Camping options within 30 miles of Wentzville, Missouri range from primitive tent sites to full-hookup RV accommodations. The area sits at approximately 620 feet above sea level with rolling terrain creating diverse camping environments. Drainage can be an issue at several campgrounds during the spring rainy season when the clay soil becomes saturated and runoff accumulates in low-lying areas.
What to do
Hiking on varied terrain: Cuivre River State Park features multiple trails suitable for all skill levels. One camper noted, "This park has plenty of well groomed trails spread out nicely. You could camp here for a weekend and stay busy." The park offers both wooded and lakeside paths for day hiking.
Biking the Katy Trail: Beyond the Trail RV Park provides direct access to the Katy Trail. A visitor mentioned, "The Katy trail borders the park for easy access to town. Beautiful views across a large farm field to the hills beyond with incredible sunsets." The trail runs for 240 miles through the Missouri countryside.
Water activities: Many campgrounds offer lake access for recreation. At Cuivre River State Park, "This campground has a lake you can rent kayaks for. They also have an accessible fishing dock that is covered." Lincoln Lake within the park has no motor restrictions, making it peaceful for paddlers.
Wildlife viewing: The wooded campgrounds provide opportunities to spot native wildlife. A camper at Dr. Edmund A. Babler Memorial State Park shared they "wouldn't know you were that close to a big city. It is clean and feels extremely safe." Morning and evening hours offer the best wildlife viewing opportunities.
What campers like
Privacy between sites: At some campgrounds, site layout provides seclusion. A camper at Cuivre River noted, "Campground is quiet and has big campsites. Our site was fairly spacious and not super close to others which we liked." The park's diverse camping loops offer varying degrees of privacy.
Waterfront views: Klondike Park offers scenic vistas along the Missouri River. A visitor described it as "a gorgeous park along the Katy Trail in Augusta, MO. The campsites are very quiet, very family friendly park. On site restrooms, hiking trails, and a small lake with overlooking bluffs."
Proximity to wineries: The Missouri wine country location adds appeal for adult campers. One reviewer at Beyond the Trail RV Park mentioned it's "located in a sleepy little winery town. It is just a few minutes from the main part of town with multiple beautiful wineries within a few miles."
Clean facilities: Campgrounds in the region typically maintain good standards. A visitor to St. Peters' 370 Lakeside Park stated, "The grounds are clean and pleasant, if a bit sparse with little shade. This will change over the subsequent years, however, as there are many relatively newly planted trees."
What you should know
Weather impacts: Spring camping can be challenging due to rain. At Beyond the Trail RV Park, a visitor warned, "They have some drainage issues if it rains a lot. A few of the campsites will flood, not bad enough to get to your camper, but just enough to be annoying."
Reservation requirements: Popular campgrounds fill quickly, especially during peak season. Most require advance booking, with state parks allowing reservations up to 6 months ahead.
Noise variations: Some campgrounds experience noise from nearby infrastructure. A reviewer at Sundermeier RV Park mentioned, "It is near a highway, there's a railroad bridge right next to it, and it is under the airport flight path. The planes and trains stopped after about 10-11pm I think."
Limited shade: Newer campgrounds often lack mature trees. At St. Peters' 370 Lakeside Park, a camper noted, "This will change over the subsequent years, however, as there are many relatively newly planted trees. The nicest spots are the ones by the lake, with only one neighbor and a better view of the lake."
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Multiple campgrounds offer play areas for children. At St. Peters' 370 Lakeside Park, "There is a dog run, and a small playground. The park/campground rents paddleboats, kayaks, and canoes in addition to different kinds of bikes."
Wildlife encounters: Kids enjoy spotting animals at the campgrounds. One camper at Pere Marquette State Park shared, "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."
Swimming options: Several parks offer water recreation. A visitor to St. Peters' 370 Lakeside Park noted, "Located right next to a lake with a lot of RV and tent camping spots. Kids had a blast riding bikes. Even finding a few little frogs jumping around and fireflies at night."
Educational opportunities: Many campgrounds host ranger programs. At Cuivre River State Park, "There is a visitor center with exhibits and an amphitheater in the campground where interpretive programs are held."
Tips from RVers
Site selection: Some campgrounds have limitations for larger rigs. At Dr. Edmund A. Babler Memorial State Park, "Not all sites are long enough for large RVs and the roads in some loops prevent you from turning around. The camp hosts we encountered are very helpful and have a list of site lengths."
Hookup configurations: Position can affect setup ease. A camper at St. Peters' 370 Lakeside Park mentioned, "All sites have full hookups. The water pressure was so strong that I could barely open the water pump!"
Paved vs. gravel sites: Surface types vary between parks. A Beyond the Trail RV Park visitor noted, "All the roads and pads are gravel and level. All the campsites are decently sized and looks like all of them will house 25' or bigger campers."
Seasonal considerations: Some facilities close during winter. At Cuivre River, "The campground is open year-round but the bathhouse with flush toilets closes November 1 and doesn't open until the spring."
