Cabins near Kirkwood, Missouri offer camping experiences at various price points and amenity levels, with most located within a 30-60 minute drive. Summer temperatures in the region typically range from 75-95°F while winter temperatures can dip below freezing, making year-round cabin camping possible but requiring different preparations by season. Many cabin rentals can be found along the Missouri and Meramec Rivers, providing opportunities for water activities during warmer months.
What to do
River activities at Washington State Park: Access the Big River for swimming, fishing, and paddling with boat rentals available onsite. "The park/campground rents paddleboats, kayaks, and canoes in addition to different kinds of bikes," notes one visitor who appreciated the variety of rental options.
Explore historic sites: Washington State Park contains Native American petroglyphs and buildings constructed by African-American CCC stonemasons. According to a camper, "The prehistoric Petroglyphs nearby are a must see," making this an educational option for history enthusiasts staying in nearby cabins.
Visit Missouri wine country: St. Charles County Klondike Park cabins serve as an excellent base for exploring local wineries. "This Campground places you in the heart of Missouri Wine Country and there's a perfect base for visiting the wineries and restaurants along highway 94," mentions one reviewer who appreciated the convenient location.
Walking and biking trails: Most cabin locations offer access to trails, with the Katy Trail being particularly accessible from several spots. "If you need to camp with your horse they have an entire equestrian section," notes a camper about Cuivre River State Park, indicating diverse trail options beyond standard hiking and biking.
What campers like
Convenience to attractions: St. Peters' 370 Lakeside Park cabin accommodations place visitors within 30 minutes of downtown St. Louis attractions. "Best campsite we've found to explore STL," writes one camper, adding it's "five minutes from food and stores. 30 minutes from downtown Saint Louis."
Lake amenities: Many cabins near Kirkwood provide lake access for various water activities. At St. Peters' 370 Lakeside Park, "You can rent paddleboats and bikes and peddle cars/buggies as well," shares a visitor who found the recreational rentals enjoyable despite noting, "Those are a lot harder to get moving then they look."
Family-friendly activities: Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park Resort At Six Flags offers extensive programming for children. "A very family friendly campground and would highly recommend if camping with kids!" states one visitor who mentioned they "host daily kids activities and crafts."
Cabin comfort: While amenities vary widely, many cabins provide unexpected comforts. "We stayed in a gravel site with a concrete pad, fire pit, picnic table and full-hook ups," noted a camper at Cahokia RV Parque, showing the range of site amenities that can accompany cabin rentals.
What you should know
Reservation requirements: Most cabin facilities require advance booking, especially during peak seasons. The Cuivre River State Park cabins often fill quickly, with one visitor noting, "We've been backpack camping here twice and RV camping once," suggesting the need to plan ahead for any accommodation type.
Connectivity limitations: Cell service and wifi can be spotty at several cabin locations. At Meramec State Park Campground, a visitor reported, "The cell phone service is virtually non-existent. We had planned to work from here and had to cut our visit short," highlighting the importance of checking connectivity if you need to stay connected.
Seasonal considerations: Cabin availability and park amenities change seasonally. "The pool was closed when we were there," noted a December visitor to Washington State Park, showing that winter visitors should verify which amenities remain open.
Supply needs: Most cabins require guests to bring their own bedding, cooking equipment and food supplies. At Cahokia RV Parque, a visitor advised, "I was planning on grabbing a gallon of milk when we got there...there really is nothing around the rv park! Maybe a couple gas stations at best, but if you need groceries or anything, stop and get them before you get close."
Tips for camping with families
Pack entertainment for all ages: Pin Oak RV Park offers activities suitable for children of various ages. "Nice pond to fish in and areas to walk around in," mentions one visitor, while another adds, "There is a pool (closed when we were there), playground, mini golf, a lake, game room, laundry and a small store with basics."
Book sites strategically: Some cabin areas offer more privacy than others. At Washington State Park, a camper observed, "although the sites are very large, flat, and easy, you can see everyones business because there is maybe 1 tree in between each site," suggesting families needing more privacy should request specific locations.
Utilize park programming: Many parks offer scheduled activities for children. "This park has a ton of things to do," shares a Jellystone visitor, noting specific activities like "swimming, games, lots of activities and you can go from rustic rent a tent to a really nice cabin with lots amenities!!"
Consider proximity to restrooms: Cabin locations relative to bathhouses vary significantly. "The bathrooms were good but the bathroom entrance was hidden and it made me wary about the kids going alone," reported one family at St. Louis NE-Granite City KOA, highlighting the importance of site selection for families with young children.
Tips from RVers
Choose cabin sites based on access needs: Sites at Cahokia RV Parque can accommodate various vehicle types but require planning. "The campsites were a little close together and there were a lot of campers," noted a visitor, while another mentioned, "When we arrived, we checked-in at the office, and the customer service was amiable and accommodating."
Verify site leveling: Topography can be challenging at some locations. "The sites are level, and there is plenty of shade," reported a Pin Oak camper, contrasting with experiences at other locations with more difficult terrain.
Check noise factors: Highway and railroad proximity affect some cabin areas. At St. Louis NE-Granite City KOA, a visitor warned, "trains pass 2 blocks away several times nightly, but after the first night you won't notice," providing useful information for light sleepers considering cabin options.
Confirm size restrictions: Cabin parking areas may have limitations. "Sites were all gravel, fire pits were poorly placed and frequently it fell under someone else's slide or trailer," noted a Jellystone Park visitor, indicating the importance of verifying whether your vehicle will properly fit at your assigned cabin site.
