Tent campsites near University City, Missouri provide access to diverse ecosystems where oak-hickory forests meet tall grass prairies at elevations ranging from 400-600 feet. While summer temperatures regularly exceed 90°F with high humidity, most tent areas offer shade options and access to cooling stations. Campgrounds fill quickly on summer weekends, with most sites requiring reservations 3-6 months in advance.
What to do
Mountain biking trails: Klondike Park features technical mountain bike sections within the park boundaries. "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!" explains Mike L. in his review of St. Charles County Klondike Park.
Missouri wine country tours: Tent campers can use Klondike Park as a base for exploring nearby wineries. "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," notes Marty C. from his stay at St. Charles County Klondike Park.
Kayaking and paddleboarding: Some sites offer direct water access for non-motorized watercraft. At McCully Heritage Project, "we have only stayed at the largest site as it has good fishing and a place for us to launch our paddleboards and kayaks," shares Eric in his review.
Float trips on Meramec River: Tent campers can arrange guided float trips from Old Cove campground. "For float trips they pick you up from your campsite and bus you to your put in point. You can float the Meramec for 4 or 9 miles and you end back at the campsite," explains Mara F.
What campers like
Secluded tent sites: Many campers appreciate the more wooded sites at Babler State Park. "It seems this is where most of the tent campers like to be. These sites are farther from the main bathhouse but there is a pit toilet in that loop," notes Nancy W. in her review of Dr. Edmund A. Babler Memorial State Park Campground.
Pond views and sandy beaches: Klondike Park offers unique landscapes not typically found in the region. "The views around the pond are amazing. There is a sandy beach area surrounding the water, making it a great place either lay in the sun or to go fishing," shares Alisha M. from her visit to Klondike Park.
Free firewood: Some campgrounds provide complimentary firewood, saving campers from having to purchase or transport it. "Super inexpensive for the space that you get. Free firewood," reports Eric about McCully Heritage Project.
Multiple terrain types: The region offers varied landscapes within single parks. "Beautiful Park with Multiple Terrains... Trails are beautiful and perfect for families wanting to just come to a park for a day and hikers," writes Jake K. about his experience at St. Charles County Klondike Park.
What you should know
Tent pad surfaces vary: Many campsites lack ideal tent setup areas. "You might end up pitching your tent on a parking pad as many tent sites don't have level grassy spots for your tent," cautions Annie C. about Dr. Edmund A. Babler Memorial State Park Campground.
Walk-in site distances: Some tent sites require carrying gear from parking areas. "Stayed at a walk-in site for a night and enjoyed it. Some sites are closer to the highway and cars flying down the road can make it hard to sleep but after midnight, they stopped," explains Jake K. from St. Charles County Klondike Park.
Wildlife encounters: Local wildlife may visit campsites, particularly after dark. "Watch for ticks. Don't be alarmed if you see cats or the neighbors dogs roaming around the site. They are friendly," warns Eric about McCully Heritage Project.
Seasonal water availability: Water access varies by season and location. "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," notes Archie S. from Dr. Edmund A. Babler Memorial State Park Campground.
Tips for camping with families
Consider proximity to bathrooms: Family-friendly sites should be planned based on bathroom access. "There is one main bathhouse with free showers that was very clean. There are also two vault toilets located in the campground," explains Nancy W. about Dr. Edmund A. Babler Memorial State Park Campground.
Look for child-friendly hiking options: Some parks offer trails suited for various ability levels. "The trails are not too long but can be challenging for small kids or folks that are not used to hiking," advises Scott M. from his stay at Dr. Edmund A. Babler Memorial State Park Campground.
Choose sites away from high-traffic areas: Quieter sites provide better experiences for families. "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," shares Nancy W. describing Dr. Edmund A. Babler Memorial State Park Campground.
Check for playground access: Some parks offer additional recreational facilities. "We had a picnic and the kids got to play on the playground equipment," mentions Leo S. about his day visit to McCully Heritage Project.
Tips from RVers
Plan for limited water access: Even for small RVs, water availability can be challenging. "There is no sewer or water at individual sites but water spigots are scattered throughout the campground and there is a dump station with potable water fill-up," notes Nancy W. about Dr. Edmund A. Babler Memorial State Park Campground.
Use camp host assistance for site selection: Camp hosts can provide crucial information about suitable sites. "The camp hosts we encountered are very helpful and have a list of site lengths and can tell you which ones are appropriate for large RVs," recommends Nancy W. from Dr. Edmund A. Babler Memorial State Park Campground.
Road navigation challenges: Some campground roads have limited turning radius. "We ended up dragging our camper through the whole park before we found the road to the campgrounds," cautions Archie S. about his experience at Dr. Edmund A. Babler Memorial State Park Campground.
