Notable Camping Spots
Tips for Snagging a Campsite Reservation
- Reservations are recommended, especially for weekends when the weather is warm. Holidays may fill months in advance.
- Reservations may be booked up to 12 months in advance on the website or by calling Missouri State Parks.
- The campground is open year round for walk-ups, and reservations are offered April 1 through October 31.
- During the off season, water is not available at campsites and showerhouses close. Several frost-free spigots provide potable water.
- Unlike many Missouri state parks, electric/water sites are available here, though sewer hookups are not.
When to Go
If you mainly want to tour the cave, visiting between April 1 and October 31 is required since daily tours are offered. Plus, this is when you’ll find the best weather above ground. Spring can be chilly, with the warmest temperatures found in late summer. Fall is particularly scenic, as colors generally peak in October. Visiting during the off season is more serene; however, you may encounter freezing temperatures and limited services.
Know Before You Go
- Park gates may close at 11pm between April 1 through October 31.
- Onondaga Cave tours are offered daily April 1 through October 31 and may be booked online. The Cathedral Cave also has tours available on weekends between Memorial Day and Labor Day. Outfitters also offer float trips on the Meramec River seasonally.
- The Meramec River features several swimming holes but no swimming beach.
- Though watercraft rentals are not available in the park, commercial rentals can be found outside of the park.
- In addition to the river, a small pond also has fishing access.
Onondaga Cave State Park
Find fun adventures above and below the ground at this Missouri park.
Onondaga Cave earns rave reviews for the grandness and beauty of the underground structures, which include a slow-flowing river running underneath giant stalactites and around massive stalagmites. Seasonal cave tours give you an up-close view. Above ground, the Meramec River runs through the park, providing an abundance of views and recreational opportunities. Hike the trails for expansive views, take a splash in one of the swimming holes, or grab your paddles for a journey down river. St. Louis is just over an hour east of the park, if you’re looking to add some urban adventures to your journeys.
Onondaga Cave earns rave reviews for the grandness and beauty of the underground structures, which include a slow-flowing river running underneath giant stalactites and around massive stalagmites. Seasonal cave tours give you an up-close view. Above ground, the Meramec River runs through the park, providing an abundance of views and recreational opportunities. Hike the trails for expansive views, take a splash in one of the swimming holes, or grab your paddles for a journey down river. St. Louis is just over an hour east of the park, if you’re looking to add some urban adventures to your journeys.
Activities in the park
1 campground in Onondaga Cave State Park
Onondaga Cave Campground is home to one of the most beautiful caves you will ever see. The natural beauty of Onondaga will supersede all of your expectations, and the park naturalists are so well-informed and professional that you’ll leave Onondaga Cave State Park not only with new memories but also new knowledge, and probably plans to visit again Read more...
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Notable Camping Spots
Notable Camping Spots
Tips for Snagging a Campsite Reservation
When to Go
If you mainly want to tour the cave, visiting between April 1 and October 31 is required since daily tours are offered. Plus, this is when you’ll find the best weather above ground. Spring can be chilly, with the warmest temperatures found in late summer. Fall is particularly scenic, as colors generally peak in October. Visiting during the off season is more serene; however, you may encounter freezing temperatures and limited services.
Know Before You Go
Public campgrounds (book externally) —