Best Camping in and near Meramec State Park

100% (8 reviews)

Camping, caving, and canoeing along the Meramec River.

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Stay at a public campground in Meramec State Park

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Meramec Campground

179 sites · RVs, Tents In Meramec State Park

Top-rated campgrounds near Meramec State Park

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Hummingbird Hollow Outdoors

30 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents27 acres · Saint Clair, MO

Hummingbird Hollow Outdoors is a not for profit Farm Animal Sanctuary. You will be able to camp with the horses, goats, potbellied pigs and more. We open up our farm so that people can enjoy the outdoors, animals and nature, and the animals can enjoy people! We are a sanctuary for all creatures on earth, including humans. "Today, whatever is good for your soul, do that."

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(1561)

Spring Lake Ranch

38 sites · RVs, Tents101 acres · Potosi, MO

Spring Lake Ranch boasts countless trails and lake activities. Formerly known as Sayersbrook Bison ranch, at one time it was one of the largest Bison ranches in the world. This property is filled with amazing things to see and explore. Nothing like it in Missouri. Lake is 60+ acres and is spring fed. Amazing fishing, swimming and kayaking. We are pet friendly. You will have amazing lake views and will be close to hiking trails, horseback riding, and wine tasting at Edge Cliff Wineries which is next door to us. The beautiful shower house is super clean, has restrooms and hot showers and it is within walking distance. Firewood and ice are available to purchase; kayaks and fishing poles are available for rent. If you forget something at home stop by our little country store, we might have it! :) The sites are about 20 ft from each other - if you are looking for more privacy please check out the secluded site or the peninsula.

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Hagood Farms and Trails

8 sites · Tents164 acres · Sullivan, MO

We have 172 acres of trails with scenic waterfalls and trees. A pond for fishing and conveniently located with in 8 miles from sevetal state parks and 2 miles from 300 acers of off road trails. We have owned and lived on tje property since 1999 .Learn more about this land:We are a fully functioning farm with Longhorn cattle, horses, mini donkeys and goats that are very friendly. We have 164 acres that have trails for horseback riding and ATVs. We are located 8 miles from Mermac River and Washington State park where you can rent canoe's and go hiking. We are an hour from St. Louis and Elephant Rock State park as well as Johnston shut ins. We are also with in 8 miles of ROMP dirt bike trail and 1 mile from Moonlight trails and racing that is 400 plus acers of ATV and jeep trails. We have a few waterfalls on the property and lots of areas to hike as well. Several areas of camping to choose from, you can be in the woods or out in the open. Spring and Summer months we offer farm fresh eggs and there is always plenty of firewood. We recently added a pond area as well. We now have Electric and water as well.

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Big River Outdoors Campground

80 sites · RVs, Tents87 acres · Frankclay, MO

80+ acres with over a mile of river frontage. Also a unique custom off road park on the property. Swimming, fishing, kayaking, and live music on weekends. Tent camping or RV/camper . Campers who need electric are allowed to bring a generator. We have limited electric as of now. We are located just 2-3 miles from 3 different gas stations but are also very secluded.

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Hawks Bluff Farm

54 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents460 acres · Tiff, MO

We are located in the town of Tiff comes up as Blackwell too. We have 460 acres to explore. A beautiful creek running through our property. We have cows, mules, goats, dogs and cats. We are on a bluff so if you are rock hunters you have come to the right place. We offer rock hunting. and we have extra buckets. We have the best Drusy (lots of colors), Crazy Lace Agate, Calcite, Chalcedony, Quartz, Chert, Barite, Bladed Barite, Iron Ores and more. Check us out on Facebook Hawks Bluff Farm Rocks and Drusy. We have firewood, ice, eggs, ground beef, propane exchange and new propane tanks available.

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Mountains, feilds, and wooded areas

18 sites · RVs, Tents163 acres · Sullivan, MO

We have owned the property since the early eighties. We have been a working farm for the last 6 years. We have hosted rrail rides and atv rides for several years and are planning on adding Historically correct Old log cabins as well as a wedding venue in the near furture.Learn more about this land:We are locted between two state parks Mermac and Washington state park. There is ATV and off road trails 2 miles down the road. We have trails throught thw property where you can hike, ride horses or take ATVs. There is lots of wildlife as well as farm animals. We have a waterfalls and streams you can walk in or just sit by and enjoy.

Booked 3 times

RGM Farms

1 site · Tent5 acres · Bourbon, MO

Our five acres is secluded yet only 1.3 miles from the interstate. We offer a guesthouse and primitive camping on the back 3 acres. We have a well hydrant (shared) and a port-a-pottie which is located in our 'hay shed'. Parking is located next to the bright orange slow moving vehicle sign by the row of trees just passed the guesthouse as you come down Kaysinger Road. Campers must walk from the parking area for at least 100 feet to 400 feet depending on where you decide to pitch your tent. Only experience night time hikers should arrive and select the rear further sites. We are sure you too will enjoy the wooded forest and back dry creek area that includes a small prairie field and secluded woods complete with hiking trails. The goat boys and Lilah our Great Pyrenes will certainly enjoy you taking the time to pet them. PS Do not mind our three barn kitties!

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Matt's Place at Meramec n Labarque

5 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents5 acres · Eureka, MO

Located at the confluence of the Meramec River and Labarque Creek, my place (Matt's Place) is a ridge above a bottomland bowl of sorts. The ridge is an ancient road bed recorded on an old map as the "kings highway" under Spanish rule. Flakes of flint hint to the first people to walk this ridge perhaps 10,000 years ago. The old iron truss bridge here is likely built in 1910 and it has a survey marker from 1932. The overlook at the confluence is a magical vortex of energy. A few chairs are waiting there for folks to ponder what that means. Bald eagles nest upstream and their daily commute can be seen from here as they fly down toward the Mississippi in the morning, and in the evening, back upstream to their nest about a mile and a half further, at a bend in the river up high in a grove of sycamore trees. Great blue herons, kingfishers, hawks, vultures, beaver, turtles, fish, and deer are frequently seen from this vista. The bottomland is also special. It's darker down there under so many tall silver maples. And in summer, bring bug spray. The creek has a nice little swimming hole, and a beach that is sometimes sand, sometimes, gravel, and sometimes a mix of both with some silt or even mud after a storm. It's peaceful down there to explore in the creek, wade while looking outward to an opening into the Meramec River. It's also fun to stand just at the mouth of the creek in the Meramec River. It's an awesome view upstream or downstream of tree lined banks, rock bluffs, and every now and then, passing boats, canoes, paddle boards, or kayaks. The old iron truss bridge hovers above the meeting of two waters. The water is cool and clean. Some fifty species of fish have been recorded in this creek, the most in all of Jefferson County and St Louis County. The bottomland has two levels, the lower bottoms down by the creek and the upper bottoms about a hundred feet from the creek. The upper bottoms has a clearing like a meadow with mowed grass, picnic table, electric extension cord and fan (plugged in up at the house). My favorite things to do here include gazing up at a cottonwood tree that must be sixty feet tall. It's leaves in a breeze are like a thousand hands waving hello. The bottomland meadow offers just enough sky to see bats dance in the dusk air between the trees, then fireflies as it gets darker yet. Up top is where I live. Matt's Five Acre Farm Overview updated 2/2024 We have six goats, Ross, Monica, Rachel, Joey, and Chandler. Rachel recently gave birth to Phoebe in February. We have 14 chickens that are laying about 8 eggs a day more or less. More eggs per day as it warms up in the Spring. Guests may inquire about eggs for sale at $5 per dozen. We can collect them or you can take them straight out of the nest boxes, same price either way. We also have a rabbit, a dog, and a kitten. The 13 year old female dog, Bella, barks a little at first but is friendly. We can keep her inside if that is preferred by guests. If guest brings a dog, we may have to arrange to not let the chickens forage outside of the coop if guest's dog might harass the chickens. Let us know before arrival if it is a possibility your dog might harass or kill the chickens and we will keep them in the coop while your here. I can shuttle gear with my pick up to the bottomland meadow or close to the creek. If a visitor forgets some camping gear, I'm sure to have an extra to lend. What attracted me to this place is the sense of a vortex of energy that is always at a meeting of waters such as the Meramec River and Labarque Creek. We hope you like this place like we do. Learn more about this land: Just five miles off HWY 44 and HWY 109, at Eureka, MO, (30 minutes west of downtown St Louis, 18 minutes from Six Flags) this place sits on a ridge with great views above the Meramec River. A century-old iron trapezoidal truss bridge is abandoned and is a beautiful feature aging in place above the confluence of Labarque Creek. The bottomland meadow and sand and gravel beach with swimming holes, fishing, canoeing, or kayaking is just a short walk (300 feet or so) or drive if conditions are not muddy (4wd suggested). We have a half-mile loop trail around the small property and just across the road is the Young Conservation Area and down the road 2 miles is Glassberg Conservation Area. This is a great base camp or picnic stop for a group floating downstream from Pacific Palisades Meramec River Access Ramp. Most people take out a mile and a half downstream at Allenton River Access Ramp (near Six Flags). We also have bunnies, chickens, honey bees, and blackberries. Thousands of acres of adjacent parks, plus river access ramps for boats a few miles upstream or downstream. We can shuttle your kayaks or even lend you one of ours by request as an extra. You can camp up top on the ridge or driveway (close to bathroom or shower in the house) or you can camp down by the creek or bottomland meadow. The creek/swimming hole is about 500 feet walk from the driveway up top. I can shuttle your gear (coolers, tent, chairs) down there in my 4wd pickup truck upon request. One may hear the local road traffic from two-lane HWY FF which is just a few hundred feet from the campsite. It's not so bad. Hipcampers report they can tune it out and late at night it gets very quiet. We've seen bald eagles, osprey, beavers, otters, hawks, great blue herons, bats (at dusk), and lots of other wildlife. At night, you may hear frogs, owls and maybe even coyotes safely from far off on the other side of the river. We hope this place feels like your far away place, nearby. Risks Outdoor activities tend to have some inherent risks. The bridge abutment has a potential fall hazard, the river and creek, a potential drowning hazard, and the outdoors in in general may pose risks of mosquitos, ticks, and poison ivy. In high winds a branch or tree could fall, lightning could strike, or floodwaters may rise. Campfires have burn or smoke inhalation risks. With proper caution , care, and a bit of bug spray, these risks can be managed and mitigated. Bad Weather In case of bad weather, too hot, too cold, too many mosquitos, or upon request, you can find refuge up in the clubhouse, close but separate from my house. It's a small concrete block building with a single bed, two picture windows looking down on the river, chairs, space heater, air conditioner, fridge, microwave, butane stove, and toaster oven. Refunds You can cancel with full refund even after you've arrived if the place is not what you were hoping for. No worries. Be happy.

Cabin Springs

5 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents200 acres · De Soto, MO

Welcome to our 200+ acre property, ideal for pitching a tent amidst a variety of picturesque settings. Whether you prefer the serene ambiance near the pond, the rustic charm of the old barn, the tranquil atmosphere alongside the creek, the shade of the trees, or the openness of the pasture, you'll find the perfect spot to set up camp. Embark on adventures exploring the rolling hills and winding trails that traverse our property, or try your luck with pond fishing. For water enthusiasts, we're conveniently located less than a mile from Merrill Horse access to the Big River, offering opportunities for canoeing, kayaking, fishing, and floating (refer to the Big River access points map in the photos for more information). Venture out to nearby attractions, including Washington State Park, just an 18-minute drive away, and LaChance Vineyard/Winery, a mere 14-minute drive from our property. Experience the beauty of nature and the tranquility of rural life at our farm, where adventure awaits just beyond your tent flap. Contact us for special consideration for your larger groups. Our property is perfect for youth groups, boy/girls Scouts campouts, etc.

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Sage Mountain Recreational Area MO

30 sites · RVs, Tents50 acres · Berger, MO

Sage Mountain is a recreational area located in the heart of Missouri wine country. Located between Hermann and Washington on the south side of the Missouri river. Our 50 acres of virgin forest is home to an abundance of diverse wildlife, 3.6 miles of hiking trails, bolted climbing and bouldering routes established, and a large impressive cave. We are located near the Katy trail for more hiking and biking. Access to the Missouri river for boating and fishing. On site we have an abundance of areas for back country camping, or we allow car camping in our open parking lot.

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Comfy Cabin Camping

6 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents17 acres · Leslie, MO

This property was first built in 1850 and still holds most of it's original historical charm and significance.. There is a floating outfit across the road and lots of fishing and swimming enjoyment on the river. Get to know my rescue animals and hear about the history of Noser Mill and the surrounding areas.Camp in style in these comfortable cabins on the Bourbeuse River. Features 1 bedroom cabins with A/C and heated water. Outdoor showers and outhouses with grill site and fire pit. All three cabins sleep 4. There is also additional space for tent camping. To find out more about this option please contact me.This is all set on our beautiful farm property with historical structures and rescue animals. Fun for family!

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Sacred Fire Farms and Herb Gardens

6 sites · Lodging22 acres · Bourbon, MO

Learn more about this land: Do you have a curiosity about herbalism, natural remedies and folk healing traditions? Come visit us at this family owned century farm in the process of reclamation. You can sign up for a guided plant walk provided by owner Nancy Herold, visit her remedy gardens or just chill at Brazil Creek, also located and accessed from the property. If you choose, you can even get more in depth classes on herbalism and folk remedy traditions. Owners Nancy and Michael Herold love to share their knowledge of herbal medicine as well as the history of her family's homestead founded shortly after the Civil War. Not wanting to rough it? Reserve the cozy barn loft in our newly restored 115 yr old barn. A fully furnished lodging space with kitchen, private entrance and shower!

The best camping near Meramec State Park guide

Overview

About

Dense woodlands and wildflower-blanketed glades slope down to the riverside in Meramec State Park. At the top of the to-do list is a torchlit tour of Fisher Cave, but hikers can also explore karst caves and sinkholes along the park’s 14-mile trail network. Afterward, head down to the river to rent a raft or canoe, cool off with a swim, or fish for black bass and catfish to toss on the grill at one of the riverside picnic areas. At Meramec Campground, campers can choose from basic, electric, and full hookup sites, with some sites right by the water. Cabins are also available.

Tips for snagging a campsite

You can reserve one of the park’s 210 campsites in advance via the Missouri State Parks website. Reservations are only possible from March through November. Outside of this period, camping is available on a first-come, first-served basis only.
Campsite reservations open 12 months in advance and can be booked up to 7 pm on the day of arrival.
Campsites can book up as fast, especially on summer and holiday weekends. Book a minimum of three months in advance to avoid disappointment.

When to go

Meramec State Park is open year-round, but the main season runs from April through October. It’s still possible to camp in low season, but facilities such as showers are closed. Fisher Cave tours take place from mid-May through mid-Sept, but opening times vary, so check in advance—daily tours are held in July and August. Hiking is most picturesque in spring and summer when colorful wildflowers bloom across the glades.

Know before you go

Meramec State Park is about an hour’s drive southwest of St. Louis.
No admission fees are required for Missouri state parks, but camping reservation fees and cave tour fees apply.
Park facilities include a visitor centre, park store, restaurant, and motel, as well as accessible restrooms, picnic areas and grills, a playground, and a dump station.
You can bring your own boat or watercraft to the park’s two boat launches (one for campers only). River swimming is at your own risk.