Imperial is an ideal place for camping adventures of all kinds. Enjoy the scenic camping, fun activities, and sights and sounds of Imperial. Find the best campgrounds near Imperial, MO. Read reviews from campers like you and find your perfect campsite.
Enjoy picturesque camping as it was meant to be - with lots of trees, a babbling creek, fireflies, a campfire under a starlit sky, and all Pull-Thru RV Sites. Located on Historic Route 66, this KOA is less than 1 mile from Six Flags St. Louis and I-44. It's an easy 30 minutes from other St. Louis attractions, including the Gateway Arch, Forest Park, Zoo, Missouri Botanical Garden, City Museum, Anheuser-Busch Brewery, and Grant's Farm. Stay in a Deluxe Cabin or on a Patio RV Site or Premium Tent Site. Kids love all the activities/amenities, such as the heated pool, gem mining station, and new Jumping Pillow. Groups love the pavilion and meeting space with A/C. Pool: May 10 - September 30. Your host: Paul Shepherd.
Tree-shaded campgrounds and cabins are what staying at Meramec State Parks is all about. Forty of our most scenic parks offer a wide range of sites, from basic sites to pitch a tent at to full-service sites for your RV. Fourteen favorite state parks offer lodging options ranging from motel rooms and fourplexes to a lake house, yurts and outpost cabins and makes for great camping near Kansas City.
$12 - $48 / night
$65 / night
$12 - $25 / night
$35 - $60 / night
Tree-shaded campgrounds and cabins are what staying at Meramec State Parks is all about. Forty of our most scenic parks offer a wide range of sites, from basic sites to pitch a tent at to full-service sites for your RV. Fourteen favorite state parks offer lodging options ranging from motel rooms and fourplexes to a lake house, yurts and outpost cabins and makes for great camping near Kansas City.
$12 - $48 / night
$65 / night
Traveler
First of all this is way down Berryman Rd. Go look up Michael Berryman (RIP) and his movies, then come back to me.
Got that picture? Ok great.
First thing you see when you turn off the highway is a tiny Baptist (first red flag) church and graveyard to set the tone.
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. Fallen trees and branches that narrow the lane and threaten to scrape the sides of your vehicle. One tree overhead barely cleared my car. Puddles that could be who know how deep or what's in them (I may be the red flag here). You can not turn around anywhere on this road; you have to go to the end where there's a loop or worst case scenario reverse out while ideally not in a state of panic.
I however as a cultist who worships at the altar of my Subaru's cargo hatch forged ahead because gotta get that creekside spot.
Anyway I got to the site without popping any tires and half set up before going for a walk. There's not a lot of walkable ground out there, really just the flat ground around the campsites and the road. Road was barely even an option. Water-filled pits made the muddy road difficult to traverse and eventually prevented me from going any further. The brush and reedy grass were too thick to walk through safely to get around, and in places the roadside embankments were too steep and loose to climb up and around puddles.
I did see a big ol mudbug, which was cool, but it was terribly quiet out there during my short walk. I was glad to get back to my car, where up the low cliff on the opposite side of the creek was a nicer-looking house with the sounds of people hanging out on the deck.
As night fell and the animal sounds picked up, I decided to sleep in my car instead of the tent. If you're ever out and you hear the animals and insects go silent, and then the next thing you hear is dogs barking, you should also probably sleep in your car.
After a hot and filling foil wrap dinner, I enjoyed some of the good green, because who doesn't like a sleep aid that also activates the amygdala, especially in these particular conditions. I'm soaking up the stars and the moon and the sound of running water, when suddenly I heard a heavy-bodied splash in the creek right by me.
And when I tell you I bolted to the car so fast leaving behind a tangled trail of chair, blanket, charger cable, etc
Because the shore on my side of the creek is flat. Waltz right on up from the creek. Nope not here not me.
Anyway nothing ended up happening, I slept fine, woke up to a bright sun and beautiful view. I did still get out of there pretty fast.
⭐5/7 might go spook myself again
Guide
Hawn is a one of the best fall campgrounds close to the St. Louis area. There are a number of hiking options around the campground in the park and nearby nature reserve.
It is a smaller campground with a good mix of electric and non-electric sites. The restrooms were clean and they also have some vault toilets in the park for convenience.
Guide
The campground has oddly shaped campsites causing a crowded feel. The campground is also loud on the weekends especially if there are races at the nearby Bonne Terre drag strip.
Traveler
Stayed here last fall and really loved the fall colors and views this park has to offer. I can't say the facilities were great - there were only vault toilets and no showers that I saw. Relatively small loop for RVs. Sites weren't exactly great. I ended up landing one of the paved sites, which had lots of space and I believe may have been handicapped. The park wasn't busy and I was able to stay a few extra days. Suggest checking it out in the fall when the leaves are changing as it was absolutely gorgeous.
TravelerSt. Francois is a nice park tucked in the forest off of Hwy 67. It's a quaint park that tends to fill up fast depending on time of year. The sites are a bit more snug together than I would prefer. There are some nice hiking options within the park. It was exceptionally quiet when I stayed both times.
TravelerHawn is a lovely park just south of the city a few clicks. It's tucked away into the trees with ample shade and options for backpacking, backcountry hiking. The park is nice and sites are spaced out enough. Not sure about cell service but had a site in the 2nd campground in the middle where there's a break in the trees. I was able to use Starlink. People were friendly and overall lovely park and experience.
Traveler
$70 per night, plus $20 pet fee and $5 reservation fee. Stayed two nights passing through to visit Gateway Arch National Park. Casino is pretty old looking on the outside. Park is not staffed, you get a gate code in your email to access the park. Spots are concrete and gravel, very urban camping. There are trains every 15-30 minutes all day long. Casino has a metro stop that takes you into St Louis over the river. First time paying a pet fee for a overnight stay. Not very busy in November, maybe 25% of spots full in the half of the park that is open. Utilities are set up weird on all sites - Water and electric are at the very rear of the site by the sewer, so you will need a decent sized hose to reach if your water intake is in the front of your camper.
Scout
Very nice free camp ground that is suitable for any type of camping.
The Ranger, who was very nice, had good service with AT&T, I had TMobile at my campsite with a booster.
Miles and miles of trails for Mountain Biking, horse riding or just hiking, and you can ride your ATV on the roads but you need an orange triangle.
Well worth the 20 to 30 minute trip off the highway.
Scout
Had a great fishing trip and swimming trip
Legend
This is a small RV park just off I-44 about 20 minutes from Meramec Caverns. It’s very close to the highway so there is lots of highway noise. Some sites are farther away so not so bad. There is easy access from I-44.
30 & 50-Amp Electrical, Water & Sewer Hook-ups. Concrete pads. Bathroom/showers are clean. Pet friendly, coin laundry. Some pull thru sites. Adjacent to the Great American Flea Market on weekends if you like that stuff.
Legend
This is an older RV park and campground, and the age shows. We spent several nights here due to engine problems with our tow vehicle. The sites are level, and there is plenty of shade. (One advantage of being an older park.) But everything is just a little run down. The sites are gravel and close together do not much privacy. They come with water, sewer & electric. There is a pool (closed when we were there), playground, mini golf, a lake, game room, laundry and a small store with basics. The bathroom and showers were clean, but dated. Not all facilities were in working order. Two of 6 washers were out of service, one bathroom stall was out of order, pot holes in the road. There are also cabins, and RVs available to rent. There is quite a bit of traffic noise from I-44 and there are a lot of excess lights kept on all night long. The staff was friendly and check in was easy. Many of the sites are occupied be semi-permanent residents. They have internet, but it is weak and spotty. Saturday night they had a band making noise for 3 hours!
ScoutI stayed from 9/4/24-9/8/24. I stayed in the primitive campground. It was very quiet and peaceful. My site was close to the camp host and the shower house. Shower house was nice with 4 separate showers with locking doors. Water pressure was great and they were clean. There is a handicap shower unit as well that had a bench and hooks and a shelf to keep your things dry. The bathrooms were separate from the showers with 4 locking stalls. These too were kept clean and toilet paper was always full. Four sinks and mirrors and one outlet close to the sinks for hairdryer etc. The grounds were clean and grass was nicely cut. My campsite had a picnic table a campfire with grill grate and a light post to hang a lantern. The camp host were very friendly and drove around often on golf carts to make sure ppl were ok or needed anything. There was a place to fill your bottled water containers. The checkin office sold ice, campfire wood and a variety of ice creams, stickers and t shirts and sweatshirts. The park has trailheads to hike and an equestrian area. River access for swimming and fishing. There is a separate area with electrical sites and also handicap sites in the electrical and primitive campgrounds. I thoroughly enjoyed my stay and will be returning often.
Guide
The management and owner of this place do not care about their business or their customers. We had a terrible accident at this campground over the summer where a tree crushed and totaled our camper van, thankfully none of our family was harmed. KOA immediately wiped their hands of this telling us they have nothing to do with it and we needed to deal with our insurance. They did not even feel the need to refund our stay. I would NEVER stay here again and suggest if you do, hopefully you have really good insurance.
Scout
Great place for the price. The staff is very helpful and welcoming! We will be visiting again in the future!
Traveler
The location is just 15 minutes from downtown St Louis. Service was great and site came w power and water and sewer hookup. Showers were ok and they were clean. Pull through site was a life saver.
Great BBQ place on site and camp guests get a discount!
Scout
I like that quite surroundings. But as a July 1 2024 they started cutting the timber. An they are going to a paid camping area. They have fire rings, tables and blacktop parking spots.
It's a shame it's going to cost to be here.
Traveler
Well maintained and well managed park. Staff on duty at all hours is awesome! We called ahead but didn't need a reservation. It is a city park and had that feel... not many trees for shade but the lake was pretty and the playground was good for the kiddos. Five minutes from food and stores. 30 minutes from downtown Saint Louis. I'll
LegendI’m just happy there are a lot of people here. Half the place is full but there’s just an underlying sketchy vibe. Gateway arch is a 20min walk and baseball stadium just 15min beyond that. Hard to beat that convenience. Just want to feel a tad safer.
Traveler
Nice rv park. Lots to do. The golf carts are genius. We used all weekend and had a great time. Played in the waterhole, played on the lake w/paddleboats and kayaks. Nice campsites and showerhouse. The bar and store were beautiful. Arcade, pool,games for kids and adults. Loved it
Traveler
Great spot in a beautiful area close to St. Louis. No power but access to drinking water and waste water dump for just 8$.
Traveler
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.
GuideNice spots and facility. Great place to just drop in for a short 1 night stay. Well maintained facility. No staff on site, book via camplife and they send you a gate code
ScoutEnjoyed the peaceful stay with nature. Enjoyed listening to the wind in the pine trees. It was a relaxing week. Will do again.
GuideEven though this RV park is in a city, we felt safe. And it's view of the Gateway Arch can't be beat. Easy check in, but the camp host said the shaded spots were too narrow, they were not. Stayed three nights and saw all the sites: The Gateway Arch, Union Station, aquarium, botanical gardens, Anheiser Busch brewery tour, Guido's restaurant. Asphalt level pads with FHU, both 30 & 50 amp service. We have had a fun time here even doing laundry.
Scout
I had difficulty with the WiFi. But the security seemed good.
TravelerAwesome place to camp. Bummed the sites didn’t have their own water hookups. Staff is super kind. Quiet time is at 10pm and fellow campers are certain to enforce that rule but that’s unfortunate for those of us who still want to listen to music and sit by the fire. Overall great camping spot!
Scout
Campground was nice, pretty buggy, but bathrooms were in shambles, showers were full of mud and dirt
Camping near Imperial, Missouri, offers a variety of experiences for outdoor enthusiasts. From scenic parks to family-friendly campgrounds, there’s something for everyone looking to enjoy nature.
Camping around Imperial, Missouri, provides a mix of adventure and relaxation, making it a great spot for families and RVers alike.
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Imperial, MO?
According to TheDyrt.com, Imperial, MO offers a wide range of camping options, with 67 campgrounds and RV parks near Imperial, MO and 2 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Imperial, MO?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Imperial, MO is St. Louis West / Historic Route 66 KOA with a 4.2-star rating from 30 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Imperial, MO?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 2 free dispersed camping spots near Imperial, MO.
What parks are near Imperial, MO?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 9 parks near Imperial, MO that allow camping, notably Wappapello Lake and Carlyle Lake.
