Cabin camping near Union, Missouri offers access to the Meramec River watershed, where summer temperatures average 85-90°F during peak season. Winter cabin rentals provide shelter from overnight lows that can dip below 20°F between December and February, making them popular year-round options. Most cabins in this region sit between 500-800 feet in elevation, providing access to the region's rolling Ozark foothills.
What to do
Explore prehistoric petroglyphs: At Washington State Park Campground, visitors can view ancient rock carvings during day hikes. "The prehistoric Petroglyphs nearby are a must see," notes Phil W., who spent a week at the park in March 2021. The park features three trails of varying difficulty suitable for most hikers.
River activities: Enjoy the Meramec River directly from your campsite at Meramec Caverns Natural Campground. "The campground is large and shaded, right on the river. There are hook up sites and tent sites," reports Annie C. The location offers canoe rentals, zip lining across the river, and easy water access.
Fishing opportunities: Pin Oak RV Park maintains a stocked fishing pond perfect for families. "Fishing pond was a blast for the kids!" shares Chad H. The pond contains "some decent sized fish in it," making it a reliable activity even when river conditions aren't ideal.
What campers like
Cave tours: Fisher Cave at Meramec State Park Campground provides guided underground exploration. "Absolutely beautiful and serene. Close to town but so quiet," according to Bethany H. Another camper, Loren G., adds: "Highly recommend taking a cave tour of Fisher Cave! So neat!"
Diverse camping terrain: St. Charles County Klondike Park offers unique settings with widely spaced sites. "Campsites were great. Stayed at a walk-in site for a night and enjoyed it. Trails are beautiful and perfect for families," reports Jake K. The park provides tent camping with water available on-site for $10 per night.
Seasonal events: Halloween weekends draw crowds at Pin Oak RV Park with organized activities. "We go every October for Halloween... lots to do for the kids," mentions Tim K. Another visitor noted: "The family atmosphere was incredible here, lots for the kiddos to do in this park."
What you should know
Limited connectivity: Cell service varies significantly between parks. At Meramec State Park Campground, "There is WiFi available but it is not reliable. The cell phone service is virtually non-existent," reports a visitor named Mats, who had to cut their trip short due to connectivity issues with ATT.
Wildlife precautions: Food storage matters at all parks in the area. At Klondike Park, Mike L. advises: "Make sure to store your food securely overnight - the racoons are pretty thick and hungry at night."
Bathroom conditions: Facilities vary widely between parks. At Meramec Caverns Natural Campground, Alex M. suggests: "The bathrooms are located nearby, but these were quite run down, crowded, and dirty. I recommend seeking out the bathrooms at the visitor center. These seemed to be open 24/7 and were much, much nicer."
Tips for camping with families
Cabin size considerations: Cabins at Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park Resort At Six Flags can accommodate families of different sizes. "Quick decision to stop here on a road trip. Was extremely easy to book only a few hours in advance over the phone," reports Jason, noting the site was "clean and well kept as well as quiet and peaceful."
Activity planning: Schedule organized events for children during summer stays. "The camp store and gift shop has everything you could need. Friendly staff and lots of activities to do," mentions Robert M. about Yogi Bears Jellystone Park.
Accessibility concerns: Consider cabin location relative to amenities. "The cabins were nice but if you're camping in the lower section," a visitor to Jellystone Park recommends that "the golf cart rental is a must."
Tips from RVers
Site selection: At Washington State Park Campground, David T. advises: "Lesson learned to reserve a campsite further from the road." Sites closer to the highway experience more noise and disruption, especially from non-campers using facilities.
Hookup positioning: Pin Oak RV Park users note unusual utility layouts. "Your neighbors sewer sat right by your picnic table (nasty)," reports Shane E., recommending selecting sites carefully if possible.
Leveling challenges: Many cabins and RV sites in the region require adjustment. "The site was ok, tricky to level. There was a steep drop just past our steps, and not a lot of room to set up chairs, etc.," notes Jan S. about a site at Jellystone Park.
