Best Tent Camping near Wildwood, MO

Tent campsites near Wildwood, Missouri include several established options within a 30-minute drive. Dr. Edmund A. Babler Memorial State Park Campground offers designated tent camping areas with concrete pads and shaded sites throughout its 868 acres. Little Lost Creek Conservation Area provides free primitive tent camping with more rustic amenities and natural surroundings. Both locations maintain tent-specific areas separate from other camping types.

Most tent campgrounds in the Wildwood area feature fire rings and picnic tables, though amenities vary significantly between locations. Babler State Park provides drinking water, showers, and flush toilets during the main season (April-October), while vault toilets are available year-round. Primitive tent sites at conservation areas like Little Lost Creek typically lack water sources and improved facilities. Campers should note that the main gate at Babler closes from 9pm-7am, requiring an access code for late arrivals. During winter months (November-March), water access becomes limited and shower facilities close.

Tent camping experiences near Wildwood offer both convenience and natural immersion depending on location selection. The sites at Babler State Park provide a mix of open and wooded sites with varying levels of privacy. The tent-only areas tend to be located in more wooded sections that offer natural separation between campsites. Hiking trails connect directly to many tent campgrounds, allowing for day hikes without relocating vehicles. While close to metropolitan St. Louis, the camping areas maintain a surprisingly remote atmosphere. One camper noted, "You would never know how close you are to a metropolis. It is clean and feels extremely safe. There aren't many sites, but the ones they have are quiet and spacious." Tent campers seeking more solitude often prefer the conservation areas where facilities are minimal but natural settings remain undisturbed.

Best Tent Sites Near Wildwood, Missouri (12)

    1. Dr. Edmund A. Babler Memorial State Park Campground

    27 Reviews
    Wildwood, MO
    3 miles
    Website
    +1 (636) 458-3813

    "We loved our stay at Babler, aside from the snow & wind - the park is great! Review below ⬇️ S I T E R E V I E W ⛺️

    📍 Dr. Edmund A."

    "Nice state park close to St Louis. Good, if short, trails. The campground is used a lot by RV and campers, not so much by tenters. Lots of campsites had electric."

    2. Klondike Park

    14 Reviews
    Augusta, MO
    10 miles
    Website

    $10 - $65 / night

    "There is hiking trails which was wonderful. There is a winery nearby. My campsite was amazing, it was clean and wasn't too far from the restrooms. There is picnic tables and fire rings."

    "A few drive up sites and lots of hike in spots around a quarry turned lake. Beautiful and clean setting. We stayed in site 24. There were picnic tables and a fire pit at our site."

    3. St. Charles County Klondike Park

    5 Reviews
    Augusta, MO
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (636) 949-7535

    "The campground is located in a gym of a park located along the Missouri River. Reservations are required and the sites are in high demand. Tent camping only. There is water available in the park."

    "Stayed at a walk-in site for a night and enjoyed it. Some sites are closer to the highway and cars flying down the road can make it hard to sleep but after midnight, they stopped."

    4. Old Cove

    1 Review
    Robertsville, MO
    18 miles
    Website

    $50 - $75 / night

    5. Indian Camp Creek Park

    Be the first to review!
    Foristell, MO
    26 miles
    Website
    +1 (636) 949-7535

    6. Little Lost Creek Conservation Area

    1 Review
    Warrenton, MO
    35 miles
    Website
    +1 (636) 456-3368

    "There are single campsites on both the north and south ends of the conservation area, and none of them have any amenities- no water, no vault toilet or outhouse, no firewood for sale."

    7. Brazil Creek

    5 Reviews
    Potosi, MO
    46 miles
    Website

    "This camp site is along the berryman trail so you can stay here if youre backpacking said trail."

    "This is a bare bones campground, located in Mark Twain National Forest, it has a place for you to camp and a fire pit, that's it. No facilities, no water, no bathroom, no lights."

    8. McCully Heritage Project

    5 Reviews
    Kampsville, IL
    49 miles
    Website
    +1 (618) 653-4687

    $20 - $100 / night

    "Super inexpensive for the space that you get. Free firewood. We have only stayed at the largest site as it has good fishing and a place for us to launch our paddleboards and kayaks."

    "Great for tent camping and hiking."

    9. William R. Logan Conservation Area

    2 Reviews
    Silex, MO
    44 miles
    Website
    +1 (636) 441-4554

    "Plenty of tent spots with tree cover and fire pits. Lighting bugs came out at night."

    10. Hagood Farm and Trails

    Be the first to review!
    Wappapello Lake, MO
    32 miles
    +1 (636) 432-6267

    $27 - $35 / night

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Recent Tent Camping Photos near Wildwood, MO

26 Photos of 12 Wildwood Campgrounds


Tent Camping Reviews near Wildwood, MO

508 Reviews of 12 Wildwood Campgrounds


  • Jessica B.
    Apr. 4, 2022

    Dr. Edmund A. Babler Memorial State Park Campground

    Our 1st Trip In Our Camper!

    We loved our stay at Babler, aside from the snow & wind - the park is great! Review below ⬇️

    ⛺️ S I T E R E V I E W ⛺️

    📍 Dr. Edmund A. Babler State Park Wildwood, MO

    💰 $12-$21/night

    🗓 Feb 19-21, 2022

    Site 48 ⚡️💧

    🦮 Pets Welcome (on leash at all times)

    ➕Concrete Pads, Quiet, Close to Interstate 40, Paved Roads, Easy to Access, Gated Overnight with access code

    ➖Small/Close Sites, No Water in Off Season, Only Vault Toilets - No Showers in Off Season

    📶 AT&T Service 4 out of 5

    🚮 Dump Station located behind bathhouse. NO WATER during off season!

    🚻AMENITIES •Playground •Hiking, Biking & Equestrian Trails •Wood & Ice •Interpretive Programs •Visitor Center •Special Use Area •Laundry, Flush Toilets & Showers ON SEASON ONLY!

    🏕SITES Reservable 12 Months-FCFS in off season 72 Reservable 8 Accessible sites Basic - Electric Concrete Back In Lantern Hook, Picnic Table & Fire Ring

    ⏰ HOURS/DATES April - October 7:am - 9:pm Nov - March 7:am - 6:pm

    🔺Park Office 8:30am - 4:pm M-F

    🔺Visitor Center April - Oct 9:am - 4:30pm W - Sun Nov - March 9:am - 4:pm - Sat-Sun Dec - Feb CLOSED

  • k
    Jun. 28, 2016

    Klondike Park

    Klondlike county

    Really nice place when you get into the woods. There is hiking trails which was wonderful. There is a winery nearby. My campsite was amazing, it was clean and wasn't too far from the restrooms. There is picnic tables and fire rings. I usually bring my own firewood because i believe in the leave no trace rule. I would definitly come back to this site

  • R
    Jun. 30, 2024

    Cherokee Lakes Campground

    Secluded and spacious tent camping sites

    I spent a night here camping while on a road trip. The check-in was quick and easy. The host showed me the tent campsites, which are secluded and private from the RV sites. The sites are outfitted with a picnic table and brick fire rings. Some have water spickets. There's a central covered picnic area. Lots of shade and tall trees. You'll want to check them for dead limbs before setting up your site. I didn't ask if hammock camping is allowed. There are at least two sites that would work nicely for a hammock. A portable toilet is available to keep the area sanitary for urgent needs; the flush toilets, laundry, and fitness center at the main entrance are also available for a longer walk or short drive.

  • Annie C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Apr. 30, 2020

    Daniel Boone Conservation Area

    Quiet and out of the way

    There are 10 or so primitive tent sites and an area that will accommodate about a dozen RV’s. There are no services here and no hook ups, but it’s free. The primitive tent sites are spread out along the main road through the conservation area, which means that in the daytime you will get road noise and dust, but its pretty quiet at night. Only a couple have picnic tables, but all seemed to have at least a level spot for the tent and a fire ring. I noticed some sites had a bit of trash in the fire rings, probably from day use or partiers. There is no trash service, so plan to pack out your trash. The best site (already taken, too bad) was set on the edge of the woods next to a fishing pond. The campers that were there let me take some pics of their site since it was so pretty. The only downside to that site was its proximity to the RV lot and their generators. There are some nice hiking trails here to explore.

  • Annie C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Apr. 30, 2020

    Little Lost Creek Conservation Area

    Great hiking, choose your site carefully

    There are single campsites on both the north and south ends of the conservation area, and none of them have any amenities- no water, no vault toilet or outhouse, no firewood for sale. But what the sites are lacking is made up for with scenery and hiking, and it is free. The conservation area is closed to camping during various hunting seasons(I ran into a hunter scoping out his turkey hunting spot for the following week’s hunt). There is a great hike down into a valley with the actual Lost Creek at the bottom, completely worth the hard hike back up out of the valley. The campsite has room for a couple tents(no RV’s here), some great trees for hammocks, a primitive fire ring, and a picnic table. Since you are right next to the parking lot, you will see some traffic during the day with hikers, birders, and others, and there is no privacy for your campsite. Bring everything, including a cat hole shovel, and pack everything out.

  • Staci R.
    Oct. 24, 2017

    Brazil Creek

    No man's land

    No cell signal, and as the other reviewer has said, have your map to get there, because it's easy if you do. Your phone will not get you there. Beautiful clear water creek runs directly behind this "pull off" campground. There is only one actual fire ring & picnic table, but folks have built other rock fire rings dispersed throughout the campground. Just off a main trail to Meramac river and horse and hiking trails. No water, amenities (not even a vault toilet) or cell service.

  • D
    May. 18, 2022

    Brazil Creek

    Great free camping spot

    Stayed here a few nights in May. This camp site is along the berryman trail so you can stay here if youre backpacking said trail. There is only one table and one metal fire ring but people have made various fire rings out of rocks and there is plenty of room for a lot of people. The camp is right by the creek which is ice cold and good for sticking sore feet in :). There are also a few fish in there. In recent years they put in a single vaulted bathroom but thats it! No showers or drinking water if you cant filter the stream water. They also have several hitching posts for horses here since you can ride horses on berryman trail. I have at&t and ive been getting 1 to 3 bars. But the other person im camping withuisnt grtting anything with their provider. Over all I think its a great little spot if youre ok with no electricity, light or just wanna get away from it all for a while.

  • April D.
    Oct. 28, 2018

    Meramec State Park Campground

    Cozy night

    Meramec is a campground centrally located in the Meramec caverns. It is a flat area, soft ground, and open space to camp. Not a lot of privacy from neighbors but it is cozy and everything is close by. Bathrooms could be updated but they are well maintained. Host is kind and halloween trick or treating is the best time to come. Lots of playgrounds and space to play yard games. No trails but it is along a short trail that leads to a cave and the river.

  • Hannah W.
    Jul. 15, 2021

    Cuivre River State Park Campground

    Beautiful campground and warm showers

    The campsites and grounds are well-maintained. However, the campsites did not have designated gravel tent pads. Given that we had to set up in/right after a rain, our tarp was sitting in grass and mud. I never knew how much I appreciated a designated gravel tent pad until then. Having never camped here, we had reserved site 25 and had the whole loop to ourselves (it was a Monday night, though). Our site, though, was the smallest in the loop, tucked away in the weeds, and the only area to pitch our tent was on a slight slope. After walking the loop, I noticed that sites 26 and 29, offered more room and were better maintained. We probably could’ve changed sites had we not arrived so late and in the rain.

    Firewood is available for $5. We saw a nice playground at the entrance. There were plenty of showers (water was nice and hot!) and flush toilets in the bathhouse. The bathhouse could use some TLC, but the warm water made up for it. There are laundry facilities, though we didn’t use them.


Guide to Wildwood

Tent camping near Wildwood, Missouri offers several primitive and rustic options beyond established state parks. The region sits at elevations between 500-800 feet with predominantly oak-hickory forests providing seasonal shade. Summer temperatures average 85-90°F with high humidity, while spring and fall camping seasons bring milder conditions and vibrant color changes.

What to do

Trail exploration: 15+ miles available at Dr. Edmund A. Babler Memorial State Park Campground where hikers can access multiple difficulty levels. "There are miles of hiking and biking trails right outside your doorstep and plenty of woods to explore. The park is located about 10 miles from where my parents live so we come here a couple of times a year," notes Nancy W.

Birding opportunities: The diverse habitats around Wildwood support over 200 bird species seasonally. "We love this park and the setting of how you feel like you are in a nice wooded setting but not too far from surrounding amenities," shares another Babler visitor.

Mountain biking technical sections: Klondike Park offers dedicated mountain biking areas beyond hiking. "One other really cool thing about Klondike is there are several technical mountain bike sections that are located in the park. Bring your mountain bike and have a go! It's also a great campground for a stayover if you are bikepacking the Katy Trail," explains Megan K.

Fishing spots: Several conservation areas provide fishing opportunities without crowds. "There is a great hike down into a valley with the actual Lost Creek at the bottom, completely worth the hard hike back up out of the valley," reports Annie C. about fishing opportunities at Little Lost Creek Conservation Area.

What campers like

Proximity to wine country: St. Charles County Klondike Park positions campers near Missouri's wine region. "This Campground places you in the heart of Missouri Wine Country and there's a perfect base for visiting the wineries and restaurants along highway 94," explains Marty C.

Night sky viewing: The rural locations around Wildwood provide darker skies than the metropolitan area. "We have also done short bike-packing trips from Chesterfield and St. Charles for an overnight(s) stay. If you need it, grab food in Augusta or Defiance before arriving. There are no services in the park," advises Mike L. about Klondike Park.

Wildlife encounters: Campers frequently report raccoon, deer, and bird sightings at most campgrounds. "We love this site because its close and convenient," notes April D. about Babler State Park, though she warns: "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!"

Seasonal variety: Fall camping is particularly popular for changing colors and cooler temperatures. "We happened to be there during the week in the fall so there were not many other campers. This gave the park the quiet feel we like so much," shares Nancy W.

What you should know

Gate closures and codes: Many park entrance gates lock overnight requiring access codes. "The main gate closes at 9 p.m. but if you call ahead there is a code you are given....or you can contact the camp host," advises a camper about park access logistics.

Winter limitations: Facilities change significantly during winter months at most campgrounds. "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," reports Archie S.

Site selection considerations: Brazil Creek and other primitive areas require careful site selection. "One of the sites is the 'Creme De'la Creme' with tie out areas for your horses, plenty of tent and horse trailer parking space and a short walk to a crystal clear steam just deep enough to dangle your tired legs in," recommends Shelly S.

Cell service gaps: Many camping areas have limited or no connectivity. "No cell signal, and as the other reviewer has said, have your map to get there, because it's easy if you do. Your phone will not get you there," warns Staci R. about Brazil Creek.

Tips for camping with families

Best sites for children: Some campgrounds offer more family-friendly layouts. "I camped as part of the Big MO Ride and Row event. It was my first visit to the park. Campsites are walk in, but a short walk. Some are more private and shaded than others," notes Shawn M. about Klondike Park's layout.

Playground access: McCully Heritage Project includes play equipment for younger campers. "I just love the bridge across the pond. We had a picnic and the kids got to play on the playground equipment," shares Leo S. about this family-friendly option across the Mississippi.

Educational opportunities: Several sites feature nature programs during peak seasons. "A friend discovered this gem a while back and we now frequent it. Super inexpensive for the space that you get. Free firewood. We have only stayed at the largest site as it has good fishing and a place for us to launch our paddleboards and kayaks," explains Eric about McCully Heritage Project.

Safety considerations: Most family sites have well-marked boundaries. "Best campsite ever! Even has a shared camp kitchen very clean showers house very spacious some campsites are close together but everyone seemed nice," reports Jonathan P. about St. Charles County Klondike Park.

Tips from RVers

Length restrictions: Many campgrounds have site length limitations. "The camp hosts we encountered are very helpful and have a list of site lengths and can tell you which ones are appropriate for large RVs," notes Nancy W. about site selection at Babler State Park.

Leveling challenges: Some sites require careful leveling equipment. "The site we had was level and spacious. We had to be completely self supported except electricity, which was fine but it would have been nice to have the showers open at the least," reports another camper about spring conditions.

Water access planning: William R. Logan Conservation Area and other primitive sites require bringing all water. "Free primitive campground near a lake in William Logan. No frills camping at about 8-10 sites near the main entrance off Route RA, with most being in an open circle configuration with the main road cutting through the middle," explains Annie C.

Generator restrictions: Many campgrounds prohibit generators completely. "There are single campsites on both the north and south ends of the conservation area, and none of them have any amenities- no water, no vault toilet or outhouse, no firewood for sale," notes a visitor about conservation area limitations.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular tent campsite near Wildwood, MO?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Wildwood, MO is Dr. Edmund A. Babler Memorial State Park Campground with a 3.9-star rating from 27 reviews.

What is the best site to find tent camping near Wildwood, MO?

TheDyrt.com has all 12 tent camping locations near Wildwood, MO, with real photos and reviews from campers.