118 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Sullivan, Missouri serves as a gateway to several well-established campgrounds along the Meramec River, with options ranging from basic tent sites to full-service RV hookups and cabin rentals. Meramec State Park Campground provides year-round camping with both primitive and electric sites in a forested setting, while nearby private facilities like Meramec Caverns Natural Campground and Ozark Outdoors Riverfront Resort offer additional amenities including cabin rentals and glamping options. The campgrounds in this region typically feature riverside access, making them popular destinations for fishing, floating, and other water activities.
Most campgrounds in the Sullivan area maintain availability throughout the year, though services may be limited during winter months. "The host on site advised water to each individual site will be turned off end of October for winter. Potable water is available near dump stations," noted one camper describing Meramec State Park's seasonal adjustments. Access to most sites is straightforward via paved roads, with many campgrounds located close to Interstate 44 for convenient travel. RV Self-Park offers a unique self-service option with automated check-in for travelers needing a quick overnight stop, while the state park and river resorts cater to those seeking longer stays with more amenities.
The campgrounds near Sullivan receive consistently positive reviews for their proximity to natural attractions, particularly caves and riverside recreation. A reviewer highlighted the diversity of activities at Meramec State Park: "Miles upon miles of trails, spacious campground, caves to explore, old time blast furnace to explore, fresh Missouri spring with exceptional fishing." Several campgrounds provide access to cave tours, which remain popular year-round but especially during summer months when water activities are also at their peak. While highway noise can be noticeable at some locations closer to I-44, the riverside campgrounds generally offer a more secluded experience with abundant shade from mature trees. Most developed sites include standard amenities like fire rings, picnic tables, and access to shower facilities, creating comfortable base camps for exploring the region's Ozark foothills and waterways.
"Miles upon miles of trails. Spacious campground, caves to explore, old time blast furnace to explore, fresh Missouri spring with exceptional fishing. Then theres a general store with a restaurant"
"Growing up near here, this was the state park that my family always went to. Forty some years later, it is still my favorite park in Missouri. I enjoy camping here with my family and friends."
from $15 - $65 / night
Check Availability"Other than the water, Onondaga Cave SP has been one of my favorite places to camp in Missouri for more than 20 years."
"We stayed one night on our way through Missouri. It’s only about ten minutes south of I-44. The campground was only about half full, so it was nice and quiet."
from $15 - $57 / night
Check Availability"We had arrived a little too early in the camping season and we happened to pick days where Missouri had a cold front (previous weekend was warm)."
"Security patrols around the clock and doesn't put up with any ridiculousness. Campsites available on pavement, gravel for campers and RVs and grass for tents."
from $23 - $38 / night
Check Availability"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."
"You will hear some highway noise, but honestly, after years in trucking, it just felt like home. No restrooms or extras, but for a quick, no-hassle stop right off I-44, this place nailed it."
from $20 - $39 / night
Check Availability"We park close to the creek, we drive to the Meramec River and sometimes enjoy petting a horse or goat. Last year we zip lined. It’s close to the caverns and other awesome sites."
"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."
"Relaxing to walk around the park."
"Dinner was delivered with a smile after driving through a spring storm. Pool looked nice. The sites were kind of tight."
"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
Check Availability"My campsite, located in the far southwest corner, was one of a few with a fire pit, small paved picnic shelter, and picnic table."
GuideThe location to St. Louis is great, and the utility hookups for RV were convenient, but there was ZERO privacy at the sites and hiking trail were extremely limited. Great coverage for Verizon and Starlink.
TravelerWe went all the way to the end of the gravel road and found a wide open gravel area. Maybe like a parking lot? Surrounded by a field and with the conservation signs. We slept there. No one else was there. But it didn’t look like these pictures, no trees. Not sure where we were supposed to go. We got there late, cross country drive along I-70
TravelerThis is the perfect, little spot to set up. The owners are sweet, and have been helpful with everything we have needed and beyond. We definitely would love to come back.
GuideGreat site. Loved the bike path to the shut-ins. Hosts were awesome. Camp store had lots!!!
GuideNice campground with full hookups. Only one row has shade since the campground is so new. Shower house is good. My only negative is the wifi was weak in the two spots I stayed in.
ScoutWe stayed one night on the 4th of July weekend. The campground was accordingly busy. The primitive area is all the way in the back, so besides the foot traffic of people walking past to get to the spring, it was nice and quiet. The spring was beautiful with a nice walkway next to it. The bathroom building was a little older, but the toilets and sink were clean. Overall, it was a very pleasant experience. Side note: If you want to fish for trout, you will need a permit for the day.
ScoutWe were there on a Friday of 4th of July weekend. We used the day-use area but drove though the campground loops to check it out first. Campground was not full, even on a holiday weekend, sites are spread out, and we will definitely come back for camping. Very peaceful.
Day use area was well maintained, easy path to spring, and river access just past the spring. Plenty of tables and grills. Lovely in the evening with the fog creeping up the river!
ScoutGreat spot for tents or hammocks. Just a single spot with a big parking lot. There is a fire ring, and a picnic table.
TravelerVery clean. Hiking and cave exploring in the park. Campground is nicely laid out with different amenities.
Camping spots near Sullivan, Missouri offer convenient river access with varying privacy levels depending on site selection. Sullivan sits within the Ozark highlands at around 950 feet elevation, featuring deciduous forest, limestone bluffs, and spring-fed waters that maintain 54-58°F temperatures year-round. RV sites in the area typically range from $30-50 per night, while tent sites can be found for $15-25 depending on amenities and season.
Cave exploration: 1-2 hour guided tours. Onondaga Cave State Park Campground offers one of the most impressive cave systems in Missouri. "The 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 one visitor. The cave maintains a constant temperature around 57°F, making it a perfect summer refuge.
Float trips: 4-10 mile options available. Bass' River Resort provides multiple float trip options with shuttle service. "We tent camped and floated the 6 mile float. Bathrooms were clean and well maintained. Showers needed quarters to operate. Nice restaurant for breakfast and a great store," reports one camper. Most outfitters charge $30-45 per person for full-day trips including equipment and transportation.
Zip lining: 1-2 hour adventures. Blue Spring Ranch features a zip line across the Meramec River as part of their recreation options. "There are many activities to choose from. We even scheduled a float trip. The general store has most everything you need, it's quiet, family friendly and well maintained," according to a recent visitor. Some campgrounds require advance reservations for zip line adventures, especially during summer months.
River access for swimming: Clear, cool water. Campers appreciate the natural swimming areas at camping spots near Sullivan. "Good swimming! Clear water. Camp store. Firewood available," mentions a visitor at Meramec Caverns Natural Campground. The Meramec River maintains a moderate flow rate throughout summer, with several designated swimming areas featuring gradual entry points and gravel bars.
Shaded campsites: Mature tree canopy. The natural forest setting provides welcome relief during hot Missouri summers. "The State Park has a great canopy of trees located next to a stream as a setting for the campground that bounds with wildlife. We saw deer and raccoons here that entered our campsite," shares a visitor to Meramec State Park Campground. Most campgrounds maintain their natural tree cover rather than clearing sites completely.
Weekend activities: Themed events. Several campgrounds organize special weekend events throughout the camping season. "We average 3-4 trips a year here! We love it and the 5 mile float is the perfect amount of time on the river! They have fun themed weekends! 4th of July and Halloween are our favorites," writes a regular at Blue Spring Ranch. These events typically include activities like campsite decorating contests, group games, and evening entertainment.
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Sullivan, MO?
According to TheDyrt.com, Sullivan, MO offers a wide range of camping options, with 118 campgrounds and RV parks near Sullivan, MO and 9 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Sullivan, MO?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Sullivan, MO is Meramec State Park Campground with a 4.4-star rating from 59 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Sullivan, MO?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 9 free dispersed camping spots near Sullivan, MO.
Keep Exploring
