Best Campgrounds near Washington, MO

Washington, Missouri sits at the center of a diverse camping region with both developed campgrounds and more rustic options throughout the area. Nearby options include Pin Oak RV Park in Villa Ridge and Meramec State Park Campground in Sullivan, which offers tent sites, RV hookups and cabin rentals. St. Charles County Klondike Park in Augusta provides tent camping and cabins along the Missouri River, while Beyond the Trail RV Park offers convenient access to the Katy Trail. Several campgrounds within a 30-minute drive feature river access points, historic attractions, and trail connections.

Camping in the region requires planning, particularly during summer months when popular riverside sites fill quickly. Many campgrounds remain open year-round with varying amenities and hookup options. The area experiences hot, humid summers and mild winters, though occasional flooding can affect campgrounds near rivers. Water levels and access to swimming areas may change seasonally, particularly along the Meramec and Missouri Rivers. Reservations are strongly recommended for weekends and holidays at most established campgrounds, especially those with electrical hookups or cabin accommodations. As one camper noted, "We stayed one night in campsite 65. Avoid campsite 65 when it rains. We had over an inch of standing water on the concrete pad when we arrived."

Missouri wine country provides a distinctive backdrop for camping experiences near Washington, with several campgrounds situated near wineries and historic German villages. Campers report high satisfaction with locations that offer water access and trail connections. One visitor shared that Klondike Park is "a gem of a park located along the Missouri River" that places campers "in the heart of Missouri Wine Country and there's a perfect base for visiting the wineries and restaurants along highway 94." Sites near the Katy Trail are particularly popular with cyclists and outdoor enthusiasts, offering easy access to both natural attractions and small-town amenities. Noise levels vary significantly between locations, with some campgrounds experiencing railroad, highway, or airport noise, while others provide more secluded settings.

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Best Camping Sites Near Washington, Missouri (94)

    1. Pin Oak RV Park

    15 Reviews
    Union, MO
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (406) 962-1501

    "The real gem is the little town of Washington about 15 mins away which has great restaurants and an awesome ice cream place."

    "Nice little lake to fish in and areas to walk around in."

    2. Klondike Park

    14 Reviews
    Augusta, MO
    10 miles
    Website

    $10 - $65 / night

    "The views are spectacular with some sandy shores of a small pond in the middle of the campground and some great trails. Augusta is a nice place away from St. Louis and a short drive down 94."

    "Amazing park close to the city. Great lake and hiking trails. Access to the Katy and bike trails. Camp site are large, warning that some are hike in and not car camping."

    3. St. Louis West / Historic Route 66 KOA

    30 Reviews
    Eureka, MO
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (636) 257-3018

    "Our site was gravel to park on with grass around it. Close to train tracks and highway, but didn’t notice with AC on in the camper. Close to 6 flags."

    "This campground is fairly close to downtown and very close to lots of shopping. A great place to stay to stock up on supplies before heading west."

    4. Meramec State Park Campground

    56 Reviews
    Sullivan, MO
    25 miles
    Website
    +1 (573) 468-6072

    $12 - $48 / night

    "Miles upon miles of trails. Spacious campground, caves to explore, old time blast furnace to explore, fresh Missouri spring with exceptional fishing. Then theres a general store with a restaurant"

    "Growing up near here, this was the state park that my family always went to. Forty some years later, it is still my favorite park in Missouri. I enjoy camping here with my family and friends."

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

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

    "Tucked away, not far from St. Louis, you wouldn't know you were that close to a big city. It is clean and feels extremely safe. There aren't many sites, but the ones they have are quiet and spacious."

    "Great for taking long walks or bike rides, although very steep hills.

    Close to St Louis, so you can do some urban exploring."

    6. Robertsville State Park Campground

    13 Reviews
    Robertsville, MO
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (636) 257-3788

    "Hiking trails, a stocked pond, meramec river access, 12 basic and 13 electric shaded campsites available, play ground away from the campground and shelters available to rent for a family gathering. 2 trails"

    "The hook up sites are on the inside of the loop and the tent sites are on the outside of the loop. You need to look carefully for a level tent site as some are fairly slopped."

    7. Beyond the Trail RV Park

    10 Reviews
    Defiance, MO
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (636) 484-0059

    $25 - $58 / night

    "A short 5 minute walk to “downtown” Defiance, the campground is right next to the Katy Trail. Forgot your bike? Walk 3 minutes away and rent one. Want to float the Missouri?"

    "Excellent little RV park behind a brewery. The Katy trail borders the park for easy access to town."

    8. St. Charles County Klondike Park

    5 Reviews
    Augusta, MO
    10 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."

    "We had a great time on the trails and near the Mighty Missouri River."

    9. Meramec Caverns Natural Campground

    20 Reviews
    Stanton, MO
    22 miles
    Website
    +1 (573) 468-3166

    $23 - $38 / night

    "We had arrived a little too early in the camping season and we happened to pick days where Missouri had a cold front (previous weekend was warm)."

    "Security patrols around the clock and doesn't put up with any ridiculousness.

    Campsites available on pavement, gravel for campers and RVs and grass for tents."

    10. Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park Resort At Six Flags

    13 Reviews
    Eureka, MO
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (636) 938-5925

    "pros- activities for kids/fam nice pool tons of trees easy access from highway close amenities (Walmart, six flags, etc) close to StL (tons to do) we did grants farm and city museum one day"

    "We spent a weekend here because we wanted to be close to six flags. I swear this place was more fun!!!"

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Recent Reviews near Washington, MO

739 Reviews of 94 Washington Campgrounds


  • DThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 5, 2025

    Cuivre River State Park Campground

    Quiet and Peaceful

    Cuivre River State Park Campground delivers a lovely, rustic camping experience framed by woods, wildlife, and water. With a variety of site types and decent amenities, it’s ideal for families or solo campers seeking tranquility. Just be selective about your site—some offer better privacy and facilities than others.

  • Eleanor the Airstream R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 27, 2025

    Purina Farms

    PWD National Specialty

    Stayed the week for the PWD National Specialty trials. Convenient, clean, and solid FHUs.

    "Please note that RV reservations are only accepted for those entered(or those who have dogs/cats entered) in an event that has contracted space, which includes the overnight camping lots."

  • Lisa M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 26, 2025

    Meramec State Park Campground

    Huge park right on the River

    We arrived on a Saturday and the park was packed, but were able to have a spot with electric. Campground probably has well over 200 sites with electric, electric and water, and tent camping. Right on the Merrimack river where one could go hang out in the river or float or tube down the river. Cave that is situated in the park that one can pay for a tour Fisher cave. We actually went to the Meramec Caverns tour about 15 miles away. Road into park is fairly narrow and has a pretty good grade going up and down. Park is actually almost 3 miles from the visitor center. Even though the park was very full when we arrived, it emptied out to almost no one on Sunday afternoon. You are nicely spaced apart from other people for the most part. Showers were adequate.

  • Natasha T.
    Aug. 21, 2025

    Cahokia RV Parque

    Very clean place with reasonable prices. price

    They were so accommodating. Even on the phone I didnt feel like a burden

  • Julie F.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 17, 2025

    Meramec State Park Campground

    Lots of spots, close to highway

    Great park close to hwy 44 (5ish minutes + drive to campground) Lots of spots to choose from even though it was a Saturday in August. All are pretty flat and open with not much privacy. Showed up at 5pm and chose an open spot but had to call to reserve because I had no cell service (phone worked, internet didn’t). Phone reservation was super easy and efficient. Our spot (#86) had a lot of broken glass under the picnic table and the fire out was filthy. Convenient potable water and dump station areas. We just stopped for the night while driving through the area so didn’t use the park which seems to have tons to do.

  • Linda C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 13, 2025

    Brazil Creek Camping Area

    Small and picturesque

    Stayed one night. Beautiful country drive from 1-44. Abundant shade. No Verizon service. Aggressive horseflies and mosquitoes. Lots of sewer flies in the vault toilet. Water source is creek.

  • J
    Aug. 13, 2025

    Courtois Creek Dispersed

    Not gatekeeping this place.

    I don't live anywhere near here so I'm not going to keep this place a secret. The other reviews make this place seem terrible. I drive a Toyota Highlander and I did the road with no problem. It is not an ATV trail! There was 1 big puddle and 1 sharp rocky turn that I just went slow through. No problem. Probably couldn't do it towing a camper though.

    We were the only people camping there until the next afternoon when a couple families came down with kids to swim and float. The water is amazing. Great for fly fishing and cast fishing.

    Can hear a road and trucks passing fairly nearby. Right across the water on top of a hill is a big house that was chainsawing the next morning but we never saw anyone.

    The dogs got to run and swim.

    Obviously, no bathrooms, electricity or amenities but not far from a town.

    Try it out, it's beautiful.

  • Sam B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 5, 2025

    Klondike Park

    Love it

    Second time camping here. Much better spot this time, since I could pull right up to the spot, site 26. Last time we were in spot 22. 22 is a long ways from the bathroom and parking lot. The trails are great, the shower house is really nice, lake is beautiful. Will definitely be back.

  • Teresa J.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 4, 2025

    Pin Oak RV Park

    We’ve been staying since may

    We’re still here and love it!


Guide to Washington

Camping near Washington, MO, offers a variety of experiences for outdoor lovers. From scenic parks to family-friendly campgrounds, there’s something for everyone in this beautiful area.

What to do:

  • Hiking: Explore the trails at Cuivre River State Park Campground. One visitor mentioned, "Great location for a weekend getaway, only 1 hour from the city! Hiking trails, level lots, full hookups available."
  • Fishing: The riverside views at Meramec State Park Campground are perfect for fishing. A reviewer noted, "The park did have nice trails, fishing areas, breathtaking riverside views."
  • Caving: Check out the caves at Onondaga Cave State Park Campground. One camper shared, "Onondaga Cave is amazing with the new lighting; it just reopened July 4, 2024."

What campers like:

  • Clean facilities: Campers appreciate the cleanliness at Lazy Day Campground. A guest said, "Excellent grounds. Very very clean and well kept."
  • Friendly staff: Many visitors rave about the helpful staff at St. Louis West / Historic Route 66 KOA. One reviewer mentioned, "The staff were helpful. I received about 5 pieces of paper when checking in."
  • Spacious sites: Campers enjoy the roomy sites at Graham Cave State Park Campground. A visitor noted, "The sites themselves are very clean and well kept. Our site was huge and grassy!"

What you should know:

Tips for camping with families:

  • Playgrounds: Look for campgrounds with kid-friendly amenities. St. Peters' 370 Lakeside Park has a playground that kids enjoy. One parent said, "The playground was good for the kiddos."
  • Quiet hours: Respect quiet hours, especially at family-oriented sites like Cuivre River State Park Campground. A camper noted, "Quiet time is at 10pm and fellow campers are certain to enforce that rule."
  • Activities for kids: Look for parks that offer educational programs, like St. Francois State Park Campground. A reviewer mentioned, "There was staff on site doing educational programs that my kids really loved."

Tips from RVers:

  • Level sites: Choose campgrounds with level sites for easier setup. A visitor at Lazy Day Campground said, "Wonderful level sites."
  • Full hookups: Look for campgrounds that offer full hookups, like Meramec State Park Campground. A camper shared, "We stayed at the full hookups spot and everything worked as it should."
  • Check for amenities: Before booking, check what amenities are available. A reviewer at St. Louis West / Historic Route 66 KOA mentioned, "This is a KOA, so you know what to expect."

Camping near Washington, MO, has its perks and quirks. With a little planning, you can enjoy a great outdoor experience!

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Washington, MO?

According to TheDyrt.com, Washington, MO offers a wide range of camping options, with 94 campgrounds and RV parks near Washington, MO and 4 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Washington, MO?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Washington, MO is Pin Oak RV Park with a 4.2-star rating from 15 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Washington, MO?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 4 free dispersed camping spots near Washington, MO.