Meramec State Park

Meramec State Park is located in Sullivan, MO. It is an hour and a half drive from St. Louis. Take 64 West out of the city, and take the exit for I-44 South. Stay on I-44 all the way to Sullivan, and then it is a short drive to the park.

Meramec is also an hour and a half drive from Jefferson City. Take 50 East out of the city, and stay on 50 until you get to Sullivan, MO.

The campsites at Meramec State Park are located right on the banks of the Meramec River. Due to the close proximity of the campgrounds to Meramec River, the campgrounds are prone to closing (especially in the late spring) due to heavy rainfall and flooding risk (or actual flooding). Plan your trip accordingly, keep track of weather reports before you leave, and check the park website or contact park staff.

Meramec has 51 basic campsites, 124 electric, and 10 accessible campsites. In addition, there are 14 electric/water and 20 electric/water/sewer campsites for those of us that have RVs. The campsites at Meramec are split up into three sections. All three sections are open all year, and reservations are available all year. Showers and water are open for the season, from April 1 to October 31. Section 3 has a frost-free spigot for water year round. Boat trailers can be parked in the grass off the campsite parking pad at Meramec. Gates to the park close at 10pm during the season, and at 9pm in the off season, so arrive before then.

There is a store located within the park, for getting last minute groceries, camping gear, firewood, and souvenirs. During the summer, the park store is open from 8am to 8pm Monday through Thursday, from 8am to 9pm Friday and Saturday and from 8am to 6pm on Sunday. During the off season (before Memorial Day or after Labor Day) the store is open Friday and Saturday from 8am to 8pm, and Sunday 8am to 6pm.

Cabins, duplexes, and motel rooms are available in the park. Cabin rentals are handled by the staff at the Fireside Store and Grill, and reservations must be made ahead of time. Some of the cabins are canine friendly, with an additional fee.

Also in the park store, there is a grill that serves burgers, bbq sandwiches, chicken, etc. The grill is open for dinner Thursday and Friday, Saturday starting at lunch, and Sunday all day during the season. During the off-season, they have reduced hours, and are open on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.

Inside Meramec State Park is Fisher Cave. Tours of Fisher Cave operate during the season. Admission to a tour is $10 for an adult, with reduced fees for children.

Meramec State Park has hiking trails for all skill levels: from less than a mile to more than 8 miles. The Bluff View Trail is 1.5 miles long, and takes you to a beautiful view at the top of the bluffs along Meramec River. Deer Hollow Trail is a little more than a mile long, going through light woods, where deer are frequently seen. The River Trail takes you three quarters of a mile along the Meramec River. On this trail you’ll get a chance to see herons and kingfishers. A connector can take you from this short trail on to the Bluff View Trail. The Natural Wonders Trail takes you through mature woods to see caves, glades, a creek, and a beaver meadow. An excellent trail for bird watchers.

Float trips are very popular at Meramec State Park. Canoe, kayak, and raft rentals are available from the park, but make a reservation ahead of time because they sell out. Floating during the week is a completely different experience from floating on a weekend. If you’re looking for a quiet and peaceful time, you will want to go during the week. If you rent a canoe, the shuttle, paddles and life jackets are included in the price. Float trips are five miles long, and last a couple hours.

• River Stop Store

The River Stop Store is located next to the boat ramp onto the Meramec River. They stock snacks and water gear (water shoes, inner tubes, etc.), and rent canoes, kayaks, and rafts.

All kinds of fish can be found in the Meramec River. Smallmouth, largemouth, and spotted bass, as well as catfish, freshwater drum, and golden redhorse are found in the river. Fishing equipment and fishing permits can be purchased at the park store.