The Stanton, Missouri area sits at approximately 872 feet above sea level in the northern Ozark Highlands, where the Meramec River carves through dolomite and limestone formations. Summer temperatures typically reach 85-90°F with high humidity, while spring and fall offer milder conditions between 50-70°F. Camping facilities in the region typically operate from March through late December, with limited winter availability at select locations.
What to do
Cave tours: 90-minute excursions. At Meramec State Park Campground, Fisher Cave offers guided experiences with remarkable geological features. "Pay the extra for the caves tour! Down the road there's an old iron foundry and a historic cemetery to explore," explains Lynn G., who found the caves "worthy of an extended visit."
Zipline adventures: Cross-river routes. The zipline at Blue Spring Ranch provides aerial views of the Meramec River. "They also have trail riding and a zip line, but trail riding was all booked when we called to reserve," notes Caitlin F., highlighting the popularity of these activities.
Fishing opportunities: Private stocked ponds. Several campgrounds maintain fishing areas for guests. At Pin Oak RV Park, "Nice little lake to fish in and areas to walk around in," says Robyn C., while Chad H. mentions "Fishing pond was a blast for the kids!"
Floating trips: 4-5 mile river routes. Many campgrounds coordinate river float experiences on the Meramec River. "We love it and the 5 mile float is the perfect amount of time on the river!" shares Erin G. about Blue Spring Ranch's floating options.
What campers like
Shaded camping areas: Protection from summer heat. At Onondaga Cave State Park Campground, campers appreciate the natural cover. "Clean large sites for tents and trees for Hammock camping," reports one reviewer, noting that "by September the mornings and evening are cool with a high of 76-81."
River access points: Shallow entry areas. Campgrounds with direct river frontage are popular for water activities. Caitlin F. 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."
Concrete camping pads: Level, stable surfaces. Several campgrounds feature improved sites for easier setup. "The campground is great. Most of the sites are flat and paved. The campground is right next to the Meramec River," notes Mats at Meramec State Park, though he cautions about limited phone service.
Dog friendly campgrounds near Stanton: Dedicated pet areas. For travelers with pets, Stanton-Meramec KOA offers "a small dog park (which was nice)" according to Shane E., providing a space where dogs can exercise safely away from camping areas.
What you should know
Cell service limitations: Spotty coverage throughout area. Most campgrounds in the region 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," reports one Meramec State Park camper.
River conditions: Water level fluctuations. The Meramec River can change rapidly with rainfall. Randy H. notes about Meramec Caverns Natural Campground, "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."
Campsite spacing: Varies by location and section. Site privacy differs significantly between campgrounds. At Ozark Outdoors Riverfront Resort, Teresa B. observes "not alot of privacy like you would find at a national park but fun for a party atmosphere," while at Pin Oak RV Park, "sites in the middle seemed more crowded" according to one reviewer.
Pet-friendly considerations near Stanton: Leash requirements. Dog friendly campgrounds near Stanton Missouri typically enforce leash policies outside designated dog areas. Michelle S. notes that at RV Self-Park, the "very well lit, very clean and very easy to get in and very secure" environment includes "a really nice dog area" for off-leash exercise.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Multiple age-appropriate options. Family-oriented campgrounds provide recreational facilities. At Ozark Outdoors-Riverfront Resort, Gwenn W. shares: "We stayed here with the Boy Scouts for Fall Camporee. The boys all loved it. There's a river nearby with a rocky beach to keep the kids busy. You can go tubing or canoeing."
Educational programs: Ranger-led activities. Some parks organize learning experiences for children. Leslie G. notes at Blue Spring Ranch, "We park close to the creek, we drive to the Meramec River and sometimes enjoy petting a horse or goat," adding that these amenities help make it their "Annual Retreat for the Family."
Cabin alternatives: Options for non-tent campers. For families seeking more comfort, many locations offer cabins. "We've camped here a couple times and each time it hasn't been overly crowded. We had plenty of space and privacy. The hiking is great and our camp sites were always clean and good looking," reports Amy E. about Meramec State Park.
Themed weekends: Special events throughout season. Several campgrounds host family-focused activities. "They have fun themed weekends! 4th of July and Halloween are our favorites," mentions Erin G. about Blue Spring Ranch, while Tim K. notes Pin Oak RV Park's Halloween event is popular, stating "We go every October for Halloween."
Tips from RVers
Hookup placement: Verify distances before setup. Some campgrounds have unusual utility arrangements. At Stanton-Meramec KOA, Shane E. cautions, "Your neighbors sewer sat right by your picnic table (nasty)," indicating the importance of checking site layouts.
Pull-through availability: Limited at some locations. RVers seeking easier access should research site types. Joy F. appreciated at Ozark Outdoors that "They also had group buddy sites that allowed four rigs to all front doors to face each other all being pull through sites."
Level site options: Concrete vs. gravel surfaces. Site conditions vary significantly between campgrounds. Hannah S. mentions Meramec State Park offers "Great concrete slab sights with River and hiking trails close by," while other locations may require additional leveling equipment.
Self-check-in capabilities: 24-hour arrival options. For late arrivals, RV Self-Park provides convenient access. "Very well lit, very secure with a ton of cameras. Also has a really nice dog area. Was a bit concerned if my power would be on since the place isn't manned by someone, but it was and since it was so well lit it was a fast hookup," reports Grant.
