The best camping near Gateway Arch National Park

Discover the most magical spots to pitch your tent or park your rig on your next Gateway Arch National Park adventure.

88% (4 reviews)
88% (4 reviews)

This urban national park offers an utterly unique experience.  

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Community favorites near Gateway Arch National Park

Top-rated campgrounds reviewed by the Hipcamp community.

Top-rated campgrounds near Gateway Arch National Park

96%
(344)

Grove On Top Possum Hill

4 sites · Tents4 acres · Worden, IL
The Legend of Possum Hill is an old one. Most likely named thus even before the settlers arived in St. Louis. Before the great expansion west and before the Gateway Arch graced the sky. Wild was the west and animals roamed at will never having seen a man. The acient Indian tribe of Cahokia once had its own travelers who left their mounded cities of pyramids to explore and hunt for new adventure. It was on one of these travels a great storm arose from the spring sky bringing ice down from the heavens. The Indian party was hard pressed to find shelter from such turbulent winds, rain and it was even claimed they witnessed some snow blended in as well well! This particular spring the waters had risen quite high . With this latest storm the creeks and rivers were rushing over their banks. The Indians knew they had to find high ground. They knew they would only be safe in a shelter high enough the raging waters could not breach. Just when they were giving up hope for a suitable place they passed through a low lands grove treading through ankle deep waters when the land started to rise. And rise it did! Up they went up a steep climb and as they crested they found a large grove of hickories, Sycamore and Oak trees. The Indians prized such trees for their strong hard wood and towering hight. They found safety within them and upon chance several hollows in the ancient trees and quickly sheltered themselves in pairs. They weathered until the suns golden rays stretched accross the small pond. In one hollow a young Indian stirred and and he and his companion left their shelter. Reaching back into the tree they grabbed their packs and found hidden behind them, a family of possums who also hIad hid from the storm. Upon return to Cahokia the young Indian told of their travels and remembering the sheltering family of marsupials, he named the place in their honnor because they shared their shelter. And that is the Legend of Possum Hill.Learn more about this land:4 acres with scattered hickory and oak trees with a small fruit orchard in front of an acre size pond. Plenty of space to have a private camp site and enjoy the sounds of nature. Have a sit by the pond or relax in the shade. The evening could be spent grilling or sitting around the fire ring. Perfect for travelers just wishing for a place to stay while an event is in town or just a place to rest their head on the way through. 16 mies from SIUE and Edwardsvile 45 minutes from most of St. Louis. Far enough out in the country but close enough to the city to not miss out on the fun.
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$15
 / night
99%
(77)

Earth, Wind & Solar Farm

5 sites · RVs, Tents5 acres · Foristell, MO
Earth, Wind and Solar Farm is 5 acres. You can book multiple sites if you want to stay as a group. We do our best to allow 1 reservation to stay on site at a time. If only 1 site is requested the others are then blocked to allow guests privacy during their stay. If another person requests to stay and it is booked, we will check with the current reservation for approval. We also allow groups to book and camp together if needed (use both rv pads, or tent camp). We do offer 50amp and 30amp power options (2 different RV parking sites). Some people have commented that our driveway entrance seems narrow for larger rigs (Class A's and 5th wheels). We've had 53' long rigs (5th wheels)and 45' (Class A's) pull in and get parked with no issues. You will need to be able to back into a spot for either 50a or 30a service. We do have additional parking available for extra vehicles. If you have a tow vehicle/toad, you will need to detach prior to arrival. There are 2 trucks stops less than 5 miles away (TA and Pilot) or there is a park with a large parking area off of David Hoekel Parkway you can utilize. We do offer 20amp power and extension cord for tent campers (either in our tent or can be used in your own tent. Free cold showers available. A bundle of firewood is now included for use in provided fire pits in needed/requested. Outdoor Hot showers available at a charge of $5/person. This includes the use of propane and a portable hot water heater. Wi-Fi is available during your stay. Will provide network name and password in confirmation email. 3 firepits are available for use (firewood can be purchased). Easy access to our place via Hwy 70 (take the David Hoekel Parkway Exit). We are 5 miles from Wentzville which offers a Walmart, Target, Sams Club, Lowes, Home Depot, multiple grocery stores, Rural King, Charlies and multiple restaurants. We have a stocked pond with catfish, bluegill, sunfish, largemouth bass, black crappie, carp and turtles. There is a Windmill that aerates the pond (do not climb on it). You can fish the pond must practice CPR (catch photo release). Or you can feed the pond fish & feed out chickens. We will provide the fish food and chicken treats. There is plenty of wildlife (deer, fox, raccoons, armadillo's, birds, etc.). Deer will walk by the pond and driveway a couple of times a day. We also have a group of free-range chickens and French guineas (eggs may be available during your stay). There are bike trails in the area, paved roads you can ride on to explore, wineries nearby, a petting zoo and pumpkin patch. Things to do nearby: Horsehoe Hall of Fame, Big Joels Safari, Multiple wineries in Wright City/Augusta/Defiance, Wacky Warriors Paintball, Busch Wildlife, Katy Trail, Pumpkin Patches and so much more.
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$28.80
 / night
85%
(13)

Kaskaskia River Camping & RV Park

41 sites · RVs, Tents10 acres · New Athens, IL
Welcome to the Village of New Athens RV Park! We sincerely appreciate your choice to stay with us. As you settle in, we're thrilled to invite you to immerse yourself in the natural beauty of our campgrounds and the warmth of our community. Our park offers a range of amenities to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable stay. You'll find convenient water hookups and sewer connections, along with waterfront views that promise a serene and picturesque experience. Embrace the outdoors at our picnic area and explore the surrounding landscapes, as we happily welcome pets, making your stay pet-friendly. For the adventurous souls, we have hike and bike campsites, providing opportunities for thrilling exploration on our gravel roads. Should you require any essentials during your stay, rest assured, we have gasoline available nearby. And as the evening settles in, gather around the fire pit, where cherished memories are created, fostering camaraderie among fellow travelers. While you're here, don't miss out on the various activities we offer. Cast a line and indulge in the art of fishing, or take to the waters for a boating adventure that promises to be both invigorating and unforgettable. Once again, thank you for being our guest. We look forward to making your time with us truly memorable as you embrace the wonders of our Village of New Athens RV Park. Happy exploring!
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$28
 / night
90%
(10)

The Magic Land Homestead

3 sites · Lodging70 acres · Grubville, MO
The Magic Land Homestead is our 70 acre wooded private retreat. We are about an hour from St. Louis, Missouri, on a beautiful country drive. We rent our Enchanted Treehouse that sleeps up to 9 guests for those who enjoy a more pampered getaway with a real bathroom and shower, and we also rent out a Rustic A-Frame that's a little more primitive with a composting toilet and a hose shower out back. Our four free range lovable dogs, colorful chickens, silly geese and goofy turkey Hammerstein, are usually part of the fun of your stay. We have a 3 acre lake with kayak and paddle boat and dock as well as a spring fed wet weather creek. Our mission is to grow our own organic food and to live as sustainably and mindfully as possible in connection with Mother Nature. So the guests we attract are looking for a sacred more quiet getaway. If you wish to throw a big party another place would be best. There are some trails and open areas to play, along with fun swings and an opportunity to reconnect with your soul. We look forward to seeing you soon!
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$60
 / night
100%
(16)

St Louis Co private wildwood farm.

5 sites · RVs, Tents8 acres · Wildwood, MO
8 mostly cleared acre property with great access. Gravel drive throughout. 1/2 acre pond with catfish. Private with great views. 1850 acres of state park on the property. Full water and electric hook up for RVs, campers, and vans. Gravel roads throughout. Property is 5 min from 3 conservation areas for hiking. 10 min to 6 Flags. 30 min to all the amenities of downtown St. Louis. Retreat to the quaint town of wildwood, Missouri, and indulge yourself at this peaceful haven offers the perfect blend of comfort and relaxation. During the day, explore attractions like Six Flags St. Louis, Meramec Caverns, and the breathtaking beauty of Castlewood State Park. Whether you're looking for thrills or tranquility, this Wildwood oasis has it all! Nice, Right off the old old route 66. Property has the old motel on it. Backs to Rockwood reservation state conservation with 1850 wooded acres to hike and explore. Watch deer and other wildlife from anywhere on the property. Close to everything but far enough to make it private. Close to six flags, hidden valley ski resort, babler state park, greensfielder state park, lone elk state park, Castlewood state park, Katy trail and purina event center. Fish in the private 1/2 acre pond. Horses welcome. Plenty of room for trailer. -- THE PROPERTY -- Free WiFi throughout -- THE LOCATION -- OUTDOOR EXPLORATION: Shaw Nature Reserve (5 miles), Rockwoods Reservation (0 miles), Robertsville State Park (11 miles), Babler State Park (12 miles), Castlewood State Park (17 miles), Lone Elk State Park (20 miles), Meramec Caverns (31 miles) FUN FOR EVERYONE: Purina Farms (5 miles), Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park (7 miles), Six Flags St. Louis (8 miles), Hidden Valley Ski Resort (8 miles), The Magic House, St. Louis Children’s Museum (20miles), Missouri Botanical Garden (30miles) EVENT & WEDDING VENUES: Silver Oaks Chateau (2 miles), Westwind Hills (3 miles), Haue Valley (3 miles) AIRPORTS: St. Louis Lambert International Airport (35 miles), St. Louis Regional Airport (45miles) St Albans (5 miles). REST EASY WITH US -- -- POLICIES -- - No events, parties, or large gatherings - Must be at least 25 years old to book - Photo ID may be required upon check-in
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$24
 / night
99%
(52)

Lavender Cottage

1 site · Lodging7 acres · St. Louis, MO
Rustic Roots Sanctuary is an organic farm in Spanish Lake. We are close to Columbia Bottom Conservation Area, Fort Bellefontaine and Chain of Rocks Bridge. This area was once all farm land and our site captures that essence perfectly. Everyone who visits describes an immediate feeling of peace and tranquility. Enjoy our perfect country escape 10 minutes from the city, 15 mins from the airport and 20 mins from the Arch! Spanish Lake has historic sites to explore. This is a working farm and throughout the week there will be people working here in the fields. Friendly farm animals also live and work on the farm. Specifically a pony, goats, chickens, a bunny, 2 barn cats and 3 dogs. We have an 3 acres growing organic produce and an Apiary that produces the Best Honey in St. Louis! Get a taste of whatever is available from our farm store in the canning kitchen. Please visit our website to get a better feel for who we are and what we do for our community. We also have solstice celebrations and a weekly farmers market on Wed evenings. If you visit the calendar page on our website you can see when events are scheduled and choose if you want to be part of the magic or would rather come at a more quiet time. If there are ever any issues please reach out! ***Please note that we do not have hot running water in the bath house until temp consistently stay above freezing. We do have farm hydrants on the land where you can get water. Please be prepared if you choose to book before mid-April.
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$85
 / night

The best camping near Gateway Arch National Park guide

Overview

About

A St. Louis icon since the 1960s, the Gateway Arch was reborn as one of the newest U.S. national parks in 2018. This 630-foot silver monument rises gracefully above the Mississippi River, serving as a focal point in photos of the city skyline. Built to commemorate the Westward Expansion, the Arch is now part of a 91-acre national park, encompassing a museum, the nearby Old St. Louis Courthouse, a riverfront promenade, and walking and biking trails. Take a tram to the top for unforgettable views. While you won’t find camping at the St. Louis Arch, you will find a fascinating experience, with camping and rental accommodations not far away.

Tips for snagging a campsite

  1. You will not find camping at the St. Louis Arch. Public campgrounds nearby include Horseshoe Lake State Park, which does not offer reservations, and Babler State Park, which offers reservations year round.
  2. Reservations for Babler State Park open 12 months in advance and can be made online on the Missouri State Parks website or by phone.
  3. Campgrounds near the Arch have accommodations for both tents and RVs, with a variety of hookups and amenities offered onsite.
  4. A number of private RV parks, glamping rentals, Hipcamp locations, and more are located in St. Louis and in the outlying suburbs, providing a variety of sites for all camping styles.

When to go

Gateway Arch National Park is open year round. You may find park grounds covered with a fresh layer of snow in the winter, colorful blooms in the spring and summer, and vibrant fall leaves in October. March through October is baseball season, with the St. Louis Cardinals playing home games at nearby Busch Stadium, which bring a lot of visitors to the downtown area. Winter camping may be prohibited by freezing weather and precipitation, primarily December through February. Take care if you come after heavy rains, as flooding from the Mississippi River limits access to some roadways and locales.

Know before you go

  • Pets are welcome on park grounds but are not allowed into Gateway Arch Visitor Center or in the Old St. Louis Courthouse.
  • The national park does not offer free onsite parking. Visitors will find a variety of private and public parking lots and garages nearby for a fee, as well as some metered street parking. RVs and other large vehicles should investigate options before going downtown. 
  • The St. Louis MetroLink’s Laclede’s Landing station is a 10-minute walk from the Arch.
  • While the park grounds are accessible for visitors with mobility issues, trips to the top of the Arch are not. Wheelchairs, scooters, and strollers are not allowed. 
  • Tram tickets may be booked in advance online.
  • The top of the Arch is visible from Horseshoe Lake State Park in Granite City, Illinois, a short 10-minute drive away.
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