98% (74) • 11 campsites
Top-rated campgrounds near Waterloo
The Magic Land Homestead
1. The Magic Land Homestead
94%
(16)
36mi from Waterloo · 4 sites · Lodging
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!
Pets
Toilets
Showers
from
$70
/ night
Matt's Place at Meramec n Labarque
2. Matt's Place at Meramec n Labarque
100%
(69)
28mi from Waterloo · 5 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
Located at the confluence of the Meramec River and Labarque Creek, my place (Matt's Place) is a ridge above a bottomland bowl of sorts.
The old iron truss bridge here is likely built in 1910 and it has a survey marker from 1932.
The creek has a nice little swimming hole, and a beach that is sometimes sand, sometimes, gravel, and sometimes a mix of both with some silt or even mud after a storm. It's peaceful down there to explore in the creek, wade while looking outward to an opening into the Meramec River. It's also fun to stand just at the mouth of the creek in the Meramec River. It's an awesome view upstream or downstream of tree lined banks, rock bluffs, and every now and then, passing boats, canoes, paddle boards, or kayaks. The old iron truss bridge hovers above the meeting of two waters. The water is cool and clean. Some fifty species of fish have been recorded in this creek, the most in all of Jefferson County and St Louis County. The bottomland has two levels, the lower bottoms down by the creek and the upper bottoms about a hundred feet from the creek. The upper bottoms has a clearing like a meadow with mowed grass.
My favorite things to do here include gazing up at a cottonwood tree that must be sixty feet tall. It's leaves in a breeze are like a thousand hands waving hello. The bottomland meadow offers just enough sky to see bats dance in the dusk air between the trees, then fireflies as it gets darker yet. Up top is where I live.
Just five miles off HWY 44 and HWY 109, at Eureka, MO, (30 minutes west of downtown St Louis, 18 minutes from Six Flags) this place sits on a ridge with great views above the Meramec River.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from
$20
/ night
Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park Camp-Resort: Eureka
3. Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park Camp-Resort: Eureka
31mi from Waterloo · 7 sites
Discover a unique family getaway at Jellystone Park, where the charm of nature meets the excitement of a theme park! We recognize the importance of family time and aim to create unforgettable memories through wholesome and affordable entertainment for everyone.
Situated just half a mile from Six Flags St. Louis and spread across 35 wooded acres, our award-winning family resort combines the thrill of outdoor adventures with top-notch amenities. Enjoy complimentary Wi-Fi, a refreshing pool, mini-golf, a video arcade, train rides, arts and crafts, and a variety of outdoor games. Plus, kids will love the daily character visits from Yogi Bear!
Our welcoming, kid-friendly atmosphere is complemented by a full-time Recreation Director, ensuring that there’s always something fun happening. With exciting themed events and planned activities that change weekly, your family will never experience a dull moment at Jellystone Park. Come and experience the perfect blend of relaxation and adventure!
Horseshoe Lake State Park
4. Horseshoe Lake State Park
100%
(2)
49 sites · Pontoon Beach, Illinois
Spend a night next to the second-largest natural lake in Illinois.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
Washington County State Recreational Area
5. Washington County State Recreational Area
100%
(1)
39 sites · Nashville, Illinois
Echoed by mourning dove calls that reverberate through the dew-licked pines and dotting the county's sun-kissed hillsides, Washington County State Recreational Area is teeming with fauna. This near-fifteen-hundred-acre ecological oasis is nestled just four miles from Nashville in southern Illinois―a far cry from it’s adjacent concrete jungles, aside from the skyscraper-like pines. And, criss crossed by the area’s two small creeks, Washington County State Recreational Area is inundated with well-populated, stable populations of largemouth bass and other like-sized game fish. Even if you’re not a fan of dancing bobbers, you’ll find situational ecstasy while dining under one of the park’s lake-hugging picnic pavilions, bathed in sunset yellows―and, let's face it, everyone’s a fan of solar acrobatics paired with well-made egg salad.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
Pin Oak RV Resort
6. Pin Oak RV Resort
41mi from Waterloo · 95 sites
Pin Oak RV Resort stands out as a premier destination for camping enthusiasts in the Midwest, thanks to its award-winning status and a wealth of amenities that cater to visitors of all ages. Recognized with the President’s Award for the Largest Park of the Year by the Missouri Association of RV Parks and Campgrounds, our resort offers an unforgettable experience that keeps guests coming back year after year.
Conveniently located along Historic U.S. 66, just a short drive from Bourbeuse Valley Pottery and approximately 45 minutes from St. Louis, accessing your perfect getaway is a breeze via Interstate 44 and US Highway 50. Our resort features a serene private lake ideal for catch-and-release fishing, along with 30 and 50 amp electrical hookups for RVs. With ample courts for outdoor activities, you’ll find endless opportunities for fun and relaxation in our Midwestern paradise.
At Pin Oak RV Resort, we pride ourselves on providing fully-equipped RV campsites that include water, sewer, and electricity hookups. For those seeking a more spacious experience, our premium RV sites offer stunning lake views and larger areas for pitching tents, perfect for gathering around a cozy fire pit.
While our name highlights RV camping, we also cater to those who prefer a glamping experience. Our rental options
Eldon Hazlet State Recreation Area
7. Eldon Hazlet State Recreation Area
100%
(2)
366 sites · Carlyle, Illinois
Visit now because Eldon Hazlet could easily become the next hotspot of Illinois environmental adventure. With its open fields, breezy lakeside views, and expansive collection of wildlife, the largest park in Illinois is no less than a treasure. Partake in your favorite pastimes or try something new! Set sail on the lake, have a romantic picnic, take a dip in the pool: the options are endless! There’s nothing quite so relaxing as breathing in the fresh air at Eldon Hazlet.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
98% (74) • 11 campsites
Top-rated campgrounds near Waterloo
The Magic Land Homestead
1. The Magic Land Homestead
94%
(16)
36mi from Waterloo · 4 sites · Lodging
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!
Pets
Toilets
Showers
from
$70
/ night
Matt's Place at Meramec n Labarque
2. Matt's Place at Meramec n Labarque
100%
(69)
28mi from Waterloo · 5 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
Located at the confluence of the Meramec River and Labarque Creek, my place (Matt's Place) is a ridge above a bottomland bowl of sorts.
The old iron truss bridge here is likely built in 1910 and it has a survey marker from 1932.
The creek has a nice little swimming hole, and a beach that is sometimes sand, sometimes, gravel, and sometimes a mix of both with some silt or even mud after a storm. It's peaceful down there to explore in the creek, wade while looking outward to an opening into the Meramec River. It's also fun to stand just at the mouth of the creek in the Meramec River. It's an awesome view upstream or downstream of tree lined banks, rock bluffs, and every now and then, passing boats, canoes, paddle boards, or kayaks. The old iron truss bridge hovers above the meeting of two waters. The water is cool and clean. Some fifty species of fish have been recorded in this creek, the most in all of Jefferson County and St Louis County. The bottomland has two levels, the lower bottoms down by the creek and the upper bottoms about a hundred feet from the creek. The upper bottoms has a clearing like a meadow with mowed grass.
My favorite things to do here include gazing up at a cottonwood tree that must be sixty feet tall. It's leaves in a breeze are like a thousand hands waving hello. The bottomland meadow offers just enough sky to see bats dance in the dusk air between the trees, then fireflies as it gets darker yet. Up top is where I live.
Just five miles off HWY 44 and HWY 109, at Eureka, MO, (30 minutes west of downtown St Louis, 18 minutes from Six Flags) this place sits on a ridge with great views above the Meramec River.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from
$20
/ night
Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park Camp-Resort: Eureka
3. Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park Camp-Resort: Eureka
31mi from Waterloo · 7 sites
Discover a unique family getaway at Jellystone Park, where the charm of nature meets the excitement of a theme park! We recognize the importance of family time and aim to create unforgettable memories through wholesome and affordable entertainment for everyone.
Situated just half a mile from Six Flags St. Louis and spread across 35 wooded acres, our award-winning family resort combines the thrill of outdoor adventures with top-notch amenities. Enjoy complimentary Wi-Fi, a refreshing pool, mini-golf, a video arcade, train rides, arts and crafts, and a variety of outdoor games. Plus, kids will love the daily character visits from Yogi Bear!
Our welcoming, kid-friendly atmosphere is complemented by a full-time Recreation Director, ensuring that there’s always something fun happening. With exciting themed events and planned activities that change weekly, your family will never experience a dull moment at Jellystone Park. Come and experience the perfect blend of relaxation and adventure!
Horseshoe Lake State Park
4. Horseshoe Lake State Park
100%
(2)
49 sites · Pontoon Beach, Illinois
Spend a night next to the second-largest natural lake in Illinois.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
Washington County State Recreational Area
5. Washington County State Recreational Area
100%
(1)
39 sites · Nashville, Illinois
Echoed by mourning dove calls that reverberate through the dew-licked pines and dotting the county's sun-kissed hillsides, Washington County State Recreational Area is teeming with fauna. This near-fifteen-hundred-acre ecological oasis is nestled just four miles from Nashville in southern Illinois―a far cry from it’s adjacent concrete jungles, aside from the skyscraper-like pines. And, criss crossed by the area’s two small creeks, Washington County State Recreational Area is inundated with well-populated, stable populations of largemouth bass and other like-sized game fish. Even if you’re not a fan of dancing bobbers, you’ll find situational ecstasy while dining under one of the park’s lake-hugging picnic pavilions, bathed in sunset yellows―and, let's face it, everyone’s a fan of solar acrobatics paired with well-made egg salad.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
Pin Oak RV Resort
6. Pin Oak RV Resort
41mi from Waterloo · 95 sites
Pin Oak RV Resort stands out as a premier destination for camping enthusiasts in the Midwest, thanks to its award-winning status and a wealth of amenities that cater to visitors of all ages. Recognized with the President’s Award for the Largest Park of the Year by the Missouri Association of RV Parks and Campgrounds, our resort offers an unforgettable experience that keeps guests coming back year after year.
Conveniently located along Historic U.S. 66, just a short drive from Bourbeuse Valley Pottery and approximately 45 minutes from St. Louis, accessing your perfect getaway is a breeze via Interstate 44 and US Highway 50. Our resort features a serene private lake ideal for catch-and-release fishing, along with 30 and 50 amp electrical hookups for RVs. With ample courts for outdoor activities, you’ll find endless opportunities for fun and relaxation in our Midwestern paradise.
At Pin Oak RV Resort, we pride ourselves on providing fully-equipped RV campsites that include water, sewer, and electricity hookups. For those seeking a more spacious experience, our premium RV sites offer stunning lake views and larger areas for pitching tents, perfect for gathering around a cozy fire pit.
While our name highlights RV camping, we also cater to those who prefer a glamping experience. Our rental options
Eldon Hazlet State Recreation Area
7. Eldon Hazlet State Recreation Area
100%
(2)
366 sites · Carlyle, Illinois
Visit now because Eldon Hazlet could easily become the next hotspot of Illinois environmental adventure. With its open fields, breezy lakeside views, and expansive collection of wildlife, the largest park in Illinois is no less than a treasure. Partake in your favorite pastimes or try something new! Set sail on the lake, have a romantic picnic, take a dip in the pool: the options are endless! There’s nothing quite so relaxing as breathing in the fresh air at Eldon Hazlet.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community
A
Amy
1 week ago
With pets
Matthew was a welcoming and personable host. The setting was amazing, and the rustic cabin was comfortable. I enjoyed my stay thoroughly.
See moreT
Teresa
October 2025
Weekend Trip to Matt's Place at Meramec n Labarque
Matt is a wonderful host. We stayed in his cabin and had a great evening in front of the fire listening to the sounds of the river. Matt can provide extras to enhance your stay - we had coffee and toast and jam in the morning. Everything was perfect- Matt is very responsive, thoughtful and kind. I loved the new outhouse!
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R
Ren
July 2025
5 nights at The Magic Land Homestead
What a wonderful homebase for a beautiful retreat away from the hussle and bussle of city life! I went in most excited for the indoor swing, which was as spectacular as expected, but everything else on the site was so comforting and it was so easy to feel at home. Hearing the roosters every morning was such a fun way to feel connected to nature as soon as the sun came up. If you're looking for true rest and relaxation, while being in the middle of tons of trails, river spots, and natural oasis' - this is your place! Laura was so helpful and accommodating of our needs, and easy to contact even with the low cell service (which was a wonderful way to 100% disconnect from it all). We can't wait to come back again someday, any spot on the Magic Land seems to be recipe for a great time. :)
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Jordan
May 2025
4 nights at The Magic Land Homestead
It had all the sights and sounds of a homestead. Roosters, chickens, ducks and dogs greeted us in the mornings. The A-Frame was very comfortable, cozy, and eclectic. We had everything we needed for a long weekend.
Laura Lynne is a very thoughtful host, and everything we could have needed was present, clearly labeled, and had instructions on how to use it in case you're unfamiliar.
Though we did not need any of these items, the A-Frame had a good first aid kit, supplies in case of a power outage, and a box full of commonly forgotten item. As someone who does education on substance abuse, I want to give Laura Lynne two big thumbs up on including Narcan with the first aid kit.
Stocked shelves of books and games were an unexpected and fun bonus!
You can do as much or as little as you want to here. While we heard other people, the sight lines from the A-Frame were very carefully guarded and we were able to feel like we were alone on our little bit of creation. It was very restful. Make sure you walk down and check out the beautiful creek.
See moreG
Gabriel
May 2025
Weekend Trip to The Magic Land Homestead
We had a wonderful visit to The Magic Land! What a cool little homestead. Laura Lynn is an absolute joy and a top notch host.
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Michael
May 2025
2 nights at The Magic Land Homestead
Laura Lynne stocks her A Frame with all the essentials so you don't have to worry about them and she even sends you a comprehensive guide ahead of time so you know exactly what to expect. However, the true standout of the Magic Land is of course the land itself. Want an entire charming, tiny lake to yourself with a provided kayak for a peaceful experience? Want to soak under the stars in a tub heated by your own campfire? These are just a few parts of what make the Magic Land so magical. It's rare to get this much nature completely to yourself, but you can get it. Will absolutely be recommending to others.
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