Best Campgrounds near St. Charles, MO

Campgrounds near St. Charles, Missouri range from urban RV parks to natural settings along the Missouri River and Katy Trail. Sundermeier RV Park offers full hookups within walking distance of historic downtown St. Charles, while St. Peters' 370 Lakeside Park provides lakeside camping with both RV and tent sites. Beyond the Trail RV Park in nearby Defiance caters to outdoor enthusiasts with access to the Katy Trail. Most developed campgrounds in the area accommodate RVs with concrete pads and full hookups, though tent camping is available at select locations like Klondike Park, which features more primitive sites in a natural setting.

Access to camping facilities varies seasonally, with flooding sometimes affecting campgrounds near the Missouri River. "The City of St Peters did a great job getting this place back to usable with new sod, a new bathhouse, and some general sprucing up after flooding," noted one camper about 370 Lakeside Park. St. Charles County parks like Klondike require advance reservations, especially during peak summer months when sites fill quickly. Weather conditions are typical for the Midwest, with hot, humid summers and mild to cold winters. Spring flooding can temporarily close some campgrounds, particularly those near waterways. Most developed campgrounds provide shower facilities and restrooms, though availability of other amenities like laundry facilities varies by location.

Campers consistently mention the convenience of the Katy Trail as a highlight of the region. This converted rail trail connects many camping areas and provides easy access to historic downtown St. Charles, wineries, and other attractions. According to one visitor, "We loved how spacious it was. The roads within the campground were double-wide so we had no trouble turning and getting into our spot." Urban campgrounds near St. Charles typically experience some noise from nearby highways, railways, or the airport flight path, with several reviewers noting that "planes and trains stopped after about 10-11pm." More natural settings like Klondike Park receive praise for their scenic views and hiking trails, though visitors should be prepared for wildlife encounters including ticks during warmer months. Mixed-use campgrounds throughout the area balance convenience with varying degrees of natural ambiance.

Best Camping Sites Near St. Charles, Missouri (69)

    1. St. Peters' 370 Lakeside Park

    26 Reviews
    St. Charles, MO
    4 miles
    Website
    +1 (636) 387-5253

    $35 - $60 / night

    "It is on a lake with bike trails, kayak rental, and kids splash pad. Staff were helpful. I received about 5 pieces of paper when checking in. You need a code to get into the dog park."

    "I've been to 370 Lakeside Park many times to walk around the huge lake and to hear concerts in the summer, but I had never camped there. Still haven't. I'll explain."

    2. Pere Marquette State Park Campground

    24 Reviews
    Brussels, IL
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (618) 786-3323

    $10 - $20 / night

    "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."

    "Great little campground just outside of Grafton, Illinois, on the Mississippi River. The campground is located in an open grove of old trees. There were owls when we were there."

    3. Sundermeier RV Park

    13 Reviews
    Earth City, MO
    2 miles
    Website
    +1 (636) 940-0111

    $56 - $61 / night

    "We were able to park next to our 5th wheel with enough room to not feel crowded while using the picnic bench. Also the site was level.

    We stayed for a week to enjoy St. Louis, **St. **"

    "St. Charles. Worth a walk. Art and stuff. Below the pattern for STL and railroad crosses Missouri River nearby so you could call it noisy but didn’t bother us much."

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

    27 Reviews
    Wildwood, MO
    15 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."

    5. Cuivre River State Park Campground

    41 Reviews
    Troy, MO
    25 miles
    Website
    +1 (636) 528-7247

    $15 - $38 / night

    "Our site, though, was the smallest in the loop, tucked away in the weeds, and the only area to pitch our tent was on a slight slope."

    "It’s close to our house and there’s always something new to do each time. The bathrooms are well maintained and the campsites are fairly large and provide lots of shade."

    6. St. Louis West / Historic Route 66 KOA

    30 Reviews
    Eureka, MO
    22 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."

    7. Marquette Mobile Village, Inc/MHP

    2 Reviews
    St. Charles, MO
    1 mile
    +1 (636) 724-3630

    8. Riverside Landing

    2 Reviews
    St. Charles, MO
    5 miles
    Website
    +1 (636) 949-7535

    $25 / night

    "Lakeside is down the road to fill up. No shade and smaller sights great access to the rivers. Site 17 accommodate a 38ft fifth wheel will just hang over the back a little to fit."

    9. Beyond the Trail RV Park

    10 Reviews
    Defiance, MO
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (636) 484-0059

    $25 - $58 / night

    "A short 5 minute walk to “downtown” Defiance, the campground is right next to the Katy Trail. Forgot your bike? Walk 3 minutes away and rent one. Want to float the Missouri?"

    "Excellent little RV park behind a brewery. The Katy trail borders the park for easy access to town."

    10. Draft Kings at Casino Queen RV Park

    18 Reviews
    Granite City, IL
    22 miles
    Website
    +1 (800) 777-0777

    $65 / night

    "Very clean and secure overnight park just outside of STL. Phenomenal views of downtown and the arch, and fairly easy access to I-55/64/70."

    "Close to the arch, that’s why we chose this place to stay overnight."

Show More
Showing results 1-10 of 69 campgrounds

2025 Detourist Giveaway

Presented byToyota Trucks

Review Campgrounds. Win Prizes.

Enter to Win


Recent Reviews near St. Charles, MO

442 Reviews of 69 St. Charles Campgrounds


  • 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.

  • DThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 5, 2025

    Cuivre River State Park Campground

    Quiet and Peaceful

    Cuivre River State Park Campground delivers a lovely, rustic camping experience framed by woods, wildlife, and water. With a variety of site types and decent amenities, it’s ideal for families or solo campers seeking tranquility. Just be selective about your site—some offer better privacy and facilities than others.

  • Eleanor the Airstream R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 27, 2025

    Purina Farms

    PWD National Specialty

    Stayed the week for the PWD National Specialty trials. Convenient, clean, and solid FHUs.

    "Please note that RV reservations are only accepted for those entered(or those who have dogs/cats entered) in an event that has contracted space, which includes the overnight camping lots."

  • Natasha T.
    Aug. 21, 2025

    Cahokia RV Parque

    Very clean place with reasonable prices. price

    They were so accommodating. Even on the phone I didnt feel like a burden

  • Julie F.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 17, 2025

    Love's RV Hookup-Hamel IL 578

    Good for a truck stop, busy and loud

    Easy reservation system online. $60 is a bit pricey for one night. Electricity and water at each spot which are concrete slabs. Typical super busy truck stop with bright lights and lots of action but safe and convenient.

  • Sam B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 5, 2025

    Klondike Park

    Love it

    Second time camping here. Much better spot this time, since I could pull right up to the spot, site 26. Last time we were in spot 22. 22 is a long ways from the bathroom and parking lot. The trails are great, the shower house is really nice, lake is beautiful. Will definitely be back.

  • Teresa J.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 4, 2025

    Pin Oak RV Park

    We’ve been staying since may

    We’re still here and love it!

  • Tom B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 29, 2025

    Cahokia RV Parque

    Excellent urban RV Park

    Just minutes across the river from St. Louis. They have a shuttle to the various tourist attractions, just ask the staff at the office for details. The staff are friendly, the facility is clean and professional. Will stay again since I am in St. Louis every month.

    Price is comparable. Yes, it is an urban campground in a sort of run down area. It is what it is. But it was safe, clean and professionally ran.

  • RThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 24, 2025

    Cahokia RV Parque

    Convenient to Downtown St. Louis

    Level gravel sites with FHU near downtown St. Louis. Sites are close together, with some shade


Guide to St. Charles

Camping near St. Charles, Missouri, offers a variety of experiences for outdoor enthusiasts. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or a family-friendly adventure, there are several campgrounds to choose from.

What to do:

  • Hiking and Trails: Many campgrounds, like Cuivre River State Park Campground, have beautiful trails. One visitor mentioned, "Great location for a weekend getaway, only 1 hour from the city! Hiking trails, level lots, full hookups available."
  • Fishing: If you enjoy fishing, Meramec State Park Campground is a great spot. A reviewer noted, "The park did have nice trails, fishing areas, breathtaking riverside views."
  • Exploring Nature: Campgrounds like Lazy Day Campground provide a chance to connect with nature. One camper shared, "The little details make it very homey. Sites are well laid out and easy to maneuver."

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained restrooms and showers. A visitor at Graham Cave State Park Campground said, "The bathrooms were clean. The shower is so-so. But I’ve read they’re getting upgraded."
  • Friendly Staff: Many campgrounds have helpful staff. A reviewer at Lazy Day Campground mentioned, "The owners are very friendly. Very well-kept campground."
  • Secluded Spots: Campers enjoy finding quiet areas to relax. One visitor at Washington State Park Campground noted, "Very secluded!!! Hiking was great!"

What you should know:

  • Limited Cell Service: Many campgrounds have poor cell reception. A camper at Dr. Edmund A. Babler Memorial State Park Campground warned, "I have stayed in hundreds of places and hiked many miles and have never experienced a tick infestation like I did at this park."
  • Reservations Recommended: Some campgrounds fill up quickly, especially on weekends. A visitor at St. Louis West / Historic Route 66 KOA said, "I am bad at making reservations, but we got lucky with the last spot in the RV section."
  • Wildlife Encounters: Be prepared for wildlife. A family camping at Cuivre River State Park Campground mentioned, "Our site had skunks and raccoons each night."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Bring Flashlights: Some campgrounds have dark paths to the bathhouse. A camper at Lazy Day Campground advised, "Very dark, unlit walk to the bathhouse, so bring a light!"
  • Plan Activities: Look for campgrounds with playgrounds or swimming areas. A visitor at St. Peters' 370 Lakeside Park noted, "The playground was good for the kiddos."
  • Pack Snacks: Keep snacks handy for hikes and outdoor activities. A camper at Washington State Park Campground mentioned, "There is even a swimming pool if the river isn’t your thing."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Levels: Some sites may not be level, so check before setting up. A reviewer at Graham Cave State Park Campground said, "The campground seems older, rather small, and I’m not sure any of them have water hookups."
  • Full Hookups Available: Look for campgrounds with full hookups for convenience. A visitor at Cuivre River State Park Campground shared, "Full hookups available, there are 2 loops, the tent camping side is well shaded."
  • Be Mindful of Quiet Hours: Respect quiet hours to ensure a peaceful stay. A camper at St. Francois State Park Campground noted, "Quiet time is at 10pm and fellow campers are certain to enforce that rule."

Camping around St. Charles, MO, has something for everyone, from families to solo adventurers. Just remember to plan ahead and enjoy the great outdoors!

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near St. Charles, MO?

According to TheDyrt.com, St. Charles, MO offers a wide range of camping options, with 69 campgrounds and RV parks near St. Charles, MO and 2 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near St. Charles, MO?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near St. Charles, MO is St. Peters' 370 Lakeside Park with a 4.6-star rating from 26 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near St. Charles, MO?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 2 free dispersed camping spots near St. Charles, MO.