Meramec State Park

Spanning nearly 6,900 acres across Crawford, Franklin, and Washington counties, Meramec State Park is one of Missouri’s largest and most geologically fascinating state parks. The park sits along the Meramec River and is home to more than 40 caves — the highest concentration of any single park in the state — making it a premier destination for anyone drawn to the underground world.

Fisher Cave offers guided tours during warmer months, leading visitors through chambers filled with stalactites, stalagmites, and other formations shaped over millennia. Above ground, the Meramec River provides excellent canoeing, kayaking, and fishing for smallmouth bass and goggle-eye. Over 13 miles of hiking trails wind through Ozark hills dense with oak, hickory, and dogwood, with spring wildflower displays that draw repeat visitors year after year.

The park offers a full-service campground with electric and basic sites, along with cabins and a motel-style lodge for those who prefer a roof overhead. Swimming is available at a designated river beach area during summer months, and the picnic grounds are well-maintained and shaded.

Spring and fall deliver the best conditions — moderate temperatures, fewer crowds, and stunning foliage in October. Summer brings peak activity on the river but also Missouri heat and humidity. Winter is quiet but rewarding for hikers who want the trails to themselves.

Meramec State Park strikes a rare balance: accessible enough for families yet wild enough to feel like a genuine escape into the Ozarks.

Explore Nearby

• Mark Twain National Forest — National Forest in Missouri
• Meeting of the Great Rivers Scenic Route — Scenic Byway in Illinois
• Mary’s River Covered Bridge — Covered Bridge in Illinois
• Gillespie Lake — Public Land in Alaska