Are you the owner for this park? Make it a featured listing and be seen in the top search results!
Meramec
Overview
Meramec State Park near Sullivan offers a classic Missouri outdoor experience defined by the winding Meramec River. This expansive park is a favorite for those seeking a mix of deep forest exploration and water-based recreation. It provides a peaceful setting where nature-focused camping is the priority, allowing visitors to disconnect while enjoying the diverse ecosystem of the Ozark foothills. Whether you are visiting for the geological wonders or the shaded campsites, the park provides a welcoming atmosphere for travelers who appreciate natural preservation and scenic beauty.
Location & Surroundings
Located just off Interstate 44, the park is easily accessible yet feels worlds away from the highway noise. The landscape is dominated by dramatic limestone bluffs and lush hardwood forests that transform beautifully with the seasons. The Meramec River serves as the park's centerpiece, carving through the terrain and creating scenic vistas at every turn. Travelers will find themselves surrounded by over 6,800 acres of protected land, making it one of the region's most significant natural preserves for wildlife viewing and quiet reflection.
Amenities & Park Features
The campground caters to RVers with a variety of site types, ranging from basic spots to those with electric hookups. Modern conveniences include clean shower houses, laundry facilities, and a dedicated dump station for self-contained units. For those who enjoy on-site activities, the park features a well-stocked camp store for essentials and multiple playgrounds for younger travelers. Many of the sites provide paved pads that accommodate various rig sizes, ensuring a level and stable setup for your stay amidst the mature trees.
Nearby Attractions & Things to Do
Adventure is never far away, with Fisher Cave offering guided tours of impressive mineral formations and columns. Miles of hiking trails, such as the Bluff View Trail, provide panoramic views of the river valley and local flora. Water enthusiasts can take advantage of the on-site boat ramps for floating and fishing, which are staple activities in this part of Missouri. Additionally, the world-famous Meramec Caverns are located just a short drive away, providing another layer of subterranean exploration for the whole family.
Who This Park Is Best For
This park is ideal for outdoor enthusiasts and families who enjoy an active, nature-driven camping style. It is a perfect fit for birdwatchers and photographers looking to capture the diverse Ozark landscape. Those who prefer river-based recreation like kayaking or canoeing will find the location unbeatable. While it lacks the high-end luxury of a private resort, it offers an authentic Missouri state park experience for travelers who value exploration and historical significance over commercial amenities.
Amenities
- Recreational Facilities
- Policies
- Other Amenities & Services
- Recreation Nearby (within 10 miles)
- Facility
- On-Site Rentals
- Sites
User Reviews
Darrin Kemme
Arrived on Halloween Check in was flawless a short distance from the check in station and showerhouse 1 Wonderful showers with plenty of hot water to spare. We enjoyed hiking a few of the trails on Saturday We will definitely be back here again
Brandice Huffman
The park is surprisingly large. Went for the Fischer Cave tour. Got a private flashlight tour, which was the coolest thing. The tour was in depth and beat the summer heat. The general store was adorable and had lots of items to buy. Enjoyed myself at the collection of crystals and rocks to purchase. Went to the Outlook pavilion which was beyond the motel? The motel looked almost abandoned or as if it was a building for workers. Not really that inviting looking. The outlook pavilion was large and nice.
Lisa Beaver
Really enjoyed the cabin. Unfortunately everything was flooded when we were here so my teenage granddaughter had nothing to do. The park does have some wonderful trails!
Aris Larkin
They said all the caves are closed due to flooding or white nose infected bats and the only trail really open right now is the Natural Wonders Trail. The trail was like walking through a fairy forest. Wear pants, boots, a bug repellent, and be sure to stop and look in the stream for tiny fish and cute stripped crawfish! Oh and all 6 of the staff i met were all kind, attentive, helpful/knowledgeable, and patient...
Kate Swafford
We had an AMAZING time here! The park is very well-maintained, the cabin we stayed at was super clean (and the bed was surprisingly comfy), and the camping and picnicking areas were spacious and had lots of trees for shade. Like all of Missouri's state parks, entrance was free for everybody. There was limited, sporadic cell service, however, so if you are staying here be prepared for that. Our cabin had No Service/ 1 bar of service the whole time (no phone calls, very limited or no internet) but there are some spots, particularly the visitors center, where you can get a small but reliable signal. There is also a small but definite risk of the park roads flooding during/ after heavy rain. There are signs at the danger spots, and the park personnel monitor potential situations and will warn campers of any danger. Also, watch out for turtles crossing the road! 🐢😜 There is a cave on the property, Fisher Cave. It was closed while we were there, but it looked pretty cool from the outside; if we're back in Missouri at some point we will be sure to check it out again. There are several trails ranging from relatively easy, to an 8-hr loop that they recommend taking a partner on and checking in at the store/ranger station first. The park is only a few miles from Sullivan, MO and I-44, and there are lots of shopping opportunities in the Sullivan/ Oak Grove Village area, ranging from mainstream to small local businesses. It is also located within 50 miles of several other parks and attractions. Well worth the trip!