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About Meramec State Park
Meramec State Park encompasses 6,896 acres along the scenic Meramec River in the heart of the Missouri Ozarks. Located in Franklin County approximately 60 miles southwest of St. Louis, the park is easily accessible from Interstate 44 via the Sullivan/Hwy. 185 exit. Known for its striking natural beauty and wide range of recreational opportunities, Meramec is one of Missouri's most popular outdoor destinations.
The Meramec River serves as the centerpiece of the park, winding through a landscape of steep forested hills, limestone bluffs, and cool, spring-fed waters. The river offers excellent opportunities for floating, fishing, and swimming, with canoe, kayak, and raft rentals available for visitors seeking to experience the river firsthand.
The park's terrain is defined by rugged Ozark topography, featuring dense hardwood forests, pine stands, and more than 40 caves—one of the highest concentrations in the state. Thirteen miles of hiking trails traverse the park, leading visitors through wooded hollows, along riverbanks, and up to scenic overlooks.
Meramec State Park offers a variety of overnight accommodations to suit different preferences. Nineteen cabins range from cozy one-bedroom retreats to larger units suitable for groups, while the 22-room Hickory Ridge Motel provides comfortable, modern lodging in a hilltop setting.
Adjacent to the motel, the Hickory Ridge Conference Center accommodates up to 125 guests and serves as a venue for meetings, weddings, reunions, and other group events. Nearby, the Overlook Pavilion offers a scenic outdoor venue with sweeping views of the Meramec River valley.
Visitors enjoy hiking, camping, fishing, floating, caving, and picnicking. Additional amenities include a fully stocked Riverstop Store, dining options overlooking the river valley, and easy access to outdoor recreation equipment and services.
With its combination of natural beauty, accessible location, and well-developed facilities, Meramec State Park offers a balanced blend of adventure and comfort.
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
Scope of Services
BA Services operates the concession services at Meramec State Park under a long-term partnership with the Missouri Department of Natural Resources, delivering comprehensive lodging, dining, retail, and recreational experiences across the park.
Lodging & Conference Facilities
Full operation of cabins, motel, and event spaces with modern booking and year-round administrative support.
- Operation of Hickory Ridge Motel, cabins, and conference center
- Online reservation system with advanced booking capabilities
- Seasonal operations with year-round administrative support
- Clean, comfortable, and well-maintained accommodations
- Pet-friendly lodging alongside designated allergen-free units
Food & Beverage Operations
Full management of dining services with high-quality, compliant food offerings and dietary-conscious menus.
- Full management of the Fireside Grill restaurant
- Preparation and service of high-quality, safe food offerings
- Menu development including healthy and dietary-conscious choices
- Strict adherence to federal, state, and local health regulations
Retail Services
Visitor-friendly retail operations with camping supplies, merchandise, and locally sourced Missouri products.
- Operation of the Fireside Store and River Stop Store
- Sale of camping supplies, merchandise, and convenience items
- Clean, organized, and visitor-friendly retail environments
- Preference for locally sourced Missouri products where feasible
Watercraft Rentals & River Services
Fleet of 80+ vessels for float trips with full transportation services and safety-focused operations.
- Canoe, kayak, and raft rentals with a fleet of 80+ vessels
- Transportation services for float trips
- Seasonal operations aligned with peak visitation periods
- Safety-focused operations with rental agreements and liability protocols
Operations & Management
End-to-end operational management with structured on-site leadership across every business unit.
- Staffing, training, and supervision of all personnel
- Day-to-day facility operations across lodging, retail, food service, and recreation
- Inventory control, procurement, and vendor coordination
- Maintenance of all concession facilities in clean, safe condition
- Financial management, reporting, and contract compliance
- Structured on-site management team across each business unit
Quality Control & Guest Experience
Formal quality program with regular inspections, rapid response, and continuous improvement.
- Daily, weekly, and monthly inspections of facilities and operations
- Rapid response to maintenance or service issues within 72 hours
- Ongoing staff training focused on professionalism and satisfaction
- Continuous improvement through audits, feedback, and reviews
- Customer service programs including feedback systems and on-site support
Additional Guest Services
Supplemental services that round out the full park experience for every visitor.
- Firewood sales for campers during peak season
- Marketing and promotion of park activities, lodging, and events
- Customer feedback systems and on-site support
- Park-wide event coordination and visitor outreach
Community & Economic Impact
Supporting the local and state economy through employment, local partnerships, and tourism promotion.
- Hiring local employees whenever possible
- Partnering with local vendors and suppliers
- Promoting tourism through targeted marketing and outreach
- Driving visitation and revenue within Meramec State Park
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.