Tent camping opportunities near High Ridge, Missouri span across forested conservation areas and riverside recreation zones. The region sits within the Ozark border hills, featuring elevations between 700-1,100 feet with mixed hardwood forests dominated by oak and hickory trees. Summer temperatures typically range from 75-95°F with high humidity, while spring and fall offer milder camping conditions between 45-75°F.
What to do
Hiking accessible trails: At Brazil Creek, campers can access the Berryman Trail system directly from camp. "A trailhead is nearby for your riding enjoyment. This is what we call a remote or backwoods site," notes reviewer Shelly S. The area provides both short walking paths and longer hiking options through hardwood forest terrain.
Mountain biking technical sections: Technical mountain biking trails at Klondike Park offer challenges for various skill levels. "One other 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!" writes Megan K. The park connects to the Katy Trail system for extended rides.
Creek swimming and fishing: Courtois Creek Dispersed camping area provides direct water access for summer cooling. "The water is amazing. Great for fly fishing and cast fishing," reports Jen. Another camper mentioned, "We arrived on Wednesday and camped for a couple of days, very beautiful and peaceful and just gorgeous." The shallow creek areas are particularly popular during summer months.
What campers like
Secluded sites with natural features: Brazil Creek offers primitive sites with creek access. "One of the sites is the 'Creme De'la Creme' with tie out areas for your horses, plenty of tent and horse trailer parking space and a short walk to a crystal clear steam just deep enough to dangle your tired legs in," writes Shelly S. The campsites allow visitors to experience genuine forest immersion.
Close proximity to wine country: St. Charles County Klondike Park positions campers near Missouri's wine region. "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," explains Marty C. The location allows for day trips to multiple wineries within a 5-10 mile radius.
Multiple terrain types in one location: The landscape diversity at some campgrounds provides varied experiences. "Beautiful Park with Multiple Terrains," Jake K. says about St. Charles County Klondike Park. "Trails are beautiful and perfect for families wanting to just come to a park for a day and hikers. Can't go wrong for a 10$ a night campsite with restrooms and water available."
What you should know
Road conditions vary significantly: Access to some dispersed sites requires proper vehicles. At Courtois Creek, reviewers note challenging roads: "The road to get there isn't a road so much as a ATV trail. All wheel drive and it was too hard on my Subaru. Mostly washed out," cautions Nicholas H. However, another camper counters, "I drive a Toyota Highlander and I did the road with no problem. It is not an ATV trail!"
Limited amenities at primitive sites: Prepare for self-sufficiency at remote locations. At Little Lost Creek Conservation Area, "There are single campsites on both the north and south ends of the conservation area, and none of them have any amenities- no water, no vault toilet or outhouse, no firewood for sale," writes Annie C. She advises, "Bring everything, including a cat hole shovel, and pack everything out."
Cell service limitations: Communication can be restricted in some camping areas. At Brazil Creek, reviewers warn: "No cell signal, and as the other reviewer has said, have your map to get there, because it's easy if you do. Your phone will not get you there." Limited connectivity affects navigation and emergency communications in these areas.
Tips for camping with families
Select sites with appropriate terrain: Look for level areas that accommodate family setups. At Dr. Edmund A. Babler Memorial State Park Campground, April D. notes: "There are many spots to choose from. Basic and electric/water sites. Tent and RV set ups are mixed. The site provides wood, ice, water, shower house and outhouses." The park's established sites offer consistent accommodations for family needs.
Watch for wildlife encounters: Prepare for raccoon activity at most sites. "The only issue is the raccoons. They dont give a darn who you are. They will walk right up to, smile, and take your chips. Scandalous!" warns April D. about Babler State Park. Proper food storage containers are essential for overnight camping with children.
Consider bathroom availability: Facility access varies widely between established and dispersed sites. Jake K. appreciates St. Charles County Klondike Park because it offers "a 10$ a night campsite with restrooms and water available." This contrasts with more primitive options where families must manage without facilities.
Tips from RVers
Site selection for camping vehicles: At Babler State Park, Nancy W. advises: "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." This site-specific information helps prevent difficult parking situations.
Utility considerations: Limited hookup options require planning. "The campground has 30 basic and 43 electric sites (which are either 50 amp or 30 amp). 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," reports Nancy W. at Babler State Park. RVers should prepare for these limitations by arriving with full freshwater tanks.
