Missouri camping near Marthasville offers diverse terrain across elevations from 500 to 800 feet, where the Ozark foothills begin to shape the landscape. Seasonal temperature swings can be extreme, with summer highs frequently reaching 90°F while winter nights often drop below freezing. The region's humidity creates lush vegetation that provides natural screening between many campsites at established campgrounds.
What to do
Lakeside activities: Lincoln Lake at Cuivre River State Park provides opportunities for kayaking and fishing. "The 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 Kyle R. The park also features "a covered accessible fishing dock" according to Kayla S.
Trail exploration: Hiking options vary from beginner to advanced with different terrain types throughout the region. "The trails are fantastic and have different levels for all," explains Chad K. about Cuivre River State Park. At Dr. Edmund A. Babler Memorial State Park, "There are miles of hiking and biking trails right outside your doorstep and plenty of woods to explore," says Nancy W.
Cave tours: While staying at Meramec Caverns Natural Campground, visitors can explore the underground cave system. "The cave tour is really cool although a little pricey," shares Randy H. Another camper notes, "A good place to go for a quick adventure with family. Especially on a hot day."
What campers like
Quiet settings: Many campers value the peaceful environments found at these parks. At Daniel Boone Conservation Area, one visitor mentions, "Enjoy the sound of owls and silence. Plenty of dead/down trees for firewood." Another camper describes it as "secluded and simple."
Lake views: St. Peters' 370 Lakeside Park offers water scenery from most sites. "All sites have a view of the small lake. The park/campground rents paddleboats, kayaks, and canoes in addition to different kinds of bikes," explains one reviewer. Another notes, "The lake is great to walk around, about a 3 mile walk or bike on a paved trail."
Wildlife encounters: Natural areas support diverse wildlife viewing opportunities. "We saw bunnies hopping around and when we first arrived to our site a deer was grazing nearby, such a bonus!" shares Maria E. about her experience at Cuivre River State Park. At 370 Lakeside Park, "You can see all kinds of wildlife in and around the lake- deer, bald eagles, pelicans, ducks, snakes."
What you should know
Seasonal limitations: Winter camping requires additional planning. At Babler Memorial State Park, "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."
Flooding potential: Low-lying areas may experience closures during wet seasons. One camper notes about 370 Lakeside Park: "One of the downsides to this location is that it is prone to flooding. It was out of commission for most of the summer of 2019 as the entire area was flooded."
Luxury glamping options: For upscale glamping close to Marthasville, Missouri, Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park Resort offers premium accommodations. "You can go from rustic rent a tent to a really nice cabin with lots amenities!!" notes Mike T. These higher-end options feature amenities not typically found at standard campsites.
Tips for camping with families
Activity planning: Family-friendly campgrounds offer structured recreation options. At Jellystone Park, "They also host daily kids activities and crafts. A very family friendly campground and would highly recommend if camping with kids!" says Lindsey R. Another camper mentions, "Game room and putt putt was fine."
Swimming options: Water recreation varies across locations. Lazy Day Campground maintains a "pristine" pool according to reviewers. At Lost Valley Lake Resort, families appreciate that "There is swimming year round with 2 indoor pools, hot tubs and sauna. Summer time swimming at 1 outdoor pool and 2 swimming beaches at the lake."
Proximity considerations: For families wanting quick access to major attractions, strategic campground selection is important. A camper at Jellystone Park notes, "If you are visiting Six Flags this is an ideal location, with a great camp store and restaurant, and lots of things for kids to do."
Tips from RVers
Hookup availability: RV sites vary significantly in utilities offered. Greensfelder County Park has limited electric options where "Only sites 20-29 have electric and 28 can't be reserved" and "no 50 amps" according to Matthew H. He also notes, "no water at sites" and "no dump but KOA and RV dealer 5-7 mins away."
Site dimensions: Space constraints affect larger rigs differently across campgrounds. At Greensfelder, "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)" while "site 29 where we stayed can fit a 40' fifth wheel."
Leveling challenges: Terrain varies considerably between campgrounds. At Jellystone Park, one RVer reported, "The site was ok, tricky to level. There was a steep drop just past our steps, and not a lot of room to set up chairs, etc." Another mentioned that their site had "a fairly steep grade, especially right out our camper door was a big drop off."
