Camping spots near New Melle, Missouri offer varied terrain ranging from wooded hillsides to lakefront settings at elevations between 500-800 feet. The area sits at the eastern edge of the Ozark Plateau, where temperatures typically range from 20°F in winter to 90°F in summer. Spring rains often create muddy trail conditions at higher elevations while fall camping provides more stable ground and moderate temperatures.
What to do
Archery practice: 370 Lakeside Park provides a dedicated archery range open to campers. "This park has an archery range. They rent out peddle boats, bikes and peddle cars/buggies as well. We rented a peddle buggy. Those are a lot harder to get moving then they look. Awesome workout for the whole family!" reports camper Barbie B.
Mountain biking: Greensfelder County Park offers technical trails for various skill levels. Jen E. notes the park "seems much more spacious and nature rich" despite its proximity to urban areas. The park has "well-groomed trails, which are used by hikers, mountain bikers, and equestrians alike," according to Lucas M.
Kayaking: Cuivre River State Park provides lake access with rental options. "The campground is close to Lincoln Lake for kayaking," mentions Cody S. The park has "plenty of gorgeous campsites and a lake to swim and kayak!" adds J K., making it ideal for water activities during warmer months.
What campers like
Brewery access: Beyond the Trail RV Park borders both a brewery and the Katy Trail. Brooklyn G. describes it as "Safe, convenient, last minute" with easy online booking. Jamie C. explains, "Just on the other side of the trail is a great brewery with a fantastic patio and rooftop deck. We walked there a few times to enjoy pizza."
Level sites with full hookups: Pin Oak RV Park offers concrete pads and reliable connections. "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," shares Kyle R. about nearby options. Mark M. adds, "I can not say enough good about this campground... the staff is great and the amenities were top notch."
Winery proximity: St. Charles County Klondike Park positions campers in Missouri wine country. "This Campground places you in the heart of Missouri Wine Country and there's a perfect base for visiting the wineries and restaurants along highway 94," states Marty C. Jake K. comments that "Trails are beautiful and perfect for families wanting to just come to a park for a day and hikers."
What you should know
Seasonal flooding impacts: St. Peters' 370 Lakeside Park experiences periodic closures due to high water. Annie C. explains, "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." However, Susan L. notes "the restrooms/showers were very clean and modern" when operational.
Train noise: St. Louis West / Historic Route 66 KOA sits near active railroad tracks. "Close to train tracks and highway, but didn't notice with AC on in the camper," reports Craig F. Todd P. describes the setting as "nice and serene" but admits "it will be even better when they invent silent trains."
Tick activity: Klondike Park requires preventive measures during warm months. "Trails are great, the shower house is really nice, lake is beautiful. Will definitely be back," says Sam B. about the amenities. However, Mike L. cautions, "Make sure to store your food securely overnight - the racoons are pretty thick and hungry at night."
Tips for camping with families
Pool access: Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park Resort At Six Flags offers organized kids' activities. "Great kids activities! Good breakfast and nice store. Really enjoyed our trip bundled with a Six Flags trip," writes Erin P. Lindsey R. adds they "host daily kids activities and crafts. A very family friendly campground and would highly recommend if camping with kids!"
Cabin options: Dr. Edmund A. Babler Memorial State Park Campground features both traditional campsites and yurts. "You might end up pitching your tent on a parking pad as many tent sites don't have level grassy spots for your tent. Sites are not very private, and some are right on top of the next," advises Annie C., suggesting specific sites for families seeking more space.
Spacious group areas: Pin Oak RV Park provides gathering spots for multiple families. "Sites at the back of the property are large. Sites in the middle seemed more crowded," notes Chad H. Another camper shares that their "6 month stay was absolutely wonderful we had no issues whatsoever."
Tips from RVers
Satellite reception considerations: Dr. Edmund A. Babler Memorial State Park offers varied tree coverage affecting satellite service. Nancy W. reports, "We were able to get satellite reception at our site (#24) and the antenna picked up a dozen or so local channels including all the major networks." She adds the campground "is one of the few state park campgrounds that we have visited that has WiFi (and that actually worked well)."
RV site length variations: Cuivre River State Park accommodates varying vehicle sizes. Russ G. cautions some parks can be "extremely crowded and tight" in the region, while Christy C. mentions at Cuivre River "the camping loop was a bit different but we loved how it was open in the middle for all the kids to play together."
Service locations: Beyond the Trail RV Park requires hookup planning. "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. Adam F. adds the sites are "decently sized and looks like all of them will house 25' or bigger campers."
