Cabin camping near Stanton, Missouri offers year-round options with many sites situated along the Meramec River at elevations of 700-900 feet. The area experiences four distinct seasons with summer temperatures averaging in the mid-80s and winter lows around 20°F. Some cabins in the area require advance reservations up to six months ahead during peak floating season from late May through September.
What to do
Cave tours: 1-2 hours duration. At Meramec State Park Campground, visitors can explore Fisher Cave on guided tours. "Pay the extra for the caves tour! Down the road there's an old iron foundry and a historic cemetery to explore," recommends one visitor who gave the park five stars.
River floats: Half-day to full-day outings. Garrison Canoe Rental and Campground offers affordable river experiences with comfortable equipment. "We rented the new tubes they carry. They were very comfortable with back support and pillow when you're leaning back. 20 bucks for a 4 hour float, ya can't beat it!" states a reviewer.
Ropes course: Allow 2-3 hours. The Floating Trees ropes course at Ozark Outdoors provides a challenge for older kids and adults. "My family also enjoyed the Floating Trees ropes course. It was supposed to be about 2 hours but the instructors let them go an extra 45 minutes without anyone feeling rushed," notes a satisfied visitor.
What campers like
River access and beaches: Proximity to water is a major draw for many cabin campers. At Blue Spring Ranch, visitors appreciate the designated beach areas. "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," advises one camper.
WiFi availability: While most cabins don't offer strong signals, some properties provide limited connectivity. "They have WiFi available but it is not reliable. The cell phone service is virtually non-existent. We had planned to work from here and had to cut our visit short," warns a visitor to Meramec State Park Campground.
Shade and wildlife viewing: The natural setting provides opportunities for wildlife observation. At Meramec Caverns Natural Campground, one visitor described their experience: "It's a large grassy area with plenty of trees (though no shrubbery or other privacy screens). There are no numbered campsites. Vehicles can be parked and tents pitched anywhere on the grass."
What you should know
Bathroom conditions vary widely: Some facilities show their age more than others. A visitor to Bass' River Resort noted, "The showers and bathroom house was walking distance from our camp but unfortunately a few of the showers on the female side didn't work and all were extremely dirty."
Seasonal flooding risks: The Meramec River can rise quickly after heavy rains. A reviewer cautions, "The only reason I didn't rate it 5 stars is because sometimes the park closes or they have to evacuate due to the quick rise of the river. Easy fix though, just call ahead to see if they're open."
Noise levels differ by location: Some campgrounds designate specific areas for different atmospheres. One camper explains, "This place has something for everyone, whether you're a tent, rv or cabin camper. They even have designated quiet and loud areas right on the water."
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Most cabin sites offer play areas, but quality varies. At Pin Oak RV Park, families find multiple activities: "A nice private catch and release pond, an old little mini golf setup, a small (but adequate) swimming pool kept the kids busy."
Entertainment options: Many campgrounds organize activities on weekends. "The family atmosphere was incredible here, lots for the kiddos to do in this park. A little too crowded for us empty nesters," reports a visitor to Pin Oak during their Halloween festivities.
Food delivery services: Some cabin areas offer meal services during peak season. "They serve and deliver a limited menu from 4-7 pm," notes a visitor to Stanton-Meramec KOA, which can be convenient after long days of outdoor activities.
Tips from RVers
Site spacing considerations: Many cabin and RV areas have tight quarters. One RVer at Hummingbird Hollow Outdoors Farm Sanctuary appreciated the different layout: "4 beautiful, big rustic sites! I'll be back..." The extra space contrasts with more crowded options elsewhere.
Hookup proximity issues: Several visitors mention sanitation concerns with site layouts. "The most disgusting setup with sewer and fresh water literally inches from each other at all full hook up sites. Not worth the money for full hook up," warns one RV owner about hookup configurations at some properties.
Limited cell service: Many cabin areas have poor connectivity. "There is WiFi available but it is not reliable. The cell phone service is virtually non-existent," cautions a visitor who had planned to work remotely during their stay.
