Glamping opportunities abound within 30-45 minutes of Weldon Spring, Missouri, where the Midwest prairie meets woodland terrain at elevations ranging from 400-700 feet. The region's warm, humid summers and mild winters create a camping season that extends from April through October, with spring and fall offering the most comfortable temperatures for outdoor activities. Most campgrounds in this area sit within dense oak-hickory forests that provide natural shade during summer months.
What to do
Mountain biking trails: Greensfelder County Park features well-maintained trails popular with local bikers. Greensfelder County Park offers "well-groomed trails and facilities spread out nicely. You could camp here for a weekend and stay busy," according to one reviewer who added, "If you stay here, make sure to check out the trail around the lake."
Hiking near water: Several parks feature lake trails with forest views within 5-10 minutes of campsites. "There is a walking trail around the lake (4+ miles). There is fish in the lake and you are allowed to fish," notes a visitor to St. Peters' 370 Lakeside Park, which also offers boat rentals for water activities.
Historical exploration: Nearby parks contain Civil War-era structures and CCC buildings from the 1930s. Pere Marquette State Park contains "historical buildings built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s. Camping is divided up into an RV section, tents only section, and group tent camping."
What campers like
Lake access: Many glamping locations provide direct water access for fishing and paddling. Cuivre River State Park has "a lake you can rent kayaks for. They have a small store at the check in booth. It also has an accessible fishing dock that is covered," according to a visitor who appreciated the water-based amenities.
Proximity to attractions: Most luxury camping sites are within 30 minutes of Six Flags and other St. Louis attractions. The Jellystone Park Resort at Six Flags provides "great kids activities! Good breakfast and nice store. Really enjoyed our trip bundled with a Six Flags trip," making it convenient for families wanting upscale camping with entertainment options nearby.
Private campsites: Many visitors appreciate the spacious sites at certain locations. "The site we had was level and spacious," noted one camper at Babler State Park, while another mentioned that "sites 52-75 are much more treed and have a private feel to them" for those seeking seclusion.
What you should know
Seasonal facility limitations: Some campgrounds restrict water and shower access outside peak season. At Dr. Edmund A. Babler Memorial State Park, "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 for a spring break trip."
Wildlife considerations: Raccoons are active at several campgrounds and require food security measures. One camper noted, "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!"
Noise factors: Several glamping locations experience train or highway noise that may affect light sleepers. Some reviewers mention hearing "busy main road and passing trains in the near distance," while others note that at certain sites "you can hear highway traffic....a lot."
Tips for camping with families
Pool amenities: Several upscale camping options offer swimming facilities from Memorial Day through Labor Day. Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park Resort At Six Flags includes "swimming, games, lots of activities and you can go from rustic rent a tent to a really nice cabin with lots amenities," according to visitors who found the resort-style facilities appealing for children.
Activity packages: Many glamping sites offer recreation passes that bundle multiple activities. One family mentioned their campground offered "a band allowing your kids to do games of mini-golf, free train rides on the Yogi Bear Express Train, two arcade tokens, and a discount on Pizza at the Snack Shack."
Animal encounters: Wildlife viewing opportunities exist at several locations with morning being optimal viewing time. A visitor to Pere Marquette mentioned "There were owls when we were there. In winter there are a lot of eagles feeding in the Illinois and Mississippi Rivers which meet at the park."
Tips from RVers
Site selection: RV campers should request specific site numbers based on size requirements and hookup needs. At Pere Marquette State Park Campground, "Sites 13-33 are popular open and sunny campsites with nice grassy areas between them," while "not all sites are long enough for large RVs and the roads in some loops prevent you from turning around."
Utility notes: Many glamping sites have electric but limited water hookups requiring planning. "There is no sewer or water at individual sites but water spigots are scattered throughout the campground and there is a dump station with potable water fill-up," reports one RVer describing their experience at a local state park.
Water pressure considerations: Some locations have extremely high water pressure requiring regulators. One RVer noted that "The water pressure was so strong that I could barely open the water pump!" suggesting that campers bring appropriate equipment to manage this issue.
