Community Forums

Furniss · 07-13-2012, 03:12 PM

The second week of August 2012 we will be close to St. Louis and would like to see the Arch. The only campground reviews that I can find are From 2010 or older. Has anyone stayed in St. Louis in 2012 at a campground that they would recommend ? The Casino Queen Rv Park seems to be the closest to the park but seems to be diffuct to get to with a 39' class A and towd. Any recommendations will be appreciated.

Walter Furniss
07 Fleetwood Discovery 39V
03 Honda Element

Summitb · 07-13-2012, 03:41 PM

You can park at the south end of the Arch along the river for free, I'm not sure if you can stay overnight but you can try.

Summitb · 07-13-2012, 03:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Summitb

You can park at the south end of the Arch along the river for free, I'm not sure if you can stay overnight but you can try.

This is from the web site
RVs and other vehicles over 7 feet high, which cannot enter the garage can drop off passengers at the Old Cathedral parking lot on South Memorial Drive. Parking for oversize vehicles is available on Lenore K. Sullivan Drive, south of the Poplar Street Bridge.

Frank P. Martin · 07-13-2012, 04:44 PM

We visited the Gateway Arch 10 years ago and camped at the Casino Queen. Back then, the Casino Queen's shuttle rode us to the MetroLink station which took us across the Mississippi River. From there, we walked to the Gateway Arch.

The important thing to know is that all the trips to the top of the arch are scheduled and, in summer, you need to reserve the date and time for your trip in advance. Because of the design of the arch, a ride to the top is not your usual elevator ride. It's actually a train of cars. The train consists of eight cars and each car holds five passengers. There is a train on each side of the arch and it's not a trip for those who are claustrophobic. The best way I can describe it is that it's like riding inside of a large clothes dryer drum. The cars rotate as you ascend/descend the arch in order to keep you upright in the car.

Below are two pictures from my photo album. One is the height marker at the top of the arch, the other, a shot of the entrance to one of the train cars. The red bars you see in the picture is scaffolding- the Gateway Arch was being renovated when we visited.

It's a rewarding experience for everyone who visits. If you haven't done so already, you might want to click on the link below to learn more.

The Gateway Arch | Core of Discovery | St. Louis Family Attractions, Events and Activities District

Gary1965 · 07-13-2012, 04:48 PM

We have camped at the St. Louis RV Park. Totally city camping. But, full hook-ups, close to everything, made it worth it. We stayed there last September and if visiting St. Louis, I would go back. Big rig friendly.

jillie · 07-13-2012, 05:32 PM

Here's a 2007 photo of the Casino Queen RV Park taken from the top of the Arch. Our previous motorhome is in the middle of the park, second row, grey and green.

We enjoyed our stay there, but be advised. Each evening when we were there, there were fireworks across the river. The first night it happened, I thought something was happening to the motorhome. Loud blasts vibrating the sides of the MH. Beautiful to watch and a good view from the RV Park.

Perry White · 07-13-2012, 05:58 PM

Casino Queen can take any size rig they make. Kind of expensive but well guarded.

Only way I'd stay at the St Louis RV if I was fully armed to the hilt.

Closest safe RV is Sundermiers in St Charles and that's expensive and not close to downtown. Do yourself a favor and skip the Arch. ( take a look at the picture of the carousel you ride to the top in). I was in it in 1969 and swore I'd never do it again. and I didn't. Just remember there is an average of 7 shootings down in the city each day.especially North St. Louis.( where St Louis RV is)

You might get lucky and be in the Capsule when the cable breaks.

Perry White · 07-13-2012, 06:14 PM

Also forgot to mention they are working on HW 64 downtown. What a nightmare. West bound lanes closed this weekend and there is 5 construction sites on HW 64 just east of St Louis.

Randy blase · 07-13-2012, 06:19 PM

I live in st Louis there are lots of nice campgrounds about a half hour drive or so from down town. There is a Koa in eureka mo and there is babler state park Witch is my favorite both are a straight shot down the highway to the arch if u need more Imfo let me know I can help u out

Perry White · 07-13-2012, 06:30 PM

The state lets you use the dump for free there. Great suggestion. Pretty far from downtown though.

docj · 07-13-2012, 06:46 PM

We've stayed at Sundermeier RV Park & Conference Center before and it is acceptable although it doesn't have much ambiance. On our next visit we're going to stay at St. Peters RV Park which at least has some green space around it. Both of these would be ~30 minutes from the Arch area.

PDR John · 07-13-2012, 07:00 PM

We are at present set up at the Red Bar Rendezvous right on I55 20 miles north of the Arch.

Red Barn Rendezvous |MAKE YOUR RESERVATIONS NOW|

We've been here for over 2 months (working), it normally takes us about 20-25 mins to get to the Arch. Add 5 mins to get to the zoo, Busch Stadium, botanical gardens, etc...

The place is clean and well kept, little noisy up front where we're at, because it is right along I55. The back, where the nightly/weekly sites are quieter. Sites are close but we've stayed at worse.

Can't comment on the bathroom/laundry because we use the coach for all that.

Very easy commute, in fact we're going back to the zoo on Sunday. Edwardsville is 3 miles away for food and shopping.

Gary1965 · 07-13-2012, 08:04 PM

Not to promote the St. Louis RV Park, as it is not my preferred choice of city camping. But someone mentioned safety. There is a police station right across the street and it is a gated park.

Tom and Patty · 07-13-2012, 10:11 PM

We stayed at St Louis RV Park from May through July in 2010. The managers then were great. It is close to everything. The gate is locked at night. It was close for Patty when our grandson was born.

Dr. Edmund A Babler State Park is a fantastic place to stay. We have a review in the campground section. It is in Wildwood. About 25 minutes from the zoo. One of the nicest parks we have stayed in.

Sundermeier RV Park was way overpriced when we were looking for a place to stay. In 2010 we didn't even consider it.

Of the three, if you don't mind the drive, and don't need full hookups Babler wins hands down.

Safe travels!