St. Charles camping options extend beyond the Missouri River valley into surrounding communities within a 45-minute drive radius. Area campgrounds remain accessible year-round with average summer temperatures ranging 75-90°F and winter temperatures frequently dropping below freezing. Campers visiting the area often supplement their river experiences with nearby recreational lakes and hiking trails.
What to do
Access the Katy Trail: Beyond the Trail RV Park offers direct trail access for cyclists and hikers. "The Katy trail borders the park for easy access to town. Beautiful views across a large farm field (soy beans when we were here) to the hills beyond with incredible sunsets," reports one camper at Beyond the Trail RV Park.
Visit historic attractions: Many campgrounds serve as convenient bases for exploring regional history. "Just a place to park the camper and sleep. Big rig friendly for sure. Went back to see the Arch Natl park and down into historic st. Charles. Beautiful historic town with plenty to see and do, with a casino past that," notes a visitor at Sundermeier RV Park.
Enjoy water recreation: St. Peters' lakeside facilities provide multiple activity options. "This is a great place to kayak and camp if you don't want to drive that fare and live in the city. We love going here and watching the sunsets," according to a review for St. Peters' 370 Lakeside Park.
What campers like
Brewery and winery access: The Defiance area offers adult beverage options near camp. "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," explains a camper at Beyond the Trail RV Park.
Urban camping convenience: Staying near St. Louis provides quick access to metropolitan attractions. "Nice spot for an overnight. Lucky to get spot on Friday night. Nice level concrete pads but definitely a bit crowded. Lots of big rigs. Very nice folks who checked us in. We seem well connected. Nice old downtown of St. Charles. Worth a walk. Art and stuff," shares a reviewer from Sundermeier RV Park.
Camping with amenities: Even in-town RV parks offer unexpected recreational features. "Full hookup sites on a mostly paved RV park. Big rigs fit easily. Some small areas of grass and trees with a dog walking area around the perimeter. Small play area for kids. Clean restroom/showers, but only a few of them," notes a camper at Draft Kings at Casino Queen RV Park.
What you should know
Noise considerations: Railroad and airport proximity affects several area campgrounds. "Only downside is the train and airplane noise. Otherwise would be a 5 star for me," mentions a camper about Sundermeier RV Park.
Reservation timing: Many sites require advance booking, especially for weekend stays. "Called to see if any spots were available about two hours out and they had a couple of backin spots. We got site 41 and it was perfect with our 31' travel trailer and we did not have to unhook," explains a review from Sundermeier RV Park.
Flooding potential: Low-lying areas experience occasional water issues. "The park is prone to flooding. It was out of commission for most of the summer of 2019 as the entire area was flooded. But 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," reports a camper at St. Peters' 370 Lakeside Park.
Tips for camping with families
Recreation facilities: Some parks offer dedicated children's play areas. "This park has planted some trees, but they are really just saplings, so there is no shade yet. There is a nice bathhouse with free showers for the campers and pay laundry," notes a visitor at St. Peters' 370 Lakeside Park.
Wildlife watching: Natural areas provide educational opportunities. "The lake is great to walk around, about a 3 mile walk or bike on a paved trail. You can see all kinds of wildlife in and around the lake- deer, bald eagles, pelicans, ducks, snakes," mentions a reviewer from St. Peters' 370 Lakeside Park.
Park activities: Certain locations offer structured recreation options. "A nice private catch and release pond, an old little mini golf setup, a small (but adequate) swimming pool kept the kids busy," explains a camper at Pin Oak RV Park.
Tips from RVers
Electrical safety: Bring proper equipment when camping in older facilities. "DO NOT use the 30A receptacles here unless you have a surge protector with an Electrical Management System (EMS) that explicitly confirms correct wiring before connecting your RV. My equipment detected a Line/Neutral Reversal on some 30A receptacles; the 50A receptacles appeared to be wired correctly," warns a visitor at Sundermeier RV Park.
Site selection strategies: Choose locations based on specific needs. "We love this location, clean, micro brewery outside the gate. Immediate access to Katy trail. Bring your bikes or rent e-bikes in town. Lots of wineries nearby and several pub type restaurants nearby. Walmart is 17 mins away," advises an RVer at Beyond the Trail RV Park.
Internet connectivity: Plan accordingly for online access. "Fast wifi," reports a camper at Sundermeier RV Park, though experiences vary by location with another noting, "They have internet, but it is weak and spotty," at Pin Oak RV Park.
