3 campgrounds with availability this weekend
Garrison Canoe Rental and Campground maintains pet-friendly tent sites, RV spaces, cabins, and glamping accommodations along the Meramec River. Pets must remain leashed throughout the property with designated waste disposal areas available near the campground store. Huzzah Valley Resort also welcomes pets at their spacious campsites with full hookups, featuring grassy areas for dog exercise adjacent to most RV and tent sites. Both properties offer river access where dogs can cool off during summer months, though pets must be supervised when near water. Showers and bathroom facilities remain clean and accessible for campers traveling with animals. The large camping sites provide ample room for pet equipment and temporary enclosures while maintaining appropriate distance from neighboring campers.
Nearby trail systems throughout the Ozarks region provide excellent opportunities for dog walks and hiking with pets. The spacious camping lots at Huzzah Valley Resort particularly benefit active dogs needing room to move, with security staff available to help visitors locate appropriate pet-friendly sites. During float trips, many campers bring well-behaved dogs on rafts and canoes, with natural swimming holes accessible from several riverfront campsites. Summer temperatures frequently exceed 90°F, requiring extra water and shade considerations for pets. Most campgrounds enforce quiet hours after 10pm, which includes barking regulations. Ozark Outdoors-Riverfront Resort provides pet-friendly cabin options for those seeking more shelter during inclement weather, with nearby veterinary services available in Steelville for emergency situations.
"Positives: quiet time starting at 11:00 pm, we didn’t hear cursing, loud music, or anything else that disturbs little ones once they go to sleep, close to the river, clean restroom and shower house, shaded"
"They have a family section if you prefer to be away from the louder bunch."
"Nestled in Mid Missouri this place is a jam! Popular with locals there are trails, historic iron works and a fish hatchery…very cool place. Close to highway, good overnight spot!"
"Maramec Spring Park is a great place for camping and fishing in Missouri. The Park contains the fifth largest spring in the state."
from $16 - $36 / night
"River access within walking distance. Canoe and raft rental available."
"We stayed in our pop-up camper that was close to the road at the front of the campground. Across the road was the river so we were close to the river which was very nice."
"This go around we pulled our popup down and chose a site with out hookups. (545) only negative things to say about the site was that it was very densely populated with trees."
from $11 - $16 / night
"One we used, and many other we saw, had small trees outlining the edges of the sites.
We had a group of people next to use who were very loud on Friday evening until past midnight .""Extra space for our two dogs to run around."
"For our annual cousin campout in our ancestral home of Davisville we reserved site 24 and the group site (2) directly behind it."
"Shaded, grassy, and very private except for the occasional visitors who drive up the road to see the overlook near these two campsites."
Campground full this weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $15 - $50 / night
"There is a pavilion near the access points to the Berryman and Ozark trails."
"Great location with easy access to trails. Drive in spot, fire ring, latern holder, and restrooms make it convenient choice."
from $8 - $15 / night
"This is a small campground but right next to it there is a lot of land to walk through. Sheri/Sharon the owner is right up there with one of the coolest women I've ever met."
"If you have the time and are going through or near St. James Missouri its off of I-44, Mile Marker 195 towards St. James. "
Available this weekend
from $25 - $43 / night
"Close to the river. Area isn't very big which is nice."
"The sites on this end are a bit of a walk to the bathrooms/showers and camp store, but also extremely spacious and private. "
"First thing you see when you turn off the highway is a tiny Baptist (first red flag) church and graveyard to set the tone."
"I don't live anywhere near here so I'm not going to keep this place a secret. The other reviews make this place seem terrible. I drive a Toyota Highlander and I did the road with no problem."
TravelerIt’s fun to see the animals. I was happy they have an outdoor shower because I needed it when I got here. I’d say the only down side is the animals roam so there is a lot of poop. Wouldn’t want to wander at night.
GuideIt appears to be a typical state park. There are lots of old trees. Sites are pretty close together but it is late October so it is not crowded. Each spot has a level gravel spot, electrical hook up (some are 50 and others 30 and ours had a 110 plug in which is what we needed, as well as a picnic table, and a fire pit. There are both pit toilets and a large building that has flush toilets and showers. Everything is old and would benefit from a refresh but it was all clean enough for camping.
TravelerTent to electric to full hookups available. multiple shower toilet facilities throughout campground. All sites with nice concrete parking pad.
RangerYes, the road was a bit bumpy, but worth navigating if you can claim a spot. I scored what I would argue is the second best spot - right on the creek just feet from the flowing water. The spot to the right appeared larger and had a rope for the kids (and cool adults) to utilize for launching into the water. The family occupying this space was in ear shot, but I had total privacy aside from a couple groups checking out the the water during the day. The creek had super cool rocks and the water was perfect for casual wading, but too low to swim in the area I was in. No amenities nearby, so pack in and pack out. I did not have any Verizon coverage, so it was two full days of off-the-grid bliss. I would’ve stayed here a a few more days if I had prepared.
GuideQuiet like the night. Clean well groomed spaces are about average size. Off season sure is nice.
GuideSuper clean campground. The host is really welcoming and answers any questions you have. Some amazing views of you pick the right spot.
TravelerStayed overnight, got a great site next to the pond, escorted to site by friendly staff…..
TravelerThe camp sites are full hook up with good size lots. Lots of room for dogs to run. They have hiking trails, lake for paddle boarding or kayaks( free to use on site), mini golf( have to supply own balls they have putters) 9 hole golf course,and Disc golf. The pool and shower house with game rooms are clean and showers open 24/7. Grounds keepers go a fantastic job
GuideThis is definitely more of a “camp” site with bugs and pretty basic needs. When we arrived on Thursday no one was there. Easy to park. When we left Saturday morning of Labor Day, it was a parking lot zoo! Location near caverns is super cool. Bathrooms are sketchy. Super buggy and only a screen door between outside and toilets/showers. It’s a little concerning for a women to shower behind a curtain and only a flimsy screen door to outside. We were backed to river in a 35’ travel trailer no sewer at site and dump station on way out was in passenger side while all dump pipes are on driver side. It worked to go under but interesting to solve.
Campsites surrounding Steelville span the Ozark highlands where elevations range from 700-1,100 feet alongside clear, spring-fed streams of the Meramec, Huzzah, and Courtois waterways. Summer temperatures regularly exceed 90°F with high humidity through August while spring camping brings frequent thunderstorms that can create flash flood conditions near waterways. Winter temperatures typically drop below freezing at night with periodic snowfall between December and February.
Cave exploration: 1-2 hour guided tours. Onondaga Cave State Park Campground offers exceptional underground adventures with professional guides. "Onondaga Cave is a bit pricey to see but it's well worth it, one of the larger caves you can do a walking tour with well maintained and careful paths, lighting etc. Takes about 1.5hrs, our guide was very knowledgeable and humorous," notes Julia M.
Fishing: Trout stocked regularly. Maramec Spring Park provides excellent fishing opportunities with freshly stocked trout. "The Park contains the fifth largest spring in the state. An average of 100 million gallons of water flows from the Spring daily," explains Joel R. The park also features a hatchery where campers can observe the trout rearing process.
Floating and tubing: 4-8 hour trips. Multiple outfitters rent equipment for river trips lasting from quick afternoon floats to full-day expeditions. "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!" shares Richard C. about his experience at Garrison Canoe Rental.
Historical sites: Self-guided tours. Several campgrounds maintain preserved historical structures. "Nearby is Onondaga Cave State Park. Tour the Spring, museum, hatchery, and iron works. Playground and historic driving tour with scenic overlook," explains Chuck H. about attractions near Maramec Spring Park.
Crystal clear water: Swimming holes and natural beaches. The region's spring-fed streams maintain excellent visibility even during summer. At Red Bluff Campground, "The Huzzah creek is rocky but beautiful. 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," warns Gwenn W.
Private, shaded campsites: Mature tree canopy. Many campgrounds feature well-established trees providing natural shade. "The sites are all separated enough from each other that you don't feel like you are camping with strangers. The sites are close to the Huzzah creek, some of them right on it," reports Mara F. about Red Bluff Campground.
Family-friendly activities: Organized events and play areas. Ozark Outdoors-Riverfront Resort provides structured recreation options. "In the summer they have a restaurant with campsite delivery and sometimes live music. Last I saw the playground was not huge but my kids still enjoyed it. Rock beach for wading and swimming," explains Jennifer G.
Dog friendly campgrounds near Steelville: Accessible water areas. Most facilities welcome pets with specific designated areas. "My kids loved camping here and cant wait to go back. They have trails for bike riding, a big open field for the kids to play ball and rabbits the kids loved feeding," explains Isaiah D. about Pheasant Acres RV Park, which allows leashed pets throughout the grounds.
Flash flooding risks: Monitor weather forecasts. Sites near rivers can experience rapid water rise. "It rained on us all weekend and I tried not to freak out because this area is known for flash floods (that's why it's so rocky)," shares Gwenn W. about her experience at Red Bluff. The campground host can advise which sites remain safest during rainy conditions.
Limited cell service: Download maps beforehand. Most campgrounds have minimal or no cellular coverage. "The cell phone service is virtually non-existent. We had planned to work from here and had to cut our visit short," reports Mats about Meramec State Park Campground.
Wildlife encounters: Secure food properly. Local wildlife actively visits campsites after dark. "The raccoon population is out of control," warns Gwenn W. about Red Bluff Campground. Similarly, deer frequently enter camping areas at dusk and dawn.
Weekend crowds: Reserve months ahead for summer weekends. Popular campgrounds fill completely during peak season. "This is primarily a campground for people floating the Meramec River and other area streams. They provide canoe rental, and transport to the put-in points. On summer weekends it is crowded and noisy," explains Joel R. about Ozark Outdoors-Riverfront Resort.
River safety: Life jackets required for children. Water depths change unpredictably in area streams. "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," warns Gwenn W. about the Huzzah Creek at Red Bluff Campground.
Insect protection: Bring multiple repellent options. The humid climate supports robust tick and chigger populations. "Depending on when you come bug spray or a bug deterrent makes being in the outdoors in the Midwest more pleasant," advises iloveitontop R. from Onondaga Cave State Park.
Educational programs: Ranger-led activities. Bass' River Resort offers organized nature programs for children. "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," shares ML W. Many campgrounds provide junior ranger programs during summer weekends.
Weather preparedness: Pack for temperature swings. Daily temperatures can fluctuate significantly. "Summers are sticky and warm, by September the mornings and evening are cool with a high of 76-81," notes iloveitontop R. from Onondaga Cave State Park. Night temperatures can drop 20-30 degrees below daytime highs.
Site selection: Request specific pad locations. Many campgrounds feature variable RV site quality. "Our campsite was so unlevel my 1 year old couldn't even stand outside the camper without falling," reports Megan L. about her experience at Ozark Outdoors-Riverfront Resort.
Water and electric hookups: Call ahead for specifics. Not all sites provide full hookups despite advertising. "The campground has 8 spots, some big enough for RVs. No hook ups or water. Pack it in and pack it out," advises Patti M. about Berryman Trail & Campgrounds.
Road conditions: Access varies by location. Some campgrounds require navigating unpaved roads. "We enjoyed the buddy sites so that our front doors faced our friends and the hookups were on the outside of each campsite. They also had group buddy sites that allowed four rigs to all front doors to face each other all being pull through sites," shares Joy F. about Ozark Outdoors-Riverfront Resort.
Pet-friendly campgrounds around Steelville: Dedicated exercise areas. Campgrounds typically designate specific pet walking zones. "We had a group of people next to use who were very loud on Friday evening until past midnight. Saturday everybody was exhausted and slept," shares Tommy S. about Berryman Trail Campgrounds, which permits pets throughout their spacious sites.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dog-friendly campsite near Steelville, MO?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near Steelville, MO is Ozark Outdoors-Riverfront Resort with a 4-star rating from 22 reviews.
What is the best site to find dog-friendly camping near Steelville, MO?
TheDyrt.com has all 113 dog-friendly camping locations near Steelville, MO, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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