ived early on a Monday morning a

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Arrived early on a Monday morning and had the place almost to ourselves. It has a nice store as well. The cabins are clean. Many plaques and stops along the trail describe the. The park is also part of a larger wildlife preservation area and is a great location for bird watching. Confluence Point State Park is located off Highway 67 near West Alton, Missouri. The swimming beach was closed. Great place for the family, the swimming area is great and the water is possibly the cleanest I have ever seen. Theres a charming covered bridge, too! ", "On the Casino Grounds, separated by huge parking lot and gate/fence. Some popular services for campgrounds include: What are people saying about campgrounds in Saint Louis, MO? All rights reserved. I take my young nieces and nephews here as well being a safe place to enjoy the water.

Adding a business to Yelp is always free. This area comprises 2,256 acres of forest (Pike Run Hills) and is set on the banks of Big River and Coonville Creek. park babler state edmund memorial dr campground louis st campgrounds location map rv It's best to arrive early to ensure you get a spot. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. If you want to play outdoors but aren't quite ready to commit to the full camp experience, you can check out a room at the Pere Marquette Lodge, dine at their restaurant or rent a cabin in the park. bluff campground tripadvisor An added benefit is that it is a state park that is free. While the Whispering Pines Trail at Hawn State Park isn't easy, the scenery is extremely difficult to match. It was a very nice state park. His work has appeared in many local and national publications, including St. Louis Small Business Monthly and the St. Louis Post Dispatch. Trails through the mature forests of the park are a great way to explore all that Missouri nature has to offer. It is completely restored and has been on the National Register of Historic Places since 1970. Genevieve, MO 63670. The center has a life-size recreation of a Mississippian village. At 630-feet-tall its hard to miss, and the area in which its located offers a number of side attractions for visitors. It's about a one hour and 20-minute drive from downtown St. Louis. Relaxation, happy gatherings, fun and games, and total chilling out provide a camping, hiking, This place is a must-see and you'll want to. These state parks are not only gorgeous, but they're also extremely close to St. Louis, which gives you no excuse not to visit them. with both paved and more rugged trails, a. for kids, an amphitheater, and some original buildings bring the imagination back to primitive times. We visited frequently during pandemic. Theres a 10-mile trail here that is considered to be the best in the state. CC, Middle Brook, MO 63656, USA, Taum Sauk Mountain State Park is located 97 miles south of St. Louis, Hwy. Subscribe today to receive our free e-newsletters. Pere Marquette Pere Marquette, located along the Great River Road in Grafton, Illinois, is a perfect escape for many tastes. Explore the hiking trails, have a picnic in one of the 16 shaded picnic sites, swim, fish or canoe on the river. This five-bedroom house in Marshfield, Missouri is lovely in many. It does have it's crowded times where rangers cut off admittance till it thins out. The center also has a gift shop and snack bar. A bronze statue of Dr. Babler sits at the center of the park, which now offers visitors hiking and horse trails, wildlife viewing areas, and campsites to come visit this beautiful area. Many visitors also like to hike to the top of Monks Mound. Enjoy, Public Transportation Systems in Missouri, Things to do near Hoefel Haus B&B and Bike Hostel, Review of: Rock Bridge Memorial State Park, Review of: Dr. Edmund A. Babler Memorial State Park. This large park is an hour away from St. Louis and is very scenic with its many hills, streams, canyons and cliffs. The water was so clear you can see the fish in the the water on a nice sunny day. If hiking is more your style, Meramec River State Park has that, too. Climb aboard a restored paddleboat and experience the areas history as it was in the days before the advent of the gasoline engine. campground beaver piedmont springs tripadvisor mo And for that decision I was rewarded with lullabies of train whistles and highway honking. trails, as well as the Devi's Icebox cave which you can get guided tours in. Location: 2800 Pimville Rd, Park Hills, MO 63601. This is also where the Lewis and Clark Expedition set off on its journey up the Missouri River. As such, Float Trips down one of the area rivers or streams is a popular activity to stay cool and beat the heat. The area of town where the park is located is not the greatest but the park feels fairly safe. This beautiful park is situated on the Meramec River and is a popular place to fish, swim (Lincoln Beach) and canoe or kayak. There is currently no overnight camping allowed at the park. The is 24 hour security in a van patrolling the camp ground and casino grounds. More than 13 miles of hiking trails, a river, wooded area and caves here as well as campgrounds, a park store with a restaurant (The Fireside Store & Grill) and a visitors center. more, Top State Parks in Missouri, United States. Nothing can help a dweller of city or suburbia recharge like a day (or two) out in nature -- and a getaway may be much more convenient than you think. Many varieties of birds and other wildlife can be spotted along the trails here. Known for its Ralph Fournier-designed mid-century modern houses, Ridgewood properties are, St. Louis is a city full of great food, great beer and a population with a great sense of humor. Photos by Missouri State Parks unless otherwise noted. St. Louis has plenty of urban amenities, but sometimes it's nice to get outside the city and enjoy nature. We recommend you hike to the Whispering Pines Wild Area via Pickle Creek. There are also plenty of picnic sites and two covered shelters. State parks near St. Louis offer a wide variety of landscapes, scenery, and activities to meet all of your outdoor needs. The tour starts with a 30-minute walk to the cave's entrance. While there are hundreds of beautiful spots around the state, these are just a handful of highlights of state parks that are near to St. Louis and easy to visit, no matter what type of adventure youre looking for! The outdoor grounds are open daily at 8 a.m. One of the nicer parks I've been to!more, is a second wasted" then maybe this place isn't for you. Pro: closest camp ground to Down town St Louis, with in walking distance to metro (train) stop. Whether you want to hike, bike, ride horses, camp, swim, boat, fish, float or really anyother outdoor activity, there is a state park less than 90 minutes away from St. Louis. The path is paved, and there are several benches to sit on as you make your way up. Location: 1000 Riverlands Way, West Alton, MO 63386. Campers can get active on the multipurpose court, suitable for tennis, volleyball, and basketball. And youll find the St Louis Zoo, Art Museum and the Missouri Botanical Gardens in nearby Forest Park, a city park that was built for the 1904 Worlds Fair. Places to park your Rv and even camp. I spent almost 2 hours studying every photo, every relic, and every write-up. There were trail maps in a box outside the visitor center. Onondaga Cave State Park is located 83 miles southwest of St. Louis at 7556 Hwy H, Leasburg, MO, 65535. Johnson's Shut-Ins State Park is located along Highway N near Lesterville, Missouri. Two stars because the amenities and people are nice but at the end of the day what good is a campground if you can't sleep there?". This area is a significant archeological and paleontological site that preserves the Kimmswick Bone Bed, where the fossilized bones of mastodons were discovered in the early 19th century. However, the most extraordinary feature of this Missouri state park is its shut-ins. while there, watch people fly fish, go swimming on site in the outdoor pool, playground, hik We met family at the hiking trail and were able to. Location: 9275 Byrnesville Rd, Cedar Hill, MO 63016. It's about a two-hour drive from downtown St. Louis. Missouri has stunning parks across the state, but St. Louis is pretty lucky to be so close to some of the best and most beautiful! For those who wish to see the rocks from more of a distance, there is a one-mile paved trail for easy viewing of these impressive geological features. This scenic wooded area is on the Meramec River and Calvey Creek and has a boat launch, hiking trails, playground and a campground. If you're planning a weekend or overnight stay, the Pere Marquette Lodge has top-quality accommodations inside the park. We set off and only saw four other people the entire trail, which was great considering AllTrails made it sound like it would be quite busy. DO BETTER Missouri Parks.

Lots of open space to spread out and have some fun. Be sure to drive highway AX across the middle of the park. If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu. It covers steep grades and rough terrain along bluffs and through woodlands. the easy trail and/or get in the water, so take hiking shoes and/or , including a ten mile one around the lake. You'll be able to tread more than 13 miles of trails and see everything from caves to wooded areas to bluffs. The park contains rustic cabins and campsites with a shower house and restroom nearby. Other trails have you walk right on the cliffs with a great view of the. Travel & Leisures list of the best state park in each of the United States blew us away, and we wholeheartedly agreed with their choice of the absolutely breathtaking Johnsons Shut-Ins State Park earning the title of the single best state park in Missouri. Go early or go late to avoid this. Came here with my sister to hike the Mooners Hollow Trail. Self made businessman, Don Robinson, donated his sanctuary of woods, hills, stream and sandstone canyons complete with cliffs and caves to the state. , quiet, spacious wooded sites, and only costs $13 / nigh My wife and I took a brief break from the monotony of I70 (driving from St Louis MO to Quinter KS) to stretch our legs on the Devils Icebox Trail within Rock Bridge Memorial State Park. Well, consider its geography: nestled along the East Fork Black River in Middle Brook, Johnsons Shut-Ins State Parks 8,781 acres of pure Midwest splendor. St. Louis Lambert International Airport Guide. Visitors can hike the half-mile Wildflower Trail to the area where most of the bones have been discovered. This state park is located just 32 miles outside of St. Louis. The Spring Branch Trail is an easy walk through the bottomlands. Copyright 20042022 Yelp Inc. Yelp, , and related marks are registered trademarks of Yelp. Nothing can help a dweller of city or suburbia recharge like a day (or two) out in nature -- and a getaway may be much more convenient than you think. For more experienced hikers, there's the two-mile Limestone Hill Trail. Learn more about Missouri plant and wildlife at the River Hills Visitor Center, or enjoy a program by a naturalist. The sites are very small and close together which is a downside. This is literally one of my favorite campgrounds! Decent hiking. Things to do ranked using Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, photos, and popularity. They were well kept.

There are two campgrounds here, one for campers with horses and one for off road vehicle owners. The park also has a playground and a number of picnic tables scattered among the giant rocks. Support Local Journalism. There are miles of hiking and multi-use (includes horses) trails. Cuivre River State Park is located 58 miles northwest of St. Louis at 678 State Route 147, Troy, MO, 63379. Klondike ParkSt. And in the winter, visitors flock to the park to see the thousands of bald eagles that migrate to the area. Here is a map of the Missouri state parks covered in this post: Lets take a look at each starting with the ones closest to the city. However if you want to camp they have that also. The Arch was built during the 1960s as a tribute to the famed 19th century explorers, Lewis and Clark, and is the tallest arch in the world. It's about a 20-minute drive from downtown St. Louis. For more information on 370 Lakeside Park, visit the park'swebsite. I decided to camp here for a little tripmore, Right outside Chesterfield/Wildwood and the perfect place to camp for the weekend. Then you can decide if its worth planning a day trip to explore the nature trails nearby or camp and still be close to all that the city has to offer. No picnic tables in the spaces, though. Six Flags Hurricane Harbor is a popular water park that neighbors the amusement park. The 0.5 mile trail was an easy hike, with multiple stopping points to learn about the trail. At least we never felt unsafe. Unfortunately, you can no long go into the ruins everything is fenced off, but it is definitely worth the visit. The Cathedral Cave tour is a lantern tour that lasts about two hours. Added to my favorites list! Pere Marquette offers 12 miles of hiking trails, horseback riding, or fishing and boating along the Mississippi or Illinois Rivers. For more information on Pere Marquette or other Illinois State parks, visit the website.Alternatives to traditional campingFor a camping experience that offers the comforts of home, reserve a tent at Glamping St. Louis. We hike here often. with a great selection of trails ranging from half a mile to several miles. Follow the trail through the park to see the point where the Mississippi and Missouri Rivers merge together. St. Louis RV parks and St. Louis campgrounds run from the city itself to well outside the metro area. Great spot for camping (they have basic sites as well as electric), hiking, bicycling, riding horses and having a cookout. This is a gorgeous place! Visitors can walk the trails between the mounds on either guided or self-guided tours. She enjoys attending her sons' baseball games and hiking with her family in many of the area's fabulous parks.Get the latest news from your family's favorite St. Louis-area destinations delivered to your inbox! So the next time you're looking for a fun way to spend the day, consider making a trip to one of these great parks. It's about a one hour and 30-minute drive from downtown St. Louis. CC, Ironton, MO, 63656. There are no designated swimming areas in the park, but there is an access ramp for small boats, canoes, and kayaks. The old train station now houses the St Louis Aquarium plus a 200-ft ferris wheel, a carousel, mini golf, train park and the St Louis Union Station Hotel. And since some of these trails are level they are easily accessible to visitors with disabilities. Visitors to the park can also take in the Mastodon Museum to learn more about the history of the area. This large park, also an hour outside of St. Louis, has 4 lakes, 2 beaches, hiking, bicycling trails and equestrian trails as well as a separate area for off road vehicles. It also helps to plan and prep your meals before you leave and store the ingredients in plastic bags until you're ready to cook. There is also a visitors center and a general store. It follows a one-mile lighted pathway through the natural beauty of the cave. The customer service isn't horrible butmore, clean as well as the whole campground. At a time when local-based reporting is critical, support from our readers is essential to our future. is great if you love the outdoors you need to visit. view hiking trail offers amazing views while on a good 3.3 mile hiking venture. Close to St Genevieve! Boats to rent, fish to find. One of our favorite state parks to visit near St. Louis is a total treasure for covered bridge enthusiasts. Doors are open in the summertime. Sadly, all that is left now is the grand staircase at the Castlewood depot that led up to it. Its a little over an hour and a half drive to Johnsons Shut-Ins State Park from St. Louis (right around 100 miles, depending on where in the state youre coming from), but we firmly believe this park is worth seeking out! Awesome rock formations, creeks, old forests and more await -- making the trek more than worth it. Whether youre planning a visit to St Louis or already a resident there youll find something new and interesting at one of these many state parks. Not all of the fun at Onondaga Cave State Park is inside the caves. I am now 65 years old. The volcanic rocks are smooth and slippery, so water shoes are a must for safe climbing. Location: 12096 Park Dr #8121, Ste. The Sandy Creek Bridge is one of only three remaining Howe Truss Bridges. One visit to Onondaga Cave State Park in Crawford County and it's easy to see why Missouri is known as the Cave State. Onondaga Cave State Park, 7556 Hwy H, Leasburg, MO 65535, USA. It's a great place to get a dose of adventure without having to travel far. You'll find a good bike shop in Defiance for bike rentals or repairs, and you'll be able to enjoy some of Missouri's best wineries and breweries in the Augusta area.

The kicker? There are trails and shaded picnic areas here. Clean quiet Rv park located nearmore, Campground was nice enough for two nights. To learn more about Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site, make a stop at the Interpretive Center.

The trail is just less than a mile long and has a packed gravel surface that can accommodate strollers and wheelchairs. The grounds of the park and lake in general are clean and in good repair. So grab thosecar keys -- you have some exploring to do. It was a beautiful day and we hiked one of the trails and then found a shaded, with all of its trails and scenes of the castle, the high view of the lake, the. Fishing is another popular activity with bass, bluegill, and catfish among the top catches. The Visitor Center is housed in the former Bridgehead Inn (a 1935 roadhouse) and showcases the history, memorabilia and photos of Route 66. St. Louis is a crossroads, through and through. During the early 1900s there was a large hotel here with a club for dancing as well as many seasonal cabins. There are also 2 large covered shelters with tables, a playground and a couple of ball fields here. Route 66 State Park is located 27 miles southwest of St. Louis at 97 N Outer Rd., Eureka, MO, 63025. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. Elephant Rocks State Park, 7390, 7406 MO-21, Belleview, MO 63623, USA, There are several short trails to explore here, including the Braille Trail (which was the first of its kind to include adaptations for visitors with visual challenges), Fat Mans Squeeze (through a narrow boulder gap), and The Maze., Cuivre River State Park, 678 MO-147, Troy, MO 63379, USA. There is plenty of space to enjoy the scenery in a quiet setting. Bring your tent or RV or stay in one of the many cabins or motel rooms for rent here. It is a glorified parking lot, but the intent is for you to enjoy casino, not "camp". These 10 amazing state parks are all less than 100 miles from St. Louis, which makes them perfect for both lovely day trips and excellent destinations for a weekend getaway! It has a campground for tents and RVs, picnic areas along the Meramec River and more than six miles of hiking trails with great views of the river valley. Its small, flat, has hiking trails, the most beautiful creek for the kids to play in! To reserve your site, visit the St. Charles County website. The creation of the shut-ins began more than a billion years ago with strong volcanic eruptions.

Join Riverfront Times Press Club. Another popular day trip, located about a half hour drive outside of St. Louis and also on the Meramec River. Incredible UNESCO World Heritage Sites in the U.S. Lewis and Clark Sites to Explore in Montana, Congaree National Park: The Complete Guide. Air conditioning is a blessingmore, Fun place to come camp! However, the map is not clear, and it was hard to find the Only issue we had was using their firewood. Location: 115 Meramec Park Drive, Sullivan, MO 63080. Check out, This is the biggest thing to happen to St. Louis since the Gateway Arch. When making reservations be sure to specify which campground you are interested in. Old-growth forests, protected from destruction, blanket the area and provide a lovely natural oasis just 30 miles west of St Louis. Castlewood State Park is located 27 miles west of St. Louis at 1401 Kiefer Creek Rd., Ballwin, MO, 63021. We've updated our Privacy Policy, which will go in to effect on September 1, 2022.

Youll be awed by the massive stone gateway large bronze statue of Dr. Babler as you drive into this 2,441 acre park. Any use of any portion of this article without express written permission from St. Louis Sprout & About is strictly prohibited. What are some popular services for campgrounds? One in particular is a exerting climb to the peak but worth it when the view of the river valley is before you. If you plan to visit make your plans well in advance. During the 1800s this land was a working farm owned by Edward James Roberts. As full timers, this location fit the bill. Only a few trails, but something for everyone. When shes not writing or out exploring the West Coast, Meg enjoys working on visual media projects, speaking as a mental health advocate, and can always be found in the front row at Portland Timbers matches.