Missouri cabin camping offers a unique opportunity to explore Mark Twain country's rolling landscape with numerous creek systems and oak-hickory forests at elevations ranging from 500-800 feet. Located about halfway between St. Louis and Columbia, cabins near New Florence, Missouri provide access to both lake recreation and wooded hiking terrain. Water temperatures at nearby lakes typically reach the mid-70s by early June.
What to do
Night sky viewing: Ray Behrens campground offers excellent stargazing conditions away from major light pollution. "We camped in campsite 82 in Little Blue Stem. From Wednesday night through Sunday and the weather was fabulous. Nice clean area. Nice campsite," notes one visitor to Ray Behrens.
Explore trail systems: Cuivre River State Park features interconnected hiking paths through oak-hickory forest. "The park has an awesome trail system around the lake, and it looks like you can rent canoes/kayaks in the summer (was not open in the winter)," mentioned a visitor to Cuivre River State Park Campground.
Historical cave exploration: Meramec Caverns offers cave tours showcasing Missouri's underground systems. "Do the cave tour it's really cool," recommends a reviewer, though they note it can be "a little pricey." The campground also provides river access for fishing and swimming in "clear water," according to campers at Meramec Caverns Natural Campground.
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Many cabin locations offer good spacing between accommodations. At Daniel Boone Conservation Area, campers appreciate the layout: "There are 10 or so primitive tent sites and an area that will accommodate about a dozen RV's. The primitive tent sites are spread out along the main road through the conservation area," explains one reviewer at Daniel Boone Conservation Area.
Water recreation options: Most cabin areas provide lake or river access. One visitor to St. Peters' 370 Lakeside Park noted, "The park/campground rents paddleboats, kayaks, and canoes in addition to different kinds of bikes. There is a walking trail around the lake (4+ miles). There is fish in the lake and you are allowed to fish."
Wildlife viewing: Many cabin areas offer opportunities to spot native animals. "We saw bunnies hopping around and when we first arrived to our site a deer was grazing nearby, such a bonus!" shared a camper at Cuivre River State Park, highlighting the campground's natural setting.
What you should know
Seasonal flooding concerns: Some campgrounds experience closures during high water periods. One reviewer noted about St. Peters' 370 Lakeside Park: "One of the downsides to this location is that it is prone to flooding. It was out of commission for most of the summer of 2019 as the entire area was flooded."
Variable cabin amenities: Facilities differ significantly between locations. At Puma campground, "The campgrounds were level, clean, and spacious. I didn't think I'd like the gravel pad or concrete block for trailer & picnic tables, but they made the set up & tear downs easy."
Site leveling challenges: Many cabins require some adjustment for comfort. A visitor to Mark Twain State Park noted, "We stayed in site 76 in puma loop which was a sloping site but it was massive. The lots on either side of ours were similar in layout but much more level."
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly attractions: Lost Valley Lake Resort offers multiple swimming options. "Lost valley happens to be one of our favorite camp grounds. They are extremely family friendly, they have an indoor pool, hot tubs, and sona, an outdoor pool and hot tubs, inflatable jump pillows," reports a visitor to Lost Valley Lake Resort.
Playground access: Several cabin areas include play facilities. One camper at Ray Behrens noted, "We ended up with a spot that we loved since it was close to the playground. It was closed, but the basketball court was open to roll and the field was open so the kids could run around and play catch."
Fishing opportunities: Many cabin locations include stocked ponds. "There is a nice pond with some decent sized fish in it," mentioned a visitor to Pin Oak RV Park, adding that "a lot of the campground has good tree coverage."
Tips from RVers
Full hookup availability: Pin Oak RV Park offers complete services for larger vehicles. "We stayed for week then extended stayed for month," reports one long-term visitor, noting that sites have "water, sewer & electric."
Campsite width considerations: Some cabin areas have tight spacing for larger vehicles. "Spaces are tight but the overall camp ground is decent. Nice pool and an arcade area with plenty of room to hangout inside," notes a reviewer about Pin Oak RV Park.
Highway accessibility: Hickory Ridge Campground provides easy interstate access. "Friendly hosts, easy access from I70. Easy to get in and out of, reasonable price and very friendly hosts," explains a camper at Hickory Ridge Campground, making it convenient for those traveling through the region.
