Best Campgrounds near Union, MO

The rolling hills surrounding Union, Missouri feature a mix of state parks, private campgrounds, and riverside camping areas within a 30-mile radius. Meramec State Park Campground, located about 15 miles southwest of Union, provides year-round camping with full hookup sites, tent areas, and cabins along the Meramec River. Nearby, Meramec Caverns Natural Campground offers 200 sites with similar amenities plus access to the famous cave system. Robertsville State Park Campground, situated northeast of Union, provides boat-in and drive-in camping options with electric hookups and shower facilities. The region balances developed campgrounds with more rustic options, creating opportunities for both RV travelers and tent campers.

Reservations are essential at most established campgrounds, particularly during summer weekends and fall color season. Many state park campgrounds feature concrete pads for RVs and level tent sites, though drainage can be an issue during heavy rains. As one camper noted about Onondaga Cave State Park, "Avoid campsite 65 when it rains. We had over an inch of standing water on the concrete pad when we arrived." Most campgrounds in the area maintain well-kept shower facilities and bathrooms, with varying levels of hookups available. Cell service is generally reliable throughout the region, though coverage may be spotty in some river valleys. Winter camping is available at several locations, though water systems may be winterized during freezing temperatures.

State park campgrounds receive consistently high ratings for their natural settings and recreational opportunities. Campers frequently mention the excellent hiking trails, cave tours, and river access as highlights of their stays. The Katy Trail, a 240-mile rails-to-trails project, connects several camping areas and provides cycling opportunities. According to one visitor at Beyond the Trail RV Park, "The Katy trail borders the park for easy access to town. Beautiful views across a large farm field to the hills beyond with incredible sunsets." Visitors also appreciate the proximity to Missouri wine country, with several campgrounds serving as convenient bases for exploring local wineries. Noise levels vary significantly between rural state parks and campgrounds closer to highways or urban areas, with some RV parks near St. Louis experiencing noise from nearby transportation corridors.

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Best Camping Sites Near Union, Missouri (102)

    1. Meramec State Park Campground

    56 Reviews
    Sullivan, MO
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (573) 468-6072

    $12 - $48 / night

    "Miles upon miles of trails. Spacious campground, caves to explore, old time blast furnace to explore, fresh Missouri spring with exceptional fishing. Then theres a general store with a restaurant"

    "Growing up near here, this was the state park that my family always went to. Forty some years later, it is still my favorite park in Missouri. I enjoy camping here with my family and friends."

    2. Pin Oak RV Park

    15 Reviews
    Union, MO
    4 miles
    Website
    +1 (406) 962-1501

    "Nice little lake to fish in and areas to walk around in."

    "We were close to the playground though, which had bright lights at night and loud kids - I would avoid that area next time."

    3. St. Louis West / Historic Route 66 KOA

    30 Reviews
    Eureka, MO
    16 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."

    4. Robertsville State Park Campground

    13 Reviews
    Robertsville, MO
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (636) 257-3788

    "Hiking trails, a stocked pond, meramec river access, 12 basic and 13 electric shaded campsites available, play ground away from the campground and shelters available to rent for a family gathering. 2 trails"

    "The hook up sites are on the inside of the loop and the tent sites are on the outside of the loop. You need to look carefully for a level tent site as some are fairly slopped."

    5. Meramec Caverns Natural Campground

    20 Reviews
    Stanton, MO
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (573) 468-3166

    $23 - $38 / night

    "We had arrived a little too early in the camping season and we happened to pick days where Missouri had a cold front (previous weekend was warm)."

    "Security patrols around the clock and doesn't put up with any ridiculousness.

    Campsites available on pavement, gravel for campers and RVs and grass for tents."

    6. Klondike Park

    14 Reviews
    Augusta, MO
    13 miles
    Website

    $10 - $65 / night

    "The views are spectacular with some sandy shores of a small pond in the middle of the campground and some great trails. Augusta is a nice place away from St. Louis and a short drive down 94."

    "Amazing park close to the city. Great lake and hiking trails. Access to the Katy and bike trails. Camp site are large, warning that some are hike in and not car camping."

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

    27 Reviews
    Wildwood, MO
    20 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."

    8. Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park Resort At Six Flags

    13 Reviews
    Eureka, MO
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (636) 938-5925

    "pros- activities for kids/fam nice pool tons of trees easy access from highway close amenities (Walmart, six flags, etc) close to StL (tons to do) we did grants farm and city museum one day"

    "We spent a weekend here because we wanted to be close to six flags. I swear this place was more fun!!!"

    9. St. Charles County Klondike Park

    5 Reviews
    Augusta, MO
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (636) 949-7535

    "The campground is located in a gym of a park located along the Missouri River. Reservations are required and the sites are in high demand. Tent camping only. There is water available in the park."

    "We had a great time on the trails and near the Mighty Missouri River."

    10. Birch Creek RV Park

    2 Reviews
    Union, MO
    3 miles
    Website
    +1 (314) 819-3151

    $30 - $40 / night

    "It’s very close to the highway so there is lots of highway noise. Some sites are farther away so not so bad. There is easy access from I-44.

    30 & 50-Amp Electrical, Water & Sewer Hook-ups."

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Recent Reviews near Union, MO

782 Reviews of 102 Union 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."

  • Lisa M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 26, 2025

    Meramec State Park Campground

    Huge park right on the River

    We arrived on a Saturday and the park was packed, but were able to have a spot with electric. Campground probably has well over 200 sites with electric, electric and water, and tent camping. Right on the Merrimack river where one could go hang out in the river or float or tube down the river. Cave that is situated in the park that one can pay for a tour Fisher cave. We actually went to the Meramec Caverns tour about 15 miles away. Road into park is fairly narrow and has a pretty good grade going up and down. Park is actually almost 3 miles from the visitor center. Even though the park was very full when we arrived, it emptied out to almost no one on Sunday afternoon. You are nicely spaced apart from other people for the most part. Showers were adequate.

  • 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

    Meramec State Park Campground

    Lots of spots, close to highway

    Great park close to hwy 44 (5ish minutes + drive to campground) Lots of spots to choose from even though it was a Saturday in August. All are pretty flat and open with not much privacy. Showed up at 5pm and chose an open spot but had to call to reserve because I had no cell service (phone worked, internet didn’t). Phone reservation was super easy and efficient. Our spot (#86) had a lot of broken glass under the picnic table and the fire out was filthy. Convenient potable water and dump station areas. We just stopped for the night while driving through the area so didn’t use the park which seems to have tons to do.

  • Linda C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 13, 2025

    Brazil Creek Camping Area

    Small and picturesque

    Stayed one night. Beautiful country drive from 1-44. Abundant shade. No Verizon service. Aggressive horseflies and mosquitoes. Lots of sewer flies in the vault toilet. Water source is creek.

  • J
    Aug. 13, 2025

    Courtois Creek Dispersed

    Not gatekeeping this place.

    I don't live anywhere near here so I'm not going to keep this place a secret. The other reviews make this place seem terrible. I drive a Toyota Highlander and I did the road with no problem. It is not an ATV trail! There was 1 big puddle and 1 sharp rocky turn that I just went slow through. No problem. Probably couldn't do it towing a camper though.

    We were the only people camping there until the next afternoon when a couple families came down with kids to swim and float. The water is amazing. Great for fly fishing and cast fishing.

    Can hear a road and trucks passing fairly nearby. Right across the water on top of a hill is a big house that was chainsawing the next morning but we never saw anyone.

    The dogs got to run and swim.

    Obviously, no bathrooms, electricity or amenities but not far from a town.

    Try it out, it's beautiful.

  • 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.


Guide to Union

Winter camping is available throughout the Union, Missouri area, though several campgrounds reduce services during freezing temperatures. The region's terrain features limestone bluffs, oak-hickory forests, and elevations ranging from 450-900 feet above sea level. Proximity to both the Meramec and Missouri Rivers creates diverse camping environments with variable drainage conditions depending on seasonal rainfall patterns.

What to do

Explore underground cave systems: Fisher Cave at Meramec State Park Campground offers guided tours through impressive formations. According to one camper, "Highly recommend taking a cave tour of Fisher Cave! So neat!" The tours provide educational content about local geology and history.

Bike the Katy Trail: This converted rail trail passes through Augusta near Klondike Park, offering level riding surfaces suitable for all abilities. A visitor noted, "Klondike park is a gorgeous park along the Katy Trail in Augusta, MO. The campsites are very quiet, very family friendly park."

Fish the stocked ponds: Multiple campgrounds maintain fishing ponds with catchable species. At Pin Oak RV Park, "Fishing pond was a blast for the kids!" Another camper mentioned, "There is a pond with some decent sized fish in it."

Seasonal weekend activities: Many campgrounds schedule structured events throughout camping season. One visitor to Jellystone Park noted, "We go every October for Halloween... Staff and owners are great lots to do for the kids."

What campers like

Woodland camping sites: Tree cover provides shade during summer months when temperatures frequently exceed 90°F. A camper at Robertsville State Park Campground reported, "I am loving my stay here at robertsville. The area is immaculately clean... It's in the tall trees with lots of shade and greenery you kind of feel like you're in a jungle."

Well-maintained shower facilities: Multiple campgrounds receive positive reviews for clean bathroom facilities. "The bathroom and showers were clean, but dated. Not all facilities were in working order," according to one candid review of Pin Oak RV Park.

Quiet weekday stays: Lower occupancy during weekdays creates more peaceful camping experiences. One visitor to Robertsville State Park noted, "If you go during the week you can have the place pretty much to yourself. And the racoons. Just saying."

River access points: Proximity to waterways allows for swimming, wading and floating activities. A camper at Meramec Caverns Natural Campground shared, "Our kiddos played (with life vests) for 8 hours straight. The river can be dangerous there but if you respect it and have life vests, it makes for an amazing day."

What you should know

Varying site levelness: Many campgrounds have sloped or uneven tent sites. At St. Louis West / Historic Route 66 KOA, one visitor noted, "Decent tent sites, standard ones are definitely more private than those with electric and water." Another camper observed, "The site we had was very small and there are train tracks that run near by the campground so it can be quite noisy."

Wildlife encounters: Raccoons are commonly reported at multiple campgrounds. "They dont give a darn who you are. They will walk right up to, smile, and take your chips. Scandalous!" according to one camper's experience at Babler Memorial State Park.

Cell service variability: Coverage strength differs significantly between locations. A Meramec State Park visitor reported, "The cell phone service is virtually non-existent. We had planned to work from here and had to cut our visit short."

Seasonal closures: Several campgrounds reduce amenities during winter months. At Babler Memorial State Park, "Not having water available except at the camp host, and no open restrooms and showers until after April 1, regardless of when the last freeze is was inconvenient for a spring break trip."

Tips for camping with families

Reserve premium sites when available: Larger campsites provide more space for families with multiple tents or equipment. A camper at Pin Oak noted, "Lot of campers there that are weekend getaways for people rest the space for the year," indicating how quickly preferred spots are taken.

Consider cabin options: Several campgrounds offer cabin rentals as alternatives to tent camping. Klondike Park features "cabins [that] look great from the outside and sit back in the woods," providing more comfort for families with young children.

Check activity schedules: Many campgrounds schedule weekend programming specifically for children. A visitor to Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park Resort shared, "They also host daily kids activities and crafts. A very family friendly campground and would highly recommend if camping with kids!"

Look for playgrounds and recreational facilities: Campgrounds with dedicated play areas keep children entertained. "There is a pool, bike rentals, dog park, movie night, basketball court, and more," reported one family staying at Jellystone Park.

Tips from RVers

Request site specifications before booking: Campground layouts vary significantly in the Union area. A visitor to Pin Oak RV Park cautioned, "The sites are level, and there is plenty of shade. But everything is just a little run down... small campsites, very close to neighbors."

Consider electrical capacity needs: Different campgrounds offer varying hook-up options. One RVer at Meramec State Park noted, "Most of the sites are flat and paved. The campground is right next to the Meramec River. There is WiFi available but it is not reliable."

Check dump station conditions: Not all campgrounds maintain well-functioning dump stations. According to one camper at Robertsville State Park, "The dump station was a little broke down and the camp hosts had two big dogs that never stopped barking."

Plan for highway noise at certain campgrounds: Road noise affects sleep quality at locations near major highways. A reviewer at Historic Route 66 KOA reported, "Close to train tracks and highway, but didn't notice with AC on in the camper."

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Union, MO?

According to TheDyrt.com, Union, MO offers a wide range of camping options, with 102 campgrounds and RV parks near Union, MO and 4 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Union, MO?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Union, MO is Meramec State Park Campground with a 4.3-star rating from 56 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Union, MO?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 4 free dispersed camping spots near Union, MO.