Camping options near Wildwood, Missouri primarily fall into rural and suburban settings with sites typically situated between 400-700 feet elevation. The area experiences humid continental climate with four distinct seasons, making spring and fall the most comfortable for outdoor activities. Summer temperatures average 85-90°F with high humidity levels that can impact comfort at non-shaded camping areas.
What to do
Hiking the Katy Trail: Access points near Beyond the Trail RV Park connect directly to this historic pathway. "The Katy trail is right next to the campground for waking or biking. There is also a really nice brewery right at the entrance," notes one visitor who appreciated the convenient trail access.
Visiting wineries: Several wineries within a 5-mile radius of Defiance make for excellent day trips. "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," explains a camper who enjoyed exploring the wine region.
Fishing opportunities: The 370-acre lake at St. Peters' 370 Lakeside Park provides year-round fishing. "There is fish in the lake and you are allowed to fish," mentions a camper who appreciated the access. The park also offers equipment rentals including "paddleboats, kayaks, and canoes in addition to different kinds of bikes."
What campers like
Proximity to historic towns: Many campers value the access to St. Charles historic district from Sundermeier RV Park. "Easy ride in to St. Charles a wonderful historic river town on the Missouri River. Great shops, great restaurants," shares one camper who frequently visits the area.
Outdoor recreation options: Parks with multiple activity options rank highly in reviews. "You can see all kinds of wildlife in and around the lake - deer, bald eagles, pelicans, ducks, snakes. In the summers they have live music in the large pavilion," notes a visitor describing the range of recreational possibilities.
Brewery access: Several campgrounds feature breweries within walking distance. "Brewery just on the other side of the campground with good beer and food," explains a camper at Beyond the Trail RV Park who enjoyed not having to drive for evening entertainment.
What you should know
Seasonal flooding concerns: Low-lying areas near creeks can experience water issues during heavy rains. "My only complaint is 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," reports one camper about spring conditions.
Urban noise factors: Campgrounds closer to St. Louis experience varying noise levels. At Casino Queen RV Park, "There are trains every 15-30 minutes all day long," mentions a visitor who stayed in November. Consider site selection carefully if seeking quieter camping experiences.
Security considerations: Urban campgrounds typically employ additional security measures. "Security is proactive in patrols and are friendly and helpful," notes a camper who felt safe despite the more urban setting near East St. Louis.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: When traveling with children, look for campgrounds with play facilities. Cahokia RV Parque offers "an awesome playground for the kids" according to a visitor who appreciated the dedicated children's area.
Swimming options: During summer months, pool access becomes essential. "They have a pool, bike rentals, dog park, movie night, basketball court, and more," explains a family who stayed at the St. Louis West/Historic Route 66 KOA and found plenty to keep children occupied.
Family-friendly layouts: Some campgrounds offer more spacious family sites. "The campsites are 'state-park-size', especially the back-in sites which all have plenty of lawns behind them," notes a visitor to St. Peters' 370 Lakeside Park who appreciated the room for children to play.
Tips from RVers
Hookup positioning: At Casino Queen RV Park, "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," warns an RVer who had to make adjustments.
Self-service options: For those arriving after hours, RV Self-Park offers a streamlined experience. "You can reserve a site online or just do it when you get there as I did. After paying the power is supposed to be turned on," explains an RVer who found the automated system convenient.
Level sites: Many RV campgrounds Wildwood, Missouri visitors search for offer concrete pads. "Nice level concrete pads with FHU, both 30 & 50 amp service," reports a visitor at Casino Queen who appreciated the firm foundation for leveling larger rigs.
