Camping near Marthasville, MO

Camping near Marthasville, Missouri offers diverse terrain options from riverfront locations to wooded hills, with elevations ranging from 460 to 800 feet throughout the region. Most campgrounds in the area receive 40-45 inches of rainfall annually, creating lush surroundings but sometimes challenging ground conditions. Spring flooding can impact lower-elevation sites, particularly those closest to the Missouri River.

What to do

Fishing opportunities: The 3-acre fishing pond at Pin Oak RV Park attracts families year-round. "Nice little lake to fish in and areas to walk around in," notes camper Robyn C., while another visitor mentions "a pond with some decent sized fish in it."

Mountain biking trails: Technical mountain bike sections at Klondike Park provide challenging terrain for experienced riders. "One really cool thing about Klondike is there are several technical mountain bike sections that are located in the park. Bring your mountain bike and have a go!" recommends Megan K.

Cave exploration: Fisher Cave at Meramec State Park Campground offers underground adventures with guided tours. A visitor shared, "Pay the extra for the caves tour! Down the road there's an old iron foundry and a historic cemetery to explore."

What campers like

Scenic hilltop views: Sites at Beyond the Trail RV Park provide panoramic views over agricultural landscapes. "Beautiful views across a large farm field to the hills beyond with incredible sunsets," comments Sam C., highlighting the open vistas unique to this campground.

Wildlife encounters: Campers at Cuivre River State Park Campground frequently spot wildlife near their sites. "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 Maria E.

Quiet weekday camping: For those seeking solitude, Dr. Edmund A. Babler Memorial State Park offers peaceful mid-week stays. "We happened to be there during the week in the fall so there were not many other campers. This gave the park the quiet feel we like so much," notes Nancy W.

What you should know

Seasonal flooding concerns: Some riverfront campgrounds experience spring flooding. At Meramec Caverns Natural Campground, "Sometimes the park closes or they have to evacuate due to the quick rise of the river. Easy fix though, just call ahead to see if they're open," advises Randy H.

Limited cell service: Coverage varies significantly between campgrounds. At Meramec State Park Campground, "The cell phone service is virtually non-existent. We had planned to work from here and had to cut our visit short," warns a camper named Mats.

Train noise at some locations: Campgrounds near railroad tracks experience periodic noise. At St. Louis West / Historic Route 66 KOA, one camper noted, "We loved it. It will be even better when they invent silent trains," while another mentioned, "be prepared for a lot of noise from the busy main road and passing trains in the near distance."

Tips for camping with families

Playground access: Seek campgrounds with dedicated play areas. "There is a pool (closed when we were there), playground, mini golf, a lake, game room, laundry and a small store with basics," notes a visitor to Pin Oak RV Park.

Swimming options: Several parks offer water recreation for children. St. Charles County Klondike Park features water activities, with one camper noting, "We had a great time on the trails and near the Mighty Missouri River."

Halloween events: Families with children should consider Pin Oak RV Park for fall camping. "We go every October for Halloween. It is tight you need to reserve a premium spot for a little room. Staff and owners are great, lots to do for the kids," shares Tim K.

Tips from RVers

Site leveling challenges: Bring adequate leveling equipment to Robertsville State Park Campground. "The lots are pretty uneven so make sure you bring plenty of cribbing," advises Montt B., adding "The spaces are electric only, so if you are wanting full hookups you better look elsewhere."

Limited big rig access: Not all campgrounds accommodate larger RVs. At Dr. Edmund A. Babler Memorial State Park, "Not all sites are long enough for large RVs and the roads in some loops prevent you from turning around. The camp hosts we encountered are very helpful and have a list of site lengths and can tell you which ones are appropriate for large RVs."

Extension cords needed: At Beyond the Trail RV Park, utilities placement may require extra equipment. "The site services, electric, water and sewer, are located to the front of the site and extensions were needed for both the electric and sewer," notes Craig H.