Cabin rentals near Wildwood, Missouri range from basic accommodations to lodge-style dwellings within a 45-minute radius. The region sits at elevations between 500-700 feet with hardwood forests dominating the landscape. Summer temperatures typically reach 85-90°F, while winter nights often drop below freezing, affecting seasonal availability of some facilities.
What to do
Canoe and kayak rentals: Access the Meramec River directly from Meramec Caverns Natural Campground for water activities. "My son and I have stayed here multiple times. We love it! The campgrounds are clean and beautiful, and even during peak times the people that stay are usually very friendly," shares a visitor who enjoyed the riverside setting.
Hiking trails: Washington State Park Campground offers trails of varying difficulty levels, including the challenging 1000 Steps Trail. A camper noted, "We hiked the 1000 step trail. Most of the campers did fine but those who were not use to hiking did struggle a bit. If you are use to hiking, then this trail should not be any problem for you."
Prehistoric petroglyphs: View ancient Native American rock carvings at Washington State Park. "The prehistoric Petroglyphs nearby are a must see," reports one visitor who spent a week exploring the park's historical features.
What campers like
Fishing opportunities: St. Peters' 370 Lakeside Park offers fishing in a stocked lake with a covered accessible fishing dock. "There is fish in the lake and you are allowed to fish. The ATT cell phone signal is good. The staff is SUPER NICE AND CARING," writes one camper who appreciated the amenities.
Winter cabin options: Cuivre River State Park Campground maintains year-round operations with cabin accommodations during colder months. "Campground is quiet and has big campsites. The campground is close to Lincoln Lake for kayaking," notes a visitor who stayed during winter.
Privacy levels: Different cabin locations offer varying degrees of seclusion. At Pin Oak RV Park, "Sites at the back of the property are large. Sites in the middle seemed more crowded. Facility was clean, owners and staff were friendly. Fishing pond was a blast for the kids!"
What you should know
Flood risk: Some cabin areas experience seasonal closures due to river flooding. A Meramec Caverns camper explains, "The only reason I didn't rate it 5 stars is because 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."
Cabin availability: Reserve well ahead for weekend stays at popular parks, especially during summer months. "We were checking out right before a weekend. Our site, previously not available that weekend, had opened up. The staff called to tell us that the site had opened up over the weekend and wanted to check with us before giving it to someone else."
Cabin sizes: Most cabin rental options sleep 4-6 people, with configurations varying by location. "We stayed in a gravel site with a concrete pad, fire pit, picnic table and full-hook ups. The spaces are tighter, but that was expected being closer to a city."
Tips for camping with families
Kid-focused activities: Yogi Bears Jellystone Park Resort at Six Flags specializes in family programming. "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 and you can go from rustic rent a tent to a really nice cabin with lots amenities!!"
Playground access: Several campgrounds feature dedicated play areas for children. "This park is beautiful. Located about 25 minutes from St Louis. They have paddle boats and bikes and group bikes for rental. Located right next to a lake with a lot of RV and tent camping spots. Kids had a blast riding bikes."
Wildlife viewing: Cabin locations offer chances to observe local animals. "Campground is beautiful and very woodsy. We saw bunnies hopping around and when we first arrived to our site a deer was grazing nearby, such a bonus!"
Tips from RVers
Seasonal considerations: Winter cabin rentals require additional planning. "Quiet and peaceful, very few campers when I was here maybe because it was before school was out & during the week. Cave makes for a nice cool break from the heat."
Site selection strategies: When booking cabin accommodations, request specific locations based on needs. "If you stay here, make sure to check out the trail around the lake. If you camp here, make sure to get a spot all the way to the left of the entrance. These sites seem quieter and more spread out."
Kitchen facilities: Many cabins provide minimal cooking equipment. "Spots are tight but the overall camp ground is decent. Nice pool and an arcade area with plenty of room to hangout inside. There is a pond with some decent sized fish in it. A lot of the campground has good tree coverage."
