Cabins near Potosi, Missouri provide camping options in the southeastern Ozark highlands, where the rugged terrain features elevations between 900-1,700 feet with dense oak-pine forests. The area receives approximately 44 inches of annual rainfall with summer temperatures averaging 74-88°F, creating humid conditions during peak cabin rental season. Winter cabin rentals offer more secluded experiences with temperatures dipping to 20-40°F, making heated accommodations essential from November through March.
What to do
Hiking varied terrain: Washington State Park offers multiple trail options through wooded areas and impressive stone formations. "Lots to do for all ages, including swimming and hikes of any difficulty/length. Famous for petroglyphs and other history too. Green rolling hills that would be ideal to visit in the fall," reports Lynn G. The 1000 Steps Trail provides a moderate challenge as noted by Scott M.: "We hiked the 1000 step trail. Most of the campers did fine but those who were not used to hiking did struggle a bit."
Water activities: Bass' River Resort provides canoe, kayak and tube rentals with shuttle service for river float trips. The 6-mile float option offers a manageable trip for most skill levels. "This was a great campsite with water and electric hookups. We tent camped and floated the 6 mile float," shares Donna H. Ozark Outdoors Riverfront Resort also features river access with rental equipment. "My husband and i kayaked here and it was amazing! probably the best short trip you could take on a kayak," says Allyson D. about Washington State Park.
Underground exploration: Meramec Caverns Natural Campground includes access to extensive cave systems with guided tours available. The cavern maintains a constant 58°F temperature year-round, making it particularly refreshing during hot summer months. "The cave tour is a bit hokey, but if you can look past the mannequins and silliness, the caves themselves are really spectacular. You can definitely see why Jesse and Frank James used this as a hideout," explains Annie C.
What campers like
Private walk-in sites: Johnson's Shut-Ins State Park features tent platforms on their walk-in sites that provide more seclusion than standard camping spots. "Beautiful site, each walk-in was spread apart from each other. We loved it and cannot wait to go back," mentions Elizabeth W. The platforms also help keep tent floors dry during rainy conditions.
Cabin comfort: Twin Eagle Lake Estates & Hideout provides cabin accommodations with various amenities beyond the standard options. "This is very new campground and is changing as they continue to add amenities. The new General store is great and very affordable. The showers and bathroom are clean. They have cabins for rent too and pavilion and amphitheater," notes Bill L.
Swimming options: Multiple locations feature water access, with Johnson's Shut-Ins offering a unique natural water feature. "The lake has many easy entrances for swimmers near the club house - broad steps or large boulder for the more adventurous. Can be a bit slippery tho so bring your water shoes," advises Wendy P. about Twin Eagle Lake. The natural water features provide alternatives to traditional pool swimming.
What you should know
Reservation timing: State park cabins require advance booking, particularly during summer months when availability becomes extremely limited. Most state park cabins at Meramec State Park open reservations exactly 6 months in advance and fill quickly for summer weekends. "The campground 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," reports Tom K.
Campsite variations: Sites vary considerably in size, shade, and privacy across facilities. "Sites are a little cramped but there is running water and decent toilets. Absolutely beautiful area and the park rangers did a great job describing its history and landscape," explains Loren G. about Meramec State Park.
Connectivity challenges: Cell service is limited or non-existent at many cabin 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," notes a Meramec State Park camper.
Tips for camping with families
Seasonal activities: Visit Johnson's Shut-Ins during fall for less crowded conditions and beautiful foliage. "We stayed in the fall and the colors were amazing. Our kids loved climbing all over the shut-ins. We have already planned to return in the summer to swim! Well maintained facilities and the store had everything you could need," shares Ashlee B.
Organized events: Many campgrounds host family-oriented activities, especially during summer and holiday weekends. "They have day long family friendly activities and the campsites deck out for Halloween with a $500 prize for best. Then at dish trick or treat. Very accommodating," explains Nancy A. about Twin Eagle Lake Estates.
Kid-friendly amenities: Consider cabin options with nearby playgrounds or swimming areas to minimize walking for younger children. "We stayed with the Boy Scouts for Fall Camporee. The boys all loved it. There's a river nearby with a rocky beach to keep the kids busy. You can go tubing or canoeing. There's a restaurant and store," reports Gwenn W. about Ozark Outdoors Riverfront Resort.
Tips from RVers
Leveling considerations: Many sites require additional leveling equipment. "The campsite was so unlevel my 1 year old couldn't even stand outside the camper without falling," cautions Megan L. about Ozark Outdoors Riverfront Resort. Bring additional leveling blocks, especially for larger rigs.
Electrical capacity: Verify amperage availability matches your needs before booking. Washington State Park provides 30-amp service that may not support multiple air conditioning units during summer. "Easy plug n play electric on a 30 amp box, no issues with blowing fuses like I have at other big state parks," shares David T.
Site accessibility: Some campgrounds have challenging access for larger units. St. Joe State Park Campground offers more accommodating sites for RVs over 30 feet. "We had a spot with electric and no water, water is located close by the vault toilets. The site has a gravel parking area rather than the concrete one at CG#1," explains Olivia S. about the different campground sections.
