The Missouri River Valley near Dutzow offers a distinctive camping experience with gravel terrain and elevation changes ranging from 500-700 feet. The area sits at the intersection of wine country and the Katy Trail, creating unique camping conditions where RVers can experience both rural tranquility and access to regional attractions. Weather patterns typically include hot summers and mild springs, with occasional river flooding impacting campground availability.
What to do
Biking the Katy Trail: Access the trail directly from Beyond the Trail RV Park, where camping puts you steps from this converted rail trail. "The Katy trail borders the park for easy access to town. Beautiful views across a large farm field to the hills beyond with incredible sunsets," notes Sam C., highlighting the convenient location.
Explore historic St. Charles: Stay at Sundermeier RV Park for easy access to downtown attractions. "You can bike for miles. Easy ride in to St. Charles a wonderful historic river town on the Missouri River. Great shops, great restaurants," according to Cheryl K., who appreciates the proximity to this river town.
Water activities: Visit Pin Oak RV Park for fishing opportunities without leaving the campground. "Nice pool and an arcade area with plenty of room to hangout inside. There is a pond with some decent sized fish in it," shares Chad H., describing the on-site recreation options.
Brewery visits: Many campgrounds are situated near local breweries, offering easy walking access. "On the other side of the trail is a great brewery with a fantastic patio and rooftop deck. We walked there a few times to enjoy pizza," reports Jamie C. about the brewery adjacent to Beyond the Trail.
What campers like
Convenient wine country access: The strategic location of campgrounds makes winery tours accessible. "Great location to go to all the wineries and restaurants nearby. Brewery just on the other side of the campground with good beer and food," explains Matthew H. about Beyond the Trail RV Park.
Proximity to St. Louis attractions: Casino Queen RV Park offers views of the Gateway Arch and downtown access. "Even though this RV park is in a city, we felt safe. And its view of the Gateway Arch can't be beat," Dennis P. mentions about the urban camping experience.
Self-service convenience: Several parks offer flexible check-in options. "Easy to book online even the day of. Choose your spot ahead of time and pull in, easy as that! Had no problem booking around 7pm the day of and arrived around 1 am," explains Brooklyn G., describing the convenience of last-minute stays.
Seasonal activities: Halloween events draw campers in October. "We go every October for Halloween. Staff and owners are great lots to do for the kids," notes Tim K. about Pin Oak RV Park, highlighting their special events.
What you should know
Weather considerations: The Missouri River Valley experiences flooding that can affect campgrounds. "A few of the campsites will flood, not bad enough to get to your camper, but just enough to be annoying," Adam F. cautions about Beyond the Trail after heavy rains.
Noise factors: Urban and highway-adjacent parks have consistent noise. "There is train noise but we couldn't hear it with the air conditioners running," Richard H. reports about casino camping, while RV Self-Park reviewers mention interstate noise: "If you love the sound of freeways this is the place for you."
Site variations: Space between sites varies significantly between parks and specific sites. "The sites are level, and there is plenty of shade. The sites are gravel and close together so not much privacy," Joel R. notes at Pin Oak RV Park, reflecting a common situation at established campgrounds.
Reservation timing: Advance booking is essential for peak seasons. "Rates are extremely reasonable $35/night full hookups. If you are going, book early. We visit the area 1 to 2 times per year and book as we leave for the next year," advises Chris Y. about Hermann City RV Park.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Several parks feature recreational facilities for children. "The grounds are clean and pleasant... There is boating and archery on site, a dog run, and a small playground," reports Suzie S. about St. Peters' 370 Lakeside Park, detailing amenities specifically appealing to families.
Kid-friendly activities: Look for parks with dedicated programming. "This is a great place to kayak and camp if you don't want to drive that fare and live in the city," Lindsey C. mentions about St. Peters' 370 Lakeside Park, where rentals enhance the experience.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Some parks offer natural encounters. "You can see all kinds of wildlife in and around the lake- deer, bald eagles, pelicans, ducks, snakes," Annie C. reports, listing the animals visible during a lakeside stay.
Arcade and game areas: Indoor recreation options provide rainy day alternatives. "Nice pool and an arcade area with plenty of room to hangout inside," Chad H. notes about Pin Oak, mentioning facilities that appeal to children.
Tips from RVers
Utility placement awareness: Check hookup locations before selecting sites. "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," Craig H. cautions about Birch Creek RV Park, highlighting a practical consideration.
Concrete pad availability: Look for parks offering level surfaces. "Very new campgrounds and course rock/gravel sites. Right on Katy Trail. Clean restrooms and shower house," David E. describes about Beyond the Trail, noting both the benefits and limitations of the site surfaces.
Security considerations: Gated parks provide added safety. "You need a code to get in the gate, so you must register in advance," Richard H. explains about Casino Queen RV Park, detailing the security measures that protect vehicles and equipment.
Off-season benefits: Consider visiting during quieter periods for better site options. "Not very busy in November, maybe 25% of spots full in the half of the park that is open," Josh F. observes about camping near St. Louis, revealing the potential for more space during off-peak times.
