Camping is a great way to spend a weekend in the great outdoors, and for residents and visitors of St Louis, MO, there are plenty of nearby campgrounds where everyone can get away from the city for a few days. Whether you prefer the ruggedness of a tent or the comfort of an RV, you’ll find your new favorite spot on this list.
1. Washington State Park
This hidden gem on the Missouri River to the west of St Louis is perfect for hiking, fishing, boating, and swimming. The park is also an area of high historical importance, with the largest collection of ancient petroglyphs in the state, as well as buildings constructed by the Civilian Construction Corps in the 1930s.
The park’s campground has something for everyone, offering both basic and developed sites with electrical outlets, and a special-use area. There is also a dedicated family campsite that includes roomier pitches, with enough space for everyone. The campsite is open year-round, but facilities are more limited during the off-season, from November to March.
2. Cuivre River Campgrounds
Located just under an hour’s drive from downtown St Louis, the campground at Cuivre River make an excellent base for exploring the rugged mountains of northern Missouri’s Ozarks. The park is full of natural beauty, despite its proximity to the city, and its wilder nature means it’s one of the parks most beloved of hikers.
The nearby Lake Lincoln is perfect for swimming, boating, or fishing, or visitors can observe the teeming wildlife in the miles of woods and mountains that make up the park. Campsites vary from simple dirt plots to full RV hookups, with access to sewage, electricity, and water.
3. Horseshoe Lake
Located across the river in Illinois, Horseshoe Lake is situated in a low floodplain and is a shallow oxbow lake formed by the overflowing Mississippi that averages just three feet in depth. Despite this, the lake still offers incredible fishing; visitors can enjoy casting for catfish, bass, and crappie. There are 26 campsites in the park that can accommodate trailers or tents, and the campground itself is open from May to September, and campers can stay for up to 7 days in any 30 days.
4. Dr. Edmund A. Babler Memorial
Named after a famous St. Louis surgeon, known for his service to the less fortunate of the city, this state park stretches for over 800 acres of beautiful green space amongst the rapidly expanding suburbs. The park’s old-growth forests are particularly noteworthy, with century-old white oaks, red oaks, and maples, and can be explored via the miles of hiking trails that snake through the park. The park’s campground is open all year round, and campsites can be reserved online up to 12 months in advance.
These are just some of the many incredible campsites within a short drive of the city. Looking for a new vehicle to take you on your next adventure? Head on down to Bommarito Chevrolet South County today, where you’re sure to fall in love with our incredible range of quality cars.
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