Dr. Edmund A. Babler Memorial State Park Campground offers both tent and RV camping options with varying amenities based on site selection. Located about 30 minutes west of St. Louis in Wildwood, Missouri, the 868-acre park features a mixed landscape of wooded areas and open spaces at an elevation of approximately 600 feet. The campground remains open year-round with modified winter services.
What to Do
Lakeside activities at 370 Lakeside Park: Experience kayaking and paddleboat rentals just 35 minutes from Manchester at St. Peters' 370 Lakeside Park. "We love going here and watching the sunsets. This is a great place to kayak and camp if you don't want to drive that fare and live in the city," notes Lindsey C.
Hiking trails at Cuivre River: Explore well-marked trails about 1 hour from Manchester at Cuivre River State Park. One visitor shares, "The park has plenty of well groomed trails and facilities spread out nicely. You could camp here for a weekend and stay busy." The trail around the lake comes especially recommended.
Historical exploration at Pere Marquette: Visit historical CCC-built structures at Pere Marquette State Park just under an hour from Manchester. "Wonderful park on the Great River Road along the Illinois River. Great hiking in the park, and a bike trail passes by the front. Lots of historical buildings built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930's," mentions Annie C.
What Campers Like
Secluded spots at Greensfelder: Find more private camping at Greensfelder County Park about 20 minutes from Manchester. "Pretty nice wooded campground close to St. Louis! Each site has a picnic bench, a fire pit and grill. It was very quiet when we stayed there on a Friday night," reports Kayla B.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Campers at Cuivre River State Park enjoy abundant wildlife. "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!" says Maria E.
Safe camping environment: The 370 Lakeside Park provides security for campers. "The staff is SUPER NICE AND CARING. Example 1: There was some rough springtime weather expected one day. A park ranger went around to every site and notified every camper of where the shelters were and gave out a flyer about the specific weather forecast!" explains Mats.
What You Should Know
Site selection matters: At Babler State Park, sites vary considerably in size and privacy. "Sites 13-33 are popular open and sunny campsites with nice grassy areas between them. In contrast sites 52-75 are much more treed and have a private feel to them," notes Nancy W.
Weather preparedness for yurt camping: When yurt camping near Manchester, Missouri, understand that access may be affected by seasonal conditions. The Route 66 KOA offers year-round accommodations but "there is a very large hill to get in and some sites are VERY tight," according to Cassondra P. at the nearby Jellystone Park.
Reservation requirements: For yurt camping in the Manchester area, plan ahead. "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," advises a camper about accessing parks after hours.
Tips for Camping with Families
Kid-friendly activities: Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park offers numerous family activities 25 minutes from Manchester. "This is a nice little hidden gem outside St Louis in a great county park. If you are a Six Flags kinda person, the amusement park sits at the southern entrance to Greensfelder," mentions Annie C.
Accessible camping options: Pere Marquette State Park has options for families with different needs. "The campground is divided up into an RV section, tents only section, and group tent camping. One shower house serves all, but it is well maintained even though it is an older building," notes a reviewer.
Water play opportunities: For families with children seeking water activities, 370 Lakeside Park has multiple options. "They have paddle boats and bikes and group bikes for rental. Located right next to a lake with a lot of RV and tent camping spots. Kids had a blast riding bikes. Even finding a few little frogs jumping around and fireflies at night," shares Joseph F.
Tips from RVers
Site dimensions: When yurt camping or RVing near Manchester, Missouri, site sizes vary widely. "Only sites 20-29 have electric and 28 can't be reserved. Most sites are great for trailers 26' or less and 1 slide (sites 24-26 can fit a fifth wheel probably no bigger than 36-38 ft)," explains Matthew H. about Greensfelder County Park.
Hookup details: RVers should note electrical limitations at some parks. "If this campground had sewer and water, it would get 5 stars," mentions a reviewer about Babler State Park, where water is available at spigots throughout the campground rather than at individual sites.
Winter accessibility: For year-round RVers, note that "the bathhouse with flush toilets closes November 1 and doesn't open until the spring. During the winter the only water spigot is available located near the camp hosts at site #36."
