Discover the best river, stream, or creek campgrounds near St Louis, Missouri with campfires

Known as the Gateway to the West, St. Louis is more than a stopping point for travelers. This energetic Missouri city has a rich history showcased in parks, architecture, and museums. The elegant Gateway Arch rises over the city skyscrapers and the Mississippi River, serving as an iconic backdrop. Head to The Hill, a historic Italian neighborhood for some of the city’s best eats. The quirky City Museum is a must-see. The regions around St. Louis are surprisingly rural, with outdoor adventures to be found not too far from the city lights. From urban RV parks to serene public camping, this region has accommodations to fit your camping style.

Where to go

Downtown St. Louis and Forest Park

This is where the action is! Downtown is bustling with restaurants, live entertainment, and bars. Catch a Cardinals game, go up in the Gateway Arch for a bird’s-eye view of the city, or walk along the shores of the epic Mississippi River. Forest Park was the site of the 1904 World’s Fair, and today, some of the architecture remains, with a free zoo, art museum, science center, and more nestled amid the gently rolling green hills. Camping is hard to find close to downtown, but there are a few urban RV parks and private campsites to be had.

Eureka, Missouri

The town of Eureka sits on the city outskirts and has easy access to downtown St. Louis, which is just 20 minutes northeast on Interstate 44. Eureka has attractions of its own to explore, including Six Flags, Route 66 State Park, and several conservation areas. A solid choice for camping near St. Louis, Eureka has some private RV resorts, offering full hookups, free wifi, swimming pools, and family entertainment.

Dr. Edmund A. Babler Memorial State Park

Just 45 minutes from downtown, Babler State Park feels worlds away, with a thick forest of trees, making it a good choice for travelers wanting to camp near St. Louis in a natural landscape. Hit the trails on foot, bike, or horseback. The campground offers tent and RV sites, with 30 and 50-amp electric hookups available.

Meramec State Park

A little over an hour southwest of St. Louis lies Meramec State Park, a good option if you want to combine outdoor adventures with a visit to the city. Located along the Meramec River, this park offers hiking, swimming, paddling, fishing, and cave tours, as well as tent and RV sites with a variety of amenities, including some full hookup sites.

Horseshoe Lake State Park

Head east into Illinois to camp along the banks of the state's second-largest natural lake at Horseshoe Lake State Park, located fewer than 20 minutes from downtown St. Louis. The campground offers primitive tent or trailer camping sites on a first-come-first-serve basis.

When to go

Summers can run quite hot and humid in St. Louis, but this is a popular time to visit. Grab a campsite with electric hookups, if you want to crank the AC. Spring and fall are especially pleasant, with fewer crowds and cooler temperatures. Winter camping can involve freezing temperatures and precipitation, which makes planning somewhat unpredictable.