The Meramec River flows by majestic bluffs, wooded areas and a dramatic cave entrance. More than 13 miles of hiking trails are available for exploring the park and visitors can swim, fish, raft and boat in the river. A modern campground, cabins and motel give visitors a choice to stay the night or even longer. Exhibits in the visitor center interpret the natural and cultural features of the park. No visit to the park would be complete without a tour of Fisher Cave with hand-held lights.
Floating
Canoeing and rafting are very popular park activities. Canoes and rafts can be rented at the park. Rental prices include shuttle, transportation, paddles and life jackets. Weekday floats typically offer substantially more solitude than weekends. Reservations are recommended for weekend trips.
Camping
Meramec State Park offers basic, electric, electric/water and sewer/electric/water campsites, as well as group tent areas.
The park's store carries a variety of camping necessities.
To make a reservation or view campsite details, photos and availability, go to the reservation website by clicking the “Make a Reservation Now” link below. Reservations may also be made by calling toll free 877-ICampMO (877-422-6766).
Cave Tours
Fisher Cave is truly one of the park's most spectacular natural wonders. Naturalist-led tours, offered on a seasonal basis, provide an interesting adventure for park visitors. From the low, narrow streamside passages to the huge rooms filled with calcite deposits, Fisher Cave offers one outstanding cave scene after another. Inside these rooms and passages are well-preserved bear claw marks, cave wildlife and a vast array of calcite deposits ranging from intricate hellectites to massive columns 30 feet tall.
Fishing
The Meramec River is one of the most diversified rivers in North America. More than half of the fish in Missouri are found in the Meramec River. All three of the black bass can be fished, along with catfish and panfish.
Boating
You can use the one concrete motor boat launch or the canoe launch, both located near the park store, to access the Meramec River. They are available during park hours. A gravel boat launch is located in the campground and is available only for the camping patrons. There are no launch fees.
Picnic Areas
Enjoy lunch at one of nearly 40 picnic areas scattered throughout the day-use area. Many offer pedestal grills.
PICNIC SHELTERS
For your next large gathering of family or friends, reserve one of the park's four picnic shelters. Each can be reserved for $45 per day. If not reserved, the shelters are available at no charge on a first-come, first-served basis. Shelters I, II and III are located in the picnic area; Overlook Shelter is located near the Hickory Ridge Conference Center. Water fountains are located in several areas near Shelters I, II and III.
Shelter I is a stone Civilian Conservation Corps structure that can accommodate approximately 100 people. It includes double fireplaces, electric outlets, lights on a timer and large group picnic tables. The shelter is accessible to people with disabilities and has accessible restrooms (seasonal) nearby. The tables are secured and cannot be moved.
Shelters II and III are modern, pavilion-type structures, which can accommodate approximately 75 people and are accessible to people with disabilities. Each has an electric outlet and group picnic tables. There are no lights; the tables are secured and cannot be moved. A accessible vault toilet is just across the parking lot from Shelter II. Accessible modern flush restrooms (seasonal) are within 100 yards of each shelter.
Overlook Shelter has a pavilion-type roof with modern wood decking and overlooks the river valley. It has an electric outlet, a single small light and six picnic tables, which can accommodate approximately 50 people. The tables can be re-arranged for use. Restrooms (seasonal) are located just off the parking lot at the top of the hill and are accessible.
PLAYGROUNDS
The kids will stay entertained with the park's three playgrounds. One is located in the picnic area near Shelter III, one is near the conference center and the other is located in the campground near showerhouse #1.
Swimming
There are no designated swimming areas. Swim at your own risk
ROCK CLIMBING/RAPPELLING
Many Missouri state parks are home to impressive rock formations, especially those in the Ozarks. Rappelling and rock climbing are allowed at five of those parks.
The sport is allowed only during certain months, and a permit must be obtained from the park office prior to your visit.
Elephants Rock, Lake of the Ozarks and St. Francois state parks have areas where rappelling and rock climbing are permitted.
Rock climbing is allowed at Johnson's Shut-Ins State Park from the day after Labor Day through the Wednesday before Memorial Day. Meramec State Park has a bluff where rappelling is permitted, but not rock climbing.
