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.
