The best mountainous campgrounds near St Louis, Missouri

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.

97% (301)

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.

97% (301)

Top-rated campgrounds near St Louis

1. Sudden Valley Ranch

99%

(266)

47mi from St Louis · 3 sites · Tents, RVs

Our home was built shortly after the couple married in 1904.  We were fortunate enough to begin our adventure here in 1999.  We appreciate all this place has to offer - from the hay fields to the woods and everything in between.  It is a peaceful paradise we enjoy sharing with others.  Please come and relax, read a book, draw a picture, or simply let the sounds of nature lull you to sleep.  We believe you will leave rejuvenated!  

2. 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.

3. 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.

4. Lost Hill Lake Glamping Resort

41mi from St Louis · 4 sites · Lodging

Lost Hill Lake is the perfect place for a glamping getaway. Surround yourself with the great outdoors but spend the night with all the comforts of home. We feature 6 unique glamping accommodations all around a private lake. We can't wait to see you out at the resort!

Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community

D

Dave

November 2025

Tent

2 nights at Sudden Valley Ranch

I really enjoyed camping at Sudden Valley. I was looking to get away from everything and a public campground is usually too close to your neighbors. I wanted solitude. The Top of the Ridge site was perfect. The site is tucked back into the woods with was plenty of room to spread out with multiple tent sites in that area to choose from - tucked into the trees or out in the open. It would be great for a family with a couple of tents and still have room for games like corn hole or washers. I’ll probably bring my grandkids next summer. Randy got me set up with firewood and the scoop on the property, then I wasn’t bothered the rest of my trip, well, except for Molly, one of their dogs, that dropped by for a visit each morning for a quick pet.

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.

S

Sarah

November 2025

Tent

With kids

Weekend Trip to Sudden Valley Ranch

We had an amazing time, even though there was unexpected rain and a freeze warning…we will definitely be coming back when the weather is warmer!! The campgrounds were very spacious and private. The supplies were well stocked, they think of everything you could need! The horses were so cute, and my kids loved the turkeys. We can’t wait to come back!!

This is the view from Hideaway Ridge! Come and enjoy.

Daniel

October 2025

Tent

With kids

Weekend Trip to Sudden Valley Ranch

Excellent signage and information for all the campsites. Location is quiet but easy to access. Campsite was clean and organized. Lots of additional items provided you wouldn't normally expect. Plenty of firewood. I would recommend to anyone

J

Jeremy

October 2025

Tent

With kids

Weekend Trip to Sudden Valley Ranch

We enjoyed our stay at The Top of the Ridge campsite! It was very quiet and peaceful, and Randy made sure we had everything we needed. There was plenty of firewood at the campsite and we utilized the Weber charcoal grill as well.

C

Christy

October 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Hagood Farms and Trails

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

This spacious site is at the far edge of one of our hayfields/horse pastures. You can see the outhouse is a comfortable distance from the main area.

L

Lauren

October 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Sudden Valley Ranch

Sudden Valley Ranch is a gorgeous retreat from the norm. Our stay was wonderful and the ranch is a beautiful place to unwind and recharge. I am so grateful to the hosts for sharing their little slice of heaven with us. I will definitely be back.

L

Lee Ann

October 2025

Tent

With pets

1 night at Sudden Valley Ranch

I found the site On Top of the Ridge to be a wonderful place to tent camp. There was a table, plenty of firewood, a cabinet with camping supplies and an awesome private outhouse just for this campsite. It was a short walk to visit the horses. The whole farm with multiple barns, fields, trails and really beautiful horses was well maintained. The owner was so gracious and welcoming. It was an easy drive from the interstate on my way from Nashville to Denver.

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Brianna

September 2025

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to Hagood Farms and Trails

Aaron and Heidi were incredibly accommodating and kind. We felt safe, and had a wonderful time. There is tons to do on the property, and in the area, as well. They have adorable farm animals, and a beautiful piece of land.

Christina

September 2025

Tent

1 night at Sudden Valley Ranch

We loved camping on Hideaway Ridge at Sudden Valley! Randy greeted us and gave us a little history on their beautiful land. The horses were gorgeous, and their cutie dog Molly greeted us in the morning before we left. The outhouse was also super clean, and the supplies they had on hand were so helpful! Will be back!

Ryan

September 2025

Tent

With kids

Weekend Trip to Sudden Valley Ranch

Amazing place and very kind hosts! Would love to visit again

N

Nick

September 2025

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to Hagood Farms and Trails

As always it was peaceful and relaxing time. Great hosts.

S

Shauna

September 2025

16 ft car

Weekend Trip to Sudden Valley Ranch

A beautiful and peaceful spot to camp, thank you Randy and Milissa!

a

amanda

September 2025

Tent

7 nights at Sudden Valley Ranch

First and foremost, Randy was great. I’m usually not a dog person, but Molly is cool totally and has “chill dog” vibes. She’s great. This location is probably the largest campsite I’ve stayed at. It’s totally suitable for families or groups. You could easily get 4 tents in there, with room to spare if desired. The space is insulated by loads of trees and forest, so you’ll have plenty of privacy. If you have a pensive camper or someone who hasn’t done a lot of camping, this would be a great gateway drug to the backcountry, as you’ll feel somewhat isolated while not being that far off the pavement. There’s a ton of deadfall all around, so firewood isn’t an issue. I had a small handsaw and that was perfect. There was a big pile of firewood to get you going (worked out well since I was moving slow anyway) and a large fire pit to keep everything contained. This site also has the best vault toilet I’ve used, ever. It’s all painted up, sealed, and clean. They even have motion sensor lights that kick on after dark so you can see what you’re doing in there. This was so important as my back was in pain and being able to sit down on something large and stable was necessary. This campsite was remote and quiet enough to be peaceful, while also having comfort items like well water and a toilet, that made it both pleasant and accessible for someone with disabilities. It’s only an hour away, so I hope to comeback when the creek is running. Thanks folks!

M

Metehan

August 2025

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to Hagood Farms and Trails

We had such a wonderful experience at this campsite! The location is peaceful and tucked away, making it feel private and cozy. At night we were able to enjoy a campfire, and the hosts went above and beyond by providing us with fresh eggs (including duck eggs) and firewood. They were incredibly kind, welcoming, and full of helpful suggestions about the area. We also enjoyed fishing in the small pond on the property and taking walks around the grounds. Our dog had the best time running free and exploring the nature around us. Everything about this place made us feel relaxed and connected to the outdoors. We absolutely loved our stay and will definitely be coming back!

J

Janette

August 2025

24 ft campervan

Weekend Trip to Sudden Valley Ranch

We had such a beautiful night at SVR, we were greeted on our way n and then had a beautiful and quiet night. The site was so clean and beautiful and we would absolutely come Back here again.

K

Kristin

July 2025

Tent

With pets

1 night at Sudden Valley Ranch

We had such an incredible time at this campsite. Randy and Milissa’s land is truly so gorgeous and well taken care of. The horses are beautiful and each campsite seemed relatively private. Our campsite on the top of the ridge was private and had anything we could have need. Can’t recommend enough!

H

Hayley

July 2025

Tent

With pets

1 night at Sudden Valley Ranch

We loved this spot!! We were here for a quick stop on our road trip and had lots to explore. Our dog loved getting to run around and it was wonderful waking up and seeing the horses play. If we’re ever in this area again, we would love to stay another time!

J

Jeff

July 2025

Tent

2 nights at Sudden Valley Ranch

Fantastic experience!! Would highly recommend especially if interested in enjoying natural beauty in a quiet and private setting with a limited number of spacious, dispersed camping sites with amenities to enhance the overall experience. Will return when visiting the area.

K

Kylee

June 2025

Tent

With kids

Weekend Trip to Hagood Farms and Trails

Awesome experience! The sites are kept up with and spaced out around the pond (that we caught a whole bunch of fishy’s out of ;)). The owners were also so so nice and told us about different things around the area and offered to show us their animals. 10/10 time

Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

The best mountainous camping near St Louis 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.