Cabin camping near Lake St. Louis, Missouri offers access to both wooded retreats and convenient city-adjacent options. Most campgrounds are situated within a 30-mile radius of Lake St. Louis, making day trips practical. Winter cabin rentals are available at several locations with overnight temperatures typically ranging between 20-40°F from December through February.
What to do
Fishing at onsite ponds: Cuivre River State Park includes a covered accessible fishing dock on Lincoln Lake. "The park has plenty of well groomed trails and facilities spread out nicely. You could camp here for a weekend and stay busy," notes Tony M. about Cuivre River State Park Campground.
River access for kayaking: Meramec Caverns Natural Campground sits directly on the Meramec River with boat access. "This is a nice place to go for a quick adventure with family. Especially on a hot day," mentions Jennifer G. about Meramec Caverns Natural Campground.
Katy Trail access: St. Charles County Klondike Park cabins serve as a base for cyclists. "I have bike-packed along the Katy and this is an excellent spot for an overnight(s) stay. It is a tough, but short, climb from the trail," explains Mike L. about the park's location near the popular cycling route.
Cave tours: Fisher Cave tours at Meramec State Park provide underground exploration options. "Absolutely beautiful and serene. Close to town but so quiet," writes Bethany H. about the overall park atmosphere that complements the cave experience.
What campers like
Proximity to St. Louis attractions: Cahokia RV Parque provides cabin options with easy city access. "This is a centrally located campground in the Metro St. Louis area. It's close to interstates and it's a short drive across the river to Missouri attractions," explains Roger G. about Cahokia RV Parque.
Well-maintained shower facilities: St. Peters' 370 Lakeside Park offers clean, modern bathroom facilities. "Because it's new the restrooms/showers were very clean and modern. The site I was in had full hook ups," notes Susan L. about St. Peters' 370 Lakeside Park.
Wildlife viewing: Several cabin areas feature deer and small wildlife sightings. "We saw bunnies hopping around and when we first arrived to our site a deer was grazing nearby, such a bonus!" shares Maria E. about her nature experience at Cuivre River State Park.
Dark night skies: Daniel Boone Conservation Area cabin sites offer minimal light pollution. "I stayed one night in the RV campsite. There was only one other camper. The grass had been mowed recently so the path around the pond was easily walkable," mentions Art Z. about this more rustic option.
What you should know
Seasonal operations: Six Flags Jellystone operates a limited season. "We chose this campground because of its close proximity to St Louis Missouri. We stayed in a gravel site with a concrete pad, fire pit, picnic table and full-hook ups," explains Carlyne F. about nearby Yogi Bears Jellystone Park Resort at Six Flags.
Cell phone coverage: Service varies dramatically between locations. "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 Mats about Meramec State Park.
Distance to supplies: Most cabin areas require advance shopping. "There is a dollar general right outside the park entrance which is super convenient if you forget something," mentioned one camper about Washington State Park.
Flood risk areas: River-adjacent cabin sites may close during high water. "I would say allow about 2 hours or so for the cave tour," advises Jennifer G. regarding planning activities at Meramec Caverns.
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly activities: Jellystone Parks feature organized children's programs. "Great kids activities! Good breakfast and nice store. Really enjoyed our trip bundled with a Six Flags trip," shares Erin P. about family amenities.
Playground access: Multiple cabin areas include dedicated play spaces. "They have a nice bathhouse with free showers for the campers and pay laundry. If you are lucky, you can get a site close to the water, but it means the walking trail is right next to your unit," explains Annie C. about St. Peters' 370 Lakeside Park.
Camp kitchen facilities: Klondike Park cabins offer shared cooking spaces. "Best campsite ever! Even has a shared camp kitchen very clean showers house very spacious some campsites are close together but everyone seemed nice. Bring your own wood," recommends Jonathan P. about St. Charles County Klondike Park.
Cabin spacing considerations: Some cabin areas place units close together. "Absolutely beautiful. Located about 25 minutes from St Louis. They have paddle boats and bikes and group bikes for rental. Located right next to a lake with a lot of RV and tent camping spots," notes Joseph F. about recreational options.
Tips from RVers
Full hookup availability: Many cabin areas share facilities with RV campsites. "Beautiful area next to a man-made lake. Concrete pads with full hookups, as well as dirt pads with full hookups," explains Ernest G. about site conditions at some locations.
Site leveling issues: Some cabin and RV areas require adjustment. "Campground is beautiful and very woodsy. We saw bunnies hopping around and when we first arrived to our site a deer was grazing nearby, such a bonus! No electricity but water was conveniently located right across from our site," mentions Maria E. about Daniel Boone Conservation Area.
Generator policies: Rules vary between parks. "Great concrete slab sights with River and hiking trails close by!" notes Hannah S. about the well-designed parking areas at Meramec State Park.
Satellite reception: Tree coverage impacts service at wooded cabin sites. "Our site was fairly spacious and a not super close to others which we liked. The sites by the vault toilet looked closer together so I could see that being a cool spot for multiple families or friend groups," shares Maria E. about site selection considerations.
