Cabins for camping near Owensville, Missouri range from rustic to modern accommodations throughout the Meramec River region. Located in the northern Ozarks at approximately 900 feet elevation, the area features rolling hills and limestone formations. Summer temperatures average 85-90°F with high humidity, while spring and fall offer milder conditions with temperatures in the 60-70°F range.
What to do
Cave exploration: Meramec State Park Campground offers access to Fisher Cave tours. "Pay the extra for the caves tour! Down the road there's an old iron foundry and a historic cemetery to explore," notes a visitor who found the tours worthwhile despite staying primarily for camping.
River activities: Blue Spring Ranch provides convenient access to water recreation with a 5-mile float that takes visitors through scenic stretches of the Meramec River. "We did a 5 mile float which was amazing! They bus you up river and then you end up back at the campground," explains a camper who appreciated the well-organized float trip logistics.
Horse riding: Several campgrounds offer equestrian activities. At Lost Valley Lake Resort, "There is horseback riding, pony rides and the jump pillow are big favorites," according to a regular visitor who enjoys the variety of activities available throughout the year.
Trail hiking: Conservation areas provide natural terrain for hiking. Daniel Boone Conservation Area offers free primitive camping with nearby trails. A visitor notes, "There are some nice hiking trails here to explore," making it suitable for campers seeking a back-to-basics experience away from developed campgrounds.
What campers like
Variety of accommodations: Meramec Caverns Natural Campground offers multiple lodging options. "My campsite, located in the far southwest corner, was one of a few with a fire pit, small paved picnic shelter, and picnic table. I was very happy to have the shelter, as there was a thunderstorm the morning of my visit," explains a camper who appreciated having covered facilities during inclement weather.
Recreational facilities: Beyond standard camping amenities, some resorts provide extensive recreational options. A visitor to Ozark Outdoors Riverfront Resort mentions, "We enjoyed the buddy sites so that our front doors faced our friends and the hookups were on the outside of each campsite. They also had group buddy sites that allowed four rigs to all front doors to face each other all being pull through sites."
Food services: Unexpected dining options exist at some locations. According to one camper at Meramec Caverns Natural Campground, "Speaking of the visitor center, their food was surprisingly good. I had dinner and breakfast there, and was glad I did. They also had serviceable public WiFi that I used to catch up on Internet stuff while I waited for the rain to let up."
Privacy options: Some campgrounds offer designated areas based on noise level preference. Bass' River Resort has "designated quiet and loud areas right on the water," making it suitable for different camping styles and group sizes.
What you should know
Cell service limitations: Most campgrounds in the area have spotty connectivity. At Meramec State Park Campground, a camper reports, "The cell phone service is virtually non-existent. We had planned to work from here and had to cut our visit short," highlighting potential challenges for remote workers.
Shower facilities: Pay showers are common at campgrounds in the region. Bass' River Resort requires quarters for shower operation, while some locations include shower costs in camping fees.
Road noise: Location can impact noise levels. Daniel Boone Conservation Area's primitive tent sites "are spread out along the main road through the conservation area, which means that in the daytime you will get road noise and dust, but its pretty quiet at night."
Seasonal considerations: Although many camping cabins near Owensville operate year-round, amenities may change seasonally. During off-peak times, certain facilities like pools may close, though indoor amenities often remain available.
Tips for camping with families
Indoor alternatives: For unpredictable weather, choose cabin accommodations with indoor activities. A family at Lost Valley Lake Resort appreciates that "There is swimming year round with 2 indoor pools, hot tubs and sauna. Summer time swimming at 1 outdoor pool and 2 swimming beaches at the lake."
Kid-friendly activities: Look for campgrounds with dedicated children's areas. "You can play indoor mini golf, basketball, volleyball, pickleball, pool, ping pong, shuffleboard, arcade games and watch a movie," notes a frequent family camper at Lost Valley Lake Resort.
Beach accessibility: Upper beach areas may require additional travel but offer better facilities. At Blue Spring Ranch, one visitor recommends, "Highly recommend going to the 'Upper Beach'! It's up by the cabins/cottages and you definitely need to drive there. Get there early in the morning to set up your chairs in the river to get a good spot."
Safety considerations: River conditions vary considerably. At Blue Spring Ranch, a family notes, "The river can be dangerous there but if you respect it and have life vests, it makes for an amazing day," emphasizing the importance of proper safety equipment for children.
Tips from RVers
Site selection: Stanton-Meramec KOA offers various RV site options but requires careful selection. "Very easily accessible from Interstate. They serve and deliver a limited menu from 4-7 pm. Nice pool area. They have canoes for rental onsite. Nice place but sites are un-level for Motorhomes and they are a little tight," advises an experienced RVer.
Utility proximity: Check the layout of hookups when selecting sites. One RVer at Stanton-Meramec KOA observed, "Your neighbors sewer sat right by your picnic table (nasty). Full hookups had no fire pit at the site (and this site was not cheap)."
Group camping layouts: For traveling with multiple RVs, Ozark Outdoors Riverfront Resort offers specialized arrangements. "We enjoyed the buddy sites so that our front doors faced our friends and the hookups were on the outside of each campsite," notes a camper who appreciated the social configuration.
Road access considerations: Some conservation areas have challenging access roads. At Daniel Boone Conservation Area, a camper mentions, "The way I came was a little weird with some awkward turns that might be tricky for a less experienced operator," though they confirm the gravel roads to the campsites are well maintained.
