St. Charles County Parks Camping: A Guide to Klondike, Indian Camp Creek, and Riverside Landing

Natural Resources Department Introduce

While the provided address for the **Natural Resources Department** (DNR) at **200 S Main St, St Charles, MO 63301** is the location for the **First Missouri State Capitol State Historic Site**—a historical landmark—it serves as an important contact point for State Parks and often hosts outdoor-themed programs, including occasional camping-related events like the Great American Campout. For Missouri residents seeking a genuine "campground" experience in the St. Charles area, the best options are managed by the **St. Charles County Parks Department**, which maintains three distinct and highly-rated camping facilities nearby: **Klondike Park**, **Indian Camp Creek Park**, and **Riverside Landing Park**.

These county parks offer a diverse range of accommodations, from primitive tent sites to fully equipped RV spots and cozy rental cabins. They are well-maintained, conveniently located, and provide the perfect opportunity for locals to enjoy a refreshing outdoor escape close to the history and excitement of St. Charles and the greater St. Louis region. This guide focuses on the excellent camping opportunities available across the St. Charles County Parks system, managed by the same local government entity that utilizes the DNR/State Parks network.

### Location and Accessibility

The campground experience is dispersed across St. Charles County, providing distinct environments for every camper:

**Klondike Park (Tent and Cabin Camping):** Located near the historic Missouri River Wine Country in Augusta. It is popular for its beautiful, rugged terrain and connections to the Katy Trail.
**Indian Camp Creek Park (Tent and Group Camping):** Offers a more secluded, traditional camping environment farther west in the county.
**Riverside Landing Park (RV Camping):** Located close to the Missouri River, this park provides convenient RV access with electrical hookups.

All facilities under the St. Charles County Parks system prioritize accessibility. For example, sites like Riverside Landing often feature paved, ADA-approved RV sites. The general commitment to accessibility, as indicated by the base information, extends across the park system, including the provision of **Wheelchair accessible entrance** and **Wheelchair accessible parking lot** at main facilities and key points of interest. Guests should call the Parks office for specific details on accessible campsites and cabin availability, as the county strives to ensure everyone can enjoy the natural beauty of the area.

### Services Offered

The St. Charles County Parks system offers comprehensive services tailored to different camping styles, ensuring a comfortable and well-supported stay.

**Tent Camping:** Available at Klondike Park (43 sites) and Indian Camp Creek Park (8 sites), with a rental fee of approximately $10 per night. Sites allow a maximum of two tents and six guests, and include a table and fire ring.
**RV Camping:** Available at Riverside Landing Park, featuring 18 sites (5 large/54' concrete, 5 small/34' concrete, and 8 electric sites). Sites are $25 per night with a two-night minimum, and include **electric hookups** and a picnic table/fire ring.
**Sanitary Dump Station:** Available for RV sanitary lines at Riverside Landing Park, providing a crucial service for RV travelers.
**Cabin Camping:** Six primitive camping cabins are available for rent at Klondike Park for $65 per night (two-night minimum). Cabins accommodate six guests and include bunk beds, a futon, electricity, a ceiling fan, indoor table, and an outdoor grill/fire ring.
**Group Camping:** Available at Indian Camp Creek and Missouri Bluffs Parks for larger parties (up to 75 guests) for $75 per night, requiring a two-night minimum and advanced reservation.
**Potable Water Note:** Campers at Riverside Landing Park are specifically advised that all water is non-potable and must **bring their own drinking water**.
**Reservations:** Reservations are highly recommended for all sites and can be made through the St. Charles County Parks online reservation system or by phone.
**Park Rangers:** St. Charles County Parks Rangers routinely check on campers daily and are available by phone for assistance.

### Features / Highlights

Each St. Charles County Park camping location offers unique features and access to significant regional attractions, making them highly desirable for Missouri residents.

**Historic Main Street Proximity:** The area, near the historic DNR office location, provides incredible access to **Historic Main Street St. Charles**, offering unique shops, dining, and historical events.
**Katy Trail Access:** Klondike Park provides direct access to the **Katy Trail State Park**, one of the nation's longest rail-to-trail conversions, perfect for walking, running, and cycling enthusiasts.
**Missouri River Views:** Riverside Landing Park and Klondike Park both offer beautiful views and access to the **Missouri River**, with fishing and boating opportunities nearby.
**Klondike Lake:** Klondike Park features a lake with **white sand beaches** and is stocked with fish (bluegill, bass, and catfish), offering excellent recreational fishing and water activities.
**Affordability:** The tent camping sites at $10 per night are exceptionally affordable, providing an excellent low-cost option for families and young adventurers.
**Family-Friendly Cabin Option:** The primitive cabins at Klondike Park offer an ideal "glamping" option for families seeking a rustic experience with basic comforts like beds, electricity, and a fan.
**Local Events and History:** Staying in the area allows easy participation in numerous local festivals, historical re-enactments, and visits to sites like the First Missouri State Capitol.

### Contact Information

For all camping inquiries, reservations, and general information regarding the St. Charles County Parks campgrounds, please use the following contact details for the administrative offices and park rangers.

Address (St. Charles County Parks Administrative Offices): (Various locations, but the central number serves all)
Phone (St. Charles County Parks Administration): **(636) 949-7535**
Phone (Park Ranger Duty/Assistance): **(314) 713-4394**

### What is Worth Choosing

Choosing one of the St. Charles County Parks for your camping needs is an excellent decision because it offers a perfect blend of diverse outdoor recreation and convenient access to the region's top historical and recreational features. This collective camping experience is worth choosing for several key reasons.

Firstly, the **diversity of choice** is unmatched. Whether you are a solo traveler seeking an incredibly low-cost, traditional tent site at Indian Camp Creek ($10/night), a family wanting the comfort of a rustic cabin at Klondike Park, or an RVer needing **electric hookups** and easy access at Riverside Landing, the county parks system has a high-quality, regulated option for you. This allows locals to tailor their outdoor experience exactly to their preference and budget.

Secondly, the **recreational accessibility** is a major draw. Campers are immediately adjacent to some of Missouri’s premier recreational assets. The connection to the **Katy Trail** at Klondike is a significant highlight for cyclists and hikers. Furthermore, the parks are close to the Missouri River and other amenities like lakes and fishing spots, ensuring there is always an outdoor activity right outside your tent or RV door.

Thirdly, the **convenience to Historic St. Charles** and the greater St. Louis area means you can enjoy a secluded natural experience during the day and easily visit the history, shops, and restaurants of Historic Main Street in the evening. This balance of nature and culture, all managed by the reliable St. Charles County Parks Department with easy online booking and dedicated ranger support, makes this collection of campgrounds the definitive choice for a local Missouri getaway in the St. Charles region.