Yurt camping options near Glencoe, Missouri provide convenient access to St. Louis attractions while offering nature-focused accommodations. Located in the Ozark foothills about 30 miles west of St. Louis, the area features elevations between 500-700 feet with moderate humidity and temperatures ranging from 20°F in winter to 90°F in summer. Most yurt facilities remain open from April through October, with limited availability during early spring and late fall.
What to do
Hiking trails year-round: Explore Rockwoods Range near Yogi Bears Jellystone Park Resort at Six Flags, which offers diverse terrain within 5 miles of most campsites. "I found good hiking trails nearby at Rockwoods Range. There are a lot of cabins and tent sites here as well," notes a camper who appreciated the accessibility.
River and lake activities: At Washington State Park Campground, water activities dominate summer options. A visitor shared, "My husband and I kayaked here and it was amazing! Probably the best short trip you could take on a kayak. It started pouring halfway through our ride, but even still we had a blast!" The Big River provides swimming and fishing opportunities from May through September.
Seasonal events: Winter camping offers unique experiences at some parks. "Prices were high but the kids love watching Yogi," noted one visitor to Jellystone, which offers holiday-themed weekends throughout the camping season. Another camper mentioned, "Very fun with little people," regarding the Christmas lights display at Jellystone Park.
What campers like
Privacy levels vary: Dr. Edmund A. Babler Memorial State Park Campground offers sites with different privacy options. "Sites 52-75 are much more treed and have a private feel to them. It seems this is where most of the tent campers like to be," notes a visitor. This state park accommodates both yurt glampers and traditional tent campers.
Clean facilities: Maintenance standards remain high at most yurt locations. At St. Peters' 370 Lakeside Park, "Because it's new the restrooms/showers were very clean and modern. The site I was in had full hook ups. The water pressure was so strong that I could barely open the water pump!" This park offers canvas glamping accommodations with modern amenities.
Range of site sizes: Campgrounds offer varying space configurations. "The site we had was very small and there are train tracks that run near by the campground so it can be quite noisy. The pool is nice as well as the bathrooms and showers," explains a visitor to St. Louis West / Historic Route 66 KOA, noting that convenience sometimes comes with space limitations.
What you should know
Reservations essential: Most glamping sites fill quickly, especially during summer months. At Greensfelder County Park, one visitor advised, "This campground caters to the horse-set, with more campsites attached to the equestrian park than not, which means you should make reservations in advance as it is a busy little campground."
Weather considerations: Spring rainfall can affect site conditions. "Not having water available except at the camp host, and no open restrooms and showers until after April 1, regardless of when the last freeze was inconvenient for a spring break trip," reported a camper at Dr. Edmund A. Babler Memorial State Park.
Noise levels: Highway and railroad proximity affects some sites. "Being very close, the freeway noise is still present, and you'll find many motorcycles riding by you on their way through the winding roads of Wildwood. It's a nice sight but the noise sucks," observed a visitor to Greensfelder County Park. Plan accordingly if seeking tranquility.
Tips for camping with families
Activities for different ages: Cuivre River State Park Campground provides diverse experiences for all family members. "This park has plenty of well-groomed trails and facilities spread out nicely. You could camp here for a weekend and stay busy," explains one visitor. On-site amenities include fishing docks, kayak rentals, and swim areas.
Safety considerations: Wildlife encounters require proper food storage. "Don't leave anything out at night or raccoons will scavenge, we accidentally left our trash bag hanging (ugh!) but that was our fault," warned a Cuivre River visitor. Most yurt accommodations include secure storage areas.
Educational opportunities: Historical features provide learning experiences. Washington State Park offers cultural attractions beyond camping: "This park is so rich in Missouri and USA history - from buildings constructed by the African-American CCC stonemasons to Native American petroglyphs, there's some fascinating stuff here."
Tips from RVers
Limited hookup availability: RV sites with full amenities fill quickly. "If this campground had sewer and water, it would get 5 stars," noted a visitor to Dr. Edmund A. Babler Memorial State Park, highlighting how glamping yurts often provide more complete amenities than traditional RV sites.
Site selection strategy: At Pere Marquette State Park, "Not all sites are long enough for large RVs and the roads in some loops prevent you from turning around. The camp hosts we encountered are very helpful and have a list of site lengths and can tell you which ones are appropriate for large RVs."
Seasonal limitations: Winter camping requires preparation. "The campground is open year-round but the bathhouse with flush toilets closes November 1 and doesn't open until the spring. During the winter the only water spigot is available located near the camp hosts at site #36," advised a visitor to Babler State Park who appreciated the winter yurt options.
