Best Tent Camping near House Springs, MO

Tent campers visiting House Springs, Missouri have access to several established campgrounds within a 30-mile radius. Dr. Edmund A. Babler Memorial State Park offers spacious tent sites with concrete pads and grassy areas between sites, while Klondike Park in Augusta provides walk-in tent sites with more primitive setups. Little Lost Creek Conservation Area offers free, basic tent camping for those seeking a more rustic experience.

Most tent campgrounds in the region provide fire rings and picnic tables at designated sites. Babler State Park features centrally located bathhouses with showers during the main season (April-October), though only vault toilets are available during winter months. Water spigots are scattered throughout the grounds but not at individual sites. Sites at Babler have varied terrain with both open, sunny areas and shaded, wooded sections. Tent campers should note that the main gate closes at 9 pm, requiring an access code for late arrivals.

The tent camping experience near House Springs offers a surprising level of solitude despite proximity to St. Louis. The wooded settings provide natural screening between many sites, creating privacy even in established campgrounds. Trails connect directly to most tent areas, making hiking readily accessible from camp. Wildlife encounters are common, with raccoons being particularly bold at Babler State Park. Seasonal considerations include tick activity, which can be heavy in spring and summer. One camper noted, "You would never know how close you are to a metropolis. It is clean and feels extremely safe. There aren't many sites, but the ones they have are quiet and spacious."

Best Tent Sites Near House Springs, Missouri (12)

    1. Dr. Edmund A. Babler Memorial State Park Campground

    27 Reviews
    Wildwood, MO
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (636) 458-3813

    "We loved our stay at Babler, aside from the snow & wind - the park is great! Review below ⬇️ S I T E R E V I E W ⛺️

    📍 Dr. Edmund A."

    "Nice state park close to St Louis. Good, if short, trails. The campground is used a lot by RV and campers, not so much by tenters. Lots of campsites had electric."

    2. Klondike Park

    14 Reviews
    Augusta, MO
    19 miles
    Website

    $10 - $65 / night

    "There is hiking trails which was wonderful. There is a winery nearby. My campsite was amazing, it was clean and wasn't too far from the restrooms. There is picnic tables and fire rings."

    "A few drive up sites and lots of hike in spots around a quarry turned lake. Beautiful and clean setting. We stayed in site 24. There were picnic tables and a fire pit at our site."

    3. St. Charles County Klondike Park

    5 Reviews
    Augusta, MO
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (636) 949-7535

    "The campground is located in a gym of a park located along the Missouri River. Reservations are required and the sites are in high demand. Tent camping only. There is water available in the park."

    "Stayed at a walk-in site for a night and enjoyed it. Some sites are closer to the highway and cars flying down the road can make it hard to sleep but after midnight, they stopped."

    4. Old Cove

    1 Review
    Robertsville, MO
    17 miles
    Website

    $50 - $75 / night

    5. Brazil Creek

    5 Reviews
    Potosi, MO
    38 miles
    Website

    "This camp site is along the berryman trail so you can stay here if youre backpacking said trail."

    "This is a bare bones campground, located in Mark Twain National Forest, it has a place for you to camp and a fire pit, that's it. No facilities, no water, no bathroom, no lights."

    6. Courtois Creek Dispersed

    5 Reviews
    Davisville, MO
    44 miles
    Website

    "We arrived on Wednesday and camped for a couple of days, very beautiful and peaceful and just gorgeous, no toilets and no electricity and no cell signal but it was amazing"

    "Puddles that could be who know how deep or what's in them (I may be the red flag here)."

    7. Hagood Farm and Trails

    Be the first to review!
    Wappapello Lake, MO
    27 miles
    +1 (636) 432-6267

    $27 - $35 / night

    8. World Shooting and Recreational Complex

    2 Reviews
    New Athens, IL
    47 miles
    Website
    +1 (618) 295-2700

    9. Little Lost Creek Conservation Area

    1 Review
    Warrenton, MO
    45 miles
    Website
    +1 (636) 456-3368

    "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."

    10. Countryside Escape

    2 Reviews
    Edwardsville, IL
    49 miles

    $15 - $16 / night

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Recent Tent Camping Photos near House Springs, MO

23 Photos of 12 House Springs Campgrounds


Tent Camping Reviews near House Springs, MO

603 Reviews of 12 House Springs Campgrounds


  • Jessica B.
    Apr. 4, 2022

    Dr. Edmund A. Babler Memorial State Park Campground

    Our 1st Trip In Our Camper!

    We loved our stay at Babler, aside from the snow & wind - the park is great! Review below ⬇️

    ⛺️ S I T E R E V I E W ⛺️

    📍 Dr. Edmund A. Babler State Park Wildwood, MO

    💰 $12-$21/night

    🗓 Feb 19-21, 2022

    Site 48 ⚡️💧

    🦮 Pets Welcome (on leash at all times)

    ➕Concrete Pads, Quiet, Close to Interstate 40, Paved Roads, Easy to Access, Gated Overnight with access code

    ➖Small/Close Sites, No Water in Off Season, Only Vault Toilets - No Showers in Off Season

    📶 AT&T Service 4 out of 5

    🚮 Dump Station located behind bathhouse. NO WATER during off season!

    🚻AMENITIES •Playground •Hiking, Biking & Equestrian Trails •Wood & Ice •Interpretive Programs •Visitor Center •Special Use Area •Laundry, Flush Toilets & Showers ON SEASON ONLY!

    🏕SITES Reservable 12 Months-FCFS in off season 72 Reservable 8 Accessible sites Basic - Electric Concrete Back In Lantern Hook, Picnic Table & Fire Ring

    ⏰ HOURS/DATES April - October 7:am - 9:pm Nov - March 7:am - 6:pm

    🔺Park Office 8:30am - 4:pm M-F

    🔺Visitor Center April - Oct 9:am - 4:30pm W - Sun Nov - March 9:am - 4:pm - Sat-Sun Dec - Feb CLOSED

  • k
    Jun. 28, 2016

    Klondike Park

    Klondlike county

    Really nice place when you get into the woods. There is hiking trails which was wonderful. There is a winery nearby. My campsite was amazing, it was clean and wasn't too far from the restrooms. There is picnic tables and fire rings. I usually bring my own firewood because i believe in the leave no trace rule. I would definitly come back to this site

  • R
    Jun. 30, 2024

    Cherokee Lakes Campground

    Secluded and spacious tent camping sites

    I spent a night here camping while on a road trip. The check-in was quick and easy. The host showed me the tent campsites, which are secluded and private from the RV sites. The sites are outfitted with a picnic table and brick fire rings. Some have water spickets. There's a central covered picnic area. Lots of shade and tall trees. You'll want to check them for dead limbs before setting up your site. I didn't ask if hammock camping is allowed. There are at least two sites that would work nicely for a hammock. A portable toilet is available to keep the area sanitary for urgent needs; the flush toilets, laundry, and fitness center at the main entrance are also available for a longer walk or short drive.

  • Annie C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Apr. 30, 2020

    Little Lost Creek Conservation Area

    Great hiking, choose your site carefully

    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. But what the sites are lacking is made up for with scenery and hiking, and it is free. The conservation area 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). There is a great hike down into a valley with the actual Lost Creek at the bottom, completely worth the hard hike back up out of the valley. The campsite has room for a couple tents(no RV’s here), some great trees for hammocks, a primitive fire ring, and a picnic table. Since you are right next to the parking lot, you will see some traffic during the day with hikers, birders, and others, and there is no privacy for your campsite. Bring everything, including a cat hole shovel, and pack everything out.

  • Olivia S.
    Jul. 20, 2020

    St. Joe State Park Campground

    Reviews on Campground #1 & #2

    I’ve camped at both campgrounds offered at St. Joe. In the fall of 2018, we stayed at CG#1, the spot has a nice gravel tent pad with border, picnic table, and a fire pit. The spot also offered a concrete section for a camper and cars. We had a pop-up and one tent and it was very spacious. A great spot with a minute walk to a very well kept shower house and bathroom. We really liked this spot at CG#1.

    CG#2 is located about 2-3 away from the main campground, this includes the shower house and main bathrooms. There is no shower house at CG#2. I stayed at CG#2 about a week ago. Very similar in design to the sites at CG#1, it also offers amenities for those with horses. We had a spot with electric and no water, water is located close by the vault toilets. The site has a gravel parking area rather than the concrete one at CG#1. We had two tents, two cars, and five people, just as spacious. If you want more seclusion and don’t really care about being right next to the showers, I would suggest CG#2.

    Also, there was a trail located right by our spot at CG#2, it’s a good hike!!

    Two clean and well kept swimming areas, great trails, good camp sites, and great bathrooms/showers!

  • Staci R.
    Oct. 24, 2017

    Brazil Creek

    No man's land

    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. Beautiful clear water creek runs directly behind this "pull off" campground. There is only one actual fire ring & picnic table, but folks have built other rock fire rings dispersed throughout the campground. Just off a main trail to Meramac river and horse and hiking trails. No water, amenities (not even a vault toilet) or cell service.

  • Hannah W.
    Apr. 2, 2019

    Berryman Trail & Campgrounds - Mark Twain National Forest

    No fees, no water, plenty of beauty and space

    This 8 site campground has well kept vault toilets and no other services, but is fee-less to match. There is a pavilion near the access points to the Berryman and Ozark trails. We camped the night before heading out on a one night backpacking trip on the Berryman and were pleasantly surprised - it had rained the past 2 days and just finished when we arrived, but the ground was not soggy at the campsite or really much on the trail at all. The sites are well spaced apart, short pads so we saw one couple park their camper on one and their truck on another (the sites were not anywhere near full). Downside to that was, they ran their loud generator all night. However the experience overall was a positive one, with friendly neighbors but plenty of distance between so we didn't cross paths or hear each other's conversations unless we wanted to, a nice fire ring - check before selecting a site as ours was missing a grate; we didn't need one anyhow, a sturdy picnic table and plenty of down wood around to collect for a fire. We will be back!!

  • D
    May. 18, 2022

    Brazil Creek

    Great free camping spot

    Stayed here a few nights in May. This camp site is along the berryman trail so you can stay here if youre backpacking said trail. There is only one table and one metal fire ring but people have made various fire rings out of rocks and there is plenty of room for a lot of people. The camp is right by the creek which is ice cold and good for sticking sore feet in :). There are also a few fish in there. In recent years they put in a single vaulted bathroom but thats it! No showers or drinking water if you cant filter the stream water. They also have several hitching posts for horses here since you can ride horses on berryman trail. I have at&t and ive been getting 1 to 3 bars. But the other person im camping withuisnt grtting anything with their provider. Over all I think its a great little spot if youre ok with no electricity, light or just wanna get away from it all for a while.

  • Sean A.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 31, 2023

    Berryman Trail & Campgrounds - Mark Twain National Forest

    Great for the location, was crowded

    If you're wanting a ton of privacy, this campground isn't for you. In a great location, especially if you're coming from the north and this is an overnight stop before you head farther south. Did a short walk on some of the trails for hiking/biking/riding and they seemed great. Well kept area with a fire ring and table, vault toilets but no water. Would recommend.

    (Review is based on trip in Oct. 2021, could of changed at this time)


Guide to House Springs

Tent camping options surrounding House Springs, Missouri extend beyond established campgrounds to include rustic sites with minimal amenities. The region sits at elevations between 450-700 feet, creating varied terrain for camping experiences across Jefferson County and neighboring areas. Winter camping remains possible at several locations with temperatures typically ranging from 25-45°F during December through February.

What to do

Hiking accessible trails: Brazil Creek offers direct access to the Ozark Trail system with primitive sites situated near clear streams. "A trailhead is nearby for your riding enjoyment. This is what we call a remote or backwoods site in Ky and can be had through contacting the visitors center in the area for explanation of permit," notes reviewer Shelly S. about Brazil Creek.

Mountain biking technical trails: Klondike Park provides both camping and specialized biking terrain. "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! It's also a great campground for a stayover if you are bikepacking the Katy Trail!!" recommends Megan K. about Klondike Park.

Creek fishing and wading: Courtois Creek offers quiet camping spots with direct water access. "Very scenic and beautiful right on the river," states Pat F. The water is cold year-round, providing relief during summer months when temperatures frequently exceed 85°F.

What campers like

Privacy levels vary by site selection: While some campgrounds offer closely packed sites, others provide more isolation. "The camp sites are not very secluded, but you are not right on top of the next site, so you have a fair amount of room," explains Alisha M. about her experience at Klondike Park.

Night sky viewing: The distance from major light pollution allows for better stargazing than expected. "I'm soaking up the stars and the moon and the sound of running water," describes Chelsea G. about her experience at Courtois Creek Dispersed.

Access to wine country: Several campgrounds place campers near regional wineries. "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. about St. Charles County Klondike Park.

What you should know

Gate closure timing: Several campgrounds restrict after-hours entry. A camper at Babler State Park noted, "The main gate closes at 9 p.m. but if you call ahead there is a code you are given....or you can contact the camp host."

Challenging access roads: Some dispersed sites require appropriate vehicles. "If that doesn't put you off, make sure your car can handle terrain and you can handle your car. This is barely a road. It's a trail of moguls for your tires," warns Chelsea G. about reaching Courtois Creek.

Limited amenities at conservation areas: Expect minimal facilities at state conservation lands. "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," explains Annie C. about Little Lost Creek Conservation Area.

Tips for camping with families

Select sites near water features: Children particularly enjoy accessible creek areas. "Did a 2 night tent camp with my family and it was awesome. We had a great time on the trails and near the Mighty Missouri River," reports Greg E. about his family's experience at St. Charles County Klondike Park.

Consider walk-in site distances: Some tent sites require hiking gear from parking areas. "I camped as part of the Big MO Ride and Row event. It was my first visit to the park. Campsites are walk in, but a short walk. Some are more private and shaded than others," explains Shawn M. about Klondike Park.

Wildlife encounters are educational: Children can observe various animals but need supervision. "The wildlife encounters are common, with raccoons being particularly bold at Babler State Park," says a camper, while another notes: "They dont give a darn who you are. They will walk right up to, smile, and take your chips. Scandalous!"

Tips from RVers

Hybrid sites accommodate both tents and small trailers: Some campgrounds offer versatility. "What we liked about this campground was the comfortable feel of being at a state park with plenty of trees, hiking trails, space between sites, but also the convenience of having a level, paved site with electricity and television/phone reception," explains Nancy W. about Dr. Edmund A. Babler Memorial State Park Campground.

Site lengths vary significantly: Research specific site dimensions before arrival. "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," advises Nancy W. about Babler State Park.

Limited hookups mean preparation: Even established campgrounds have minimal services. "A $2 discount is given to seniors. Basic sites cost $13 April-October and $12 November-March. Electric (30A) sites are $21 April-October and $19 November-March. Electric (50A) sites are $23 April-October and $21 November-March."

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular tent campsite near House Springs, MO?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near House Springs, MO is Dr. Edmund A. Babler Memorial State Park Campground with a 3.9-star rating from 27 reviews.

What is the best site to find tent camping near House Springs, MO?

TheDyrt.com has all 12 tent camping locations near House Springs, MO, with real photos and reviews from campers.