Camping options near Lonedell, Missouri cluster around the forested hills of east-central Missouri where elevations range from 500-800 feet. The region experiences mild springs with nighttime temperatures often dropping into the 50s even when daytime highs reach the 80s. Most campgrounds in this area have graveled or paved sites with variable tree cover depending on proximity to rivers.
What to do
Cave exploration: 1.5-hour guided tours at Onondaga Cave State Park showcase one of North America's most accessible cave systems. "The Onondaga Cave is a bit pricey to see but it's well worth it, one of the larger caves you can do a walking tour with well maintained and careful paths, lighting etc. Takes about 1.5hrs, our guide was very knowledgeable and humorous," notes one visitor who toured with children ranging from 4 months to 9 years old.
Fishing: stock up on catfish bait for Robertsville's fishing pond. "There's also a lake within a few minutes walking, although the current was too strong to swim we were told it's home to many large catfish," reports one camper who stayed at the park in June.
Mountain biking: technical sections available at Klondike Park for riders seeking challenging terrain. "One other really cool thing about Klondike is there are several technical mountain bike sections that are located in the park. Bring your mountain bike and have a go! It's also a great campground for a stayover if you are bikepacking the Katy Trail!"
What campers like
Wildlife viewing: deer sightings common at Meramec State Park Campground. "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," one reviewer shared about their wildlife encounters while camping.
Historical attractions: petroglyphs preserved at Washington State Park provide unusual cultural value. "This park is so rich in Missouri and USA history - from buildings constructed by the African-American CCC stonemasons to Native American petroglyphs, there's some fascinating stuff here," explains a camper who appreciated the historical context.
River access: multiple entry points for kayaking, tubing, and swimming. "We kayaked here and it was amazing! probably the best short trip you could take on a kayak," enthuses one visitor to Washington State Park, where river activities rank among the most popular recreational options.
What you should know
Flooding concerns: check conditions before booking riverside sites. "The only reason I didn't rate it 5 stars is because 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," advises a regular visitor to Meramec Caverns Natural Campground.
Cell service variability: plan accordingly for spotty coverage. "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. We had planned to work from here and had to cut our visit short," reports an ATT customer who visited in October.
Tent site selection: check for level ground as some sites have significant slopes. "You need to look carefully for a level tent site as some are fairly slopped. However, most of the tent sites have nice trees for hammocking and all sites looked clean," notes a regular camper at Robertsville State Park.
Tips for camping with families
Playground alternatives: fishing ponds keep kids engaged at several campgrounds. "Nice little lake to fish in and areas to walk around in," shares a visitor to Pin Oak RV Park, where the fishing pond provides a popular alternative to traditional playground equipment.
Educational opportunities: ranger programs teach about local wildlife and geology. "Lots of ranger led educational programs," mentions an Onondaga visitor who appreciated the structured learning activities available for children.
Kid-friendly cave tours: accessible for all ages with proper planning. "We toured with a 4month old in a baby harness, two 6 year olds and a 9 year old. We did see a couple with a stroller and it is doable," shares a family that successfully navigated Onondaga Cave State Park's cave system with young children.
Tips from RVers
Site selection: request end spots for more space at crowded campgrounds. "We were happy to be able to find space available on short notice, especially with lockdown restrictions being lifted. Basic sites are first come first serve, and the security guards come round in the evening to register you," notes a visitor to Meramec Caverns.
Leveling challenges: bring cribbing for uneven sites. "This is a nice quiet campground but the lots are pretty uneven so make sure you bring plenty of cribbing," advises a camper at Robertsville State Park Campground, where the terrain creates leveling challenges for RVs.
Site surfaces: concrete pads available at select campgrounds for easier setup. "Our site was gravel to park on with grass around it," reports one visitor to St. Louis West / Historic Route 66 KOA, comparing the different surface types found throughout the region's campgrounds.
