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Best Campgrounds near Herculaneum, MO

705 Reviews

Campground options near Herculaneum, Missouri span from established state parks to overnight parking areas for RVs and vans. Washington State Park Campground, approximately 25 miles southwest of Herculaneum, provides a full-service camping experience with both tent and RV sites, as well as cabins and glamping accommodations. Several commercial RV parks like Covered Bridge RV Park in Fenton offer dedicated facilities for recreational vehicles, while some visitors utilize overnight parking at retail establishments closer to town. The camping landscape includes a mix of state park lands, private campgrounds, and informal overnight parking areas within a 30-mile radius of Herculaneum.

Reservation requirements vary significantly across the camping areas near Herculaneum. Most state parks like Washington State Park and St. Francois State Park require advance reservations, especially during peak summer months when their amenities like swimming pools and river access are most popular. Several campgrounds operate year-round, though services may be reduced in winter. Road access to most established campgrounds is generally good, with paved roads leading to the major state parks. Parking areas at retail establishments provide convenient overnight options for self-contained vehicles but typically lack amenities. "Getting here is an adventure but the park is nice," noted one camper about Washington State Park, highlighting the sometimes challenging drive to reach quality camping areas.

The state parks near Herculaneum receive consistently positive reviews for their natural settings and amenities. Washington State Park stands out with its combination of riverside location, hiking trails, and cultural attractions. A recent review mentioned that it's "a hidden gem in Missouri" with "prehistoric Petroglyphs nearby" that are "a must see." Many campers appreciate the spacious, shaded sites available at state parks in the region. RV-specific facilities like Covered Bridge RV Park cater primarily to travelers needing full hookups, with reviewers noting they're "clean and quiet" though sometimes "overpriced for being a side by side experience." For self-contained vehicle campers, several retail locations offer quiet overnight parking options within easy reach of Herculaneum, providing convenient staging points for exploring the broader St. Louis region.

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Best Camping Sites Near Herculaneum, Missouri (85)

    1. Washington State Park Campground

    22 Reviews
    Cadet, MO
    20 miles
    Website
    +1 (636) 586-5768

    "This park is so rich in Missouri and USA history - from buildings costructed by the African-American CCC stonemasons to Native American petroglyphs, there's some fascinating stuff here."

    "Washington State Park is a hidden gem in Missouri! We camped in mid-March 2021 for 7 days and thoroughly enjoyed the area. They had just opened a new shower house which was clean and well kept."

    2. St. Louis West / Historic Route 66 KOA

    30 Reviews
    Eureka, MO
    23 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."

    3. St. Francois State Park Campground

    28 Reviews
    Bonne Terre, MO
    22 miles
    Website
    +1 (573) 358-2173

    "Not a huge campground but, Its a really simple beautiful place to enjoy Missouri's rolling hills. It is located 1 hour from St. Louis and 30 ish min from Elephant Rock State park."

    "All sites are within reasonable walking distance to the very nice shower house, bathrooms, it even had laundry. All facilities were well maintained and clean. Campground host sells wood and ice."

    4. Covered Bridge RV Park & Storage

    6 Reviews
    Fenton, MO
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (636) 349-2292

    $50 / night

    5. Cahokia RV Parque

    18 Reviews
    Columbia, IL
    25 miles
    Website
    +1 (618) 332-7700

    "It's a centrally located campground in the Metro St. Louis area. It's close to interstates and it's a short drive across the river to Missouri attractions."

    "Lots of dogs tied up, but with owners nearby. Some still “bolt” at you when you walk by. Could be less littered. Our site had lots of litter when we pulled in."

    6. Hawn State Park Campground

    38 Reviews
    Farmington, MO
    31 miles
    Website
    +1 (573) 883-3603

    $12 - $25 / night

    "Hawn State park, located off of highway 32 near St. Genevieve, is a wonderful, must visit in southeast Missouri."

    "There is 3 trails with the longest having two loop options with connectors from the other two trails. There are also walk in sites here and hike in sites. This park will not disappoint."

    7. Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park Resort At Six Flags

    13 Reviews
    Eureka, MO
    23 miles
    Website
    +1 (636) 938-5925

    "pros- activities for kids/fam nice pool tons of trees easy access from highway close amenities (Walmart, six flags, etc) close to StL (tons to do) we did grants farm and city museum one day"

    "We spent a weekend here because we wanted to be close to six flags. I swear this place was more fun!!!"

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

    27 Reviews
    Wildwood, MO
    29 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."

    9. Robertsville State Park Campground

    13 Reviews
    Robertsville, MO
    25 miles
    Website
    +1 (636) 257-3788

    "Hiking trails, a stocked pond, meramec river access, 12 basic and 13 electric shaded campsites available, play ground away from the campground and shelters available to rent for a family gathering. 2 trails"

    "The hook up sites are on the inside of the loop and the tent sites are on the outside of the loop. You need to look carefully for a level tent site as some are fairly slopped."

    10. Meramec State Park Campground

    57 Reviews
    Sullivan, MO
    38 miles
    Website
    +1 (573) 468-6072

    $12 - $48 / night

    "Miles upon miles of trails. Spacious campground, caves to explore, old time blast furnace to explore, fresh Missouri spring with exceptional fishing. Then theres a general store with a restaurant"

    "Growing up near here, this was the state park that my family always went to. Forty some years later, it is still my favorite park in Missouri. I enjoy camping here with my family and friends."

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Recent Camping Photos near Herculaneum, MO

165 Photos of 85 Herculaneum Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Herculaneum, MO

705 Reviews of 85 Herculaneum Campgrounds

  • 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

  • David D.
    Oct. 6, 2025

    Fort Kaskaskia State Park Campground

    Awesome campground!

    The views over the Mississippi River are calandar-worthy! Very scenic from up atop the bluffs. A very old and historic cemetery is next to the campground. There is electric hookups 30 and 50 amp. No water/sewer but does have a dump station. Vault toilets.

  • 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.

  • Maddie L.
    Sep. 14, 2025

    Twin Eagle Lake Estates & Hideout

    Owners get drunk so they can fight with customers!

    Went to go have a peaceful birthday dinner tonight with my family, and the lovely owners Tyler and Jennifer Juliette were so intoxicated that they kicked us off the property for being in a open public space without camping passes. My fiancé and some of the other guys were all hanging around the dumpster area(no sign saying you can’t be there), when a manager came over and was very rudely asking if they had day passes. When my fiancé calmly tried to explained we were there under a reservation, and we were only hanging around the public general store, the manager proceeded to get visibly angry and said she was informing the owner of our behaviour. After my fiancé came and told me of the situation, I went outside to see what the chaos was. Tyler and Jennifer proceed to come up to my fiancé and say“are you the one who was mouthy with my manger”. Mind you, they both were clearly intoxicated and had alcohol in hand and the manager had a cigarette hanging out of her mouth most of the interaction. After they came up I looked at Tyler and said“Sir we are here under reservation if I could just explain” and Tyler replied“I don’t care about a reservation and you’re going to let me talk.” They proceeded to say we needed to leave or they would call the cops. I told them obviously they had too much to drink and that we would leave. As we turned around to go inside and grab our belongings, they followed us the entire time. Tyler followed me so closely I was so scared he was going to grab me! Literally he was half an inch away from being chest to back with me, and I told him aggressively to back Up, get away from me and that I am a young woman. When we got inside, the owners told my family we were the most“disrespectful children” they’d ever met, mind you we are both legal adults. I grab my belongings, we left, and we surely will never ever be back! My family was left embarrassed, shocked, and disturbed by how poorly the owners handled the situation. If they had kindly asked us to see our passes or that we couldn’t hang by the dumpsters, there would have been 0 issue. If anyone there witnessed the interaction, I am highly sorry for the scene. However this was 100% poor business management and could’ve been handled 1000x better. So unfortunate that the owners are to entitled and money hungry to hear out the people who give them business.

  • 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

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 8, 2025

    Pere Marquette State Park Campground

    Fun Little Getaway

    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. There is a Lodge located next door which also serves a wonderful breakfast.

  • Chip
    Sep. 2, 2025

    World Shooting and Recreational Complex

    Lot's of full hookups

    This was our first camp in our new to us travel trailer. Not many trees.  Site has tons of camping sites so finding a spot should not be an issue.  This is the site of the American Trap Shooters Association "Grand" Event.  During that event the first couple weeks in August the campground is full.  We were here last weekend in August. Only one other camper within sight of our spot Friday night and they were gone Saturday morning.  There is a shower house I believe but could not access a couple of the doors I tried.  I imagine they had some unlocked but I didn't try all the doors when I was there.

Guide to Herculaneum

Camping near Herculaneum, Missouri, offers a variety of beautiful spots for outdoor enthusiasts. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or a fun family adventure, there are plenty of campgrounds to explore.

What to do:

  • Hiking and Exploring Trails: Many campgrounds, like Johnson's Shut-Ins State Park, have great trails. One visitor mentioned, "The Scour Trail was also close and really neat to see." Another camper at Meramec State Park noted, "The park did have nice trails, fishing areas, breathtaking riverside views."
  • Swimming and Water Activities: At Onondaga Cave State Park, families can enjoy the river. A reviewer said, "The river is still fantastic fun, especially for our grandkids ages 9 and 12."
  • Wildlife Watching: Campers at Cuivre River State Park appreciate the natural surroundings. One visitor shared, "Nice hiking on trails. Close access to river for fishing and kayaking."

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Campgrounds like Hawn State Park are praised for their cleanliness. A camper mentioned, "The park was very clean and family-friendly."
  • Friendly Staff: Many visitors appreciate the helpful staff. At Meramec State Park, one reviewer said, "The staff is very friendly and helpful."
  • Spacious Campsites: Campers enjoy the roomy sites at places like Cuivre River State Park. A visitor noted, "The full hookup loop has a lot of room."

What you should know:

  • Limited Cell Service: Many campgrounds, including Onondaga Cave State Park, have poor cell reception. One camper mentioned, "No cell service from Verizon or T-Mobile."
  • Crowded on Holidays: Campgrounds like Hawn State Park can get busy during holiday weekends. A visitor warned, "The sites are in close proximity to one another, so it gets crowded during Holiday weekends."
  • Water Access: Some sites, like those at St. Francois State Park, may not have water hookups. A camper noted, "Bummed the sites didn’t have their own water hookups."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose Campgrounds with Activities: Look for places like St. Peters' 370 Lakeside Park that offer playgrounds and water activities. A reviewer said, "The playground was good for the kiddos."
  • Plan for Quiet Hours: Many campgrounds enforce quiet hours. One camper at St. Francois State Park mentioned, "Quiet time is at 10pm and fellow campers are certain to enforce that rule."
  • Pack for Outdoor Fun: Bring along games and outdoor gear. A visitor at Johnson's Shut-Ins State Park shared, "We were able to choose any picnic table and set up our future lunch spot."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Sizes: Make sure to verify the size of RV sites. A camper at Cuivre River State Park noted, "Can be a challenge backing in, as the campsites are at a 90-degree angle to the road."
  • Look for Full Hookups: Campgrounds like Meramec State Park offer full hookups, which can be a big plus. One visitor said, "We stayed at the full hookups spot and everything worked as it should."
  • Be Prepared for Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds may not have all the amenities you expect. A reviewer at Dr. Edmund A. Babler Memorial State Park mentioned, "No pay station so if the office is closed can pay in the a.m."

Camping near Herculaneum, Missouri, has something for everyone, from families to solo adventurers. Just remember to plan ahead and enjoy the great outdoors!

Frequently Asked Questions

Where are the campgrounds near Herculaneum, Missouri?

Several quality campgrounds are located near Herculaneum, Missouri. Cahokia RV Parque is just across the Mississippi River, offering a centrally located option with clean facilities, a pool, and easy access to St. Louis attractions. For those willing to drive a bit farther, St. Francois State Park Campground is about an hour away, featuring beautiful rolling hills and proximity to other attractions like Elephant Rock State Park. Other nearby options include Covered Bridge RV Park near Fenton and Sundermeier RV Park in St. Charles.

What camping spots are available within 30 minutes of Herculaneum?

Covered Bridge RV Park & Storage near Fenton is one of the closest campgrounds to Herculaneum, offering reservable sites with water, toilets, and big-rig-friendly access. Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park Resort At Six Flags is another nearby option, perfect for families visiting the theme park. Both campgrounds are easily accessible via I-55 and provide convenient bases for exploring the area. If you're looking for something slightly farther but still within reasonable driving distance, St. Louis West/Historic Route 66 KOA is about 30-40 minutes away with level spots and good amenities.

Are there free places to camp around Herculaneum for weekend trips?

Free camping options near Herculaneum are limited, but St. Joe State Park Campground and Silver Mines offer affordable alternatives within driving distance. While not free, these public campgrounds provide budget-friendly options with basic amenities. St. Joe State Park features spacious sites with gravel tent pads, picnic tables, and fire pits at reasonable rates. For those willing to drive about 90 minutes, Mark Twain National Forest has some dispersed camping areas with minimal or no fees. Always check current regulations and possible reservation requirements before planning a trip, as policies may change seasonally.

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