Best Tent Camping near Hazelwood, MO
Tent campers near Hazelwood, Missouri have several options within a 30-40 minute drive, including the popular Dr. Edmund A. Babler Memorial State Park in Wildwood. This 868-acre state park offers designated tent campsites with varying levels of shade and privacy. Klondike Park in Augusta provides another tent camping destination with both drive-in and walk-in tent sites available year-round, featuring basic amenities in a natural setting.
The tent sites at Babler Memorial State Park include both basic and electric sites with concrete pads and level surfaces. Most tent camping areas provide picnic tables and fire rings, with drinking water available from spigots throughout the grounds. Bathhouse facilities with showers and flush toilets operate seasonally from April through October, while only vault toilets remain accessible during winter months. The main gate closes at 9pm, requiring campers to obtain an access code for late arrivals. A visitor noted, "Sites are a mix of shaded, partial-shade, and full sun. Sites 52-75 are much more treed and have a private feel to them."
Walk-in tent sites offer a more secluded experience compared to the drive-in options. Little Lost Creek Conservation Area provides free primitive tent camping with picnic tables but minimal amenities, appealing to those seeking a more rustic experience. The terrain throughout the region's campgrounds varies from flat, grassy areas to more wooded settings. A recent review mentioned, "Babler is one of those state parks that you just don't expect to see so close to a major city. The hiking trails are plentiful and quiet." Tent campers should be prepared for wildlife encounters, particularly at Babler where raccoons are frequently reported. Insect protection is advisable during warmer months, with ticks being a particular concern in some areas.