The best campgrounds near St Louis, Missouri with horseback riding

Known as the Gateway to the West, St. Louis is more than a stopping point for travelers. This energetic Missouri city has a rich history showcased in parks, architecture, and museums. The elegant Gateway Arch rises over the city skyscrapers and the Mississippi River, serving as an iconic backdrop. Head to The Hill, a historic Italian neighborhood for some of the city’s best eats. The quirky City Museum is a must-see. The regions around St. Louis are surprisingly rural, with outdoor adventures to be found not too far from the city lights. From urban RV parks to serene public camping, this region has accommodations to fit your camping style.

96% (534)

Top-rated campgrounds near St Louis

Known as the Gateway to the West, St. Louis is more than a stopping point for travelers. This energetic Missouri city has a rich history showcased in parks, architecture, and museums. The elegant Gateway Arch rises over the city skyscrapers and the Mississippi River, serving as an iconic backdrop. Head to The Hill, a historic Italian neighborhood for some of the city’s best eats. The quirky City Museum is a must-see. The regions around St. Louis are surprisingly rural, with outdoor adventures to be found not too far from the city lights. From urban RV parks to serene public camping, this region has accommodations to fit your camping style.

96% (534)

Top-rated campgrounds near St Louis

1. Triangle H Farm, LLC

91%

(53)

19mi from St Louis · 8 sites · Tents, RVs

Once a large cattle operation, Triangle H Farm has evolved through being a corn, soybean and horseradish farm before its present use as a horse boarding, training, and lesson facility. As a matter of fact, depending upon the season, you can schedule a tour of our horseradish farm. We are top 10 producers of horseradish in the nation! Come see our 100 acres of camping possibilities and enjoy nature at its finest! We look forward to having you with us.Learn more about this land:Pitch your tent or plug in your RV (30 or 50 amp, or 110 volt) on our 110 acre horse farm. Choose between staying up closer to the barns or out in the timber. We have a nice primitive spot under a 100+ year old cottonwood tree that is near a stream. There is a picnic table there as well. About 1.25 mile down the trail from the main barn is a walnut grove with a picnic table. The same stream runs past the walnut grove. There is a spot for a fire too. If you want more rustic, feel free to cross the creek to the timber and choose a primitive camping spot there. Enjoy mowed trails to hike or bike. Water (from hydrants and hoses) and portopotty are up near main barns. We have 60 horses on the farm as well as goats, cats, and chickens. We do not offer access to horses unless you're in a riding lesson, or have scheduled a pony riding session. We look forward to sharing our little piece of heaven with you!

2. Explorer Valley

100%

(17)

41mi from St Louis · 2 sites · RVs

Learn more about this land: PLEASE USE THESE COORDINATES **38.86620, -90.94912** NOT THE GOOGLE MAP COORDINATES. Google Maps sends you onto my neighbors property. My concrete pillar mailbox has our address on it, it is lit up at night and very easy to see on the edge of Dietrich Rd. Six level acres in western St. Charles County. Typical evening and night is very quiet. I have approximately 500’ of frontage on Indian Camp Creek with access to a private and secluded gravel bar. Kayaking activities are available without shuttle service. Indian Camp Creek County Park is less than 4 miles away offering mountain biking trails, hiking trails, equestrian trails, picnic pavilions, and Frisbee golf. Incline Village Golf Course is less than 1/2 mile away. Cedar Lake Winery is about a 15 minute drive. I keep a walking path mowed around the perimeter of my property so the weary traveler can stretch their legs after a long day of travel.

3. Hawks Bluff Farm Campground

97%

(232)

47mi from St Louis · 57 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging

Escape the city! We have a very special property that nourishes the soul and provides space to roam and breathe fresh air. We have 460 acres to explore. A beautiful creek running through our property. We have cows, mules, goats, dogs and cats. We are on a bluff so if you are rock hunters you have come to the right place. We offer rock hunting. and we have extra buckets. We have the best Drusy (lots of colors), Crazy Lace Agate, Calcite, Chalcedony, Quartz, Chert, Barite, Bladed Barite, Iron Ores and more. Check us out on Facebook Hawks Bluff Farm Rocks and Drusy. We have firewood, ice, eggs, ground beef, propane exchange and new propane tanks available. Ask us about our kayaking options!

4. Dr. Edmund A. Babler Memorial State Park

100%

(4)

73 sites · Wildwood, Missouri

Enjoy a natural respite outside of St. Louis.

Pets

Electrical hookup

Toilets

5. Pere Marquette State Park

100%

(2)

30 sites · Grafton, Illinois

See one of the most beautiful state parks in Illinois.

Pets

Toilets

Campfires

6. McCully Heritage Project

98%

(444)

49mi from St Louis · 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.

7. Hagood Farms and Trails

98%

(92)

50mi from St Louis · 8 sites · Tents

We have 172 acres of trails with scenic waterfalls and trees. A pond for fishing and conveniently located with in 8 miles from sevetal state parks and 2 miles from 300 acers of off road trails. We have owned and lived on tje property since 1999 .Learn more about this land:We are a fully functioning farm with Longhorn cattle, horses, mini donkeys and goats that are very friendly. We have 164 acres that have trails for horseback riding and ATVs. We are located 8 miles from Mermac River and Washington State park where you can rent canoe's and go hiking. We are an hour from St. Louis and Elephant Rock State park as well as Johnston shut ins. We are also with in 8 miles of ROMP dirt bike trail and 1 mile from Moonlight trails and racing that is 400 plus acers of ATV and jeep trails. We have a few waterfalls on the property and lots of areas to hike as well. Several areas of camping to choose from, you can be in the woods or out in the open. Spring and Summer months we offer farm fresh eggs and there is always plenty of firewood. We recently added a pond area as well. We now have Electric and water as well.

8. Mountains, feilds, and wooded areas

95%

(10)

50mi from St Louis · 18 sites · Tents, RVs

We have owned the property since the early eighties. We have been a working farm for the last 6 years. We have hosted rrail rides and atv rides for several years and are planning on adding Historically correct Old log cabins as well as a wedding venue in the near furture.Learn more about this land:We are locted between two state parks Mermac and Washington state park. There is ATV and off road trails 2 miles down the road. We have trails throught thw property where you can hike, ride horses or take ATVs. There is lots of wildlife as well as farm animals. We have a waterfalls and streams you can walk in or just sit by and enjoy.

9. Cuivre River State Park

100%

(4)

110 sites · Troy, Missouri

Explore this natural paradise in northeastern Missouri.

Pets

Electrical hookup

Toilets

10. St. Francois State Park

57%

(7)

110 sites · Bonne Terre, Missouri

Explore a surprising mountain getaway south of St. Louis.

Public campgrounds near St Louis

100%

(4)

Dr. Edmund A. Babler Campground

24mi from St Louis · 73 sites · Tents, RVs · in Dr. Edmund A. Babler Memorial State Park

100%

(2)

Pere Marquette Campground

31mi from St Louis · 30 sites · Tents, RVs · in Pere Marquette State Park

100%

(4)

Cuivre Campground

46mi from St Louis · 110 sites · Tents, RVs · in Cuivre River State Park

57%

(7)

St. Francois State Campground

48mi from St Louis · 110 sites · Tents, RVs · in St. Francois State Park

Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community

C

Christina

November 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to McCully Heritage Project

Always enjoy my time there! Nice and quiet! And the hoot owls love to keep us company!

R

Rhiannon

November 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to McCully Heritage Project

What an amazing place! We enjoyed camping at one of the walk up sites. And we also enjoyed a beautiful hike on the property. The host was super friendly, inviting and informative. It was a peaceful place and very well maintained- from the campsite to the trails to the bathrooms. I highly recommend and plan on coming back sometime soon!

Karin

November 2025

Tent

Group trip

Weekend Trip to McCully Heritage Project

We really love coming here annually to enjoy the fall colors. Beautiful drive up from St Louis too! Firewood available, picnic tables, and cooking grate over fire. Easy to find and quite private. Welcoming of all people too and much appreciated.

J

Justin

November 2025

With kids

Weekend Trip to Hawks Bluff Farm Campground

The farm and staff are absolutely fantastic! We had an issue with charges, which they resolved with some investment of time on their part. They all I’ve and beyond in service. Helping us find our site in the dark, making sure we had enough supplies and even throwing a pair of jeans in the dryer for our teenager 😁 Truly kind people!

Zoe

November 2025

Tent

2 nights at Hawks Bluff Farm Campground

Always a great time at hawks bluff! This land is truly a blessing and I am grateful Elizabeth shares it with us ! Much comfortability in knowing I’m safe and if I need anything I can always ask :) also, awesome rocks!!

A

Andros

November 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Hawks Bluff Farm Campground

The owners are amazing, the property is very cool, and close enough to town to get supplies. Breathtaking views and a welcoming community at this location!

B

Brian

November 2025

30 ft travel trailer

With kids

Weekend Trip to Hawks Bluff Farm Campground

Great place! Tons of stuff to do. Owners are very sweet and hospitable. I plan to go back and would recommend everyone to stay. Camping or RV. I pulled a 35’er and had zero issues.

N

Nathan

November 2025

25 ft Class C

Weekend Trip to Hawks Bluff Farm Campground

Secluded location. Several options are available for sites depending on services. Rock hunting is fantastic.

C

Chris

November 2025

16 ft travel trailer

With pets

Weekend Trip to Mountains, feilds, and wooded areas

We love camping @ Heidi's place. They are very friendly and the property is very well taken care of.

Alan

November 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Hawks Bluff Farm Campground

Stayed here for a second time, so beautiful in the Fall. Highly recommend! Elizabeth is so helpful and accommodating, and answered all my questions very quickly.

H

Hope

October 2025

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to Hawks Bluff Farm Campground

Our host was so kind and generous. The land was well-kept and peaceful. Rock hunting as part of the stay was delightful. It was so fun to be around the farm animals and be greeted by the dogs and cats. Definitely a spot worth visiting!!

C

Cindie

October 2025

16 ft campervan

1 night at McCully Heritage Project

Since it was dusk when we arrived, we didn't fully appreciate the beauty and serenity of our camping spot until the next morning. How awesome to wake up to the birds singing and the reflection of the fall tree on the pond as the sun was rising. After breakfast we took a walk about the property. The "Guess what tree" display by the bathrooms was quite challenging and fun! Although we did not use them, we peeked into the bathrooms - well maintained and roomy with a toilet, sink and shower. After checking out all of the campsites (we were the only ones there) and the pavilion area, we hiked around the northern section of the property (since the 800+ acres of land to the south were closed) and enjoyed every minute. If you are looking for a space to camp in the area for a night or several, this should be your choice.

T

Taylirre

October 2025

16 ft car

1 night at Hawks Bluff Farm Campground

This was the most beautiful camp site I have stayed at. I've been an avid user of Hipcamp for a few years and frequented many camp sites but this one surpasses all others. First, the hospitality of the owners, they are super responsive and the kitchen area has everything needed to make it comfortable stay. Our tent site was private and quiet and very beautiful to observe the meteor shower. It's set on the side of a large hill where there is a scenic view and grounds full of crystals that can be collected. It felt safe and we did not observe any wild animals other than the farm animals they have onsite. The host was welcoming and knowledgeable of the land and we will be returning with our whole family next time.

C

Camiel

October 2025

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to Hawks Bluff Farm Campground

I absolutely love this place!! The property is amazing and the people are great. My site was level and even with heavy rain there was only minimal mud. The farm animals are friendly and if you’re lucky the mule will serenade you while you use the facilities :) I look forward to going back many more times!!

S

Sarah

October 2025

Tent

With kids

Weekend Trip to Hawks Bluff Farm Campground

Beautiful place to camp. Kids loved all the animals. The rock hunting was so much fun and everyone was so knowledgeable. My husband took the rock cutting class and had good things to say. They had an outdoor kitchen and served meals.

W

Whitney

October 2025

Tent

With kids

Weekend Trip to Hawks Bluff Farm Campground

What a great place. Everyone we encountered who lived or worked there was so nice and helpful and we never felt like they were bothered by us. (We had a group of 13, 6 adults and 7 kids ages 8 and younger so we were a lot). We loved getting to visit the farm animals all day. It was nice to just let the kids run around visiting the dogs, cows, goats, the very chatty donkey. We had 3 large tents and easily found space to accommodate them. Elizabeth was kind enough to set our group up next to the pavilion which helped tremendously in the rain! My only big note that I wish someone would have told me prior to going is the creek access is hard to get to. Most people go for rocks so not a big deal but my kiddos love to play in water. We had to drive a couple minutes but then we had to hike down a steep hill to get to the creek. And hike back up. My 5 year old had zero problems with it so no issues for bigger kids and adults. But it took me 25 minutes to get back to my car with my 2 year old and it wasn’t fun for either of us. Great creek area to play! Just wish it was easier to get to. Would definitely recommend to others to stay.

Andrew

October 2025

Tent

Group trip

Weekend Trip to McCully Heritage Project

Second visit. Great spot even in a thunderstorm. Would return again.

K

Kayelyn

October 2025

Tent

1 night at McCully Heritage Project

This tent site always comes in handy for last minute camping. Very comfortable, secluded spot during the week. Showers are super clean. This is our second time coming here. Very dusty this time as they added sand to probably fill in holes. Bees can be an issue during the day so it is recommended to eat in the car. Potentially a lack of wildflowers causes the bees to be extra hungry. S’mores are probably safe when roasted at night. Despite these small issues, still a five. We believe the people who run this project are very passionate about wildlife, preserving this area, and giving campers a wonderful experience.

W

WAYNE

October 2025

25 ft travel trailer

With pets

4 nights at Hawks Bluff Farm Campground

I’ve been on the road for about 4 months and Elizabeth’s place was a very welcome break from the state parks and private campgrounds I’d been staying at. Nice, quiet (not crowded) farm atmosphere and a great place to rockhound with other places to go rock collecting nearby. Everyone was friendly and helpful. Can’t wait to go through the 50+ pounds of really nice druzy quartz I’m bringing home.

C

Christy

October 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Hagood Farms and Trails

2nd time camping! Always hospitable, and a great place to peacefully relax.

Nearby public parks

Browse national and state parks near St Louis

Dr. Edmund A. Babler Memorial State Park

100%

(4)

Dr. Edmund A. Babler Memorial State Park

Wildwood, Missouri

100%

(2)

Pere Marquette State Park

Grafton, Illinois

100%

(4)

Cuivre River State Park

Troy, Missouri

57%

(7)

St. Francois State Park

Bonne Terre, Missouri

Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

The best camping near St Louis with horseback riding guide

Where to go

Downtown St. Louis and Forest Park

This is where the action is! Downtown is bustling with restaurants, live entertainment, and bars. Catch a Cardinals game, go up in the Gateway Arch for a bird’s-eye view of the city, or walk along the shores of the epic Mississippi River. Forest Park was the site of the 1904 World’s Fair, and today, some of the architecture remains, with a free zoo, art museum, science center, and more nestled amid the gently rolling green hills. Camping is hard to find close to downtown, but there are a few urban RV parks and private campsites to be had.

Eureka, Missouri

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.

Dr. Edmund A. Babler Memorial State Park

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.

Meramec State Park

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.

Horseshoe Lake State Park

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.

When to go

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.