Top Tent Camping near St. Louis, MO
Looking for the best St. Louis tent camping? The Dyrt helps you find campsites near St. Louis with tent camping. You're sure to find the perfect campsite for your Missouri tent camping excursion.
Best Tent Sites Near St. Louis, MO (7)
1. St. Charles County Klondike Park
4 Reviews•9 Photos•33 Saves- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- ADA Access
- Tents
2. Countryside Escape
2 Reviews•4 Photos•19 SavesPick from a variety of spots from the lakeside, to secluded forest, to open field for pitching your tent on this orchard land! This property is open to dispersed camping wherever you prefer. Equipped with fire pits, pond for viewing water fowl, and bathrooms with showers inside the house. This is a great spot to spend the night on your way to or from St. Louis, Chicago or Indianapolis. Close to St Louis and all the fun there! Great biking in the area, hiking at Pere Marquette State Park, and swimming and water sports at Horseshoe Lake State Park. Firewood can be bought on site, grocery, convenience stores, restaurants, fast food and gas stations easy drive of 10-15 min.
- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- Tents
- Group
$15 - $16 / night
3. Sandstone Spring & Camp
Be the first to review!•7 SavesTent only camping. Deep in 300 million years old Carboniverous sandstone spring bed valley with fossils. Place to relax & take in the nature of this hidden gem in the city of Belleville, IL. No restrooms. No showers. Swimming in areas of spring is limited to shallow pools. But it is enough to cool you off.
- Pets
- Fires
- Electric Hookups
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- Tents
$28 - $38 / night
4. McCully Heritage Project
5 Reviews•6 Photos•46 SavesPitch your tent in one of four widely spaced sites. Each site has enough room for multiple tents and includes a fire pit and picnic table. The sites are just a short walk from our shower/restroom facility. The fishing ponds are just a quarter mile walk from the campsites, and access to the numerous trails throughout our 940-acre property is directly from the campsites. While we have four designated sites, it is rare for all to be full, and likely that you'll be the only campers here most days. We are located in a very remote/rural part of Illinois in a county nestled between the Mississippi& Illinois Rivers, but only 75 miles north of downtown St. Louis. We have been included in John Shirle's"The Best in Tent Camping: Illinois." The McCully Heritage Project is a 940- acre environmental center located one mile south of Kampsville in beautiful and remote Calhoun County. We are a private non-profit left as the legacy of Howard and Eva McCully.
- Pets
- Fires
- Reservable
- ADA Access
- Tents
- Group
$20 - $100 / night
7. Indian Camp Creek Park
Be the first to review!•10 SavesIndian Camp Creek Park is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts. It is St. Charles County’s largest park with 603 acres, including more than 10 miles of multi-use trails for hiking, biking, and equestrian use. Camping, disc golf, fishing and an inclusive playground are just some of the amenities found there. Situated at the confluence of Big Creek and Indian Camp Creek, fishing is plentiful. A large lake on the property is stocked with bluegill, bass, and catfish.
History lovers will find the park exciting as well and will want to find their way to the historical Cannon family cemetery. This cemetery has been preserved on park property and has headstones dating back to the early 19th century. Additionally, a "ghost structure" of the original log cabin built in the late 1800s on the site still stands in the park.
Climb to the top of the restored silo, which serves as an observation tower, and discover the beautiful prairies, vast wooded hills, and protected habit found throughout the park.
Group camping site is designed for large group activities and can accommodate up to 100 guests or 200 for an additional fee. Eight individual sites also are available. Rental Fee is $75 per weekday night, or $150 for mandatory two-day weekend reservation.
- Reservable
- Tents
- Group
- Picnic Table
Recent Tent Reviews In St. Louis
298 Reviews of 7 St. Louis Campgrounds
Ben T.
Scout
Illini Campground — Eldon Hazlet State Recreation Area
Wonderful campground
Right next to a huge reserve for fishing and boating. Campsites are very spaced out. We had 30 amp electric but no water on the campsite. Wasn't a problem for us we just filled our water tank. Bathrooms and showers were very clean. Look forward to coming back
Roger W.
Legend
Dam East - Mcnair Campground
Location Great for Travel
McNair ACE: Tate 4 for cleanliness and stopover location for travels on nearby highway. (Scale 1- bad, 5-Very good
(72 yr olds in 27’ trailer.)
Overall Rating: 4 Price 2024: $ 9w interagency pass Security: no Usage during visit: 1/3 Visual Privacy Between Adjacent Sites: no Site Spacing: closer Pad surface: blacktop Reservations: Required Campground Noise: No Outside Road Noise: no Through Traffic in campground: no Electric Hookup: yes Sewer Hookup: no Dump Station: yes Potable Water Available: At site Bathroom: Nice flush Showers: small private Cell Service (AT&T): 2-3 bars Setting: near lake Recent Weather: 80s Insects: no Host: yes Rig Size: large Sites: Outside sites are by far the best. 16,17,18 are favorites .
Joel R.Legend
Pin Oak Creek RV Park
Old and shows wear
This is an older RV park and campground, and the age shows. We spent several nights here due to engine problems with our tow vehicle. The sites are level, and there is plenty of shade. (One advantage of being an older park.) But everything is just a little run down. The sites are gravel and close together do not much privacy. They come with water, sewer & electric. There is a pool (closed when we were there), playground, mini golf, a lake, game room, laundry and a small store with basics. The bathroom and showers were clean, but dated. Not all facilities were in working order. Two of 6 washers were out of service, one bathroom stall was out of order, pot holes in the road. There are also cabins, and RVs available to rent. There is quite a bit of traffic noise from I-44 and there are a lot of excess lights kept on all night long. The staff was friendly and check in was easy. Many of the sites are occupied be semi-permanent residents. They have internet, but it is weak and spotty. Saturday night they had a band making noise for 3 hours!
- Nathaniel B.
Traveler
St. Peters' 370 Lakeside Park
Best campsite we've found to explore STL
Well maintained and well managed park. Staff on duty at all hours is awesome! We called ahead but didn't need a reservation. It is a city park and had that feel... not many trees for shade but the lake was pretty and the playground was good for the kiddos. Five minutes from food and stores. 30 minutes from downtown Saint Louis. I'll
Helge Vandel J.ScoutKampsville River Park
Nice place near the river
Good value. 25$ for an RV site with water, dump and power. Payment at the village hall.
Still vacant sites in July.
- Helge Vandel J.Scout
Horseshoe Lake State Park Recreation Area
Nice spot and great value
Great spot in a beautiful area close to St. Louis. No power but access to drinking water and waste water dump for just 8$.
- RRick I.Traveler
Cherokee Lakes Campground
Secluded and spacious tent camping sites
I spent a night here camping while on a road trip. The check-in was quick and easy. The host showed me the tent campsites, which are secluded and private from the RV sites. The sites are outfitted with a picnic table and brick fire rings. Some have water spickets. There's a central covered picnic area. Lots of shade and tall trees. You'll want to check them for dead limbs before setting up your site. I didn't ask if hammock camping is allowed. There are at least two sites that would work nicely for a hammock. A portable toilet is available to keep the area sanitary for urgent needs; the flush toilets, laundry, and fitness center at the main entrance are also available for a longer walk or short drive.
Kelsey S.
GuideIllini Campground — Eldon Hazlet State Recreation Area
Beautiful secluded location
We stayed for 1 night, had a spot in the back with a perfect view of the lake. Lots of room for dogs.
William Y.TravelerIllini Campground — Eldon Hazlet State Recreation Area
Wonderful surprise
Arrived just after a terrible storm so parts of the park were closed for clean up. The parts that were open were all cleaned up, spacious sites, easy access, with fantastic hosts. An absolutely beautiful evening in gorgeous surroundings…we’ll be back and so glad we stumbled upon this place. Didn’t use the showers so can’t report on the facilities….
- KKen P.Scout
Hillbillie Ranch
Hillbillie Ranch is not there anymore
They are no longer a campground. Bought out now private property.
Denni G.Traveler
Washington State Park
Washington state park
Very secluded!!! Hiking was great!
- SSuzie S.Traveler
St. Peters' 370 Lakeside Park
Good now, and will be really nice when the trees get bigger
Stayed here most of the several weeks we needed to be in St. Louis for family matters. Definitely our favorite place in the area. The grounds are clean and pleasant, if a bit sparse with little shade. This will change over the subsequent years, however, as there are many relatively newly planted trees. The nicest spots are the ones by the lake, with only one neighbor and a better view of the lake. The staff are kind and helpful. Water and electric worked fine. Each site has a fire pit and picnic table. Trash and recycling receptacles are huge and convenient. My only complaint is the poorly thought out sink situation in the bathrooms which make it impossible to wash in a sanitary way as you must hold the tap to keep the water flowing and there are no paper towels to that with, only hand dryers. There is boating and archery on site, a dog run, and a small playground.
David T.GuideWashington State Park
December Camp
Loved the campground! However, lesson learned to reserve a campsite further from the road. Great hiking trails. Fishing not so much. Scenic views. Easy plug n play electric on a 30 amp box, no issues with blowing fuses like I have at other big state parks. Clean vault toilets (I didn't like how people would drive into the park from the highway just to use the bathroom).. overall good stay though. I'll definitely go back!
Heather N Q.ScoutPin Oak Creek RV Park
Pin oak nice spot
Great Quiet Fair priced.
Tony S.Scout
Robertsville State Park
Nice and secluded
Not much to do here, it's just a place for me to camp 15 minutes from home. I has a nice loop trail behind the camp ground that goes down to the river.
Mike L.Traveler
St. Charles County Klondike Park
Fantastic Camping Just Off The Katy Trail
I have bike-packed along the Katy and this is an excellent spot for an overnight(s) stay. It is a tough, but short, climb from the trail. You may have to walk up the hill - challenge made :-) . This is a St. Charles County Park and it is well maintained. They also have small cabins though pretty basic. Make sure to store your food securely overnight - the racoons are pretty thick and hungry at night. I have also done short bike-packing trips from Chesterfield and St. Charles for an overnight(s) stay. If you need it, grab food in Augusta or Defiance before arriving. There are no services in the park.
- CCraig H.Scout
Beyond the Trail RV Park
Convenient Location
The location of the campground is ideal being located adjacent to the Katy bike trail and within walking distance from restaurants, a brewery and wineries. The sites are mostly open, small and tight for larger RVs. The roads are all gravel as are the sites and there is limited grassy areas. The site services, electric, water and sewer, are located to the front of the site and extensions were needed for both the electric and sewer. The park has no onsite laundry and there are none in town. If it wasn't for the location I would probably give the park 2 stars.
- Tami G.Scout
St. Louis NE-Granite City KOA
No pets allowed in camping area
Wild pads are allowed in the RV area. They are not allowed in the camping area.
Brooklyn G.ScoutBeyond the Trail RV Park
Safe, convenient, last minute
Easy to book online even the day of. Choose your spot ahead of time and pull in, easy as that! There are RV & tent sites, bathrooms with hot showers. Had no problem booking around 7pm the day of and arrived around 1 am quietly set up in my previously reserved spot. Check out is at 2 pm
Aloha M.GuideCarlyle lake
Illini campground 7/23
Awesome campground, fill hoses available for your rig, 30 amp power. Fun little trails, boat rentals and a swimming “beach” . On-site store and nicely groomed campgrounds.
- SSuzyTraveler
Dr Edmund A Babler Memorial SP
If I Could Leave Zero Stars I Would
I have stayed in hundreds of places and hiked many miles and have never experienced a tick infestation like I did at this park. I stopped counting at 20(!!!) pulled off my dogs(yes, they are on prevention meds), myself(yes, I was wearing DEET), and inside my camper in just two days. 0/10 do NOT recommend
Greg E.TravelerSt. Charles County Klondike Park
Awesome Experience
Did a 2 night tent camp with my family and it was awesome. We had a great time on the trails and near the Mighty Missouri River.
Angelo L.ScoutMGM Campground
MGM lakeside
Great place , but difficult to make reservation.
- RRansom J.Guide
Washington State Park
Beautiful out of the way park
Getting here is an adventure but the park is nice. I only had 30 amp electric and no water or sewer hookup. Didn’t see any sites with water but there were ample water spigots to fill our tank.
Jay B.GuideIllini Campground — Eldon Hazlet State Recreation Area
Illini campground: Huge sites and wonderfully nice hosts 0
Popped in late on July 4th during a cross-country trip just for the night. Wonderful hosts checked us in (Happy Anniversary!) Absolutely huge site with old growth trees throughout the campground without lots of space between.
- BBrittany F.Scout
Dr Edmund A Babler Memorial SP
Good and Simple
Good spot for a St.Louis stop. Sites are paved and relatively level. $25 for electric only but with a dump and fresh water fill up stations. Hot water showers in bathrooms. Reservations on the website are until 7pm day-of or first-come first-served need to arrive by 9pm before gate closes. Little tags on each site to say which is still available for that night. No pay station so if office is closed can pay in the a.m.
- NNatalie M.Guide
Dr Edmund A Babler Memorial SP
Huge Spaces- Very Private and Clean!
We booked this campground because we were spending time in St Louis. It only took about 35 minutes to get from here to downtown. The campground is close to grocery stores and lots of shopping! The sites themselves are very clean and well kept. Our site, 32, was huge and grassy! If you want to be close to the playground and bathrooms, this site was perfect.
Guide to St. Louis
Camping near St. Louis, MO, offers a great mix of outdoor fun and relaxation. With several campgrounds to choose from, you can find the perfect spot for your next adventure.
What to do:
- Hiking: Explore the beautiful trails at Hawn State Park Campground. One camper mentioned, "The hiking is some of the best in Missouri," highlighting the scenic views and well-maintained paths.
- Fishing: Enjoy fishing at Cuivre River State Park Campground. A visitor noted, "The park did have nice trails, fishing areas, breathtaking riverside views."
- Swimming: If you're looking to cool off, check out Washington State Park Campground, which has a swimming pool. One reviewer said, "There is even a swimming pool if the river isn’t your thing."
What campers like:
- Clean facilities: Campers appreciate the cleanliness of the parks. At Meramec State Park Campground, a visitor remarked, "Park was clean, and very pretty."
- Friendly staff: Many campers enjoy the helpfulness of the staff. A reviewer at Cuivre River State Park Campground said, "Good campground. Be aware some bathrooms might be locked up depending upon time of year so plan your spot accordingly."
- Secluded spots: Campers often seek out quieter areas. One camper at Hawn State Park Campground mentioned, "It’s a little smaller than, say, Meramec, and I think because of that it’s pretty quiet."
What you should know:
- Site proximity: Some campgrounds have sites that are close together. A visitor at St. Louis West / Historic Route 66 KOA noted, "The sites were too close together (very small sites) and the park was too noisy for us."
- Limited amenities: Not all campgrounds have full amenities. At Dr. Edmund A. Babler Memorial State Park Campground, a camper shared, "The sites themselves are very clean and well kept. Our site, 32, was huge and grassy!"
- Wildlife encounters: Be prepared for wildlife. A family camping at Meramec State Park Campground mentioned, "Our site had skunks and raccoons each night."
Tips for camping with families:
- Choose the right site: Look for sites that are spacious and family-friendly. A camper at Cuivre River State Park Campground said, "The tent camping side is well shaded with a lot of room between sites."
- Plan for activities: Make sure to have a list of activities. One family at Hawn State Park Campground enjoyed the "Natural Wonders Trail" and the visitors’ center.
- Bring games and toys: Keep the kids entertained. A camper at St. Peters' 370 Lakeside Park mentioned, "Lots of things to rent - bikes, paddle boats, etc., for daytime activities."
Tips from RVers:
- Check site size: Make sure your RV fits the site. A visitor at Washington State Park Campground noted, "I only had 30 amp electric and no water or sewer hookup."
- Level your rig: Some sites may not be perfectly level. A camper at St. Louis West / Historic Route 66 KOA said, "The site was not level front to back and we had to build a sizable pyramid with our blocks to get the rig leveled out."
- Plan for power outages: Be prepared for potential power issues. One RV traveler at Dr. Edmund A. Babler Memorial State Park Campground mentioned, "Other than the entire campground losing power Sunday morning and frying my coffee maker, it was a good stay."
Camping near St. Louis, MO, has something for everyone, whether you're looking for a family getaway or a peaceful retreat.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent campsite near St. Louis, MO?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near St. Louis, MO is St. Charles County Klondike Park with a 5-star rating from 4 reviews.
What is the best site to find tent camping near St. Louis, MO?
TheDyrt.com has all 7 tent camping locations near St. Louis, MO, with real photos and reviews from campers.