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About Meramec State Park
Spanning 6,896 acres along the Meramec River in the heart of the Missouri Ozarks, Meramec State Park is one of Missouri's most treasured natural destinations. The park features 13 miles of hiking trails winding through rugged bluffs, forested hollows, and riverside bottomlands. With more than 40 caves, it holds one of the densest concentrations of caves in the state.
The Meramec River itself is the centerpiece of the park, offering excellent opportunities for floating, fishing, and swimming. Visitors can rent canoes, kayaks, and rafts from the Riverstop Store to experience the river's gentle currents and scenic limestone bluffs firsthand.
Nineteen cabins and the Hickory Ridge Motel provide comfortable lodging options ranging from cozy one-bedroom retreats to large group cabins, all surrounded by the beauty of the Ozark landscape.
Civilian Conservation Corps Legacy
Meramec State Park was built by the Civilian Conservation Corps beginning in 1933. Two CCC camps operated within the park — the 739th Company and the 2728th Company — and over 2,500 young men contributed to shaping the park's infrastructure during the Great Depression era.
These workers constructed the stone shelters, trails, roads, and the iconic lodge that still stand today. The CCC legacy is visible throughout the park in its distinctive rustic stone and timber architecture, a testament to the craftsmanship and dedication of a generation that helped build America's public lands.
Meramec Upland Forest Natural Area
Within the park lies the 461-acre Meramec Upland Forest Natural Area, a designated old-growth forest that has remained largely undisturbed for centuries. This rare remnant of the original Ozark woodland harbors towering oaks, hickories, and a rich understory of native wildflowers. It is one of the finest examples of upland forest in Missouri and provides critical habitat for a wide array of wildlife.
Park Amenities
- 19 Cabins
- Hickory Ridge Motel
- Riverstop Store & Float Rentals
- Fireside Store & Grill
- Visitor Center & Aquariums
- Fisher Cave Tours
- Conference Center
- Overlook Pavilion
- Recreation Hall
- 13 Miles of Trails
- Picnic Areas & Shelters
- Swimming & Fishing
Ready to Visit?
Book a cabin or motel room at Meramec State Park and experience the Ozarks.
Check AvailabilityCabin Lodging
19 cabins nestled in the Ozark forest, featuring CCC-era stone and timber architecture. $20 pet fee and $20 extra person fee apply. 2-night minimum stay.
1-Bedroom Cabins
Cozy one-bedroom cabins nestled in the Ozark forest, perfect for couples or small families. Each cabin features CCC-era rustic stone and timber architecture.
2-Bedroom Cabins
Spacious two-bedroom cabins with room for the whole family. Enjoy the comfort of modern amenities wrapped in historic CCC craftsmanship.
Large Cabins
Our largest cabins are ideal for reunions, group getaways, and extended families. Generous living space with full kitchens and beautiful wooded surroundings.
Fisher Cave
Fisher Cave is one of more than 40 caves within Meramec State Park, and it is the only one open to the public for guided tours. This remarkable cave features stunning calcite crystal deposits, ancient bear claw marks scratched into the walls, towering 30-foot columns, and unique geological formations shaped over millions of years.
Seasonal guided tours take visitors deep into the cave to witness these natural wonders up close. The cave maintains a constant cool temperature year-round, making it a refreshing destination on hot summer days.
Float the Meramec River
Experience the beauty of the Meramec River from the water. The Riverstop Store offers canoe, kayak, and raft rentals for scenic float trips past limestone bluffs, gravel bars, and forested riverbanks.
Watercraft Rental Rates
| Watercraft | Weekday | Weekend |
|---|---|---|
| Canoe | $54 | $64 |
| Kayak | $42 | $47 |
Rafts also available in various sizes. Visit the Riverstop Store for full pricing.
Park Facilities
Meramec State Park offers a full range of facilities to make your visit comfortable and memorable.
Riverstop Store & Float Rentals
Your launching point for Meramec River adventures. Rent canoes, kayaks, and rafts for scenic float trips. The store also carries camping supplies, snacks, ice, and souvenirs.
Fireside Store & Grill
Full-service dining and camp store offering hot food, groceries, firewood, ice, and camping supplies. A convenient one-stop shop for everything you need during your stay.
Visitor Center
Discover the natural and cultural history of the park through nature exhibits and aquariums featuring native fish species. Helpful staff provide park information and trail recommendations.
Hickory Ridge Motel
Comfortable motel lodging within the park. Standard rooms at $90/night and loft rooms (111, 202, 208) at $130/night. $20 extra person fee with a 2-night minimum stay.
Conference Center
A versatile venue available for corporate retreats, meetings, workshops, and special events. Modern amenities in a stunning natural setting.
Recreation Hall
A multi-purpose facility perfect for group gatherings, family reunions, and community events within the park.
Overlook Pavilion
A scenic overlook pavilion available for events and gatherings, offering sweeping views of the Meramec River valley and surrounding Ozark hills.
Photo Gallery
Resources & Booking
Book Cabins & Motel
Reserve your lodging at escape.baserves.com
Watercraft Rentals
Reserve canoes, kayaks & rafts online
Park Information
Visit the Visitor Center for maps, exhibits & trail info
Plan Your Visit to Meramec State Park
Book a cabin or motel room and discover the caves, trails, and river beauty of Missouri's Ozarks.