Steelville, located in the Ozark Highlands of Missouri at approximately 700 feet elevation, features rolling hills intersected by three major rivers—the Meramec, Huzzah, and Courtois. Summer temperatures typically range from 70-90°F with high humidity, while spring and fall bring cooler weather ideal for riverside camping. Winter overnight temperatures regularly drop below freezing, limiting campground availability from November through March.
What to do
Float trips: 4-8 miles daily. At Bass' River Resort, visitors can access popular float trips ranging from beginner to experienced levels. "The 6 mile float was easy and beautiful. Bathrooms were clean and well maintained," notes one camper who appreciated the well-organized river access.
Explore underground caves: 1-2 hour tours. The Meramec Caverns Natural Campground offers unique underground adventures beyond typical outdoor recreation. "The cave tour is a bit hokey, but if you can look past the mannequins and silliness, the caves themselves are really spectacular. You can definitely see why Jesse and Frank James used this as a hideout," reports a visitor who took the tour.
Evening entertainment: Scheduled activities. Weekend events provide social opportunities throughout the camping season. "Garrison's offers a variety of float and eat packages that are tasty and nicely priced. They provide a cookout on Fridays and Saturdays, plus a dance hall after floating," explains a regular visitor who enjoys the structured evening activities.
Mountain biking: Miles of trails. The Brazil Creek Camping Area provides access to extensive trail systems. "Miles and miles of trails for Mountain Biking, horse riding or just hiking, and you can ride your ATV on the roads but you need an orange triangle," shares a recent visitor who enjoyed the multiple trail options.
What campers like
Private group areas: Separated camping sections. Garrison Canoe Rental and Campground provides designated spaces for larger parties. "A group of friends and I go to Garrison's every year for a great float and two nights of camping. We have been able to reserve a private area for a pretty large group, and we have the area to ourselves!" reports a repeat visitor.
River accessibility: Multiple water access points. Many campgrounds offer direct water entry for families with children. "The sites on this end are a bit of a walk to the bathrooms/showers and camp store, but also extremely spacious and private. Great camp store and a large sandy beach with natural swimming holes," explains a camper describing the layout at Indian Springs Resort.
Yurt camping: Modern alternative shelters. Yurt camping near Steelville, Missouri provides a unique glamping experience. "We've seen some reviews say it's outdated and I'm not sure where that comes from. Cute little campground with 'primitive', electric and full hook ups. All tent camping is still pretty close to the general store that also has coin showers!" notes a visitor who appreciated the mix of accommodation types.
Free camping options: Budget-friendly alternatives. For those seeking lower-cost alternatives to established resorts, the national forest provides no-fee options. "Very nice free campground that is suitable for any type of camping. Miles and miles of trails for mountain biking, horse riding or just hiking," explains a visitor to Brazil Creek who enjoyed the cost-free camping.
What you should know
Flash flood risk: Seasonal danger. Low-lying campgrounds experience periodic flooding during heavy rains. "Unfortunately it was in a flash flood hazard zone and hurricane Barry was dumping rain on us. There are new campsites under construction, farther back from the river," explains a visitor to Red Bluff Campground who encountered weather-related camping challenges.
Wildlife encounters: Raccoons common. Multiple campgrounds report active wildlife after dark. "The raccoon population is out of control. Basically if you're camping here it's just for the crystal clear waters of the Huzzah Creek," warns a regular Red Bluff visitor, suggesting proper food storage is essential.
Designated quiet vs. party areas: Choose carefully. Some campgrounds separate quiet family camping from more social sections. "They have a family side and a party side (the zoo). Don't expect to get much rest in the zoo. Huzzah Valley is the known party campground if you live in the Saint Louis metropolitan area," advises a regular visitor who helps campers understand the layout options.
Limited off-season facilities: Seasonal operations. Most water recreation facilities close by late October. "If you go in the early or later seasons be prepared to pull your raft a number of times. As this place is near STL I imagine it's popular. I'm hesitant to return during busy season," notes a fall visitor describing reduced water levels.
Tips for camping with families
River safety: Prepare for depth changes. Parents should monitor swimming areas closely for sudden depth changes. "You have to be careful because there are sudden drop-offs, it can be two feet deep and then you take a few steps and it's seven feet deep," cautions a parent about the unpredictable river conditions.
Scheduled activities: Planned programs. Huzzah Valley Resort offers organized entertainment beyond water recreation. "The resort is always top notch. Very clean, great amenities, and if you forget something you can always get it at the shop!" reports a camper who appreciates the comprehensive family offerings.
Mid-week camping: Less crowded experience. Weekends typically see maximum occupancy while weekdays offer more space. "We took a couples float during the week to get away from our busy lives and relax. We practically had the place to ourselves with only one other tent in view! Not too bad for a weekday camp trip!" shares a camper who found the mid-week experience more relaxing.
Park ranger programs: Educational opportunities. State parks offer structured learning activities for children. "There are things to do such as take a tour of the mill when the naturalist does one of their demonstrations, hike the quarter mile trial to the springs, or take in one of the nature programs at the amphitheater," explains a visitor who enjoys the educational components.
Tips from RVers
Site selection: Consider utility locations. RV campsites vary significantly in terms of shade, levelness and proximity to amenities. "We stayed at site 26 which is a double electric site. Lots of shade and several level spots. It's right next to the vault toilet, whose stench only wafted over to the campsite a few times, and right across from the spigot," advises one RVer about site-specific considerations.
Group camping layouts: Multiple configurations. For RV groups traveling together, several campgrounds offer adjacent sites. "We love Huzzah Valley. They have a system that is like a well oiled machine. Can reserve sites online, can check in from your car once you arrive. Sites are large and well kept," explains an RVer who frequently travels with others.
Highway proximity concerns: Traffic noise. Some campgrounds feature sites adjacent to busy roads. "We stayed here as a group of 5 RV campers. Our campers 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. Worried for everyone's safety if there was a crash," cautions an RVer about specific site selection.
Seasonal recommendations: Fall and spring. Many RVers prefer shoulder seasons for more comfortable temperatures and fewer crowds. "This is a great area to fish for trout. The river is beautiful and offers a place to relax. The campground offers several different options depending on your set up. The on-site restaurant is good and worth a try," recommends a shoulder-season visitor.
