Best Campgrounds near Stanton, MO
Developed camping options around Stanton, Missouri include several riverside campgrounds along the Meramec River. Stanton-Meramec KOA, Meramec Caverns Natural Campground, and Blue Spring Ranch provide accommodation for tents, RVs, and cabins in the region. Most established campgrounds in this area feature electric hookups, water access, and fire pits, with several offering glamping options as well. Meramec State Park Campground and Onondaga Cave State Park provide year-round camping with boat-in and drive-in access points. The proximity to caves and river activities makes this area particularly appealing for outdoor enthusiasts looking for a combination of camping and recreation.
Seasonal considerations affect campground availability in the Stanton area, with several facilities operating only from spring through fall. Meramec Caverns Natural Campground typically operates from April 1 to October 31, while the Stanton-Meramec KOA maintains a March 1 to December 30 season. The Meramec River can experience rapid water level changes that occasionally affect camping areas. Full hookup sites for RVs are common throughout the region's campgrounds, though some visitors note layout concerns. Basic tent sites are generally first-come, first-served at locations like Meramec Caverns. A recent review noted, "The primitive sites are spacious and lovely. We have an RV with 50amp service and essentially, we were on a converted parking lot next to a pavilion. The sites facing the river were a bit nicer."
Riverside camping represents a major draw throughout the Stanton area, with multiple campgrounds offering direct water access. Campsites along the Meramec River provide opportunities for swimming, fishing, and boating, with several campgrounds offering canoe and raft rentals on-site. Visitors frequently mention the cave tours at Meramec Caverns and Onondaga Cave State Park as highlights complementing their camping experience. Several developed campgrounds feature clean shower facilities and well-maintained bathrooms, though cell service can be limited. As one camper shared, "The area as a whole is neat. The river was amazing. We got down early to ensure we had a spot for our chairs and umbrella. Our kiddos played (with life vests) for 8 hours straight." Security patrols are common at the larger campgrounds, providing a sense of safety for families and groups.
