Silo Access Area on O'Neil Creek offers free camping near St. Peters, Missouri along the Mississippi River. The area features 13 sites suitable for both tents and RVs with three pull-through spots designed for easier navigation. Located approximately one mile north of Calumet Creek access off Route 79, this riverside destination provides primitive camping with minimal facilities and no hookups. The campground sits at approximately 450 feet above sea level within the Mississippi River floodplain.
What to do
River watching opportunities: Set up camp at Silo Access Area where visitors can observe commercial river traffic. According to one camper, "This site is a great place to watch that amazing river pass by. You sit and watch the barges and various things float by. Really great."
Boat launching access: The large boat ramp at Silo Access Area provides direct river access for fishing and water recreation. Recent improvements to the area include "freshly paved areas" according to a visitor, though the boat ramp condition varies seasonally.
Nature observation: The campground is undergoing reforestation efforts while still maintaining wooded areas. One reviewer noted, "The area is freshly paved and undergoing reforestation. However, there are a lot of trees."
What campers like
No-cost camping experience: Campers appreciate the free dispersed camping options near St. Peters. One visitor remarked about Silo Access Area, "Hidden Gem! No facilities, short drive into town."
Spacious camping areas: Lone Spring Trail Backpacking Campsite offers multiple clearings for tent setup. A visitor confirmed, "The site has several areas to setup a tent has a metal fire pit. I will be going back next year."
Train viewing opportunities: The nearby railroad tracks provide an additional attraction. Though trains pass "3-4 times a day" according to one camper, many find this adds to the experience rather than detracts from it.
What you should know
Limited facilities: Both camping areas lack drinking water and most amenities. At Silo Access Area, one reviewer clarified, "No water, no electrical hookups, and no bathrooms. There is 1 small trash bin."
Insect preparation: Mosquitoes can be problematic at certain times of year in these riverside locations. One camper specifically warned, "Mosquitoes are prevalent" at Silo Access Area.
Self-containment required: For no-cost camping near St. Peters, Missouri, visitors should arrive prepared. A camper advised about Silo Access Area: "Can beat free and great views," but reminded visitors to "bring your RV, water and a generator."
Tips for camping with families
RV recommended for comfort: Families may find tent camping challenging at Silo Access Area. One visitor cautioned, "Nice campground with a great view of the Mississippi... So bring your RV, water and a generator. But we will going back again for sure."
Educational river observation: Children can learn about commercial river traffic by watching barges navigate the Mississippi. The campground provides direct river access where "you sit and watch the barges and various things float by."
Limited restroom options: Families should prepare for primitive conditions. One reviewer noted Silo Access Area was "mostly a wide gravel bar that you can set up camp on with great views of the big river. But there are no amenities, and few sites."
Tips from RVers
Site selection guidance: At Silo Access Area, choose your site strategically. One RVer recommended, "The best sites are at the opposite ends of the flat circle where there are large gravel areas ideal for parking RVs."
Large rig accommodation: Site 13 at Silo Access Area can accommodate multiple vehicles. According to a reviewer, this site "is large enough for 2 RVs."
Easy navigation options: Three sites at Silo Access Area are specifically designed for easier access. A visitor mentioned these sites are "curved to pull in and out easily," making them ideal for larger rigs.
