If you enjoy hiking, head west to explore the Missouri River and surrounding hilly terrain. Set up camp at Klondike Park, formerly the home of a silica sand quarry. Overnight options include renting a three-room rustic cabin for eight with a futon, a pair of bunk beds, two lofted twin beds, and modern amenities like a ceiling fan, lamp, and one electrical outlet. Or pitch a tent at one of 10 basic campsites, often grouped together, with fire pits, grills, and covered picnic areas. For more seclusion, choose one of the primitive campsites nestled throughout the park. Restrooms and a shower house are close to all sites and are open April through October. The park has a playground for younger kids and a large fishing lake stocked with bluegill, bass, and catfish. Free boat ramps are available to access the river, or you can hike along the 4 miles of paved and natural trails to a gorgeous scenic lookout. Reservations can be booked online. 4600 S. Route 94, Augusta, 636-949-7535.
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Within St. Louis County there are a few parks that allow camping. Our favorite for families is Greensfelder Park, at the edge of the Ozark Mountain range. Within its 1,734 acres of wilderness are seven campsites at which to pitch a tent. Book one of the equestrian campsites (equipped with tie stalls for horses); they are nearest to parking, as well as to the park’s only playground, which has two swings and a colorful climbing structure. (Horseback riding not required!) The park also has a Team Challenge Course—constructed of logs, cables, ropes, and trees—that can be reserved for groups of 12 or more (minimum age is 9–11)—fun for a family reunion!
Camp in five Missouri state parks or historic sites in a year and receive a certificate and patch! Get your camper verification cards marked by the staff, mail them in, and receive your award.
For a more rugged camping experience with older children, visit the western outskirts of St. Louis County to check out West Tyson Park, where you’ll find caves and Roth Memorial Lodge, a rentable lodge for 20 people with electricity and a wood-burning stove (no running water). Or visit Sioux Passage, in Florissant, for fishing in the Missouri River. Five primitive camping sites are available; don’t forget to bring your own firewood.
Looking to explore new areas with more attractions? Throughout the state are 40 scenic state parks that offer a wide range of camping sites, from basic pitch-a-tent sites to full-service RV sites. Fourteen of those also offer lodging options ranging from motel rooms and four-plexes to a lake house, yurts, and outpost cabins. Rates start at $10; 877-422-6766.
Our Favorites
- Sam A. Baker State Park, in Patterson, Missouri, offers towering trees and plenty of fresh air. Kids will love floating, tubing, and swimming in addition to scenic trails, babbling brooks, shaded picnic areas and group pavilions, and nearby playgrounds.
- Onondaga Cave State Park, in Leasburg, Missouri, has lots of family-friendly activities like camping, canoeing, fishing, and guided cave tours at Onondaga and Cathedral caves. Onondaga Cave, designated as a Natural Landmark, is known for its great abundance of stalactites and stalagmites.
- Johnson’s Shut-Ins State Park is a natural water park just a few hours south of St. Louis. The entire family can take a dip in one of the state’s premier swimming holes, where the Black River has carved out chutes and pools in the ancient rock of the namesake shut-ins.
Howl Like a Wolf
A private group camping site at The Endangered Wolf Center gives ample room among its 2,000 serene acres for groups to set up their own camp, build campfires, and cook out. During the evening hours, campers hike down Howl Road and howl at the wolves. The wolves howl back on a regular basis. In the morning, campers can tour the facilities for an added fee. $20. 6750 Tyson Valley, Eureka, 636-938-5900.
