Camping options near Florissant, Missouri range from urban campgrounds with full hookups to natural settings alongside rivers and lakes. The area sits at approximately 580-650 feet elevation with humid continental climate features, including warm summers and mild-to-cold winters. Seasonal flooding can affect campground availability, particularly at locations near the Mississippi and Missouri Rivers.
What to Do
Kayaking on urban lakes: St. Peters' 370 Lakeside Park offers kayak rentals for exploring its man-made lake. "This is a great place to kayak and camp if you don't want to drive that fare and live in the city," notes Lindsey C. in her review of St. Peters' 370 Lakeside Park.
Historic downtown exploration: Access the Katy Trail from Sundermeier RV Park for a scenic route to St. Charles. "You can literally be parked right at the Katy Trail. 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," writes Cheryl K. about Sundermeier RV Park.
Bird watching: Horseshoe Lake State Park provides habitat for waterfowl migrations. "This is a great place when the geese are migrating thru," mentions Kent B. The park offers primitive camping with minimal facilities for $8 per night.
Archery practice: Several area parks feature designated archery ranges. St. Peters' 370 Lakeside Park provides an archery range among its recreational facilities. "There is a lot to do here. They have an archery range. They rent out peddle boats, bikes and peddle cars/buggies as well," shares Barbie B.
What Campers Like
Affordable primitive camping: Horseshoe Lake State Park offers basic camping experiences at budget-friendly rates. "Great spot in a beautiful area close to St. Louis. No power but access to drinking water and waste water dump for just 8$," reports Helge Vandel J. about Horseshoe Lake State Park Campground.
Security features: Many urban campgrounds provide enhanced security. "Security is proactive in patrols and are friendly and helpful. No frills but a great view of the arch," writes Greg S. about staying at Casino Queen RV Park.
Gateway Arch views: Several east side campgrounds provide unique city views. "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," says Scott C. about Casino Queen RV Park.
Clean bathhouses: Pere Marquette State Park maintains quality facilities. "Camping is divided up into an RV section, tents only section, and group tent camping. One shower house serves all, but it is well maintained even though it is an older building," Annie C. notes about Pere Marquette State Park Campground.
What You Should Know
Train and airplane noise: Several campgrounds experience transportation noise. "Only downside is the train and airplane noise. Otherwise would be a 5 star for me," mentions Laura M. about Sundermeier RV Park. Similar reports come from other urban campgrounds.
Electrical safety concerns: Some campgrounds have reported electrical issues. One reviewer at Sundermeier RV Park noted, "My equipment detected a Line/Neutral Reversal on some 30A receptacles; the 50A receptacles appeared to be wired correctly." Always use appropriate surge protection.
Flooding potential: Several area campgrounds experience seasonal closures. "One of the downsides to this location is that it is prone to flooding. It was out of commission for most of the summer of 2019 as the entire area was flooded," Annie C. explains about St. Peters' 370 Lakeside Park.
Limited grocery options: Prepare by shopping before arrival. One camper at Cahokia RV Parque noted: "I was planning on grabbing a gallon of milk when we got there...there really is nothing around the rv park! Maybe a couple gas stations at best, but if you need groceries or anything, stop and get them before you get close."
Tips for Camping with Families
Playground access: Several parks offer dedicated play areas. "The park has a playground, pool and pond area to walk around. We were pleased with the cleanliness of the bathrooms and showers and had no major complaints," reports Carlyne F. about Cahokia RV Parque.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Horseshoe Lake offers diverse bird and animal sightings. "You can see all kinds of wildlife in and around the lake- deer, bald eagles, pelicans, ducks, snakes," notes Annie C.
Bicycle rentals: Several parks offer equipment rentals for family activities. "They have paddle boats and bikes and group bikes for rental. Located right next to a lake with a lot of RV and tent camping spots. Kids had a blast riding bikes. Even finding a few little frogs jumping around and fireflies at night," writes Joseph F.
Bounce pad activities: Some KOA locations feature jump pads for children. "Clean bathrooms and pool looked like it was taken care of. Tent spots have Charcoal grills, table and benches, and a nice metal cover to sit under if it rains," notes Peter H. about St. Louis NE-Granite City KOA.
Tips from RVers
Site selection for privacy: Choose perimeter sites when possible. "The nicest spots are the ones by the lake, with only one neighbor and a better view of the lake," suggests Suzie S. about St. Peters' 370 Lakeside Park.
Urban exploration convenience: Several campgrounds offer transit connections. "Casino is pretty old looking on the outside. Park is not staffed, you get a gate code in your email to access the park. Spots are concrete and gravel, very urban camping," shares Josh F.
Electrical hookup considerations: Bring extra cables for some parks. "Utilities are set up weird on all sites - Water and electric are at the very rear of the site by the sewer, so you will need a decent sized hose to reach if your water intake is in the front of your camper," notes Josh F.
On-site dining options: Some campgrounds feature restaurants. "Our favorite part of this park is the onsite Sawmill BBQ restaurant. While we prepare most of our meals, we were so tired; we decided to give the joint a try and, wow, are we glad we did!" shares Jenni W.
