Cabin accommodations near Warrenton, Missouri range from rustic to modern with several distinct options within a 45-minute drive. The region's rolling Ozark foothills provide natural terrain for hiking while the proximity to the Missouri and Meramec rivers creates opportunities for water activities. Most cabin rental locations experience four distinct seasons, with summer highs averaging 85-90°F and winter temperatures frequently dropping below freezing.
What to do
Kayaking at Lincoln Lake: Cuivre River State Park offers kayak rentals at their small lake where visitors can enjoy calm waters. "This campground has a lake you can rent kayaks for. They have a small store at the check in booth. It also has an accessible fishing dock that is covered," reports Kayla S.
Cave exploration: Meramec Caverns Natural Campground provides access to spectacular underground formations with guided tours. "Do the cave tour it's really cool!" advises Kelly M., who visited in autumn. The cave maintains a constant cool temperature year-round, making it "a nice cool break from the heat" according to Linda S.
Trail hiking: Daniel Boone Conservation Area features secluded paths through native Missouri forest. A visitor noted, "Maps are okay, but not the best. You could easily get an RV or camper around the roads." The area includes stocked fishing ponds with walkable paths, and as Art Z. mentioned, "The grass had been mowed recently so the path around the pond was easily walkable."
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Cuivre River State Park Campground offers well-spaced camping areas. Maria E. explains, "Our site was fairly spacious and not super close to others which we liked. The sites by the vault toilet looked closer together so I could see that being a cool spot for multiple families or friend groups."
Dark skies for stargazing: St. Charles County Klondike Park provides excellent night sky viewing opportunities in their tent camping area. Jonathan P. enthusiastically reports, "Best campsite ever! Even has a shared camp kitchen very clean showers house very spacious some campsites are close together but everyone seemed nice."
Free primitive camping: Daniel Boone Conservation Area offers no-cost sites with minimal amenities for those seeking a budget option. "There are 10 or so primitive tent sites and an area that will accommodate about a dozen RV's. There are no services here and no hook ups, but it's free," explains Annie C. The conservation area provides fire rings at most sites but limited picnic tables.
What you should know
Seasonal flooding concerns: Several campgrounds in the region experience periodic closures due to high water. As Randy H. warns about Meramec Caverns Natural Campground, "Sometimes the park closes or they have to evacuate due to the quick rise of the river. Easy fix though, just call ahead to see if they're open."
Cell service varies significantly: Connectivity differs dramatically between locations. At Daniel Boone Conservation Area, "At&t gets decent service" according to Timmy C., while another visitor specified "2 bar LTE Verizon." However, at Meramec State Park, a camper noted, "The cell phone service is virtually non-existent."
Wildlife encounters common: Raccoons and deer frequently visit campsites throughout the region. At Cuivre River State Park, Maria E. advises, "Don't leave anything out at night or raccoons will scavenge, we accidentally left our trash bag hanging (ugh!) but that was our fault."
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly activities: Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park Resort At Six Flags offers organized children's programs daily. "They host daily kids activities and crafts. A very family friendly campground and would highly recommend if camping with kids!" shares Lindsey R.
Accessible fishing spots: St. Peters' 370 Lakeside Park provides easy fishing access appropriate for children. Lindsey C. notes, "This is a great place to kayak and camp if you don't want to drive that far and live in the city."
Cabin rental options: Pin Oak RV Park provides cabin accommodations with family amenities. A visitor explains, "A nice private catch and release pond, an old little mini golf setup, a small (but adequate) swimming pool kept the kids busy. About 45-50 minutes West of downtown STL, it was close enough to do 'city things,' but far enough out that it felt like camping."
Tips from RVers
Limited shade at newer parks: St. Peters' 370 Lakeside Park offers concrete pads but minimal tree cover. Suzie S. explains, "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."
Site selection importance: At Meramec State Park Campground, look for level, paved spots. "Great concrete slab sights with River and hiking trails close by!" recommends Hannah S. The campground features both basic and full-hookup options depending on location.
Extended stay discounts: Several campgrounds offer reduced rates for longer bookings. At St. Peters' 370 Lakeside Park, "One couple I talked to was camping long term (I think they are permanent RV'ers) and they got a free membership to the St Peter's RecPlex recreation center with their long term spot."
