Cabin camping near Rolla, Missouri offers access to the northern edge of the Ozarks where elevations range from 700 to 1,400 feet. Most cabin locations sit along river valleys including the Meramec, Current, and Gasconade River systems. Water activities dominate the region, with summer water temperatures typically reaching 70-80°F, though some spring-fed sections remain cold year-round.
What to do
River access fishing: Four miles of trout waters at Montauk State Park Campground provide prime angling opportunities. "This is where my love of camping started. I spent many summers as a child camping at Montauk State Park with my grandparents," notes one visitor who appreciates the stocked river. Purchase trout tags at the lodge for $3.00 daily with a limit of 4 trout per day.
Cave exploration: The region features multiple accessible cave systems with guided tours. "Pay the extra for the caves tour! Down the road there's an old iron foundry and a historic cemetery to explore," advises one visitor about Meramec State Park Campground. Fisher Cave tours provide insight into the geological formations and historical significance of the area.
Spring swimming: Natural cold springs offer refreshing swimming spots during hot summer months. "There is a spring on the opposite side of the river that is fairly easy to swim to that is a thrill to swim through. It's ice cold!" reports a camper from Boiling Springs Campground. Several resorts provide marked access points to springs where water temperatures remain around 58°F year-round.
What campers like
Riverside sites: Prime camping spots along waterways provide convenient access for multiple activities. "We camped at one of the end site B9 next to walkway for the river. Large level camp with lots of shade. Site was full hookup," explains a visitor at Boiling Springs Campground. Many riverside sites require early booking, especially for summer weekends.
Float trip convenience: Campgrounds often include shuttle services for river floats, simplifying logistics. "Great location where you can float the Piney and Gasconade and float back into your camp! The last 1/2 mile are the same float," notes a reviewer. Some resorts offer float packages that include equipment rental and transportation.
Dining options: On-site food service allows campers to enjoy meals without cooking. "The food they serve for a nonmetal fee is good. Catfish dinner and plate size pancakes!" says a visitor to Indian Springs Resort and Campground. Lodge restaurants at state parks typically serve breakfast and dinner, with many offering to-go options for river trips.
What you should know
Bathroom facilities vary: Quality and availability of facilities differs significantly between locations. "Shower house and decent bathroom was all the way up by camp office. Vault toilets by camp left a lot to be desired," reports a camper from Boiling Springs. State parks generally maintain more consistent facilities compared to private campgrounds.
Cell coverage limitations: Many riverside locations have limited connectivity. "The cell phone service is virtually non-existent. We had planned to work from here and had to cut our visit short," explains a visitor to Meramec State Park. WiFi, when available, is typically restricted to lodge or office areas and often unreliable.
Reservation requirements: Popular sites book quickly, especially during peak season. "This campground felt very sterile. You are not sheltered at all by the forest trees," notes a visitor to Echo Bluff State Park, highlighting that newer facilities may lack mature tree cover. Advance planning is essential, with some prime locations requiring 6-month advance booking.
Tips for camping with families
Accessible activities: Look for campgrounds with structured programs for children. "Fun place to camp. Have camping and RV rentals. Very accommodating staff. They provided a cookout on Fridays and Saturdays. Plus a dance hall after floating," explains a visitor to Garrison Canoe Rental and Campground. Some locations offer scheduled nature programs, movie nights, and guided activities.
Safety considerations: River conditions can change rapidly, requiring proper preparation. "This campground has a good deal of trees for shade while still offering plenty of open spaces for kids to run around. Some areas had close access to the river," notes a camper. Life jackets should be standard equipment for children, even at seemingly calm water access points.
Location selection: Family camping experiences vary dramatically based on site location. "We typically prefer more dispersed-style camping, but this has actually become one of our favorite established sites in the Ozarks. It's VERY family-oriented with tons of games like volleyball and horseshoes, plus onsite programs and activities including scavenger hunts, movie nights, pancake breakfasts," reports a visitor to Indian Springs Resort.
Tips from RVers
Site leveling: Many riverside campgrounds feature uneven terrain requiring preparation. "Our camper backed up to a fence about 5 feet off the highway. Cars and trucks fly down this highway at very fast speeds all hours of the day and night," warns a visitor to Garrison Canoe Rental, highlighting safety considerations when selecting sites. Leveling blocks are essential equipment at most locations.
Hookup availability: Water and electric connections are standard at most established campgrounds, but sewer hookups are less common. "Ozark Outdoors offers group buddy sites that allowed four rigs to all front doors to face each other all being pull through sites," notes a camper at Ozark Outdoors-Riverfront Resort. Most locations with full hookups charge premium rates for these sites.
Access limitations: Some cabin and RV sites have challenging approaches requiring planning. "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," explains a visitor to Meramec Caverns Natural Campground. Larger rigs should call ahead to confirm accessibility of specific sites.
