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Best Tent Camping near University City, MO

290 Reviews

Tent campsites near University City, Missouri are concentrated in several surrounding state and county parks within a 30-60 minute drive. Dr. Edmund A. Babler Memorial State Park in Wildwood and Klondike Park in Augusta offer established tent camping options with varying levels of amenities. St. Charles County Klondike Park provides additional tent-specific sites that require reservations and are in high demand, particularly during summer months.

Campground surfaces vary significantly across the region's tent camping areas. Most tent sites at Babler State Park feature concrete pads with some sites having grassy areas suitable for tent setup, though several reviewers note that many designated tent spots lack level ground. One camper observed that "sites are a mix of shaded, partial-shade, and full sun" with sites 52-75 being "much more treed and have a private feel to them" where most tent campers prefer to stay. Walk-in tent sites at Klondike Park require carrying gear from parking areas to campsites, with distances varying from short walks to more extended hikes for primitive locations.

The tent camping experience in the University City region offers surprising seclusion despite proximity to metropolitan St. Louis. At Babler State Park, tent campers access miles of hiking, biking, and equestrian trails directly from their sites. According to reviews on The Dyrt, "you wouldn't know you were that close to a big city. It is clean and feels extremely safe." Klondike Park features spectacular views with sandy shores around a small pond and well-maintained hiking trails. Seasonal considerations affect the tent camping experience, with raccoon activity noted as particularly problematic at Babler State Park. Most tent-friendly campgrounds in the region provide fire rings and picnic tables, but availability of drinking water varies seasonally, with some parks shutting off water service during winter months. Ticks are frequently mentioned in reviews of both major parks, particularly during spring and early summer months.

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Best Tent Sites Near University City, Missouri (11)

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Recent Tent Camping Photos near University City, MO

26 Photos of 11 University City Campgrounds

Tent Camping Reviews near University City, MO

290 Reviews of 11 University City Campgrounds

  • Jessica B.
    Apr. 4, 2022

    Dr. Edmund A. Babler Memorial State Park Campground

    Our 1st Trip In Our Camper!

    We loved our stay at Babler, aside from the snow & wind - the park is great! Review below ⬇️

    ⛺️ S I T E R E V I E W ⛺️

    📍 Dr. Edmund A. Babler State Park Wildwood, MO

    💰 $12-$21/night

    🗓 Feb 19-21, 2022

    Site 48 ⚡️💧

    🦮 Pets Welcome (on leash at all times)

    ➕Concrete Pads, Quiet, Close to Interstate 40, Paved Roads, Easy to Access, Gated Overnight with access code

    ➖Small/Close Sites, No Water in Off Season, Only Vault Toilets - No Showers in Off Season

    📶 AT&T Service 4 out of 5

    🚮 Dump Station located behind bathhouse. NO WATER during off season!

    🚻AMENITIES •Playground •Hiking, Biking & Equestrian Trails •Wood & Ice •Interpretive Programs •Visitor Center •Special Use Area •Laundry, Flush Toilets & Showers ON SEASON ONLY!

    🏕SITES Reservable 12 Months-FCFS in off season 72 Reservable 8 Accessible sites Basic - Electric Concrete Back In Lantern Hook, Picnic Table & Fire Ring

    ⏰ HOURS/DATES April - October 7:am - 9:pm Nov - March 7:am - 6:pm

    🔺Park Office 8:30am - 4:pm M-F

    🔺Visitor Center April - Oct 9:am - 4:30pm W - Sun Nov - March 9:am - 4:pm - Sat-Sun Dec - Feb CLOSED

  • k
    Jun. 28, 2016

    Klondike Park

    Klondlike county

    Really nice place when you get into the woods. There is hiking trails which was wonderful. There is a winery nearby. My campsite was amazing, it was clean and wasn't too far from the restrooms. There is picnic tables and fire rings. I usually bring my own firewood because i believe in the leave no trace rule. I would definitly come back to this site

  • R
    Jun. 30, 2024

    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.

  • Shelly S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Nov. 6, 2020

    Beaver Dam State Park Campground

    Saw no Beaver

    Beaver Dam State Park, Il

    We did an overnighter here. We arrived in time to get a hike in before dinner meal.

    The trail map is very basic and not totally accurate. The trails are poorly marked but with basic knowledge of your compass points you can figure them out. Staff may be limited due to Corona , so the trail maintenance may have suffered, it is overgrown in several areas. The overlook to the marsh is pretty cool. I found no mileage for the trails , there may be a purchasable map with more information or of course a trail App. The lake is picturesque and busy. Lotsa fisher people here. The trail goes all the way around the lake with several fishing spots. Theres a boat ramp near the parking area and several docks to use across the lake. A nice feature is located next to the boat ramp, a fish cleaning pavilion complete with pull down hoses.

    The campground had an interesting set up. The sites in the loops are gravel and you have room but not a lot of privacy. I was in site 26 and you have to back between the two other sites into this one. Not difficult in my van but it could get interesting with a camper. I don’t think you would have the room to pull in and circle out. Electric at these sites , no water. There were hydrants spaces throughout for your water needs. The fire “rings” were interesting, with a flat “platform” to set your coals/fire on. Nice campground, I felt like somewhat of an outsider here, the occupants were possibly locals who obviously use the entire 14 day stay limit. Otherwise nice, basic, water activity centered campground. I did not see any swimming areas.

  • Hannah W.
    Jul. 15, 2021

    Cuivre River State Park Campground

    Beautiful campground and warm showers

    The campsites and grounds are well-maintained. However, the campsites did not have designated gravel tent pads. Given that we had to set up in/right after a rain, our tarp was sitting in grass and mud. I never knew how much I appreciated a designated gravel tent pad until then. Having never camped here, we had reserved site 25 and had the whole loop to ourselves (it was a Monday night, though). Our site, though, was the smallest in the loop, tucked away in the weeds, and the only area to pitch our tent was on a slight slope. After walking the loop, I noticed that sites 26 and 29, offered more room and were better maintained. We probably could’ve changed sites had we not arrived so late and in the rain.

    Firewood is available for $5. We saw a nice playground at the entrance. There were plenty of showers (water was nice and hot!) and flush toilets in the bathhouse. The bathhouse could use some TLC, but the warm water made up for it. There are laundry facilities, though we didn’t use them.

  • Annie C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 29, 2016

    Horseshoe Lake State Park Campground

    Horseshoe Lake Recreation Area

    Nice little campground close to down town St Louis (when the leaves are down I bet you can see the Arch). Campsites are nice and flat with the standard picnic tables and fire rings. No showers, but decent toilets. The nice thing is the campground is staffed by rangers in the day, and at night they sometimes take a security swing through the campground. Nice lake for fishing and boating.

  • Maria E.
    Jul. 18, 2021

    Cuivre River State Park Campground

    Immersed in Nature

    Campground is beautiful and very woodsy. We saw bunnies hopping around and when we first arrived to our site a deer was grazing nearby, such a bonus! No electricity but water was conveniently located right across from our site to do dishes and whatnot. Staking the tent wasn’t difficult at all. Our site was fairly spacious and a not super close to others which we liked. The sites by the vault toilet looked closer together so I could see that being a cool spot for multiple families or friend groups. Don’t leave anything out at night or raccoons will scavenge, we accidentally left our trash bag hanging (ugh!) but that was our fault. We stayed only one night passing through on a road trip but would stay again if we end up in the area.

  • Annie C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 17, 2016

    Dr. Edmund A. Babler Memorial State Park Campground

    Babler State Park

    Nice state park close to St Louis. Good, if short, trails. The campground is used a lot by RV and campers, not so much by tenters. Lots of campsites had electric. All had the standard pininic tables and fire rings, and the campground has a decent and clean shower house. You might end up pitching your tent on a parking pad as many tent sites don't have level grassy spots for your tent. Sites are not very private, and some are right on top of the next. I like sites 65 and 58 for their privacy or grassy tent spots.

  • MThe Dyrt PRO User
    Nov. 2, 2021

    St. Peters' 370 Lakeside Park

    Great stop over with dozens (hundreds?) of sites

    We stayed here as we blitzed across the country (16 hour days!!) This was the perfect flat spot right off of the highway for us to pull in, open our roof top tent, eat some freeze dried food and go to bed. 

    There is a 24/7 security guard who takes you to your site (Security and maybe because one could easily get lost?) Showers and restrooms are located throughout the campground. 

    Truthfully, we were only there for maybe 8 hours before we got back in the car and took off again. I would definitely stay again in our larger trailer if we find ourselves in the area because of it's location to St. Louis it's a clear draw for those who want to visit the city and stay... not in the city.

Guide to University City

Discover the charm of tent camping near University City, Missouri, where nature meets adventure in a variety of beautiful settings.

Tent campers like these nearby activities

  • Enjoy a scenic bike ride along the Katy Trail and then set up camp at St. Charles County Klondike Park, which offers well-maintained sites and access to beautiful trails.
  • Experience group camping and float trips at Old Cove, where you can enjoy a fun-filled day on the Meramec River followed by a cozy night under the stars.
  • Explore the picturesque landscapes and hiking trails at McCully Heritage Project, perfect for families looking to combine outdoor fun with relaxation.

Tips for tent camping near University City

  • Make sure to secure your food at St. Charles County Klondike Park as raccoons can be quite the nighttime visitors.
  • Bring bug spray when camping at Countryside Escape to fend off mosquitoes, especially if you’re near the pond.
  • For a unique experience, consider camping at Hagood Farm and Trails, where you can enjoy the charm of a working farm while having access to essential amenities.

Features that enhance your camping experience

  • McCully Heritage Project offers free firewood, making it easy to enjoy cozy campfires without extra costs.
  • At Old Cove, each group site comes with a pavilion and picnic tables, perfect for gatherings and meals.
  • Indian Camp Creek Park provides reservable sites, ensuring you have a spot ready for your camping adventure.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular tent campsite near University City, MO?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near University City, MO is Dr. Edmund A. Babler Memorial State Park Campground with a 3.9-star rating from 27 reviews.

What is the best site to find tent camping near University City, MO?

TheDyrt.com has all 11 tent camping locations near University City, MO, with real photos and reviews from campers.

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