little shade. This will change over the subsequent years, however, as there are many relatively newly planted trees," notes Suzie S.
Drainage issues: Some sites experience water accumulation during heavy rainfall. "My only complaint is they have some drainage issues if it rains a lot. A few of the campsites will flood, not bad enough to get to your camper, but just enough to be annoying," explains Adam F.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Multiple campgrounds feature dedicated play areas for children. "There is a park and lots of trails. Clean facility, store and nice paved spots...picnic table on pavement. Five minutes from food and stores," says Laura M. about Sundermeier RV Park.
Kid-friendly activities: Pin Oak Creek Campground offers multiple recreation options. "Nice pool and an arcade area with plenty of room to hangout inside. There is a pond with some decent sized fish in it," according to Chad H. The Halloween events are particularly popular with families.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Several parks offer opportunities to view local wildlife. "In the summers they have live music in the large pavilion, and you can rent kayaks and other small boats to take out on the lake as well as bikes to ride around on," notes Annie C. about local recreation options.
Tips from RVers
Extended hookup needs: Water and electrical connections may require extension cords or hoses at some parks. "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," reports Craig H. about Beyond the Trail RV Park.
Self-check-in options: Some parks offer convenient contactless check-in. "Very well lit, very clean and very easy to get in and very secure with a ton of cameras. Also has a really nice dog area," says Grant about RV Self-Park. These parks typically provide online booking and automated site access.
Noise considerations: Highway and railroad noise affects several parks in the area. "It is near a highway, there a railroad bridge right next to it, and it is under the airport flight path. The planes and trains stopped after about 10-11pm I think," explains Bea about Sundermeier RV Park. Request sites furthest from noise sources when making reservations.
