Best Campgrounds near Arnold, MO
Camping options in the Arnold, Missouri area span from full-service RV parks to state-managed campgrounds within a 30-mile radius. Cahokia RV Parque and Covered Bridge RV Park provide developed sites with full hookups for recreational vehicles, while state parks like Robertsville State Park Campground and Washington State Park Campground offer more natural settings for tent and RV camping. Most campgrounds in the region feature basic amenities such as picnic tables, fire rings, and drinking water access, with several also providing electric hookups, showers, and dump stations for longer stays.
Seasonal considerations impact camping availability throughout the year, with some campgrounds operating year-round while others have limited services during winter months. St. Louis West KOA and Dr. Edmund A. Babler Memorial State Park remain open all year, providing consistent options regardless of season. "Everyone was super helpful and friendly. The campsites were a little close together and there were a lot of campers. They've got great amenities: 30/50amp, water, sewer, wifi, pool, showers, fire rings, and a trash dumpster," noted one camper about Cahokia RV Parque. Road access to most established campgrounds is generally good, with paved or gravel surfaces that accommodate standard vehicles, though larger RVs may find limited suitable sites at some of the older state park campgrounds.
Proximity to St. Louis represents a key feature of camping in this region, with several campgrounds positioned within 15-30 minutes of downtown attractions. Reviews frequently mention the convenience of these locations for exploring urban amenities while still enjoying outdoor accommodations. "Cahokia RV Parque is a nice RV park only 15 minutes from downtown St. Louis," shared one visitor. Many campers note the trade-off between location and atmosphere, with sites closer to the city typically offering less privacy and more ambient noise from nearby roads and urban areas. The campgrounds farther from the city center, such as Robertsville State Park and Washington State Park, generally receive higher ratings for natural settings and recreational opportunities, including fishing, hiking trails, and water access. Sites with full hookups tend to fill quickly during peak travel seasons, particularly weekends from late spring through early fall.