Yurt camping near Washington, Missouri offers climate-controlled accommodations within 30-40 minutes of town. The region features rolling foothills that transition between Ozark highlands and Missouri River valley terrain, with elevations ranging from 500-800 feet. Summer temperatures typically reach 85-95°F with high humidity, making climate-controlled yurts particularly appealing from June through September.
What to Do
Hiking trails at Greensfelder County Park: Explore well-marked trails suitable for various skill levels. "Trails range from a short walk to an endless combination," notes one visitor at Greensfelder County Park. The park maintains multiple trail systems catering to hikers, mountain bikers and equestrians.
Fishing at St. Peters' 370 Lakeside Park: Cast your line at the stocked lake where multiple species are available. "There is fish in the lake and you are allowed to fish," confirms a camper at St. Peters' 370 Lakeside Park. The park includes a covered accessible fishing dock making it suitable for anglers of all abilities.
Cave explorations at Meramec Caverns: Tours run daily with temperatures inside maintaining a constant 58°F. "The cave tour is a bit hokey, but if you can look past the mannequins and silliness, the caves themselves are really spectacular," explains a reviewer from Meramec Caverns. Tours last approximately 2 hours and provide relief from summer heat.
What Campers Like
Year-round accommodations: St. Louis West/Historic Route 66 KOA offers options regardless of season. "We would go back again for a longer stay. Lots of shade and pull thrus," notes a visitor at St. Louis West / Historic Route 66 KOA. Their safari tents and yurts remain available when other seasonal parks close.
Family-friendly activities at Jellystone Park: Regular programming keeps children entertained. "They have a pool, bike rentals, dog park, movie night, basketball court, and more," describes a camper at Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park Resort At Six Flags. The resort schedules daily crafts and organized games throughout peak season.
Peaceful surroundings despite urban proximity: Several parks maintain natural settings. "You would never know how close you are to a metropolis... Tucked away, not far from St. Louis, you wouldn't know you were that close to a big city," reports a visitor at Dr. Edmund A. Babler Memorial State Park. The park's layout and vegetation buffer create isolation from urban noise.
What You Should Know
Train noise affects some campgrounds: Railroad tracks near certain facilities create periodic disturbances. "Close to train tracks and highway, but didn't notice with AC on in the camper," mentions one Route 66 KOA visitor. Campgrounds west of Washington typically experience less rail traffic than those east toward St. Louis.
Limited shade at newer facilities: Established tree cover varies significantly. "The sites are a bit close together and not many trees but I've been to worse. The not many trees is due to it still being a fairly new campground," explains a camper about St. Peters' 370 Lakeside Park. Yurt accommodations provide shade alternatives when tree cover is sparse.
Flooding concerns in certain areas: Low-lying campgrounds experience occasional closures. "It was out of commission for most of the summer of 2019 as the entire area was flooded," notes a reviewer about St. Peters' 370 Lakeside Park. Always call ahead during spring and early summer to confirm availability.
Tips for Camping with Families
Access to swimming opportunities: Multiple locations offer water recreation. "They have a lake to swim and kayak," mentions a camper at Cuivre River State Park. Most swimming areas operate from Memorial Day through Labor Day, with some facilities extending hours during heatwaves.
Reserve specialty accommodations early: Yurts and cabins book quickly, especially during peak seasons. "We were happy to be able to find space available on short notice, especially with lockdown restrictions being lifted," recalls a visitor about Meramec Caverns. Bookings 3-6 months in advance are recommended for yurt camping near Washington, Missouri.
Consider proximity to attractions: Some campgrounds offer strategic locations near popular destinations. "This is a good place for a person who wants to get away from people... If you want to enjoy Six Flags and then go camping," explains a visitor about Greensfelder County Park. Most major attractions lie within 45 minutes of Washington-area campgrounds.
Tips from RVers
Mixed hookup availability: Service levels vary widely between parks. "A $2 discount is given to seniors. Basic $13, Electric (30A) $21, Electric (50A) $23," details a Dr. Edmund A. Babler Memorial State Park visitor regarding their pricing structure. Always confirm specific hookup configurations when booking.
Leveling challenges at some sites: Terrain varies across facilities. "The site was ok, tricky to level. There was a steep drop just past our steps, and not a lot of room to set up chairs, etc," notes a camper at Jellystone Park. Bring additional leveling blocks, especially for larger rigs.
