Best Tent Camping near Valley Park, MO

Several tent campgrounds surround Valley Park, Missouri, with options ranging from established state parks to primitive sites. Dr. Edmund A. Babler Memorial State Park Campground, located in Wildwood, offers tent camping with concrete pads, picnic tables, and fire rings. Klondike Park in Augusta provides walk-in tent sites around a former quarry with scenic views. Little Lost Creek Conservation Area features primitive tent camping with no amenities but compensates with natural beauty and hiking trails. Brazil Creek Recreation Area in Mark Twain National Forest offers a more remote tent camping experience.

Tent sites at these campgrounds vary significantly in terrain and amenities. Babler State Park provides concrete pads that may require careful tent placement, while Klondike Park features more natural surfaces. According to one visitor, "Some sites are closer to the highway and cars flying down the road can make it hard to sleep but after midnight, they stopped." Most primitive tent areas like Brazil Creek and Little Lost Creek lack basic facilities—no water, no bathrooms, and no electricity—requiring campers to be entirely self-sufficient. Seasonal considerations affect availability, with some park facilities closing during winter months. Campers should check ahead for reservation requirements, as popular sites like Klondike Park fill quickly.

The tent camping experience near Valley Park offers varying levels of seclusion and natural settings. Babler State Park provides a forested environment close to St. Louis, making it convenient for weekend getaways. As one camper noted, "You would never know how close you are to a metropolis." Klondike Park's tent sites offer access to hiking trails, a small lake, and proximity to the Katy Trail for biking enthusiasts. Sites at Little Lost Creek Conservation Area provide a more immersive wilderness experience with a challenging hike down to the actual creek. Brazil Creek's primitive tent sites sit along a clear water creek, offering natural cooling and the opportunity to completely disconnect, as there is virtually no cell service in this remote area.

Best Tent Sites Near Valley Park, Missouri (11)

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

    27 Reviews
    Wildwood, MO
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (636) 458-3813

    "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."

    "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."

    2. Klondike Park

    14 Reviews
    Augusta, MO
    19 miles
    Website

    $10 - $65 / night

    "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."

    "A few drive up sites and lots of hike in spots around a quarry turned lake. Beautiful and clean setting. We stayed in site 24. There were picnic tables and a fire pit at our site."

    3. St. Charles County Klondike Park

    5 Reviews
    Augusta, MO
    19 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."

    "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."

    4. Old Cove

    1 Review
    Robertsville, MO
    24 miles
    Website

    $50 - $75 / night

    5. Brazil Creek

    5 Reviews
    Potosi, MO
    49 miles
    Website

    "This camp site is along the berryman trail so you can stay here if youre backpacking said trail."

    "This is a bare bones campground, located in Mark Twain National Forest, it has a place for you to camp and a fire pit, that's it. No facilities, no water, no bathroom, no lights."

    6. Little Lost Creek Conservation Area

    1 Review
    Warrenton, MO
    44 miles
    Website
    +1 (636) 456-3368

    "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."

    7. World Shooting and Recreational Complex

    2 Reviews
    New Athens, IL
    47 miles
    Website
    +1 (618) 295-2700

    8. Countryside Escape

    2 Reviews
    Edwardsville, IL
    40 miles

    $15 - $16 / night

    9. Indian Camp Creek Park

    Be the first to review!
    Foristell, MO
    33 miles
    Website
    +1 (636) 949-7535

    10. Hagood Farm and Trails

    Be the first to review!
    Wappapello Lake, MO
    36 miles
    +1 (636) 432-6267

    $27 - $35 / night

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Recent Tent Camping Photos near Valley Park, MO

23 Photos of 11 Valley Park Campgrounds


Tent Camping Reviews near Valley Park, MO

420 Reviews of 11 Valley Park 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.

  • Annie C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Apr. 30, 2020

    Little Lost Creek Conservation Area

    Great hiking, choose your site carefully

    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. But what the sites are lacking is made up for with scenery and hiking, and it is free. 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). There is a great hike down into a valley with the actual Lost Creek at the bottom, completely worth the hard hike back up out of the valley. The campsite has room for a couple tents(no RV’s here), some great trees for hammocks, a primitive fire ring, and a picnic table. Since you are right next to the parking lot, you will see some traffic during the day with hikers, birders, and others, and there is no privacy for your campsite. Bring everything, including a cat hole shovel, and pack everything out.

  • Staci R.
    Oct. 24, 2017

    Brazil Creek

    No man's land

    No cell signal, and as the other reviewer has said, have your map to get there, because it's easy if you do. Your phone will not get you there. Beautiful clear water creek runs directly behind this "pull off" campground. There is only one actual fire ring & picnic table, but folks have built other rock fire rings dispersed throughout the campground. Just off a main trail to Meramac river and horse and hiking trails. No water, amenities (not even a vault toilet) or cell service.

  • D
    May. 18, 2022

    Brazil Creek

    Great free camping spot

    Stayed here a few nights in May. This camp site is along the berryman trail so you can stay here if youre backpacking said trail. There is only one table and one metal fire ring but people have made various fire rings out of rocks and there is plenty of room for a lot of people. The camp is right by the creek which is ice cold and good for sticking sore feet in :). There are also a few fish in there. In recent years they put in a single vaulted bathroom but thats it! No showers or drinking water if you cant filter the stream water. They also have several hitching posts for horses here since you can ride horses on berryman trail. I have at&t and ive been getting 1 to 3 bars. But the other person im camping withuisnt grtting anything with their provider. Over all I think its a great little spot if youre ok with no electricity, light or just wanna get away from it all for a while.

  • April D.
    Oct. 28, 2018

    Meramec State Park Campground

    Cozy night

    Meramec is a campground centrally located in the Meramec caverns. It is a flat area, soft ground, and open space to camp. Not a lot of privacy from neighbors but it is cozy and everything is close by. Bathrooms could be updated but they are well maintained. Host is kind and halloween trick or treating is the best time to come. Lots of playgrounds and space to play yard games. No trails but it is along a short trail that leads to a cave and the river.

  • 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.


Guide to Valley Park

Tent camping near Valley Park, Missouri provides access to scenic camping opportunities within a 30-mile radius. The area sits at the edge of the Ozark foothills with elevations ranging from 400 to 700 feet above sea level. Seasonal temperature variations affect camping conditions significantly, with summer highs often reaching 90°F while spring and fall temperatures moderate to 60-75°F during daylight hours.

What to do

Hiking technical trails: At Brazil Creek, the nearby trailhead connects to challenging terrain. "A trailhead is nearby for your riding enjoyment. This is what we call a remote or backwoods site in Ky," notes reviewer Shelly S. The area features a "great hike down into a valley with the actual Lost Creek at the bottom, completely worth the hard hike back up out of the valley."

Mountain biking: Klondike Park offers technical mountain biking sections within the park boundaries. One camper shares, "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!"

Fishing opportunities: Multiple camping areas provide fishing access with varying levels of quality. "There is a small lake with overlooking bluffs," at Klondike Park, while World Shooting Complex offers "a lake to boat, kayak or fish from the bank." For creek fishing, Brazil Creek campsites include "a crystal clear steam just deep enough to dangle your tired legs in."

What campers like

Cold water immersion: The natural waterways provide relief during hot summer months. At Brazil Creek Recreation Area, campers appreciate "a crystal clear steam just deep enough to dangle your tired legs in or sit your saddle sore body in the ice cold water." Another reviewer notes the creek is "ice cold and good for sticking sore feet in."

Wineries access: St. Charles County Klondike Park places campers near Missouri's wine country. "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," writes Marty C. Another camper confirms, "Close enough to wineries to bike to."

Cell service variability: For those seeking to disconnect, Brazil Creek offers minimal connectivity. "No cell signal," reports one camper, while another notes "I have at&t and ive been getting 1 to 3 bars. But the other person im camping withuisnt grtting anything with their provider." This contrasts with other campgrounds closer to St. Louis that maintain reliable service.

What you should know

Reservation requirements: Many campgrounds require advance planning. Dr. Edmund A. Babler Memorial State Park Campground fills quickly in peak season: "During the season they fill up quickly," reports Teresa B. "You can reserve sites on-line and the prices are reasonable. A $2 discount is given to seniors."

Off-season bathroom closures: Winter camping presents additional challenges at several locations. At Babler State Park, "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." Another reviewer notes, "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."

Wildlife encounters: Raccoons are particularly active at several campgrounds. One Babler State Park camper warns, "I would say the only issue is the raccoons. They dont give a darn who you are. They will walk right up to, smile, and take your chips. Scandalous!" Proper food storage is essential at all campgrounds in the region.

Tips for camping with families

Kid-friendly hiking challenges: Trail difficulty varies considerably between parks. "The trails are not too long but can be challenging for small kids or folks that are not used to hiking," notes a Babler State Park visitor. For families seeking easier options, "Trails are beautiful and perfect for families wanting to just come to a park for a day and hikers."

Shower facilities: When camping with children, clean shower access matters. Little Lost Creek Conservation Area has "no vault toilet or outhouse," while at Klondike Park "the shower house wash disappointingly dirty for as new as it was, but it was a busy holiday weekend." Babler offers "one main bathhouse with free showers that was very clean."

Group camping options: For larger family gatherings, specific sites accommodate groups better. At Old Cove, "You get a nice open area with a pavillion, picnic tables, and a firering. Each group site is serviced by its own port-a-potty. While this is not an ideal toilet situation, they are clean and stocked."

Tips from RVers

Site surface considerations: At Babler State Park, "All campsites and patios are paved and level with a comfortable amount of space between sites." However, tent campers should note that "You might end up pitching your tent on a parking pad as many tent sites don't have level grassy spots for your tent."

Loop accessibility: Large RVs face limitations at some campgrounds. "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." Navigation challenges exist: "The roads are paved and big rig-friendly (with the exception of one loop that is clearly marked 'short turning radius')."

Amenity limitations: While electric hookups exist at some sites, full services are rare. "If this campground had sewer and water, it would get 5 stars," notes one RV camper at Babler State Park. World Shooting Complex offers the most comprehensive hookups among campgrounds near Valley Park, with sanitary dump stations and both water and sewer connections available.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular tent campsite near Valley Park, MO?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Valley Park, 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 Valley Park, MO?

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