Cabin camping near Richmond Heights, Missouri offers locations within an hour's drive that cater to various outdoor activities. Positioned in the eastern Missouri region, these campgrounds experience four distinct seasons with moderate snowfall in winter and hot, humid summers reaching 90°F. Most cabin sites open from March through October with a few year-round options for cold-weather visits.
What to do
Kayaking on Meramec River: Meramec Caverns Natural Campground provides direct access to the river with boat rentals on site. "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," shares Jamie C.
Hiking varied terrain: Washington State Park Campground features multiple trail options with distinct difficulty levels. "There are three hiking trails of varying difficulty, so most people can do whatever," explains Kyle K. The park's 1000 Steps Trail presents a moderate challenge with rewarding views.
Cave exploration: Beyond camping accommodations, Meramec Caverns offers guided tours of its extensive cave system. "The caves themselves are really spectacular. You can definitely see why Jesse and Frank James used this as a hideout," notes Annie C. Tours typically last around two hours and provide a cool retreat during summer heat.
Cycling on the Katy Trail: St. Charles County Klondike Park provides convenient cabin access to this popular rail trail. "I have bike-packed along the Katy and this is an excellent spot for an overnight(s) stay. It is a tough, but short, climb from the trail," explains Mike L., noting it's perfect for multi-day cycling trips.
What campers like
Security measures: Cahokia RV Parque offers 24-hour staffing for guest assistance. "Staff on duty at all hours is awesome! We called ahead but didn't need a reservation," notes Nathaniel B. This provides peace of mind for those seeking secure cabin accommodations.
Proximity to city attractions: For those wanting to balance outdoor experiences with urban activities, St. Peters' 370 Lakeside Park offers ideal positioning. "30 minutes from downtown Saint Louis. Excellent park, lots of amenities. It is not 'in the woods,' which I usually prefer, but will stay there again," shares Tom B.
Murphy bed cabins: Some cabins at Meramec Caverns feature space-saving designs. "The cabins have Murphy beds that make for an amazing amount of room during daytime hours," explains a visitor. These convertible beds maximize usable space during non-sleeping hours.
Wine country access: Klondike Park's location provides excellent access to regional wineries. "This campground places you in the heart of Missouri Wine Country and there's a perfect base for visiting the wineries and restaurants along highway 94," explains Marty C.
What you should know
Seasonal closures: While several parks remain open year-round, St. Louis NE-Granite City KOA operates seasonally. "There are few campgrounds with full hook-ups in the Edwardsville, IL area, so we were pleased to find this one," notes Jennifer B., though their operating season runs only from March 25 to November 1.
Noise considerations: Railroad tracks near some campgrounds can affect light sleepers. "Trains pass 2 blocks away several times nightly, but after the first night you won't notice," reports Jennifer B. about St. Louis NE-Granite City KOA.
Supply availability: Prepare to bring essentials as on-site stores vary significantly. "There is no on-site store, so make sure you store your food securely overnight - the raccoons are pretty thick and hungry at night," warns Mike L. about Klondike Park.
Reservation timing: Popular parks fill quickly, especially during summer weekends. "We were happy to be able to find space available on short notice, especially with lockdown restrictions being lifted," notes Angelo P. about Meramec Caverns, suggesting advance bookings whenever possible.
Tips for camping with families
Entertainment options: Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park Resort At Six Flags caters specifically to families. "This is a very family friendly campground with lots for the kiddos to do in this park," reports Russ G. The resort offers organized activities, crafts, and themed weekends throughout their April-October season.
Swimming access: Several parks provide swimming opportunities during summer months. "The kids had a blast riding bikes. Even finding a few little frogs jumping around and fireflies at night," shares Joseph F. about St. Peters' 370 Lakeside Park, which offers both lake swimming and rental paddleboats.
Playground facilities: On-site play areas keep children engaged between other activities. "There is a playground, mini golf, a lake, game room, laundry and a small store with basics," notes Joel R. about Pin Oak RV Park, where cabin rentals include access to these amenities.
Safety considerations: Rivers and lakes require appropriate supervision. "The river can be dangerous there but if you respect it and have life vests, it makes for an amazing day," advises Jamie C. about Meramec Caverns, emphasizing the importance of bringing proper safety equipment.
Tips from RVers
Space considerations: Washington State Park offers varying site layouts. "The electrics sites are closer to the river, the tent sites are more private in trees in a separate area," explains Lynn G., noting that cabin accommodations also follow this proximity pattern.
Extended stay options: For longer cabin visits, certain parks offer special arrangements. "One couple I talked to was camping long term and they got a free membership to the St Peter's RecPlex recreation center with their long term spot," reports Annie C. about St. Peters' 370 Lakeside Park.
Access challenges: Some parks have tricky entrance roads. "A little sketchy getting off east bound ramp then having to cross three lanes of traffic to make a left hand turn at the first light. Entrance to campground is tight, swing wide," warns James P. about navigating to St. Louis NE-Granite City KOA.
Shade availability: Tree coverage varies significantly between sites. "It is a city park and had that feel... not many trees for shade but the lake was pretty," mentions Nathaniel B. about St. Peters' 370 Lakeside Park, suggesting requesting shaded sites when available.
