Updated October 24, 2022
Planning a road trip to Missouri and looking for some great places to go camping near St. Louis? With dozens of state parks and private campgrounds across Missouri, camping is a popular activity for residents and tourists alike. The state’s natural beauty is ideal for those who have an itch to explore the great outdoors, while the iconic Gateway Arch National Park is a Missouri must. Luckily, there are lots of great camping spots around St. Louis, so hop in your RV or pack up your tent for a weekend full of adventure!
Want more outdoor activities near St. Louis?
- The Top 10 Best Places to Go Snowboarding and Skiing Near St. Louis
- 12 Scenic Places to Go Canoeing and Kayaking in St. Louis
- 17 Beautiful Hikes Near St. Louis for All Levels
5 Places to Go Camping Near St. Louis
St. Louis West KOA / Historic Route 66 KOA Campground
Distance from St. Louis: 30 miles (31 minutes by car)
Types of Campsites: Tent, RV, and Cabins
Open Dates: Year-round
Reservation and Cost: Bookings are required, starting at $30/night
If you need a quiet campground getaway that’s only a few minutes away from some of St. Louis’ most popular tourist attractions, look no further than the Historic Route 66 KOA Campground. Like the name suggests, it’s located right off Route 66 and is only five minutes away from Six Flags!
This campground gives you the perfect balance between the great outdoors and tourist activities in St. Louis. If you camp here, you can raft down the Meramec River, visit the Creve Coeur Lake Park, and even enjoy a stunning view of the Gateway Arch. When it comes to more comfortable accommodation, you can park your RV or get a cozy cabin to spend the night. For those looking for an authentic camping experience, there are plenty of places to set up your tent and explore nature at this campground.
DraftKings at Casino Queen RV Park
Distance from St. Louis: 2.6 miles (9 minutes by car)
Types of Campsites: RV only
Open Dates: Year-round
Reservation and Cost: Bookings are required, starting at $55/night
All camping sites at DraftKing are pull-thru, so bringing your RV here is a MUST. This beautifully scenic location is situated right on the Mississippi River near Eads Bridge, so you can spot the Gateway Arch from your RV. This park is right across from Casino Queen, so most campers will park their RVs and head down to the casino for a night of fun. For those who need to entertain their little ones, you can head to the park’s playground and let your kids run wild. The whole area is gated with security driving around frequently, so you can rest easy knowing that your safety is a top priority.
Ferne Clyffe State Park
Distance from St. Louis: 133 miles (2 hours and 5 minutes by car)
Types of Campsites: Tent and Trailer
Open Dates: Year-round
Reservation and Cost: Reservations are recommended, starting at $10/night
This beautiful campground is situated near the Shawnee National Forest and offers a variety of fun activities for you to enjoy. Regular campers espeically love the many hiking trails nearby, where you can spot some cool wildlife like deer!
The Ferne Clyffe State Park is a great place to go camping near St. Louis for those wanting a handicap-accessible spot. This campground is large and completely paved, so anyone on a wheelchair can cruise around without bumping on gravel or dirt. Since it’s not too popular of a spot, you don’t have to worry about huge crowds or loud neighbors, which is always a plus when trying to enjoy a relaxing camping experience.
Cahokia RV Parque
Distance from St. Louis: 5.5 miles (18 minutes by car)
Types of Campsites: RV and Trailer
Open Dates: Year-round
Reservation and Cost: Reservations are recommended, starting at $50/night
Cahokia RV Parque is located only a few minutes from downtown St. Louis, making it a convenient and close place to camp for the night. All the sites are gravel, and you’ll have access to basic amenities like electricity, water, and sewer. Even though it’s in a more industrial area, there are plenty of grassy spots to make you feel a bit more connected to nature.
At this RV park, you can expect your camping area to have picnic tables, a fire ring, and plenty of small trees for shade. If you don’t want to cook your own food over a bonfire, grab a quick bite at Sawmill, a restaurant across the street that has incredibly delicious food!
Lake of the Ozarks State Park
Distance from St. Louis: 160.9 miles (2 hours and 36 minutes by car)
Types of Campsites: ADA, Group, RV, Tent, and Trailer
Open Dates: Year-round
Reservation and Cost: Reservations are required, starting at $13/night
Thanks to the hit TV show, Lake of the Ozarks has become a bit of an icon, and many people are eager to visit to see what it’s all about. Camping is a great way to take in the beauty of the lakes, and Lake of the Ozarks State Park offers a variety of sites so you can enjoy your stay. Choose between basic and electric campsites, organized group camps, or family sites if you have a large group.
The whole area is divided into 4 camping areas with 166 campsites, each located near a beautiful cove. If you’re lucky enough to snag one of the camping spots directly on the lake, then we suggest setting up a hammock and swaying over the water as you enjoy the scenic view. Most campsites at the Lake of the Ozarks State Park have water views, paved parking spurs, picnic tables, and fire rings. It’s almost impossible to get bored while camping here because there are so many things to do, including visiting the public beach, marina, boat ramp, amphitheater, and several playgrounds with your kids.
