Cabins near Bourbon, Missouri primarily sit along the Huzzah, Courtois, and Meramec Rivers at elevations ranging from 600 to 800 feet. The region's humid continental climate features hot summers with temperatures often exceeding 90°F and mild winters. Several properties maintain seasonal cabins, restricting availability during winter months when water activities are limited due to cooler river temperatures in the 40s.
What to do
Cave exploration: 15-minute drive from many cabin accommodations, Meramec Caverns offers guided tours of massive underground chambers. "Pay the extra for the caves tour! Down the road there's an old iron foundry and a historic cemetery to explore," notes a visitor at Meramec State Park Campground.
Floating trips: Various lengths available through most cabin providers. "We rented the new tubes they carry. They were very comfortable with back support and pillow when you're leaning back. 20 bucks for a 4 hour float, ya can't beat it," reports a guest at Garrison Canoe Rental and Campground.
River swimming: Sandy beaches provide access points for swimming in the Meramec and Huzzah Rivers. "There's a river nearby with a rocky beach to keep the kids busy. You can go tubing or canoeing," explains a visitor from Indian Springs Resort and Campground.
Hiking: Multiple trail systems through forested hills and riverside paths. "Nice hiking trails, all easy/moderate. Rent canoes on site," mentions a guest at Meramec State Park Campground.
What campers like
River proximity: Many cabin sites feature direct water access. "Our campsite was right on the river. Area isn't very big which is nice," notes a camper at Indian Springs Resort and Campground.
Affordability: Basic cabins start around $65/night with pricing increasing for larger units and premium amenities. "We could never go here on our own. $12.50 per adult and $7.50 per youth. Yikes!" comments a group visitor to Ozark Outdoors-Riverfront Resort.
Cabin variety: Options range from primitive one-room structures to multi-bedroom units with full amenities. "Full hookups and is shaded in the right places," reports a visitor to Bass' River Resort.
Camp stores: Most cabin providers maintain on-site stores with camping supplies and food basics. "Camp store, firewood available," notes a camper at Meramec Caverns Natural Campground.
What you should know
Reservation timing: Summer weekends book 3-6 months in advance, particularly for larger cabins. "A group of friends and I go to Garrison's every year for a great float and two nights of camping. We have been able to reserve a private area for a pretty large group," shares a visitor to Garrison Canoe Rental and Campground.
Cell service limitations: Most cabin sites have poor cellular connectivity. "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," warns a camper at Meramec State Park Campground.
Cabin amenities vary widely: Many basic cabins lack bathrooms, requiring use of communal facilities. "Some sites have close access to the river. The staff was very friendly and the prices were reasonable," notes a visitor to Garrison Canoe Rental and Campground.
Noise considerations: Campsites are designed with different noise expectations. "Stayed on the family side and had a great time. Staff super helpful and upbeat," explains a camper at Ozark Outdoors-Riverfront Resort.
Tips for camping with families
Accommodation selection: Choose cabins with bathing facilities when camping with young children. "We've camped here a couple times and each time it hasn't been overly crowded. We had plenty of space and privacy," shares a visitor to Meramec State Park Campground.
Wildlife viewing: Dawn and dusk offer prime wildlife observation times. "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," reports a camper at Meramec State Park Campground.
Activity scheduling: Book adventure activities several days in advance during peak season. "The Floating Trees ropes course was supposed to be about 2 hours but the instructors let them go an extra 45 minutes without anyone feeling rushed," notes a visitor to Huzzah Valley Resort.
Meal planning: Some facilities deliver food to cabins and campsites. "Dinner was delivered with a smile after driving through a spring storm," reports a visitor to Stanton-Meramec KOA.
Tips from RVers
Site selection: Request full hookup cabins for longer stays. "We chose an electric site towards the back to avoid most people. I was pregnant and they had already winterized the back bathroom/shower house but opened up a room for me to use so I didn't have to shlep my belly all the way across the grounds," explains a camper at Ozark Outdoors-Riverfront Resort.
Leveling consideration: Terrain varies significantly between cabin sites. "Some of the spots are close together but it seems to be that way because they kept as many natural trees as possible," notes a visitor to Ozark Outdoors-Riverfront Resort.
Proximity planning: Select cabins based on proximity to amenities like bathrooms or river access. "We stayed in the campground closer to the river. There are quite a few tent spots as well, so we felt a little crowded just based off where our site was. Would definitely recommend sites 106-108," advises a visitor to Bass' River Resort.
