Cuivre River State Park provides glamping opportunities near Lake St. Louis, Missouri, in a setting that contrasts with the area's urban amenities. Located approximately 45 minutes from Lake St. Louis, the park sits at 500-600 feet elevation with seasonal temperature variations typical of Missouri's continental climate. Winter temperatures often drop below freezing while summer months regularly exceed 90°F with high humidity.
What to do
Archery practice: For visitors seeking recreational variety, St. Peters' 370 Lakeside Park offers an archery range that's open year-round. "We spent one night here. This is a very nice easy access CG with wide, spacious, and level sites. There are a lot of activities available: archery, boating, fishing, dog park, biking, walking, playground, horseshoes and volleyball," noted a St. Peters' 370 Lakeside Park camper.
Wildlife observation: Greensfelder County Park offers natural surroundings for watching local wildlife. "Quieter despite the surroundings. Due to foliage, seems much more spacious and nature rich," mentions one Greensfelder County Park visitor. The park maintains several trail heads with well-marked paths for spotting deer and other Missouri wildlife.
Water recreation: Lincoln Lake at Cuivre River State Park provides calm waters for paddling enthusiasts. "Campground is quiet and has big campsites. The campground is close to Lincoln Lake for kayaking," shares one camper. The park also features an accessible covered fishing dock for anglers of all abilities.
What campers like
Convenience to attractions: Many campers appreciate the strategic location for exploring regional attractions. "This campground, a City of St Peters park and campground, is as excellent as a campground comes. The campsites are 'state-park-size', especially the back-in sites which all have plenty of lawns behind them. All sites have a view of the small lake," reports a visitor to St. Peters' 370 Lakeside Park.
Space between sites: At Lazy Day Campground, campers value the well-designed site layout. "The sites are wide, so beautiful, just the right amount of shade and sun. The pool - pristine, the store - adorable, the grounds - beautiful," notes one Lazy Day Campground guest. This site is about 55 minutes west of Lake St. Louis.
Natural settings: Even close to urban areas, campers appreciate parks that maintain a natural atmosphere. "Campground is beautiful and very woodsy. We saw bunnies hopping around and when we first arrived to our site a deer was grazing nearby, such a bonus!" reports a visitor to Cuivre River State Park, noting the wildlife encounters that enhance the experience.
What you should know
Site selection matters: When glamping near Lake St. Louis, choosing the right site type significantly impacts your experience. "Greensfelder County Park Campground delivers a lovely, rustic camping experience framed by woods, wildlife, and water. With a variety of site types and decent amenities, it's ideal for families or solo campers seeking tranquility. Just be selective about your site—some offer better privacy and facilities than others," advises a visitor to Cuivre River State Park.
Seasonal operations: Some glamping facilities operate only during specific months. Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park Resort at Six Flags welcomes guests from late March through early October. In contrast, state parks like Cuivre River offer year-round glamping options, though winter facilities may be limited.
Highway proximity: Some campgrounds near Lake St. Louis are situated close to highways, affecting noise levels. "This campground is right across the street from the Mississippi. Predominantly RV campers and families, along with some local fisherman," notes a Pere Marquette State Park visitor, highlighting the road proximity that provides convenience but may increase ambient noise.
Tips for camping with families
Family-friendly amenities: Jellystone Park provides numerous activities designed specifically for children. "This is a very family friendly campground and would highly recommend if camping with kids! We stayed here last minute for Labor Day Weekend and the staff were great with finding us a good tent site available. This is not a rugged style campground as there are many amenities such as a pool, putt putt golf, volleyball, and more. They also host daily kids activities and crafts," reports a visitor to Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park Resort.
Bike-friendly options: For families with children who enjoy cycling, some parks offer ideal paved paths. "Great well maintained state park right outside of St Louis. Park has an awesome trail system around the lake, and it looks like you can rent canoes/kayaks in the summer (was not open in the winter)," notes a winter visitor to Cuivre River State Park.
Educational opportunities: Several parks near Lake St. Louis feature interpretive programs that children enjoy. "This park has plenty of well groomed trails and facilities spread out nicely. You could camp here for a weekend and stay busy. We live in Wentzville so it's an easy jog up 61 to get away," shares a local visitor about their experience.
Tips from RVers
Site leveling challenges: RV campers should prepare for potentially uneven terrain at some locations. "I think the best thing this campground has going for it is it's location. Proximity to historic St. Charles and the bike trail," notes a visitor to Pere Marquette State Park Campground. The campground offers some level sites, but many require adjustment.
Hookup placement: At certain parks, the arrangement of utilities may present challenges. "Our water hook up and electric hookup was significantly far apart," reports a camper at Jellystone Park, noting this design quirk that requires longer hoses or cords than usual. RVers should come prepared with extension cables.
Security features: Some glamping locations near Lake St. Louis feature enhanced security measures. "The office told me that they have 24 hour on site security also," mentions a St. Peters' 370 Lakeside Park visitor, highlighting a feature that many RV owners appreciate for protecting their investment.
