Tent camping near Union, Missouri offers diverse options in the region's rolling Ozark foothills, situated between 500-900 feet in elevation. The area's humid continental climate brings hot summers and mild winters, with most campgrounds open year-round despite seasonal temperature variations. Fall camping is particularly popular due to comfortable temperatures in the 60s and colorful foliage displays throughout the surrounding forests.
What to do
Fishing access points: Fredericksburg Ferry Access provides free primitive camping with easy access to the Gasconade River. "Fredericksburg Access is a free campground with about 10 primitive sites. Grassy coverage with a mix of gravel or grass pull-ins," notes one camper who visited in July.
Mountain biking trails: Klondike Park offers technical mountain biking sections within the park boundaries. According to a reviewer, "One other really cool thing about Klondike is there are several technical mountain bike sections that are located in the park. Bring your mountain bike and have a go!"
Winery visits: Multiple campgrounds serve as convenient bases for exploring Missouri wine country. A camper at St. Charles County Klondike Park explains, "This Campground places you in the heart of Missouri Wine Country and there's a perfect base for visiting the wineries and restaurants along highway 94."
What campers like
Clear water creeks: Brazil Creek provides opportunities to cool off during hot months. "A short walk to a crystal clear steam just deep enough to dangle your tired legs in or sit your saddle sore body in the ice cold water," describes one satisfied visitor who enjoyed this primitive camping area.
Night sky viewing: Some campgrounds offer excellent stargazing opportunities away from city lights. At Fredericksburg Ferry Access, campers report: "Lots of trees but still great stargazing at night. We even saw a few meteors!"
Bike-friendly accommodations: For cyclists exploring regional trails, St. Charles County Klondike Park provides convenient access. "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."
What you should know
Road conditions: Some primitive sites require appropriate vehicles. At Courtois Creek Dispersed camping, one visitor warns: "The road to get there isn't a road so much as a ATV trail. All wheel drive and it was too hard on my Subaru. Mostly washed out."
Limited facilities: Many tent camping options near Union, Missouri are primitive with minimal amenities. At Little Lost Creek Conservation Area, "There are single campsites on both the north and south ends of the conservation area, and none of them have any amenities- no water, no vault toilet or outhouse, no firewood for sale."
Seasonal closures: Some conservation areas restrict camping during hunting seasons. A reviewer notes about Little Lost Creek: "The conservation area is closed to camping during various hunting seasons (I ran into a hunter scoping out his turkey hunting spot for the following week's hunt)."
Tips for camping with families
Beginner-friendly sites: Babler Memorial State Park offers a good balance of amenities and nature for families. "What we liked about this campground was the comfortable feel of being at a state park with plenty of trees, hiking trails, space between sites, but also the convenience of having a level, paved site with electricity and television/phone reception."
Wildlife awareness: Local wildlife can be active around campsites. One camper warns: "Make sure to store your food securely overnight - the raccoons are pretty thick and hungry at night."
Swimming considerations: Water access varies significantly between locations. At Fredericksburg Ferry Access: "The swim there requires crossing a moderately sized river that is relatively swift. This is fine for people who swim well but not recommended for young children or weak swimmers especially without flotation devices."
Tips from RVers
Site selection guidance: At Babler Memorial State Park, certain areas work better for different camping styles. "Sites 13-33 are popular open and sunny campsites with nice grassy areas between them. In contrast sites 52-75 are much more treed and have a private feel to them. It seems this is where most of the tent campers like to be."
Seasonal amenities: Winter camping requires additional preparation. "The campground is open year-round but the bathhouse with flush toilets closes November 1 and doesn't open until the spring. During the winter the only water spigot is available located near the camp hosts at site #36."
Navigation challenges: Some campgrounds lack clear directional guidance. "The signage is not great and the visitor center was closed (presumably due to COVID concerns) so there was no one to ask directions. We ended up dragging our camper through the whole park before we found the road to the campgrounds."
