Tent camping near Kirkwood, Missouri offers diverse terrain across the eastern foothills of the Ozarks, with elevations ranging from 400-700 feet and an average summer temperature of 85°F. Most campgrounds in the area operate from March through November, though several remain open year-round with limited winter amenities. Seasonal considerations significantly impact the camping experience, with spring offering abundant wildflowers and fall providing colorful foliage displays.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: The lake at Klondike Park provides accessible fishing with scenic bluff views. "There is a sandy beach area surrounding the water, making it a great place either lay in the sun or to go fishing," explains one visitor. The pond is stocked seasonally and requires no special permit.
Mountain biking trails: Technical mountain biking sections at Klondike Park offer varying difficulty levels for cyclists. As one camper notes, "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!"
Wine country excursions: Many campgrounds serve as convenient bases for exploring Missouri wine country. "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," writes a reviewer about St. Charles County Klondike Park.
What campers like
Off-trail exploration: Little Lost Creek Conservation Area offers rugged hiking through valleys with minimal development. A camper describes, "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."
Seclusion options: While many sites are open, certain campsites offer more privacy. At St. Charles County Klondike Park, campers report varied experiences based on site selection. "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."
Group facilities: Select campgrounds accommodate larger gatherings with specific amenities. At Old Cove, "You get a nice open area with a pavillion, picnic tables, and a firering. Each group site is serviced by its own port-a-potty."
What you should know
Winter camping limitations: Most facilities reduce services during colder months. At Dr. Edmund A. Babler Memorial State Park, "Not having water available except at the camp host, and no open restrooms and showers until after April 1, regardless of when the last freeze is was inconvenient for a spring break trip."
Reservation requirements: Many popular campgrounds fill quickly, especially during peak seasons. "Reservations are required and the sites are in high demand," notes one camper about St. Charles County Klondike Park.
Wildlife encounters: Raccoons are particularly active at several campgrounds. One Babler visitor warns, "The raccoons don't give a darn who you are. They will walk right up to, smile, and take your chips. Scandalous!"
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: McCully Heritage Project offers family-friendly facilities beyond just camping. "We had a picnic and the kids got to play on the playground equipment," reports one visitor, who especially appreciated "the bridge across the pond."
Trail difficulty considerations: When planning hikes with children, note trail ratings. At Babler State Park, "The trails are not too long but can be challenging for small kids or folks that are not used to hiking."
Budget-friendly options: Many sites offer reasonable rates for families. McCully Heritage Project charges just "$10 a night helps maintain land and natural area, all donation, very family oriented."
Tips from RVers
Site length limitations: RV campers should verify specific site dimensions before booking. At Babler State Park, "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."
Electric hookup locations: While many tent camping sites near Kirkwood lack electric connections, certain sites at World Shooting and Recreational Complex offer power options. "Site has tons of camping sites so finding a spot should not be an issue," notes one camper, adding that electric and water hookups are available throughout the complex.
Level pad availability: For tent camping with RV amenities, seek campgrounds with paved, level sites. "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."
