Cabin camping near University City, Missouri offers access to a varied landscape of rolling hills, forested terrain, and water features within a 60-mile radius. Most cabin sites sit at elevations between 400-700 feet above sea level, providing moderate temperatures that average 30°F in winter and 85°F in summer. Local cabin options range from rustic structures to fully-equipped units, with peak reservation demands occurring April through October.
What to do
Hiking along river trails: Washington State Park Campground offers several hiking options with varying difficulty levels. A visitor noted, "Lots to do for all ages, including swimming and hikes of any difficulty/length. Famous for petroglyphs and other history too."
Kayaking on nearby lakes: 370 Lakeside Park provides equipment rentals for water activities. "We love going here and watching the sunsets. This is a great place to kayak and camp if you don't want to drive that fare and live in the city," mentioned one camper.
Fishing at stocked ponds: Many cabin locations offer fishing opportunities, particularly in spring and fall. "The lake has boat access and some good fishing spots. There is also a restaurant and store on the lake," reported a visitor at Beaver Dam State Park.
Wine country exploration: Klondike Park serves as a convenient base for vineyard visits. "This Campground places you in the heart of Missouri Wine Country and there's a perfect base for visiting the wineries and restaurants along highway 94," explained one reviewer.
What campers like
Proximity to St. Louis attractions: Cahokia RV Parque offers convenient access to urban amenities. "Just minutes across the river from St. Louis. They have a shuttle to the various tourist attractions, just ask the staff at the office for details," mentioned one reviewer.
Clean, modern facilities: Many cabin locations prioritize facility maintenance. "Showers were good...The camp staff were friendly and helpful. And the sunrise from our site was beautiful!" noted a camper at Jellystone Park.
Family-oriented activities: Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park Resort provides structured entertainment for children. "We spent a weekend here because we wanted to be close to six flags. I swear this place was more fun!!! There's swimming, games, lots of activities," commented a visitor.
Scenic lake views: Multiple cabin locations feature water views. "The sites for full hook ups are separate from the other sites," noted a camper at Cuivre River State Park, adding that the park "has a lake you can rent kayaks for."
What you should know
Reservation requirements: Most cabin facilities require advance booking, especially during peak season (May-September). "Well maintained and well managed park. Staff on duty at all hours is awesome! We called ahead but didn't need a reservation," shared a camper at 370 Lakeside Park.
Noise considerations: Some cabin locations experience ambient noise. "This campground is close to I-44 and there are a lot of excess lights kept on all night long," explained a reviewer at Pin Oak RV Park.
Seasonal closures: Availability varies significantly by season. "The park/campground rents paddleboats, kayaks, and canoes in addition to different kinds of bikes," a visitor noted about 370 Lakeside Park's summer offerings.
Linen requirements: Cuivre River State Park Campground and similar locations require campers to bring their own bedding. "The nicest spots are the ones by the lake, with only one neighbor and a better view of the lake," shared a reviewer.
Tips for camping with families
Children's activities: Structured recreation options vary by location. "This park has plenty of well groomed trails and facilities spread out nicely. You could camp here for a weekend and stay busy," noted a Cuivre River State Park visitor.
Playground access: Several cabin locations feature dedicated play areas. "The grounds are clean and pleasant, if a bit sparse with little shade. This will change over the subsequent years, however, as there are many relatively newly planted trees," explained a camper at 370 Lakeside Park.
Kid-friendly trails: Pin Oak RV Park offers manageable hiking for younger visitors. "Nice little lake to fish in and areas to walk around in," shared one reviewer about the accessible paths.
Safety considerations: Most cabin locations have staff on-site to assist with emergencies. "Staff on duty at all hours is awesome!" noted a visitor to 370 Lakeside Park.
Tips from RVers
Site dimensions: Many cabin areas also accommodate RVs with varying space limitations. "Sites are mostly level. Nice staff. Appears cabins are going through some refurbishing efforts," observed a visitor to Granite City KOA.
Utility connections: Facilities vary significantly between locations. "Each site has electric, however the water spigots are scattered about," noted a camper at Beaver Dam State Park.
Camp store availability: On-site provisioning options differ between locations. "They've got great amenities: 30/50amp, water, sewer, wifi, pool, showers, fire rings, and a trash dumpster," explained a visitor to Cahokia RV Parque.
Accessibility features: Cabin and common areas have varying accommodation levels. "Shower house was nice, with one small shower stall and large ADA shower stall," reported a visitor to Beaver Dam State Park.