Tent camping options near Glencoe, Missouri include primitive sites at forested conservation areas and established campgrounds within 30-60 minutes of St. Louis. The region features a mix of Ozark foothills and Missouri River valley terrain, with elevations ranging from 450-800 feet. Summer temperatures typically reach 85-95°F with high humidity, while spring and fall offer milder conditions with overnight lows in the 50-60°F range.
What to do
Float trips on Missouri waterways: Old Cove offers group camping with float trip options on the Meramec River. "They pick you up from your campsite and bus you to your put in point. You can float the Meramec for 4 or 9 miles and you end back at the campsite," notes camper Mara F.
Mountain biking on technical trails: Klondike Park features several technical mountain bike sections within the park boundaries. "One really cool thing about Klondike is there are several technical mountain bike sections that are located in the park. Bring your mountain bike and have a go!" shares Megan K.
Creek fishing and wading: Courtois Creek provides access to clear water perfect for anglers. "The water is amazing. Great for fly fishing and cast fishing," reports camper Jen. Most creek access points require basic wading gear and Missouri fishing licenses.
Winter hiking with fewer crowds: The trail systems remain accessible year-round with reduced visitor numbers during colder months. However, be aware that water sources may be limited, as noted at Babler State Park where "water availability is seasonal" with "limited water access to a single spigot near the camp host during winter months."
What campers like
Proximity to wine country: St. Charles County Klondike Park positions campers in Missouri wine country. "This Campground places you in the heart of Missouri Wine Country and there's a perfect base for visiting the wineries and restaurants along highway 94," according to Marty C.
Diverse terrain in compact areas: Parks in the region pack varied landscapes into accessible spaces. At William R. Logan Conservation Area, campers appreciate the "plenty of tent spots with tree cover and fire pits. Lighting bugs came out at night," as Kelly C. describes.
Creekside camping: Many primitive sites allow camping directly beside water features. "Very scenic and beautiful right on the river," says Pat F. about Courtois Creek. This direct water access provides natural cooling during hot summer months.
Wildlife viewing: The area's forests support abundant wildlife visible from campsites. Raccoons are particularly common, with one camper at Courtois Creek noting, "We were the only people camping there until the next afternoon when a couple families came down with kids to swim and float."
What you should know
Road conditions vary dramatically: Access to more remote sites can be challenging. At Courtois Creek Dispersed, the entrance road presents obstacles: "It is not an ATV trail! There was 1 big puddle and 1 sharp rocky turn that I just went slow through. No problem. Probably couldn't do it towing a camper though," advises Jen.
Cell service limitations: Many camping areas have minimal to no connectivity. At Brazil Creek, one camper cautions, "Make sure you look at a map before going there as there is absolutely no reception (I checked phones on Verizon and Sprint)."
Limited water sources: Most primitive campgrounds lack reliable water. At Little Lost Creek Conservation Area, campers must "bring everything, including a cat hole shovel, and pack everything out" as there are "no amenities- no water, no vault toilet or outhouse, no firewood for sale."
Seasonal closures: Conservation areas may close for hunting seasons. Annie C. notes that Little Lost Creek "is closed to camping during various hunting seasons (I ran into a hunter scoping out his turkey hunting spot for the following week's hunt)."
Tips for camping with families
Choose sites with space for exploration: Brazil Creek offers open areas near the creek. "The camp is right by the creek which is ice cold and good for sticking sore feet in. There is also a few fish in there," reports DiveSyke.
Consider noise factors: Some campgrounds experience road noise that might disturb light sleepers. At Klondike Park, one camper noted "the loud hummmmm of the power plant can be heard in the night," which could disturb younger campers.
Look for camps with swimming options: Several areas feature water access suitable for family swimming. At Courtois Creek, a visitor observed that "a couple families came down with kids to swim and float."
Reserve early for group sites: Family gatherings require advance planning. Old Cove specializes in group camping with "a nice open area with a pavilion, picnic tables, and a fire ring. Each group site is serviced by its own port-a-potty."
Tips from RVers
Check site dimensions carefully: Dr. Edmund A. Babler Memorial State Park accommodates RVs but requires caution. "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," advises Nancy W.
Consider utility limitations: Most campgrounds near Glencoe have minimal hookups. At Babler State Park, "there is no sewer or water at individual sites but water spigots are scattered throughout the campground and there is a dump station with potable water fill-up."
Pay attention to road width restrictions: Access roads may challenge larger rigs. At Klondike Park, one visitor cautions the campground is "NO big-rig-friendly" according to site features.
Look for paved pads: RV stability varies by campground. Babler State Park offers "All campsites and patios are paved and level with a comfortable amount of space between sites," making it suitable for RV camping near Glencoe.
