Cabins near Imperial, Missouri provide year-round options ranging from basic camping structures to fully-equipped accommodations. Most are situated within a 30-minute drive from Imperial and require advance planning, especially in summer months from May through September. Winter cabin rentals typically offer reduced rates with fewer crowds at most locations.
What to do
River activities: Meramec River access points available near Meramec Caverns Natural Campground where visitors can rent canoes, kayaks or tubes directly on site. "We stayed here with a new camper, to be near our RV dealer and hardware stores. There is a restaurant, general store, canoe rental, zip line (it goes across the Meramec River, not sure how you get back!), and of course the caverns," notes Jan S.
Cave exploration: Fisher Cave tours available at Meramec State Park Campground offer guided underground experiences. A visitor recommends: "Absolutely beautiful and serene. Close to town but so quiet," while another adds, "Pay the extra for the caves tour! Down the road there's an old iron foundry and a historic cemetery to explore."
Hiking trails: Petroglyphs and historic sites can be explored at Washington State Park, offering multiple trail options with varying difficulty levels. "We hiked the 1000 step trail. Most of the campers did fine but those who were not use to hiking did struggle a bit. If you are use to hiking, then this trail should not be any problem for you," writes Scott M.
What campers like
Lake views and recreation: St. Peters' 370 Lakeside Park offers a 3-mile walking trail around the lake with boat and bike rentals. "Beautiful area next to a man-made lake. Concrete pads with full hookups, as well as dirt pads with full hookups," reports Ernest G., while another camper noted, "The park has planted some trees, but they are really just saplings, so there is no shade yet."
Family entertainment options: Yogi Bears Jellystone Park Resort features mini-golf, train rides, and swimming pools for cabin guests. "Great kids activities! Good breakfast and nice store. Really enjoyed our trip bundled with a Six Flags trip," shares one visitor. Another camper with children mentions, "We spent a weekend here because we wanted to be close to six flags. I swear this place was more fun!!!"
Privacy levels at sites: Campgrounds near Imperial offer varying degrees of site privacy, from open fields to wooded areas. A Washington State Park visitor notes, "This ground is very well kept and is perfect for tent camping. The only downfall is the amount trees. Although the sites are very large, flat, and easy, you can see everyones business because there is maybe 1 tree in between each site."
What you should know
Seasonal flooding concerns: Some cabin areas near rivers experience closures during heavy rain periods. A Meramec Caverns camper advises: "Sometimes the park closes or they have to evacuate due to the quick rise of the river. Easy fix though, just call ahead to see if they're open."
Internet and phone connectivity: Cell service varies widely across cabin camping locations. One camper at Meramec State Park Campground notes, "The cell phone service is virtually non-existent. We had planned to work from here and had to cut our visit short." Most campgrounds offer limited WiFi in central locations only.
Reservation requirements: Most cabin facilities require advance booking, with some offering same-day availability during off-peak seasons. "Quick decision to stop here on a road trip. Was extremely easy to book only a few hours in advance over the phone. Very friendly and attentive staff," reports a Jellystone Park visitor.
Tips for camping with families
Kids activities planning: Schedule around organized camp events to maximize entertainment options. A visitor at Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park at Six Flags shares, "We stayed here last minute for Labor Day Weekend and the staff were great with finding us a good tent site available. This is not a rugged style campground as there are many amenities such as a pool, putt putt golf, volleyball, and more. They also host daily kids activities and crafts."
Cabin selection for group spacing: Choose cabin locations based on proximity to amenities and other campers. "We stayed in the group use area with our Cub Scout Pack. There was plenty of room for all of our tents and portable canopies," says a Washington State Park visitor about their experience.
Swimming options: Multiple cabin locations offer water access for swimming during summer months. "Good swimming! Clear water. Camp store. Firewood available," notes a Meramec Caverns visitor, making these features ideal for families seeking water activities.
Tips from RVers
Site leveling preparation: Many cabin and RV sites in the region require leveling equipment. A Pin Oak RV Park visitor suggests: "Spaces are tight but the overall camp ground is decent. Nice pool and an arcade area with plenty of room to hangout inside. There is a pond with some decent sized fish in it."
Proximity to St. Louis attractions: Cahokia RV Parque provides convenient access to downtown attractions. "Just minutes across the river from St. Louis. They have a shuttle to the various tourist attractions, just ask the staff at the office for details. The staff are friendly, the facility is clean and professional," reports Tom B.
Utility connections: Water pressure varies significantly between cabin camping locations. One camper notes, "The water pressure was so strong that I could barely open the water pump!" Most cabin and RV sites offer 30-amp service with selected locations providing 50-amp options.
