99% (282) • 10 campsites
Top-rated campgrounds near Wood River
Matt's Place at Meramec n Labarque
1. Matt's Place at Meramec n Labarque
100%
(68)
42mi from Wood River · 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
McCully Heritage Project
2. McCully Heritage Project
98%
(444)
42mi from Wood River · 10 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
The McCully Heritage Project is a 940- acre environmental center located one mile south of Kampsville, Illinois in beautiful and remote Calhoun County.
We are a private non-profit left as the legacy of Howard and Eva McCully.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from
$25
/ night
Lakeside Seclusion on 90+ Acres!
3. Lakeside Seclusion on 90+ Acres!
49mi from Wood River · 2 sites · Lodging
Escape to this cozy one-bedroom cabin, perfectly tucked away in the middle of 90 acres of serene seclusion. With only one other cabin on the entire property, a quiet, relaxing stay is guaranteed.
Through the gated entrance, a hidden pond adds to the tranquil atmosphere. The cabin features a cozy fireplace and a fully equipped kitchen. Out on the patio, your private hot tub under the stars awaits.
This is an adults-only getaway. Pets are welcome. Maximum of two guests allowed. No hunting.
Pets
Toilets
Showers
from
$192
/ night
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
Beaver Dam State Park
5. Beaver Dam State Park
100%
(1)
76 sites · Chesterfield, Illinois
With such different ecosystems (we’re talking farmland, open fields, woodlands, lake, and a marsh) wrapped up in one park, Beaver Dam is the place to go see a vast variety of plants and animals. Hike any of the trails and have fun trying to keep count of all the creatures you see! Bring your bow and arrows to the archery range, or spend your time hunting the area. Getting the winter blues? Beaver Dam is open and ready for ice skaters or cross country skiers. Don’t just take our word for it, get down here!
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park Camp-Resort: Eureka
6. Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park Camp-Resort: Eureka
41mi from Wood River · 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!
Pere Marquette State Park
7. Pere Marquette State Park
100%
(2)
30 sites · Grafton, Illinois
See one of the most beautiful state parks in Illinois.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
Eldon Hazlet State Recreation Area
8. 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
99% (282) • 10 campsites
Top-rated campgrounds near Wood River
Matt's Place at Meramec n Labarque
1. Matt's Place at Meramec n Labarque
100%
(68)
42mi from Wood River · 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
McCully Heritage Project
2. McCully Heritage Project
98%
(444)
42mi from Wood River · 10 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
The McCully Heritage Project is a 940- acre environmental center located one mile south of Kampsville, Illinois in beautiful and remote Calhoun County.
We are a private non-profit left as the legacy of Howard and Eva McCully.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from
$25
/ night
Lakeside Seclusion on 90+ Acres!
3. Lakeside Seclusion on 90+ Acres!
49mi from Wood River · 2 sites · Lodging
Escape to this cozy one-bedroom cabin, perfectly tucked away in the middle of 90 acres of serene seclusion. With only one other cabin on the entire property, a quiet, relaxing stay is guaranteed.
Through the gated entrance, a hidden pond adds to the tranquil atmosphere. The cabin features a cozy fireplace and a fully equipped kitchen. Out on the patio, your private hot tub under the stars awaits.
This is an adults-only getaway. Pets are welcome. Maximum of two guests allowed. No hunting.
Pets
Toilets
Showers
from
$192
/ night
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
Beaver Dam State Park
5. Beaver Dam State Park
100%
(1)
76 sites · Chesterfield, Illinois
With such different ecosystems (we’re talking farmland, open fields, woodlands, lake, and a marsh) wrapped up in one park, Beaver Dam is the place to go see a vast variety of plants and animals. Hike any of the trails and have fun trying to keep count of all the creatures you see! Bring your bow and arrows to the archery range, or spend your time hunting the area. Getting the winter blues? Beaver Dam is open and ready for ice skaters or cross country skiers. Don’t just take our word for it, get down here!
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park Camp-Resort: Eureka
6. Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park Camp-Resort: Eureka
41mi from Wood River · 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!
Pere Marquette State Park
7. Pere Marquette State Park
100%
(2)
30 sites · Grafton, Illinois
See one of the most beautiful state parks in Illinois.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
Eldon Hazlet State Recreation Area
8. 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
T
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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Donna
September 2025
With pets
We had a great time staying at Watkin's Place. The home and location were exactly what we were looking for. The home is isolated and feels remote even though it is only a short drive to Hardin. Plenty of hot water and full kitchen made our stay comfortable and a step up from tent camping but we still had the "out in nature" experience. Our dogs loved it as well. Hiking took us through open fields and forest sheltered paths. Watkins Place was clean and stocked with the necessities, including linens and basic cooking supplies. If you are looking for a cross between roughing it and glamping, Watkins Place is exactly the right fit.
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