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Best Campgrounds near Lake St. Louis, MO

602 Reviews

Camping options near Lake St. Louis, Missouri range from full-service lakeside parks to basic forest campgrounds within 30 miles of the city. The area includes several established campgrounds like St. Peters' 370 Lakeside Park and Cuivre River State Park, offering concrete pads for RVs, tent camping areas, and cabin accommodations. These developed sites typically provide amenities such as electric hookups, shower facilities, drinking water, and picnic tables. Most campgrounds in the region maintain year-round operations, though some seasonal restrictions apply during winter months.

Reservations are recommended at most established campgrounds, particularly on summer weekends and holidays when sites fill quickly. "This is a well maintained park with plenty of large sites, both pull through and back in. All very flat with no trees, but a nice little lake with a walking trail around it," notes one visitor about St. Peters' 370 Lakeside Park. Many campgrounds in the area feature lakefront or riverside locations, though terrain varies from open fields with limited shade to more wooded settings. The region experiences humid summers with temperatures regularly exceeding 90°F, while spring and fall offer milder conditions ideal for outdoor activities. Winter camping requires preparation for occasional freezing temperatures and precipitation.

Campers frequently mention the convenience of locations like Beyond the Trail RV Park, which provides direct access to the Katy Trail for hiking and biking. Several campgrounds in this region are situated near recreational water bodies, offering fishing, boating, and swimming opportunities. St. Charles County Klondike Park and Cuivre River State Park receive positive reviews for their natural settings and recreational amenities. Family-friendly facilities are common, with multiple campgrounds providing playgrounds, splash pads, and rental equipment for various outdoor activities. Proximity to St. Louis attractions makes these campgrounds popular for visitors seeking both urban and outdoor experiences, with most sites positioned within 30-45 minutes of downtown St. Louis.

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Best Camping Sites Near Lake St. Louis, Missouri (82)

    1. Cuivre River State Park Campground

    43 Reviews
    Troy, MO
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (636) 528-7247

    $15 - $38 / night

    "Our site, though, was the smallest in the loop, tucked away in the weeds, and the only area to pitch our tent was on a slight slope."

    "It’s close to our house and there’s always something new to do each time. The bathrooms are well maintained and the campsites are fairly large and provide lots of shade."

    2. St. Peters' 370 Lakeside Park

    26 Reviews
    St. Charles, MO
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (636) 387-5253

    $35 - $60 / night

    "I've been to 370 Lakeside Park many times to walk around the huge lake and to hear concerts in the summer, but I had never camped there. Still haven't. I'll explain."

    "All hookups were conveniently located. Shower house and restrooms were clean and well maintained/cleaned every day. Had a lakefront site but didn’t get to fish this time."

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

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

    "Tucked away, not far from St. Louis, you wouldn't know you were that close to a big city. It is clean and feels extremely safe. There aren't many sites, but the ones they have are quiet and spacious."

    "Great for taking long walks or bike rides, although very steep hills. Close to St Louis, so you can do some urban exploring."

    4. Beyond the Trail RV Park

    10 Reviews
    Defiance, MO
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (636) 484-0059

    $25 - $58 / night

    "A short 5 minute walk to “downtown” Defiance, the campground is right next to the Katy Trail. Forgot your bike? Walk 3 minutes away and rent one. Want to float the Missouri?"

    "Excellent little RV park behind a brewery. The Katy trail borders the park for easy access to town."

    5. Klondike Park

    14 Reviews
    Augusta, MO
    14 miles
    Website

    $10 - $65 / night

    "The views are spectacular with some sandy shores of a small pond in the middle of the campground and some great trails. Augusta is a nice place away from St. Louis and a short drive down 94."

    "Amazing park close to the city. Great lake and hiking trails. Access to the Katy and bike trails. Camp site are large, warning that some are hike in and not car camping."

    6. St. Louis West / Historic Route 66 KOA

    30 Reviews
    Eureka, MO
    20 miles
    Website
    +1 (636) 257-3018

    "Our site was gravel to park on with grass around it. Close to train tracks and highway, but didn’t notice with AC on in the camper. Close to 6 flags."

    "This campground is fairly close to downtown and very close to lots of shopping. A great place to stay to stock up on supplies before heading west."

    7. Pere Marquette State Park Campground

    24 Reviews
    Brussels, IL
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (618) 786-3323

    $10 - $20 / night

    "Pere Marquette Campground is a little gym, just past Grafton, Missouri. It is located in the Great River Road, and within 10 minutes to restaurants and bars."

    "Great little campground just outside of Grafton, Illinois, on the Mississippi River. The campground is located in an open grove of old trees. There were owls when we were there."

    8. Sundermeier RV Park

    15 Reviews
    Earth City, MO
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (636) 940-0111

    $56 - $61 / night

    "We were able to park next to our 5th wheel with enough room to not feel crowded while using the picnic bench. Also the site was level. We stayed for a week to enjoy St. Louis, St."

    "You can literally be parked right at the Katy Trail. Through the gate at the rear of the campground, and you can bike for miles. Easy ride in to St."

    9. St. Charles County Klondike Park

    5 Reviews
    Augusta, MO
    14 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."

    "We had a great time on the trails and near the Mighty Missouri River."

    10. Cherokee Lakes Campground

    3 Reviews
    O'Fallon, MO
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (636) 978-2147

    $40 / night

    "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."

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Recent Camping Photos near Lake St. Louis, MO

142 Photos of 82 Lake St. Louis Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Lake St. Louis, MO

602 Reviews of 82 Lake St. Louis Campgrounds

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 19, 2025

    Sundermeier RV Park

    This RV park could be great but they have a bad wiring problem with some 30A receptacles and the office staff is extremely rude.

    I've stayed here a couple times and generally like the park. I appreciate owners investing in urban RV parks and I don't expect much for amenities in these kinds of settings. The staff were pleasant on a pre-arrival phone call and at check-in—but once there was an issue, the office staff member became very argumentative and rude, consistent with other online reviews.

    ELECTRICAL SAFETY WARNING DO NOT use the 30A receptacles here unless you have a surge protector with an Electrical Management System (EMS) that explicitly confirms correct wiring before connecting your RV. My equipment detected a Line/Neutral Reversal on some 30A receptacles; the 50A receptacles appeared to be wired correctly.

    When I reported this life-safety hazard, the staffer’s response was, “Don’t use your surge protector—they’re not compatible with our system.” As a licensed Electrical Engineer with 30+ years of experience, I can state that this is 100% nonsense. The surge protector was correctly doing its job by flagging a major wiring fault. Do not follow the staff's advice when they tell you not to use your surge protector to "make it work." That is irresponsible advice that is literally endangering your safety.

    The staff also insisted that they don't have a problem because previous 30A users without surge protectors had “no problems.” This is plausible because a Line/Neutral reversal doesn’t usually affect RV operation but the statement shows their complete lack of understanding of the actual problem.

    A Line/Neutral reversal energizes the neutral side of the RV's electrical system. This means the RV chassis, appliance housings, and internal neutrals, which should be near ground potential, all become live, creating a serious shock or electrocution hazard if someone touches those RV components while grounded.

    The sites are basic with level concrete pads in good condition and other utilities (water/sewer) were fine. Excellent location near the historic St. Charles district. WiFi is unusable—bring your own Internet source. Restrooms and showers are dated and not in great condition. There was also no hand soap at the bathroom sinks all weekend.

    This park should be a 7/10 rating, but the electrical hazard drops it to a 5/10. The staff bring the rating down further to a 3/10.

  • KThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 12, 2025

    Meramec Caverns Natural Campground

    A Few Key Points Missing

    Stayed here overnight en route to New Mexico. We arrived just after dark in Oct at 7p. The person manning the entrance thought we couldn't be campers because we had just a pickup truck. RTTs must be new here. They didn't offer a map and there is zero signage to help you find your site in the dark. The bathrooms have no mirrors, no hot water and were not the cleanest, we passed on showers.

  • EThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 8, 2025

    Meramec Caverns Natural Campground

    Great stay

    Quiet RV park area very quaint very nice along the river, gorgeous by the caverns shower house and bathrooms provided couldn’t be happier

  • RThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 8, 2025

    Sundermeier RV Park

    Resort quality campground

    Very nice park. This is a big busy campground they have plenty of staff to handle the rush. Level concrete sites with FHU will definitely stay here again

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 6, 2025

    Graham Cave State Park Campground

    A Nice little campground

    A little rough on the way in, but the campground itself had nice spaces in the trees, picnic tables had covers, and we had electrical hookups. Some spaces might require some leveling. Camp host was very friendly.

  • L
    Sep. 21, 2025

    Graham Cave State Park Campground

    Not Impressed

    If I were you I would not waste any time going here it's not worth getting off of the interstate. The campsites are decent I would have to say... Don't try to put a kayak in the Loutre though. and Do Not Stop ANYWHERE along the route if You do BOSS MAN will Harass You until You hate this place. Too Many Restrictions and its really just a waste of time...the Cave is Once You've seen it blah blah blah

  • L
    Sep. 21, 2025

    Hermann City RV Park

    Just Wonderful...No bias

    I live in Hermann... But seriously no bias. I'd Camp here. I have! The Restrooms and Showers are phenomenal...The park is kept clean. Its an easy in and out plus You have Hermann and How amazing is that...

  • Michelle S.
    Sep. 16, 2025

    Meramec Caverns Natural Campground

    Quiet and Friendly

    From the person on the phone, to the one you see at the check-in gate, everyone is incredibly friendly :)

    We were amongst the only campers during our stay, so it was pretty quiet. This campground has a great set-up for family reunions, celebrations, group camping, etc.

  • SThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 9, 2025

    Meramec State Park Campground

    Great Campground!

    Stopped for one night, but could have stayed more. Great campground with tons of trees and shade. Each site has a table and fire pit. Big, clean bathrooms and showers. Playgrounds for kids. Caves to explore. I’m

Guide to Lake St. Louis

Camping near Lake St. Louis, 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.

What to do:

  • Hiking and Trails: Many campgrounds, like Cuivre River State Park Campground, have beautiful trails. One visitor mentioned, "Great location for a weekend getaway, only 1 hour from the city! Hiking trails, level lots, full hookups available."
  • Fishing: The rivers and lakes around the area provide excellent fishing spots. A camper at Meramec State Park Campground noted, "The park did have nice trails, fishing areas, breathtaking riverside views."
  • Exploring Caves: Check out the caves at Onondaga Cave State Park Campground. One reviewer said, "Onondaga Cave is amazing with the new lighting; it just reopened July 4, 2024."

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained restrooms and showers. A visitor at Lazy Day Campground said, "Bathhouse was clean and well kept."
  • Friendly Staff: Many campgrounds have helpful staff. A camper at St. Louis West / Historic Route 66 KOA mentioned, "The staff were helpful. I received about 5 pieces of paper when checking in."
  • Quiet Atmosphere: Campers enjoy peaceful settings. One reviewer at Graham Cave State Park Campground noted, "This is a very beautiful location. Absolutely zero road noise."

What you should know:

  • Limited Cell Service: Many campgrounds have poor cell reception. A visitor at Onondaga Cave State Park Campground mentioned, "No cell service from Verizon or T-Mobile."
  • Reservations Recommended: Some campgrounds fill up quickly, especially on weekends. A camper at Cuivre River State Park Campground advised, "Be aware some bathrooms might be locked up depending upon time of year so plan your spot accordingly."
  • Wildlife Encounters: Expect to see wildlife, which can be both fun and a nuisance. A family at Meramec State Park Campground reported, "Our site had skunks and raccoons each night."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for places with playgrounds and activities for kids. A visitor at St. Peters' 370 Lakeside Park said, "The playground was good for the kiddos."
  • Plan for Quiet Hours: Respect quiet hours to ensure everyone has a good time. A camper at Saint Francois State Park Campground noted, "Quiet time is at 10pm and fellow campers are certain to enforce that rule."
  • Pack for Activities: Bring gear for fishing, hiking, or biking. A camper at Lazy Day Campground mentioned, "Great staff, wonderful level sites."

Tips from RVers:

Camping near Lake St. Louis, Missouri, has its perks and quirks. With the right preparation, you can enjoy a fantastic outdoor experience!

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best campgrounds with lake access near St. Louis?

For excellent lake access near St. Louis, consider St. Peters' 370 Lakeside Park which offers camping with direct access to a 140-acre lake perfect for fishing and boating. Another great option is Cuivre River State Park Campground, located about an hour from St. Louis, featuring two lakes (Lincoln Lake and Lake Cuivre) with swimming beaches, fishing opportunities, and boat rentals. Both parks provide a peaceful lake experience while keeping you within reasonable driving distance to St. Louis attractions. For those willing to drive a bit further, Meramec State Park also offers river access with some calm water areas suitable for swimming and paddling.

Are there RV camping options available at Lake St. Louis?

Yes, there are several quality RV camping options in the Lake St. Louis region. Cahokia RV Parque offers full hookup sites with concrete pads, fire pits, and picnic tables. Though spaces are somewhat tight, the park includes amenities like a playground, pool, and pond. Sundermeier RV Park provides spacious double-wide concrete sites with ample room for both your RV and vehicle. This park offers direct access to the Katy Trail for biking enthusiasts. Both locations are strategically positioned for easy access to St. Louis attractions while providing comfortable RV accommodations.

Can I go fishing while camping at Lake St. Louis?

Absolutely! Fishing opportunities abound when camping near Lake St. Louis. Meramec Caverns Natural Campground offers excellent fishing access along the Meramec River, where you can catch bass, catfish, and other freshwater species. The campground staff is known for being helpful, and setup is convenient with accessible water and electrical hookups. Klondike Park provides another great fishing option, located along the Missouri River in wine country. The park features tent camping with nearby water access. Many local fishing spots require a Missouri fishing license, which can be purchased online or at local sporting goods stores before your trip.

What amenities are available at Lake St. Louis campgrounds?

Campgrounds in the Lake St. Louis area offer a variety of amenities to enhance your stay. St. Louis West / Historic Route 66 KOA provides level spots with benches, cable TV hookups, good water pressure, and electrical connections. Their camp store, WiFi, and proximity to attractions like Six Flags make it a convenient option. Beyond the Trail RV Park offers full hookups, both back-in and pull-through sites, and unique amenities like an on-site canoe outfitter and easy access to the Katy Trail. Many area campgrounds also feature basic facilities like clean restrooms, shower facilities, picnic areas, and fire rings for campfires.

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