Camping near Bourbon, Missouri centers around the Ozark Highlands with elevations ranging from 700-1,000 feet in the surrounding terrain. The area sits at the junction of three watersheds: the Meramec, Bourbeuse, and Huzzah. While summer months bring temperatures between 85-95°F, campgrounds along waterways can experience rapid water level changes after rainfall, sometimes requiring evacuation with minimal notice.
What to do
Cave exploration: Take guided tours at Meramec Caverns, where you can see rare cave formations while learning about the area's natural history. "The cave tour is a bit hokey, but if you can look past the mannequins and silliness, the caves themselves are really spectacular. You can definitely see why Jesse and Frank James used this as a hideout," notes a visitor to Meramec Caverns Natural Campground.
Floating trips: Float the Huzzah River with options for different experience levels. At Huzzah Valley Resort, "They have a system that is like a well oiled machine. Can reserve sites online, can check in from your car once you arrive." Trips range from 5-17 miles with transportation provided to put-in points.
Hiking trails: Explore the 24-mile Berryman Trail loop through Mark Twain National Forest. "The trails were one of a kind and the best looking trails I've seen and walked after going on trips to almost half the country. The 100 foot tall pine trees really make Mark Twain National Forest amazing," reports a hiker at Berryman Trail Campground.
What campers like
River access: Many campgrounds offer direct water access for swimming and wading. At Blue Spring Ranch, "It's close to the creek and we drive to the Meramec River. Last year we zip lined. It's close to the caverns and other awesome sites. Clean shower houses and a pool cap off the nice experience."
Natural setting: Sites typically feature abundant trees and wildlife viewing opportunities. "The State Park has a great canopy of trees located next to a stream as a setting for the campground that bounds with wildlife. We saw deer and raccoons here that entered our campsite," shares a visitor at Meramec State Park Campground.
Off-grid experience: Limited cell service creates a true disconnection from technology. At Berryman Trail Campground, "You can bring your cell phone however it will pretty much be a paper weight until you return to civilization. Excellent place to bring the kids if you want to unplug them from the media world."
What you should know
Limited connectivity: Cell service varies significantly across the area. At Meramec State Park, a camper notes, "The campground is great. Most of the sites are flat and paved. The campground is right next to the Meramec River. There is WiFi available but it is not reliable. The cell phone service is virtually non-existent."
Variable water levels: Heavy rainfall can change river conditions quickly. Bass' River Resort provides water level monitoring and cancellation policies for float trips when water levels become unsafe, typically updating status on their website by 7 AM daily.
Noise considerations: Some campgrounds have separate areas for groups seeking quiet versus social experiences. At Ozark Outdoors-Riverfront Resort, "Huge campground with a family side and a late night side. Lots of updates in the last 15 years."
Tips for camping with families
Educational programs: Schedule cave tours to combine recreation with learning. "The caves are stunning!! The tour guides are very knowledgeable and everyone seems to love their jobs," explains a visitor to Onondaga Cave State Park Campground.
Kid-friendly beaches: Several campgrounds maintain dedicated swimming areas. At Huzzah Valley, "Checkout the 'Upper Beach'! It's up by the cabins/cottages and you definitely need to drive there. Get there early in the morning to set up your chairs in the river to get a good spot."
Special themed events: Look for seasonal activities that enhance the camping experience. "They have fun themed weekends! 4th of July and Halloween are our favorites," notes a repeat visitor at Blue Spring Ranch, which hosts costume contests, campsite decorating competitions, and hayrides during these events.
Tips from RVers
Site selection: Request specific site numbers when booking. At Bass' River Resort, a camper recommends, "Our popup down and chose a site without hookups (545). Only negative things to say about the site was that it was very densely populated with trees. This site is right on the gravel bar and about 100 ft from waters edge."
Weather preparedness: Pack additional leveling blocks for potential soggy conditions. Campgrounds near rivers often experience soft ground after rainfall, with sites closest to water typically affected first.
Overnight stops: For travelers passing through, self-service options provide convenience. A visitor to RV Self-Park notes, "Very well lit, very clean and very easy to get in and very secure with a ton of cameras. Also has a really nice dog area. Was a bit concerned if my power would be on since the place isn't manned by someone, but it was."
