SP Campground Rating – Babler State Park (St Louis, MO)

September 5, 2010 by libertatemamo 1 Comment

1. Site Quality = 4.5/5
   There’s really not much negative to say about the sites here. The campground has very large, concrete, level sites which are nicely spaced, set in trimmed grass and amongst trees. Picnic table and fire-pit at each site, plus a good selection of electric hook-ups (30 amp). The sites in the 2 left-hand loops (as you enter the park) are set in older forest and are a bit more narrow. Also the end-turns are tight. In the right-hand loop (#13-#33) the sites are more open and much larger.
2. Facilities = 4/5
   Decent State Park facilities. There’s flush and vault toilets, hot showers (free) plus central dump & potable water at several locations. Everything is kept clean and presentable. Around the State Park there’s plenty of picnic locations and playground areas.
3. Location = 4/5
   We really liked this location. The park is set in the middle of a large, natural area with plenty of forest, hiking trails and biking (it’s very popular on the week-ends). Also, it’s ~30 miles from St Louis and within a short driving distance to any shopping you’d need to do.
4. Pet Friendliness = 5/5
   Great for pooch. Lots of space to hang out in the grassy area around camp, plus trails galore in the forest.

Overall Rating = 4.4
BONUS ALERT = Quiet forest and only 30 miles from St Louis 

Summary: This was a great park to explore the St Louis area. It’s in a really nice area of town, set smack in the middle of 2,500-acres of natural woodland and nicely quiet despite being so close to civilization (~30 miles from central St Louis). The entrance is quite fancy with a massive stone gate, broad avenue and statue of Dr. Babler. The sites are also great. Very large, concrete and nicely flat with the bonus of electrical hook-ups available. Campers are well separated and there’s access to hiking and biking (13 miles in total) straight from the campground. During the week the place is practically deserted, although it tends to fill-up in the week-ends. Overall a great stop. We’d come by again. 

 Extra Info:  AT&T Cellphones & Verizon wireless both worked. Selection of reservable and electric sites. Sites are $21/night for electric in high-season, $19/night in off-season (full rates here). Central dump and potable water.