The best camping near Meramec State Park

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.

1. 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.
2. Campsite reservations open 12 months in advance and can be booked up to 7 pm on the day of arrival.
3. Campsites can book up as fast, especially on summer and holiday weekends. Book a minimum of three months in advance to avoid disappointment.

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. 

• 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.