Sullivan, Missouri sits at 1,100 feet elevation in the northern edge of the Ozark Highlands, with rolling hills and dense hardwood forests surrounding the Meramec River valley. The area experiences four distinct seasons with hot, humid summers when temperatures routinely reach 90°F and mild winters where occasional freezing temperatures occur. Campground access roads vary from paved highways to rough gravel, with most sites requiring reservations during peak floating season from Memorial Day through Labor Day.
What to do
Float the Meramec River: Indian Springs Resort offers canoe, kayak, and raft rentals with shuttle service. "Float was easy and beautiful," notes a camper, who appreciated the "clean campground and beach area" with natural swimming holes along the river.
Explore local wineries: Beyond the Trail RV Park in Defiance provides easy access to multiple wineries. "The campground is bordered by the Katy Trail which will take you into town (and many other scenic places) so bring your bikes!" A reviewer mentioned the "beautiful views across a large farm field (soy beans when we were here) to the hills beyond with incredible sunsets."
Visit Meramec Caverns: Located 20 minutes from Birch Creek RV Park, these limestone caves feature unique formations. "This is a small RV park just off I-44 about 20 minutes from Meramec Caverns," reports a camper who found the location convenient for day trips.
What campers like
Level sites with full hookups: RV Self-Park offers concrete pads with reliable 50-amp service and water/sewer connections. "I was impressed with this place. It's not staffed on-site as far as I saw. You can reserve a site online or just do it when you get there as I did," writes one camper who appreciated the straightforward setup.
Walking trails and outdoor activities: Haven Hollow RV Park maintains extensive walking paths across 200+ acres. "Very well maintained & marked grass walking trails throughout the property. Easy to find. Not too far interstate. Easy to back in site," according to one visitor who enjoyed exploring with their dogs.
Family-friendly amenities: Pin Oak RV Park provides recreational options including a fishing pond, mini-golf, swimming pool, and arcade. "A nice private catch and release pond, an old little mini golf setup, a small (but adequate) swimming pool kept the kids busy," writes a reviewer who found plenty for children to do.
What you should know
Highway noise levels: Most RV parks near I-44 experience traffic noise, with sites closer to the interstate being louder. At Birch Creek RV Park, "It's very close to the highway so there is lots of highway noise. Some sites are farther away so not so bad."
Reservation requirements: Most campgrounds fill quickly during summer weekends. At Hermann City RV Park, "If you are going, book early. We visit the area 1 to 2 times per year and book as we leave for the next year."
Site spacing concerns: Many parks position RV sites close together. At Pin Oak RV Park, "Sites are gravel and close together do not much privacy," while another camper noted it was "extremely crowded and tight" during busy weekends.
Tips for camping with families
Choose parks with dedicated activities: Pheasant Acres RV Park offers trails for bike riding and open fields for play. "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," shares a happy parent.
Look for swimming options: During summer months, seek out campgrounds with water access. Indian Springs Resort features "a large sandy beach with natural swimming holes, plus a seasonal pool," making it popular for families wanting to cool off.
Consider weekend entertainment: Some parks schedule organized activities on weekends. Pin Oak RV Park hosts themed weekends like their Halloween event where "the family atmosphere was incredible here, lots for the kiddos to do in this park."
Tips from RVers
Site length considerations: Measure total length including tow vehicle before booking. At Haven Hollow RV Park, "The sites support about a 40' rig with some able to support up to 42' max. When you make your reservation they will confirm the length of your rig and put you in the appropriate site."
Self-service options: Some parks operate with minimal staff. "We rolled into RV Self-Park late with our pup and loved how smooth the process was. Booking online was quick, the site was level, and everything was super easy—even after dark," reports a traveler who appreciated the 24/7 availability.
Road conditions: Access roads to campgrounds may be challenging. For Haven Hollow, "Road going in is narrow and steep but any rig should make it," while another reviewer noted, "The last 1.5 miles is gravel and it was a little dusty coming in if that is an issue for you."
