Best Tent Camping near Washington, MO
Several tent campgrounds surround Washington, Missouri, providing primitive tent options along the Missouri River and Meramec River watersheds. St. Charles County Klondike Park offers tent camping with nearby access to the Katy Trail and Missouri River, while sites at Klondike Park feature picnic tables, fire rings, and walk-in tent areas. Little Lost Creek Conservation Area provides free tent camping with minimal amenities for backcountry enthusiasts looking for more secluded experiences approximately 25 miles west of Washington.
Primitive tent setups at Klondike Park include both drive-in sites and walk-in tent sites that require carrying gear short distances from parking areas. Sites typically include fire pits and picnic tables, with restroom facilities and shower houses serving the campground. A camper noted, "Some are more private and shaded than others. Our site, 35, like its neighbor sites was small and pretty close to others. Other sites like #19 and 20 were more secluded, offered more trees and privacy." Access to drinking water varies by site location, with some areas requiring campers to bring their own water supply. Most tent campgrounds in the region maintain seasonal availability with limited winter services.
Areas farther from the main highways offer deeper seclusion for tent campers seeking quiet experiences. Tent sites at Brazil Creek and Fredericksburg Ferry Access provide more primitive backcountry tent camping options with basic toilet facilities but few other amenities. A visitor commented that Old Cove offers group campsites with each site having its own portable toilet, making it suitable for group float trips on the Meramec River. Ticks can be problematic during warmer months, particularly at sites like Babler Memorial State Park, where proper precautions are necessary. Most tent campgrounds in the region connect to trail systems, with Klondike Park offering direct access to hiking trails and the Katy Trail, making it popular among bicycle tourists seeking places to tent camp while traveling the region.
