RV camping options near Washington, Missouri typically have easy access from highways with varying seasonal availability. Located in the eastern Missouri Ozark foothills, this area experiences hot summers with occasional flooding and mild winters with some parks offering year-round camping. Most campgrounds provide concrete or gravel pads to handle the region's clay soil conditions.
What to Do
Brewery access: Beyond the Trail RV Park borders the Katy Trail with direct access to nearby breweries. "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," notes Annie C., who also mentioned the "local brew pub and coffee house" next door.
Winery tours: Hermann City RV Park serves as an ideal base for exploring Missouri wine country. "Hermann is an amazing village of old world charm nestled into the Missouri River Valley. Picture book clock towers and church steeples among 19th century era brick cottages adorn the historic German immigrant influenced village," explains Stephen & Theresa B., who recommend two wineries within walking distance of the Hermann City RV Park.
Fishing opportunities: Pin Oak RV Park maintains a stocked fishing pond popular with visitors. "Fishing pond was a blast for the kids!" shares Chad H., while another reviewer mentions "a pond with some decent sized fish in it" as one of the campground's appealing features beyond the standard RV sites.
What Campers Like
Easy online reservations: Beyond the Trail RV Park offers a streamlined booking process. "Easy to book online even the day of. Choose your spot ahead of time and pull in, easy as that!" explains Brooklyn G., who appreciated the late-night arrival option with a 2 pm checkout time the following day.
Convenient highway access: RV Self-Park provides quick and simple overnight accommodations for travelers along I-44. "Very well lit, very clean and very easy to get in and very secure with a ton of cameras," notes Grant, while another camper found it "a great place to stay one or two nights. Easy in and out."
Level concrete sites: Covered Bridge RV Park offers stable parking for larger rigs. "For this to be such a small RV park (smallest we've stayed at so far) the sites are very spacious!" reports Charlie & Danielle B., who also found the Wi-Fi surprisingly reliable for both working and streaming throughout most of their stay.
What You Should Know
Train noise: The Casino Queen RV Park offers views of the Gateway Arch but comes with regular train activity. "There are trains every 15-30 minutes all day long," reports Josh F., while another reviewer notes they "couldn't hear it with the air conditioners running."
Limited winter availability: Hermann City RV Park operates seasonally from April through November, requiring winter travelers to seek alternatives. The park uses a simple payment system with "pay is on the honor system by envelope, so cash or check only," according to Angie N.
Flooding concerns: Some RV sites near Washington face weather-related challenges. "A few of the campsites will flood, not bad enough to get to your camper, but just enough to be annoying," warns Adam F. about Beyond the Trail RV Park, while another campground had staff monitor rising creek levels during heavy rainfall.
Tips for Camping with Families
Park amenities: Pin Oak RV Park offers family-friendly facilities beyond basic RV sites. "There is a pool (closed when we were there), playground, mini golf, a lake, game room, laundry and a small store with basics," notes Joel R., while another visitor mentioned "a nice pool and an arcade area with plenty of room to hangout inside."
Halloween events: Pin Oak RV Park hosts popular seasonal activities. "We go every October for Halloween. It is tight you need to reserve a premium spot for a little room. Staff and owners are great lots to do for the kids," advises Tim K., with another camper adding "The family atmosphere was incredible here, lots for the kiddos to do in this park."
Bike-friendly locations: Campgrounds near the Katy Trail provide bicycle recreation options. "Bring your bikes or rent e-bikes in town," suggests Joshua R. about Beyond the Trail RV Park, while another camper appreciated that "the Katy trail borders the park for easy access to town."
Tips from RVers
Hookup placement: The Draft Kings at Casino Queen RV Park has utility configurations requiring planning. "Utilities are set up weird on all sites - Water and electric are at the very rear of the site by the sewer, so you will need a decent sized hose to reach if your water intake is in the front of your camper," advises Josh F.
Site selection: At Birch Creek RV Park, noise levels vary by site location. "It's very close to the highway so there is lots of highway noise. Some sites are farther away so not so bad," explains Joel R., who appreciated the "concrete pads" and full hookups for overnight stays when visiting nearby attractions.
Extension cords needed: Some parks have electrical connection placement challenges. "The site services, electric, water and sewer, are located to the very rear of the site by the sewer, and extensions were needed for both the electric and sewer," reports Craig H. about his experience at Beyond the Trail RV Park.
