The Gateway city is more than a gateway to the west! It's a Gateway to the woods!
You might not be able to see the iconic Gateway Arch from your campsite, but there’s no lack of vistas. If you’re up for a 3 hour drive, you can make it the aptly named Garden of the Gods in the Shawnee National Forest. A little closer to the city, the Bell Mountain Wilderness is in the Mark Twain National Forest, and is ready for your hiking boots. For a little historic roadtripping, follow the brown historic route signs along old route 66 north to Springfield and eat a corndog at the home of the original, the Cozy Dog Inn.