- Waterside Camping
The best waterside camping near St Louis
96% (1.9K) • 8 campsites
Top-rated campgrounds near St Louis
Hawks Bluff Farm Campground
1. 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!
Pets
Toilets
Full hookups
from
$20
/ night
Beaver Dam State Park
2. Beaver Dam State Park
100%
(1)
State park 42mi from St Louis · 76 sites
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
Mississippi River - Kaskaskia River
3. Mississippi River - Kaskaskia River
Park 38mi from St Louis · 15 sites
Discover the scenic confluence of the Mississippi and Kaskaskia Rivers.
Toilets
Campfires
Picnic table
96% (1.9K) • 8 campsites
Top-rated campgrounds near St Louis
Hawks Bluff Farm Campground
1. 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!
Pets
Toilets
Full hookups
from
$20
/ night
Beaver Dam State Park
2. Beaver Dam State Park
100%
(1)
State park 42mi from St Louis · 76 sites
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
Mississippi River - Kaskaskia River
3. Mississippi River - Kaskaskia River
Park 38mi from St Louis · 15 sites
Discover the scenic confluence of the Mississippi and Kaskaskia Rivers.
Toilets
Campfires
Picnic table
Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community
J
Justin
November 2025
With kids
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!
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Zoe
November 2025
Tent
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!!
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A
Andros
November 2025
Tent
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!
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B
Brian
November 2025
30 ft travel trailer
With kids
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.
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N
Nathan
November 2025
25 ft Class C
Secluded location. Several options are available for sites depending on services. Rock hunting is fantastic.
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Alan
November 2025
Tent
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.
See moreH
Hope
October 2025
Tent
With pets
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!!
See moreT
Taylirre
October 2025
16 ft car
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.
See moreC
Camiel
October 2025
Tent
With pets
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!!
See moreS
Sarah
October 2025
Tent
With kids
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.
See moreW
Whitney
October 2025
Tent
With kids
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.
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W
WAYNE
October 2025
25 ft travel trailer
With pets
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.
See moreJ
Jaime
October 2025
Tent
With kids
Loved the views and the campsites were spacious and very well kept. Kiddos enjoyed all of the animals and the rock hunting here is amazing. We also enjoyed the creek, it was crystal clear.
The atmosphere was relaxed and the helpers were super friendly. We will definitely be adding this to our list of places for quick weekend family getaway.
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E
Ebony
October 2025
Tent
Do not hesitate to book! This is the most efficient way of camping! She has everything you need from kayaking to an outside kitchen! Yes.. an outside kitchen with stoves refrigerators cups plates bbq grill and bbq sauce! Peaceful with adorable livestock. As a solo female camper I felt safe and I’m returning this weekend!
See moreD
Donna A
October 2025
Tent
With pets
Liked it so much I extended it another week! Great for kids! Especially if their first time.
See moreJ
JESSICA
October 2025
Tent
With kids
This place is very well kept! I liked the way you could pretty much just pick any spot(with respecting other campers, of course). All the animals are very friendly! Be careful with the gray-ish striped cat! I turned over at one point, and my son had gotten the cat in the tent, and it was passed out between us😅 pretty sure it would've let my son kidnap it honestly, haha!
Definitely planning on staying more than just a night when we come back through!
By the way, the shower was amazing, and good shower heads! As far as campgrounds go, probably the best I've seen!
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S
Steve
September 2025
20 ft travel trailer
Keep in mind this is a farm, so you will find equipment and farm stuff about. Beautiful property with access to lots of activities featuring rock hunting. The staff is super friendly and helpful. We will be back when time allows. They offer a variety of festivals and learning opportunities from time to time. Elizabeth has worked to offer all types of camping experiences. The communal outdoor kitchen is an awesome way to meet your fellow campers and enjoy a morning coffee.
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A
Amie
September 2025
Tent
With pets
I had a rough week at work so made a last minute decision Saturday morning to reserve a campsite not far from home just for the night. I needed to get out of my head and reset my soul, and I found a cute place on this 640 acre working farm . It was my first solo trip and at first I was nervous but the women who greeted me at the farm and the families having a great time around me made me immediately relax.
The sounds of nature (hawk, bullfrog, coyotes, hooting owl) mixed with the farm sounds (tractor, train in the distance, rooster, goats, mules, cows, dogs, boys playing hide n seek) got me out of my head and grounded, ready for a new week.
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Taylor
September 2025
20 ft travel trailer
With pets
Lisa was the best host! It’s not crowded and has a few animals to see. :)
See moreH
Heather
September 2025
Tent
With kids
Lovely property! My kids adored the friendly cats and dogs, and spending time at the creek. Will definitely return.
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The best waterside 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.