Johnson's Shut-Ins State Park cabin options provide access to natural water features and hiking trails year-round. Cabins in the Davisville region range from simple wooden structures to deluxe units with modern conveniences. Water activities dominate summer months while fall brings vibrant colors to the wooded cabin settings throughout the area.
What to do
Cave exploration: Johnson's Shut-Ins State Park offers cave tours through Fisher Cave, providing a cool activity during summer heat. "Amazing state park with wonderful new visitor center. Lots of history and it has completely been rebuilt. Campground was clean and well managed. Lots of wildlife and amazing science at work," notes Josh S.
River floating: Bass' River Resort features floating on the Courtois and Huzzah Rivers with multiple trip lengths. "Been to this campground multiple times. This go around we pulled our popup down and chose a site without hookups. This site is right on the gravel bar and about 100 ft from waters edge. Great for relaxing and having a 'beverage' while watching the floaters figure out life," reports Rick K.
Hiking trails: Meramec State Park Campground maintains several trails connecting directly to campsites. "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," explains Tom K.
What campers like
Platform tent sites: Johnson's Shut-Ins State Park offers wooden platforms for tent campers seeking level ground. "Johnsons is a fantastic state park. The facilities are updated and the campsites are level and well maintained. The walkin sites are on platforms and are spaced for privacy," mentions Chad K.
Natural swimming areas: Cabins near Twin Eagle Lake Estates & Hideout provide access to swimming holes. "There are walking paths all around and a beautiful lake/clubhouse area. The lake has many easy entrances for swimmers near the club house - broad steps or large boulder for the more adventurous," shares Wendy P.
Seasonal activities: Themed weekends enhance cabin stays at Blue Spring Ranch. "We average 3-4 trips a year here! We love it and the 5 mile float is the perfect amount of time on the river! They have fun themed weekends! 4th of July and Halloween are our favorites," explains Erin G.
What you should know
Reservation timing: Weekend cabin bookings fill quickly during summer months. "Managed to get the most secluded spot in the campground which is hard to do considering that you usually need to book months in advance. Great place to camp," advises Charlotte B.
Cell service limitations: Huzzah Valley Resort and surrounding areas have limited connectivity. "We had a group of people next to use who were very loud on Friday evening until past midnight. Saturday everybody was exhausted and slept," notes Nathan P.
Shower costs: Some facilities charge for showers. "Nice campsite with water and electric hookups. We tent camped and floated the 6 mile float. Bathrooms were clean and well maintained. Showers needed quarters to operate," reports Donna H.
Tips for camping with families
Scout the cabin location: Request cabins away from party areas for family stays. "There are hookup sites as well as a primitive loop for tent camping. The cart provided was great to walk our gear down the trail to our site, and there was a flat deck for us to camp on," recommends Shelby B.
Check pet policies: Indian Springs Resort and Campground welcomes dogs but has specific rules. "We typically prefer more dispersed-style camping, but this has actually become one of our favorite established sites in the Ozarks. It's VERY family-oriented (probably not for you if you want to party), with tons of games like volleyball and horseshoes," writes Taryn S.
Consider seasonal programs: Many cabin sites offer organized activities. "They also had neat programs going on while we were there including a smores contest and adult scavenger hunt. Also in close proximity to Elephant Rock State Park," shares Charlotte B.
Tips for RVers
Site selection matters: Look for level pads when booking. "Nice rv park. Lots to do. The golf carts are genius. We used all weekend and had a great time. Played in the waterhole, played on the lake w/paddleboats and kayaks. Nice campsites and showerhouse," reports Lori W.
Plan water access: Not all RV sites include river access. "We have been able to reserve a private area for a pretty large group, and we have the area to ourselves," mentions Alie K. from Garrison Canoe Rental.
Check utility hookups: Electrical service varies between campgrounds. "Has full hookups and is shaded in the right places," notes Terry P. about Bass' River Resort.