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.
