Meramec State Park Camping Grounds

Since the acquisition of Gonzo — our new camper, I’ve been on a camping marathon. My niece and I took Gonz out for a weekend at MSP campgrounds. I called a while back and make a reservation for the site since we wanted full hook-​ups. I definitely recommend calling ahead for a reservation. The sites were some of the nicer examples I’ve experienced thus far but not much privacy. I’m finding that is fairly common with the full hook-​up sites at most locations. MSP is HUGE, but they were also quite busy. Seemed like a popular place to camp. The RV area seemed to be very family-​oriented, and there were several kids. No rowdy groups from where we were set up.
The park seems quite nice, and we were able to walk around and explore. I can’t speak for the bathroom and shower facilities since we were living large. The one thing I did notice is that the turnaround/​dump station line on Sunday was backed up — 4 – 5 RV/​campers deep. There were a couple that pulled into the vacant lot beside us and dumped because of the line. Our actual sewer clamp was broken off so had to put some weight on the line to keep it secured. The intake pipe was not threaded.
I saw what appeared to be a park authority ‘presence’ rolling around quite a bit on golf carts, but there was no riff raff or problems of any kind. The store is neat and has food and other essentials — no beer or alcohol, though… just a friendly reminder. The staff was friendly as well. The park itself from entrance to campgrounds was clean and scenic. It was a pleasant stay, but I will only keep this one for when I want to take the kid out again.

Generally we are very happy regulars at the camp ground but this weekend the grass has not been cut, poor presence of park authority, the people parking all over the grass areas (which is usually very much prohibited). Not the best experience. We will be watching to see if this is corrected.

A little over an hour drive from St. Louis. The park has over 200 camp sites. There are a few first-​come first-​serve sites, but I suggest getting your reservation online. They have lodging as well if a tent isn’t your thing.
There are six hiking trails, five are under 2-​miles and one is a 10-​miler. If you have an animal with you, don’t be surprised if they acquire a few hitch-​hikers along the way (e.i. ticks). We used deep wood bug repellent and still got a few bites.
There is a good access point to the river by the boat launch to swim, but they get fairly crowded in the afternoon.
The facilities are what I’d expect for a campground. One housed bathroom hole per section (bring your own TP… you never know when you’ll need it). As well as a shower house with flush toilets in each section.
If you forget to bring everything you need, there is a store in the park that sells everything from firewood to candy. If they don’t have what tickles your fancy, Wal-​Mart is just a few miles down the street towards I-​44.
I’d love to go back, just not when it’s so darn-toot’n humid!