Camping areas near Gray Summit, Missouri span an elevation range of 500 to 700 feet above sea level within the rolling Ozark foothills. Seasonal camping conditions vary significantly with humid summers reaching 90°F and winter lows occasionally dropping below 20°F. Several campgrounds in this region feature direct river access to the Meramec River, creating opportunities for water-based recreation alongside standard camping activities.
What to do
Float trips and water recreation: Several campgrounds provide river access with boat rentals and shuttle services. At Bass' River Resort, "the scenery was beautiful and the river was perfect for floating and playing" according to John S. Most float trips range from 5-11 miles and take 3-5 hours to complete.
Trail exploration: Hiking, mountain biking, and walking paths are available throughout the region. At St. Francois State Park Campground, visitors note that "hiking is beautiful especially if you go the first few weeks in april and the wild flowers of the bluebells are in bloom." Most trails range from easy 1-2 mile loops to more challenging 5+ mile routes.
Off-highway vehicle recreation: For those interested in motorized recreation, St. Joe State Park Campground offers "a huge open area for dirt bikes and four wheelers, just have to follow a few rules for safety." The park maintains dedicated OHV trails separate from hiking and equestrian paths, with daily usage fees of approximately $5-10 per vehicle.
What campers like
Natural water features: Campers consistently appreciate the access to swimming areas and fishing spots. At Cuivre River State Park Campground, "the campground has a lake you can rent kayaks for. They have a small store at the check in booth. It also has an accessible fishing dock that is covered."
Varied campsite options: The region offers everything from primitive sites to full-service camping. At Berryman Trail & Campgrounds, "this campground is completely free and most of all well spaced out. There is plenty of room to keep to yourself and remain undisturbed between the 8 available spots."
Night sky viewing: Several campgrounds feature minimal light pollution. One camper noted at the Daniel Boone Conservation Area that visitors can enjoy "peaceful dark skies" with "only one other camper" nearby, making it ideal for stargazing during clear weather conditions, particularly in spring and fall.
What you should know
Limited connectivity: Cell service varies significantly between campgrounds. At Berryman Trail & Campgrounds, expect "very few bars so don't expect to get any service and you won't be disappointed."
Seasonal considerations: Spring camping often features muddy conditions. At St. Francois State Park Campground, "it rained while we were there and we were unable to remove all dried debri so it was pretty messy."
Proximity to transportation noise: Some campgrounds near highways and rail lines experience periodic noise. At St. Louis West / Historic Route 66 KOA, "close to train tracks and highway, but didn't notice with AC on in the camper," while another camper mentioned that "it will be even better when they invent silent trains."
Reservation requirements: Many campgrounds fill quickly during peak season (May-September). Plan to reserve 2-4 weeks ahead for weekend camping during summer months, especially for holiday weekends which may require 1-2 months advance booking.
Tips for camping with families
Swimming options: Multiple campgrounds feature designated swimming areas for children. At Blue Spring Ranch, one visitor noted they "love all of the amenities. We park close to the creek, we drive to the Meramec River and sometimes enjoy petting a horse or goat."
Playground access: Some campgrounds offer dedicated play areas. At St. Louis West / Historic Route 66 KOA, "there is a pool, bike rentals, dog park, movie night, basketball court, and more. You can bring your RV, travel trailer, tent camp, or stay in a cabin."
Educational opportunities: Several nearby attractions provide learning experiences for children. According to one camper at Ozark Outdoors-Riverfront Resort, "Nearby is Onondaga Cave which is a nice experience especially when it is blazing hot outside," providing a natural science learning opportunity within a 15-20 minute drive from several area campgrounds.
Tips from RVers
Site selection considerations: Many campgrounds offer varying levels of hookups and pad sizes. At Greensfelder County Park, "only sites 20-29 have electric and 28 can't be reserved" and "sites 24-26 can fit a fifth wheel probably no bigger than 36-38 ft."
Hookup limitations: Several campgrounds offer only partial hookups. At Greensfelder County Park, expect "no water at sites, no 50 amps, no dump but KOA and RV dealer 5-7 mins away."
Leveling challenges: Some campgrounds have uneven terrain. One camper noted that at Ozark Outdoors-Riverfront Resort, "the campsite was so unlevel my 1 year old couldn't even stand outside the camper without falling," suggesting bringing extra leveling blocks for RVs at certain locations.
