RV sites near St. James, Missouri provide convenient bases for exploring the scenic Ozark region at elevations averaging 1,100 feet. The area experiences four distinct seasons with warm summers averaging 85°F and winters that can drop below freezing. Most campgrounds remain open year-round, though water services at some locations may be limited during colder months.
What to do
Hiking trails access: Pheasant Acres RV Park offers walking trails through adjacent woods. "There is a lot of land to walk through. Sheri/Sharon the owner is right up there with one of the coolest women I've ever met. She gave us Maps for the trails and where there was nearby trout fishing," notes Robyn C.
Fresh farm experiences: At Haven Hollow RV Park, campers can interact with farm animals. "They have a large chicken coop in the middle of the meadow and you are able to purchase a dozen eggs for $2," shares MickandKarla W., making this a unique experience among RV sites near St. James.
River activities: Floating trips are popular near Indian Springs Resort and Campground, where "float trips are a big deal here, and Indian Springs offers both boat rentals and shuttle services," according to Taryn S. The resort sits directly on the Meramec River with sandy beaches and natural swimming holes.
What campers like
Clean, accessible facilities: At Doolittle Acres RV Park and Campground, campers appreciate the well-maintained amenities. "The camp area looks new, cute playground, small fenced dog park type area, showers, laundry, fire pits and picnic tables," reports Becky M.
Peaceful settings: Small campgrounds offer quiet retreats near St. James. "Very welcoming host. She made sure I had a site to fit my needs. WiFi was good. Cute shower/bathroom house. Grounds display unique decorations," writes Lori G. about Pheasant Acres RV Park.
Family-focused programming: Organized activities enhance camping experiences. Indian Springs Resort provides "tons of games like volleyball and horseshoes, plus onsite programs and activities including scavenger hunts, movie nights, pancake breakfasts," according to Taryn S.
What you should know
Road conditions: Access to some sites requires careful driving. Haven Hollow "is back about 3 miles off some very country roads, but we had no problem with our 39' 5th wheel and F-450, just take it slow. The last 1.5 miles is gravel and it was a little dusty," advises MickandKarla W.
Highway noise: Some campgrounds experience traffic sounds. At RV Self-Park, "you will hear some highway noise, but honestly, after years in trucking, it just felt like home," mentions Amber C.
Reservation requirements: Many smaller parks have limited sites. "You need reservations. It is a very small place. Owners live on site but are not intrusive," explains Deborah C. about Haven Hollow RV Park.
Bug awareness: Ticks can be prevalent in warmer months. "We were here in late May and had to use bug spray as the ticks were out in mass," reports MickandKarla W.
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly activities: Pheasant Acres RV Park offers open spaces for children. "They have trails for bike riding, a big open field for the kids to play ball and rabbits the kids loved feeding," says Isaiah D.
Swimming options: The Rafting Company Camping RV Resort provides river access for families. "The river is nice here but a little walk to it. Does have a full bar, small store and nice showers and bathrooms. They had live music when we were there too," shares Robyn C.
Educational opportunities: Many campgrounds offer natural learning experiences. "There's a couple of other full timers, along with the owners, but CG was very clean and tidy. The CG sits on a huge meadow and they cut walking trails over 200+ acres with a little pond," details MickandKarla W. about Haven Hollow.
Tips from RVers
Self-service options: For convenient overnight stops, RV Self-Park offers automated services. "Booking online was quick, the site was level, and everything was super easy—even after dark. It's well-lit, secure, and the hookups worked right on time," reports Amber C.
Site selection for larger rigs: Choose campgrounds with adequate space for your vehicle. "When you make your reservation they will confirm the length of your rig and put you in the appropriate site as there's a small berm behind the sites that allow you to back further in on some sites than others," explains MickandKarla W. about Haven Hollow's accommodations for larger RVs.
Connectivity considerations: Cell service varies by location. "WiFi wasn't very good and cell was spotty even with the booster," notes Deborah C. about Haven Hollow, which is important information for those needing reliable internet while camping.
