Cabins near New Melle, Missouri provide access to the rolling hills and hardwood forests of eastern Missouri at elevations between 500-800 feet. The area experiences four distinct seasons with hot, humid summers and mild winters. Cabin camping options range from basic shelters to fully-furnished accommodations with varying levels of privacy and amenities.
What to do
Fishing at Lincoln Lake: Access the stocked fishing lake at Cuivre River State Park Campground, which features an accessible covered fishing dock. "This 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., highlighting the recreational options beyond just fishing.
Kayaking and boating: Rent watercraft at St. Peters' 370 Lakeside Park during the summer months. A visitor explains, "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)."
Cave exploration: Book a guided cave tour at Meramec Caverns Natural Campground for a geological adventure. "The cave tour is really cool although a little pricey. All in all its a fantastic little hideaway," says Randy H., who visited with his son multiple times.
Trail hiking: Navigate the trail system at Cuivre River State Park, which offers paths for various skill levels. One camper recommends, "If you stay here, make sure to check out the trail around the lake," while another notes, "The trails are fantastic and have different levels for all."
What campers like
Wildlife viewing: Daniel Boone Conservation Area offers natural habitat for observing wildlife. "You get there after about 5 miles on a well maintained, wide gravel road. There's a little pond with wildlife like rabbits and frogs," shares one camper who enjoyed the serene setting.
Quiet woodland settings: Many cabins offer secluded forest environments away from crowds. "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," reports Maria E. about her experience at Cuivre River.
Lake views: Several cabin locations offer water views or waterfront access. At Klondike Park, campers praise the scenery: "The tent camping amenities and views are a solid 5 stars," notes a visitor who later planned to rent a cabin at the same location.
Camp kitchen access: St. Charles County Klondike Park provides shared cooking facilities. "Best campsite ever! Even has a shared camp kitchen very clean showers house very spacious," writes Jonathan P., who rated his experience five stars.
What you should know
Reservation requirements: Most cabin facilities require advance booking, especially during peak seasons. At Klondike Park, all visitors must reserve sites beforehand, with weekends filling months in advance.
Wildlife management: Take precautions with food storage at cabin locations. "Make sure to store your food securely overnight - the racoons are pretty thick and hungry at night," advises Mike L. from his experience at Klondike Park.
Site privacy varies: Cabin spacing differs significantly between parks. At Meramec State Park Campground, "The campground is right on the edge of the river and you can get to the trails from your campsite," providing more natural separation between sites.
Cell service limitations: Several cabin locations have limited connectivity. At Meramec State Park, one visitor noted, "The cell phone service is virtually non-existent. We had planned to work from here and had to cut our visit short."
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly activities: Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park Resort At Six Flags offers extensive children's programming. "A very family friendly campground and would highly recommend if camping with kids! They also host daily kids activities and crafts," explains one visitor who booked last-minute for Labor Day weekend.
Multi-generational appeal: Cuivre River State Park features activities for various age groups. "This is a perfect place to enjoy with the family. Plenty of gorgeous campsites and a lake to swim and kayak!" reports J K., who appreciated the diverse recreation options.
Cabin safety considerations: Select cabins with appropriate terrain for children. At 370 Lakeside Park, a visitor observed, "The grounds are clean and pleasant, if a bit sparse with little shade. This will change over the subsequent years, however, as there are many relatively newly planted trees."
Group camping options: Several parks accommodate family gatherings with clustered cabin arrangements. "The sites by the vault toilet looked closer together so I could see that being a cool spot for multiple families or friend groups," notes one camper about Cuivre River State Park.
Tips from RVers
Site selection advice: Pin Oak RV Park offers varying site sizes throughout the property. "Sites at the back of the property are large. Sites in the middle seemed more crowded," advises Chad H., who stayed for a week during summer.
Seasonal considerations: Check operating schedules when planning cabin stays. While some parks remain open year-round, others like Jellystone Park operate seasonally from late March to early October.
Utility connections: Most cabin accommodations offer electric service, but water and sewer arrangements vary. "The sites for full hook ups are separate from the other sites," explains one reviewer about Cuivre River State Park's layout.
Terrain challenges: Some cabin areas feature significant elevation changes. At Jellystone Park, a visitor observed, "There is a very large hill to get in and some sites are VERY tight," suggesting careful consideration for those with mobility concerns.
