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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.
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.
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.
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.
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.