Camping Near Gateway Arch National Park
Missouri | Established 2018
About Gateway Arch National Park
Gateway Arch National Park occupies 192 acres along the St. Louis riverfront, centered on the 630-foot Gateway Arch that commemorates westward expansion and the Louisiana Purchase. The park includes the Museum at the Gateway Arch, the Old Courthouse where the Dred Scott case was argued, and landscaped grounds along the Mississippi River. A tram carries visitors to the observation deck at the top of the arch for views across Missouri and Illinois.
No camping exists within the park itself due to its urban downtown location. Nearby campgrounds serve visitors: Casino Queen RV Park in East St. Louis, Illinois (4 miles, $40 to $65 per night with full hookups) and St. Louis West KOA near Eureka (30 miles, tent and RV sites with amenities). The St. Louis MetroLink light rail provides direct transit from campground areas to the park, avoiding downtown parking challenges.
Camping Tips for Gateway Arch
- Casino Queen RV Park in East St. Louis, Illinois (4 miles from the Arch) is the closest full-service campground with 50-amp electrical, water, sewer hookups, and shuttle service to the park at $40 to $65 per night. Book ahead for May through October peak season.
- Use MetroLink light rail to reach the park from any campground. Downtown parking near the Arch is limited and expensive, and RV parking is not available at the park. The Laclede's Landing MetroLink station is a short walk from the Arch grounds.
- April through June and September through October offer the best visiting conditions with mild temperatures in the 60s and 70s and smaller crowds. Summer brings heat, humidity, and peak attendance. Purchase tram tickets online in advance as they sell out on busy days.
- St. Louis West KOA near Eureka (30 miles from the Arch) provides a wooded camping environment with pools and activities for families. The drive takes about 30 minutes on Interstate 44. This option suits travelers who prefer a traditional campground setting over urban RV parking.
- Purchase tram ride tickets online through gatewayarch.com before arriving. Adult tram tickets cost $19 to $23 and include a $3 NPS fee. The Museum at the Gateway Arch and park grounds are free. Six fee-free days annually waive the NPS fee entirely.
RV Parks & Campgrounds Near Gateway Arch National Park
21.Blackberry Hallow
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22.Oak Valley Campground & RV Resort
Oak Valley Campground & RV Resort is a resort located in Saint Louis, surrounded by 300+ acres of rolling landscape. The resort features an 18-hole golf course, a fishing lake,...
Show more23.Pere Marquette Campground
Pere Marquette offers a wide range of camping opportunities for visitors who prefer a rustic experience. Reservations can be made three days in advance and up to 180 days in...
Show more24.Babler State Park Campground
Dr. Edmund A. Babler Memorial State Park is a 2,441-acre park located in Wildwood, Missouri. The park features a variety of recreational activities, including hiking, biking, and...
Show more25.Scott Air Force Base FamCamp
Scott Air Force Base FamCamp offers military families an affordable camping option located at Scott Air Force Base in Illinois. This well-maintained campground provides a...
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26.White Oak Estates
Welcome to White Oak Estates, a quiet and peaceful community in the heart of Fenton, MO. We provide a safe, family friendly and senior friendly community for you to live and...
Show more27.5 Diamond Campgrounds
5 Diamond Campgrounds is a well-rated campground located in Hartford, Illinois, offering a welcoming destination for camping enthusiasts. With a Google rating of 4.4 out of 5...
Show more28.Group Camping Area, Edmund A. Babler Memorial State Park
Edmund A. Babler Memorial State Park is a 2,441-acre park located in Wildwood, Missouri. The park offers a variety of outdoor activities, including hiking, biking, and camping....
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29.Portage Paddle Camp
Portage Paddle Camp is a campground located in Portage Des Sioux, Missouri, offering a peaceful retreat for outdoor enthusiasts. With a perfect 5-star Google rating based on guest...
Show more30.Bur Oaks Campground
Bur Oaks Campground is a well-regarded campground located in Alhambra, Illinois, offering a convenient destination for camping enthusiasts in the region. With a solid Google...
Show moreShowing 21–30 of 61 campgrounds within 30 miles
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there camping inside Gateway Arch National Park?
No. The 192-acre park sits in downtown St. Louis with no campgrounds. All overnight camping requires nearby private campgrounds. Casino Queen RV Park in East St. Louis, Illinois (4 miles away) is the closest option with full hookups at $40 to $65 per night and shuttle service to the Arch.
The park's urban setting and historic designation prevent campground development on the grounds. Gateway Arch is a day-use park with the visitor center, museum, tram, and grounds closing in the evening. Nearby St. Louis offers extensive hotel options for those not camping. Multiple RV parks and campgrounds within 30 miles serve visitors who prefer to camp while visiting the park. MetroLink light rail connects many of these areas directly to the park.
What does it cost to visit the Arch?
Park grounds and the Museum at the Gateway Arch are free. The tram ride to the observation deck costs $19 to $23 per adult including a $3 NPS entrance fee. Documentary films cost extra. Children under 3 ride free. National Park Pass holders receive a discount on tram tickets.
Six designated fee-free days annually waive the $3 NPS fee, making tram tickets slightly cheaper. The Old Courthouse across the street is also free with exhibits on the Dred Scott case and westward expansion history. Purchase tram tickets online through gatewayarch.com to guarantee your preferred time slot. Same-day walk-up tickets may sell out during summer weekends and holidays. The tram ride takes approximately four minutes to reach the top with roughly 10 minutes at the observation deck.
Can I park an RV near the Arch?
No dedicated RV parking exists at or near the Arch. The downtown location has limited lot space for standard cars only, with parking garages restricting vehicle height. RV visitors should camp at a nearby campground and use MetroLink light rail, shuttle services, or drop-off at the park.
Casino Queen RV Park offers shuttle service directly to the Arch, solving the parking problem for RV campers. Alternatively, unhitch a travel trailer at your campsite and drive the tow vehicle downtown. The Arch Parking Garage beneath the park serves cars but has height restrictions that exclude most RVs and trucks. Street parking near the riverfront is metered and time-limited. The MetroLink Gateway Station is within walking distance of the Arch and connects to transit throughout the metro area.
When is the best time to visit for smaller crowds?
Weekday mornings from September through November and March through April offer the smallest crowds and pleasant weather. Summer weekends and holidays draw the highest attendance. The tram operates year-round but winter (December through February) brings cold temperatures and shorter hours at the observation deck.
Early morning tram departures see the fewest visitors. The first tram ride of the day typically has open availability even during peak summer. Fall foliage along the Mississippi River makes October visits especially pleasant. The Museum at the Gateway Arch is less crowded on weekday afternoons. Spring break weeks in March and April bring family crowds. Holiday weekends (Memorial Day, July 4th, Labor Day) see maximum attendance and should be avoided if possible.
What else can I do near the Arch?
The Laclede's Landing historic district north of the park has restaurants and nightlife. The Old Courthouse (free admission) features exhibits on the Dred Scott case. Riverboat cruises depart from the Arch levee. The City Museum (20 minutes), Forest Park (15 minutes), and the St. Louis Zoo (free) are popular nearby attractions.
St. Louis offers extensive attractions within easy driving distance of any campground. Forest Park contains the free St. Louis Zoo, the St. Louis Art Museum, and the Missouri History Museum. The City Museum is a multi-story playground built from reclaimed industrial materials. Busch Stadium (home of the Cardinals) sits three blocks from the Arch. The Delmar Loop and Soulard neighborhoods provide dining and entertainment. A full St. Louis visit typically requires two to three days minimum.
Which nearby campground is best for families?
St. Louis West KOA near Eureka (30 miles) offers pools, planned activities, playground equipment, and cabin rentals alongside tent and RV sites in a wooded setting. The KOA is near Six Flags St. Louis and Historic Route 66 attractions. Families with children benefit from the recreational facilities.
Casino Queen RV Park is closer (4 miles) but sits in an urban parking lot environment without recreational amenities beyond the casino facilities. The KOA provides a traditional campground experience that children enjoy between park visits. Jellystone Park Camp-Resort (also about 30 miles) offers similar family amenities with themed activities. Both require a 30-minute drive to the Arch but provide significantly better camping environments for extended stays with kids.
Is MetroLink reliable for getting to the park?
Yes. MetroLink light rail is the most convenient transit option for campground visitors. The system runs frequently through downtown St. Louis with the Laclede's Landing station a short walk from the Arch grounds. Service operates from early morning through late evening seven days a week.
MetroLink connects East St. Louis (near Casino Queen RV Park) directly to the Arch area in about 10 minutes. One-way fares cost approximately $2.50 with day passes available. The system is clean and generally safe during daytime hours. Parking-and-ride lots along the MetroLink line offer free parking for those driving from more distant campgrounds. Check the Metro St. Louis website for current schedules and fare information before your visit.
Do I need to buy tram tickets in advance?
Advance purchase through gatewayarch.com is strongly recommended. Tram tickets sell out on summer weekends, holidays, and school break periods. Same-day walk-up tickets are available but not guaranteed. Online booking lets you select a specific departure time and skip the walk-up line at the visitor center.
Tickets go on sale months in advance. The most popular time slots are mid-morning through early afternoon. Early morning and late afternoon departures have better availability. The tram operates year-round with reduced hours in winter. Each tram car holds five passengers and the ride takes four minutes to reach the top. Groups larger than five will be split across multiple cars. Accessibility options are available for visitors with mobility limitations. Contact the park for current accommodation procedures.
Quick Facts
- Entrance Fee
- Free (tram ride $19 – $23)
- Best Time to Visit
- April – October
- Nearest Town
- St. Louis, MO, East St. Louis, IL, St. Charles, MO
- Elevation
- 420 – 470 ft
- Park Size
- 192 acres
- Annual Visitors
- ~2.3 million