While often overlooked by travelers, St. Louis, known as “The Gateway City”, forms the entrance to a large array of landscapes and stunning RV trips in Missouri and beyond. Whether you’d prefer to visit the sunflower fields of Kansas, the grassy plains of Illinois, or the majestic Ozark Mountains, you can do it all from Missouri’s second largest city.
But don’t skip St. Louis on the way: there’s plenty to keep you occupied within the city itself. In fact, it’s one of the best cities to visit if you’re looking for a wealth of free activities. This includes the Anheuser-Busch Brewery tour, Forest Park, the St. Louis Art Museum, the Missouri History Museum, the St. Louis Zoo, the St. Louis Science Center, the Laumeier Sculpture Park, and the country’s oldest and largest outdoor musical theater.
Of course, the first and last thing you’re likely to see on your trip to St. Louis is its biggest landmark and most visited attraction: the St. Louis Gateway Arch. The Gateway Arch is actually the world’s tallest man-made monument. It was originally built to symbolize St. Louis as the Gateway to the West, and the city is often still considered as such.
Underneath the arch, you’ll find the Museum of Westward Expansion and the Old Courthouse. When you visit the arch, you can take a trip up to the very top for a unique experience. Just make sure to buy your tickets in advance, as lines are long and tickets sell out during peak season.
After your visit to the city’s iconic arch, spend your evening at a traditional St. Louis jazz club or take a riverboat cruise down the famed Mississippi River. Be sure to check out a Cardinals game, and don’t leave without trying some St. Louis original foods. This includes their very own BBQ sauce, pork steaks, gooey butter cake, frozen custard, and St. Louis style pizza.
On your way out, stop by the Lewis and Clark State Memorial Park to satisfy Wild West history lovers in the family. Another must-see is UNESCO World Heritage Site Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site, on the other side of the river from St. Louis in Illinois. Here, you’ll find the largest pre-Columbian city north of Mexico.
Whether you decide to camp as close to the city as possible or stay out in the Ozarks and make a day trip to see the Gateway Arch, there are plenty of options. Here are the 10 best places to camp with an RV near the St. Louis Gateway Arch.
1. St. Louis RV Park
Photo credit: By Daniel Schwen (Own work) [CC BY-SA 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0)], via Wikimedia Commons
As the only RV park in St. Louis proper, this is easily the closest park to downtown St. Louis. You can be at the St. Louis Gateway Arch in under 10 minutes. Other main attractions, from the riverboat cruises to the Cardinals stadium are also just minutes from this park. You can easily walk to plenty of shops and restaurants from the park, and if you’re feeling up for some exercise, the Gateway Arch is just a 2 mile walk away.
Best Features
- Daily/Weekly/Monthly Rates: $35-$45
- # of RV Sites: 100
- Full Hookups: Yes
- 30/50 Amp: Both
- Back-in/Pull-through Sites: Both
- Pool/Hot tub: Yes
- Showers: Yes
- Pets Allowed: Yes
- Additional Services: Wifi, convenience store, meeting room
Why you’ll love St. Louis RV Park
If you want to be close to all the sights and sounds of St. Louis, it doesn’t get much better than this. This RV park features all the standard amenities, plus reliable wi-fi, a great pool area, and updated, clean bathrooms and shower facilities. The staff are always around to help guests, and the midwestern charm is everywhere. If you need to pick up a snack or something for the RV, their convenience store on-site is well stocked.
St. Louis RV Park Information
900 N Jefferson Ave.
St. Louis, MO. 63106
Phone: (800) 878-3330 or (314) 241-3330
Website: https://www.stlouisrvpark.com/default.htm
2. Covered Bridge RV Park
Nestled in the St. Louis suburb of Fenton, Missouri along the Butler Lakes, Covered Bridge RV Park is less than 30 minutes from the Gateway Arch. It’s also only 3 miles down the street from a major shopping district that’s filled with shops, grocery stores, and restaurants and a few minutes from the scenic banks of the Mississippi River.
Best Features
- Daily/Weekly/Monthly Rates: $35/day
- # of RV Sites: 39
- Full Hookups: Yes
- 30/50 Amp: 50 amp
- Back-in/Pull-through Sites: Back-in only.
- Pool/Hot tub: No
- Showers: No
- Pets Allowed: Yes
- Additional Services: trash service, laundry, propane, dump station
Why you’ll love Covered Bridge RV Park
This family-owned RV park is newly upgraded and sits on the outskirts of St. Louis proper in a scenic and convenient neighborhood. While it’s lacking in some amenities, namely showers, the facilities are clean and well-maintained, they have full hookups, and the price is highly affordable. The owners of this park are constantly working on renovations to the property to help make it even more welcoming.
Covered Bridge RV Park Information
2035 South Covered Bridge
Fenton, Missouri 63026
Phone and Fax: 636-349-2292
Email – coveredbridgervpark@charter.net
Office Hours:
Monday – Friday 9:00am – 5:00pm
Saturday 9:00am – 12:00pm
Website: http://www.coveredbridgervpark.com
3. St. Louis West/Historic Route 66 KOA
Photo credit: Jeremy Thompson on Flickr, source: https://www.flickr.com/photos/rollercoasterphilosophy/18475216035/ Six Flags St. Louis
St. Louis West KOA is conveniently located for the whole family, just 30 minutes from the Gateway Arch and other St. Louis attractions, and only 1 mile from Six Flags. This is the best place to stay if you’re looking to combine both the city and the theme park. Located in the quiet town of Eureka off of historic Route 66, you’ll find some good sights and amenities in the immediate area.
Best Features
- Daily/Weekly/Monthly Rates: $35-$50/day
- # of RV Sites: 82
- Full Hookups: Yes
- 30/50 Amp: Yes
- Back-in/Pull-through Sites: Yes
- Pool/Hot tub: Yes
- Showers: Yes
- Pets Allowed: Yes
- Additional Services: Wifi, basketball court, barrel train, cable TV, bike rentals
Why you’ll love St. Louis West/Historic Route 66 KOA
Highly-rated and beloved, this KOA park is scenic, fun, and family-friendly. They’ve won a Founder’s Award, KOA’s highest service award, a KOA President’s Award for exceptional quality, and a Certificate of Excellence from TripAdvisor. The park offers plenty of activities for everyone, including fun holiday events like pumpkin carving and recreational activities like basketball and a large, well-maintained pool area.
St. Louis West/Historic Route 66 Information
18475 Old US Hwy 66
Eureka, MO 63025
Phone: 800-562-6249
Email: info@stlouiswestkoa.com
Website: https://koa.com/campgrounds/st-louis-west/activities/
4. The Red Barn Rendezvous
Photo credit: By Illinois2011 (Tyler Warren) (Own work) [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons
This RV park may be in Illinois, but it’s only a 20 minute drive to St. Louis and all of its attractions. The park is located conveniently, right off of I-55 near a fuel station and convenience store. It’s just minutes from the center of Edwardsville, Illinois and ideally located for anyone continuing on into Chicago.
Best Features
- Daily/Weekly/Monthly Rates: $35/night
- # of RV Sites: 29
- Full Hookups: Yes
- 30/50 Amp: Both available
- Back-in/Pull-through Sites: Both available
- Pool/Hot tub: No
- Showers: Yes
- Pets Allowed: Yes
- Additional Services: Laundry, dump station, picnic tables, fire rings, wifi, bike trails
Why you’ll love The Red Barn Rendezvous
You’ll feel at home here in this friendly, small campground just outside of St. Louis, Missouri. It’s one of the most affordable options if you want to be within 30 minutes of the St. Louis Gateway Arch. The park is scenic and calm and has plenty of amenities to make your stay comfortable. If you’re looking to hit the trails, you’ll find some lovely hiking and biking trails right on the premises of Red Barn Rendezvous.
The Red Barn Rendezvous Information
3955 County Road 62
Edwardsville, IL, 62025
Phone: (618) 692-9015
Website: https://campnative.com/campgrounds/usa/il/edwardsville/red-barn-rendezvous-rv-park
5. St. Louis NE/Granite City KOA
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Photo credit: KOA
Only 12 miles from downtown St. Louis, you can easily get to the Gateway Arch in under 30 minutes from this KOA. You’ll also be staying right off of the historic Route 66 — you can even walk or bike across its famous Chain of Rocks bridge just outside the campground. You’ll find lots of nearby shopping, dining, and casinos as well as the Cahokia Mounds and Lewis and Clark historic sites.
Best Features
- Daily/Weekly/Monthly Rates: $45-$50/day
- # of RV Sites: 74
- Full Hookups: Yes
- 30/50 Amp: Yes
- Back-in/Pull-through Sites: Yes
- Pool/Hot tub: Yes
- Showers: Yes
- Pets Allowed: Yes
- Additional services: Wifi, cable TV, playground, jumping pillow, horseshoe, propane, dog park
Why you’ll love St. Louis NE/Granite City KOA
If you’re looking for history, you’ll be surrounded by it here. From mounds from the oldest pre-Columbian civilization north of Mexico to Lewis and Clark historical sites to Route 66, the area is filled with landmarks and artifacts from every era. This KOA park is lovely and offers plenty of entertainment for the kids, including a well-maintained pool area, a large playground, and KOA’s infamous jumping pillows.
St. Louis NE/Granite City KOA Information
3157 West Chain of Rocks Road
Granite City, IL 62040
Phone: 618-931-5160
Email: tigg.66@hotmail.com
Website: https://koa.com/campgrounds/st-louis-ne/
6. St. Peters’ 370 Lakeside Park
Photo creadit: St. Peters’ 370 Lakeside Park
This Saint Peters, Missouri park sits on Lakeside Park with picturesque views of the surrounding landscape and lake. The area is calm and peaceful but just minutes from both St. Peters and St. Charles and near both the Missouri River and Mississippi River. To visit the Gateway Arch, downtown St. Louis is only 30 minutes away.
Best Features
- Daily/Weekly/Monthly Rates: $30-$45/day, $710-$810/month
- # of RV Sites: 75
- Full Hookups: Yes
- 30/50 Amp: Yes
- Back-in/Pull-through Sites: Both.
- Pool/Hot tub: No
- Showers: Yes
- Pets Allowed: Yes
- Additional Services: Wifi, boat ramp, fishing, picnic tables, dog park, splash pad, archery range, convenience store
Why you’ll love St. Peters 370 Lakeside Park
If you’re looking to combine nature and outdoor recreation with a visit to the Gateway City, this campground is the ideal place to stay, offering both nature and convenient access to St. Louis. The park itself is beautiful and features stunning sunsets over the lake as well as ample activities, from fishing and boating to hiking and archery. Facilities are new and clean, and the park is patrolled by park rangers year-round.
St. Peters 370 Lakeside Park Information
1000 Lakeside Park Dr
Saint Peters, Missouri 63376
Phone: 636-387-5253
Website: https://www.stpetersmo.net/rvpark.aspx#amenities
7. Sundermeier RV Park
Photo credit: Sundermeier RV Park
Just 30 minutes northwest of downtown St. Louis, near the historic town of St. Charles, you’ll find the charming Sundermeier RV Park. There are plenty of opportunities for outdoor recreation right at your doorstep here. There’s a great park and playground across the street with basketball courts as well as the hiking and biking trails at Katy Trail State Park.
Best Features
- Daily/Weekly/Monthly Rates: $50/day
- # of RV Sites: 106
- Full Hookups: Yes
- 30/50 Amp: Both available
- Back-in/Pull-through Sites: Both
- Pool/Hot tub: No
- Pets Allowed: Yes
- Additional Services: hiking, biking, access to local swimming pools, tennis courts, wifi
Why you’ll love Sundermeier RV Park
This picturesque campground offers plenty of nature and recreation in the local area. With easy access to Katy Trail State Park, the kids can enjoy the pools, basketball courts, and tennis while you hit the trails with your bike. The town of St. Charles also offers some excellent historic sites as it was Missouri’s first state capital. You’re also within walking distance of the Missouri River saterfront.
Sundermeier RV Park Information
111 Transit Street
St. Charles, MO 63301
Phone: (636) 940-0111
Email: info@sundermeierrvpark.com
Website: https://sundermeierrvpark.com/index.html
8. Cahokia RV Parque
Photo credit: Sam Valadi on Flickr
Cahokia RV Parque is located right across the Mississippi River, under 10 minutes from Gateway and most major attractions in St. Louis. Located in Cahokia, Illinois, the area’s got a small town feel despite quick and convenient access to the city. The park is also just outside of the St. Louis Airport and next door to the Prairies Golf Club.
Best Features
- Daily/Weekly/Monthly Rates: $30-$40/day
- # of RV Sites: 45
- Full Hookups: Yes
- 30/50 Amp: Both available
- Back-in/Pull-through Sites: Both
- Pool/Hot tub: Yes
- Showers: Yes
- Pets Allowed: Yes
- Additional Services: wifi, shuttles, private tours, propane, laundry, playground
Why you’ll love Cahokia RV Parque
This is one of the closest parks to the Gateway Arch and downtown St. Louis, and if it’s location isn’t already convenient enough, they also offer shuttles into the city and guided, private tours of all its major attractions. The rates at Cahokia offer a great value considering all of the amenities on offer. Staff are incredibly friendly and ready to help, and the neighborhood is safe and quiet.
Cahokia RV Parque Information
4060 Mississippi Ave
Cahokia, Illinois 62206
Phone: (618) 332-7700
Website: http://www.cahokiarvparque.com
9. Bab’s RV Park
Photo credit: Babs RV Park
Only 30 minutes south of St. Louis, Bab’s RV Park offers quick and easy access to Gateway Arch. Located in Fenton, Missouri, it’s also nearby plenty of amenities, shopping and dining. The area is scenic and, being just down the street from Butler Lakes, offers great options for enjoying the outdoors. Just a couple miles from I-55, you can easily get to any nearby attractions.
Best Features
- Daily/Weekly/Monthly Rates: $35/day, $175/week, $440/month
- # of RV Sites: 23
- Full Hookups: Yes
- 30/50 Amp: Both
- Back-in/Pull-through Sites: Both
- Pool/Hot tub: No
- Showers: Yes
- Pets Allowed: Yes
- Additional Services: laundry, wifi
Why you’ll love Babs RV Park
If you’re looking for a deal, Babs RV Park is hard to beat, especially if you want to stay for a week or longer. Prices are economical and while the park doesn’t offer a whole lot of extra services, they offer all the amenities you need to be comfortable. The owners are incredibly hospitable and the park has a real community feel to it due to its small size.
Babs RV Park Park Information
128 Babs lane
Fenton, MO 63026
Phone: 636-600-1183
Website: https://www.babsrvpark.com
10. Casino Queen RV Park
Photo credit: User: Buphoff on Wikipedia, Creative Commons
Literally right across the bridge from downtown St. Louis, this RV park is the closest RV park to Gateway Arch in all of St. Louis. While it’s actually located in Illinois, you can even walk across the state line to the famous St. Louis monument, as it’s just over a mile away. It even offers access to St. Louis via public transportation. You’ll also be able to take advantage of fantastic skyline views and the scenic banks of the Mississippi River right at your doorstep.
Best Features
- Daily/Weekly/Monthly Rates: $50-$55
- # of RV Sites: 132
- Full Hookups: Yes
- 30/50 Amp: Both
- Back-in/Pull-through Sites: Both
- Pool/Hot tub: No
- Showers: Yes
- Pets Allowed: Yes
- Additional Services: convenience store, public transportation, casino, dining, entertainment
Why you’ll love Casino Queen RV Park
This RV Park is attached to Casino Queen, so it’s a great place to stay if you want to enjoy some gaming and nightlife. But you can easily enjoy any of the great sights that St. Louis has to offer from Casino Queen RV Park. Of course, there are also multiple dining and entertainment options on-site, as visitors have access to all the amenities at Casino Queen.
Casino Queen RV Park Information
200 South Front Street
East St. Louis, Illinois 62201
Phone: 1.800.777.0777
Website: http://www.casinoqueen.com/stlouis/contact-us/
St. Louis is a fun city for the whole family, and visiting the Gateway Arch is on the top of the city’s bucket list. It’s also the perfect jumping off point for a longer trip throughout Missouri, along the Mississippi River, into the mountains, or out west. The options are endless.
Whether you’re looking to stay right in the heart of St. Louis or further afield in the south suburbs or up north toward Chicago, this list has RV parks for everyone. Get ready to plan your Missouri family vacation and hit the road!
