Cherryville, Missouri sits at an elevation of approximately 1,100 feet in the eastern Ozarks, surrounded by spring-fed waterways that maintain consistent water temperatures year-round. The area averages 44 inches of annual rainfall, creating lush forested terrain around campsites near Cherryville. Most camping options cluster along the Huzzah Creek and Meramec River watersheds, with water clarity often extending to depths of 5-7 feet during normal conditions.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: Maramec Spring Park provides exceptional trout fishing with a daily stocking program from March through October. "This is a Trout Fishing Park! The Park contains the fifth largest spring in the state. An average of 100 million gallons of water flows from the Spring daily," notes Joel R., who visited Maramec Spring Park.
Cave exploration: Beyond just camping, several nearby parks offer underground adventures. "We toured the Onondaga Cave which is a bit pricey to see but it's well worth it, one of the larger caves you can do a walking tour with well maintained and careful paths, lighting etc. Takes about 1.5hrs," explains Julia M. from Onondaga Cave State Park Campground.
Hiking trails: The region offers diverse hiking options through pine forests and along river bluffs. "We took a drive up to Brazil Creek trailhead. The trails there were one of a kind and the best looking trails I've seen and walked on after going on trips to almost half the country. The 100 foot tall pine trees really make Mark Twain National Forest amazing," shares Jake K., who stayed at Berryman Trail Campgrounds.
What campers like
Clear water access: The pristine water quality remains a key attraction for campers. "We were on site 26 which is a double electric site. As ever the creek was beautiful. Parents take caution, the water can be very shallow in some spots and suddenly drop off to six or seven feet deep. It was teeming with tadpoles and crawdads and various fish," explains Gwenn W. about her stay at Red Bluff Campground.
Elevated camping views: Several campgrounds offer ridge-top sites with panoramic vistas. "We stayed at sites 45 and 46 in the pines overlook loop with our 2 tents. The mountain views were outstanding! Shaded, grassy, and very private except for the occasional visitors who drive up the road to see the overlook near these two campsites," reports Marisa A. after camping at Red Bluff.
Family recreation areas: Beyond just swimming, many campgrounds feature dedicated recreation spaces. "The campground itself is very developed. There are showers, bathrooms, a store, a playground and even a little stage. Felt like we were some of the few not camping in a RV," notes Stephanie T. from Onondaga Cave State Park Campground.
What you should know
Flash flood awareness: Low-lying sites throughout the region require vigilance during rain events. "Unfortunately it was in a flash flood hazard zone and hurricane Barry was dumping rain on us. There are new campsites under construction, farther back from the river. We'll still try to get the old sites in the future but it will be nice to have another option if the weather isn't cooperating," advises Gwenn W. about camping at Red Bluff.
Limited cell coverage: Communication options remain restricted throughout much of the area. "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," reports Mats from Meramec State Park Campground.
Campground atmosphere varies: Each campsite near Cherryville offers a distinct ambiance based on management approach. "If you're staying here, lots are from the number to the LEFT. Overall great trip! I met so many nice people!" says Allie A. about Huzzah Valley Resort, while Hannah W. notes about Berryman Trail Campground: "This 8 site campground has well kept vault toilets and no other services, but is fee-less to match."
Tips for camping with families
Dedicated family zones: Some larger resorts separate family and adult camping areas. "We stayed on the family side and had a great time. Staff super helpful and upbeat, everyone looked like they wanted to ACTUALLY be there. Would definitely go back," shares Matt about Ozark Outdoors-Riverfront Resort.
River safety precautions: Children need close supervision around waterways. "The Huzzah creek is rocky but beautiful. You have to be careful because there are sudden drop-offs, it can be two feet deep and then you take a few steps and it's seven feet deep," warns Gwenn W., a regular visitor to Red Bluff Campground.
Educational opportunities: Many parks offer interpretive programs that engage children. "We took the Onondaga Cave tour which was great. The park is very well kept and has nice clean facilities. We tent camped and every spot had a good place to set up a tent," explains Will B. from Onondaga Cave State Park Campground.
Tips from RVers
Site leveling challenges: Many campgrounds feature uneven terrain requiring preparation. "Our campsite was so unlevel my 1 year old couldn't even stand outside the camper without falling. There was NO room to play at all outside the camper on the family side," cautions Megan L. about her experience at Ozark Outdoors-Riverfront Resort.
Buddy site availability: Several campgrounds offer connected sites for group camping. "We enjoyed the buddy sites so that our front doors faced our friends and the hookups were on the outside of each campsite. They also had group buddy sites that allowed four rigs to all front doors to face each other all being pull through sites," notes Joy F. after visiting Huzzah Valley Resort.
Seasonal accessibility: Some campground roads become challenging after rainfall. "Been to this campground multiple times. This go around we pulled 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 (not a problem if you love shade or aren't trying to back in a camper for the first time)," shares Rick K. about his experience at Bass' River Resort.
