🌤 Weather at Castlewood State Park by season
| Spring | Summer | Fall | Winter |
|---|---|---|---|
| 35–77 °F | 65–89 °F | 36–81 °F | 22–46 °F |
Each range runs from the coldest monthly average low to the warmest monthly average high in that season (1991-2020 climate normals), measured at St Charles 7 SSW, 8 mi away, elevation 450 ft. Conditions at the park can differ from the station, especially where elevation differs — check a forecast before you go.
Castlewood State Park: Bluffs, Ruins, and River Magic Minutes from St. Louis
Just 20 minutes from downtown St. Louis, the Meramec River carves through a landscape of white limestone bluffs, abandoned resort ruins, and 1,800 acres of forest that feel a world away from the city. This is Castlewood State Park, where you can stand on a 100-foot bluff watching the river bend below, explore the crumbling foundations of a forgotten 1920s resort town called Lincoln Beach, and mountain bike some of the best singletrack in Missouri — all before lunch.
Castlewood is proof that great state parks don’t need to be remote to be remarkable. The park’s dramatic bluffs overlooking the Meramec, its layered human history, and its 18+ miles of trails for hiking, biking, and horseback riding make it one of the St. Louis metro area’s most treasured natural spaces.
Park Facts at a Glance
| Information | Details |
|---|---|
| 📍 Location | St. Louis County, Missouri (20 min from downtown) |
| 📐 Park Size | 1,818 acres |
| 🏔️ Features | Limestone bluffs, Meramec River, resort ruins |
| 🥾 Trails | 18+ miles (hiking, MTB, equestrian) |
| 🚴 Mountain Biking | One of St. Louis’s best MTB destinations |
| 🏛️ History | Lincoln Beach resort ruins (1920s era) |
| 💰 Admission | FREE |
| 🕐 Hours | Sunrise to sunset, year-round |
| 📞 Phone | (636) 227-4433 |
The Bluffs
Castlewood’s white limestone bluffs rise approximately 100 feet above the Meramec River, offering some of the most dramatic viewpoints in the St. Louis metro area. The River Scene Trail climbs to the bluff top, where you look down on the river bending through thick bottomland forest. In autumn, the bluffs are framed by brilliant fall foliage. In spring, the river runs high and fast after Ozark snowmelt.
Lincoln Beach Ruins: A Lost Resort Town
In the early 1900s, a resort town called Lincoln Beach thrived along the Meramec River at what is now Castlewood. Hotels, dance halls, a swimming pool, and a grand riverfront promenade drew St. Louisans seeking weekend escapes. But repeated flooding and the Great Depression killed the resort, and the buildings were gradually abandoned and reclaimed by the forest.
Today, hikers can still find concrete foundations, staircase remnants, and building footprints scattered through the woods along the river — ghostly traces of a vanished era. It’s one of Missouri’s most atmospheric hiking experiences, combining nature and history in a way few state parks achieve.
Hiking and Mountain Biking Trails
| Trail | Distance | Use | Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|
| River Scene Trail | 2.6 mi | Hiking | Bluff-top views of Meramec River |
| Grotpeter Trail | 2.0 mi | Hiking/MTB | Ridge-to-river with steep descents |
| Kiefer Creek Trail | 1.5 mi | Hiking | Creek-side walk, Lincoln Beach ruins |
| Lone Wolf Trail | 3.5 mi | MTB | Technical singletrack, rocky terrain |
| Chubb Trail | 6.0 mi | Hiking/MTB/Equestrian | Multi-use river trail |
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the Lincoln Beach ruins at Castlewood?
Lincoln Beach was a resort town that flourished along the Meramec River in the early 1900s, featuring hotels, dance halls, and a riverfront promenade. Repeated flooding and the Great Depression led to its abandonment. Today, concrete foundations, staircase remnants, and building footprints can still be found scattered through the forest along several trails, creating an atmospheric blend of nature and local history.
Is there an entrance fee for Castlewood State Park?
No — Castlewood State Park is completely free to visit, with no entrance or parking fees. The park is open year-round from sunrise to sunset. This makes it one of the best free outdoor experiences in the St. Louis metro area.
Can you mountain bike at Castlewood?
Yes! Castlewood is one of the best mountain biking destinations in the St. Louis area. Key MTB trails include the Lone Wolf Trail (technical singletrack) and the Grotpeter Trail (ridge-to-river descents). The Chubb Trail offers a longer, moderate multi-use option. Trails can be muddy after rain, so check conditions before riding. Helmets are strongly recommended on all trails.
Explore More Missouri State Parks
Castlewood State Park is one of many outstanding state parks in Missouri. Discover more parks in our Best State Parks in Missouri guide, or use our Park Finder to search by activity, location, or features.
Wildlife & Nature
Castlewood SP — on the Meramec River near St. Louis — features dramatic river bluffs and the ruins of a 1920s resort. The park’s limestone bluffs, river, and forest support bald eagles, great blue herons, and white-tailed deer. Peregrine falcons have been spotted. Smallmouth bass fill the Meramec.
Nearby Attractions
Ballwin — adjacent. St. Louis — 15 miles east. Babler SP — 10 miles west. Route 66 SP — 10 miles south. Lone Elk Park — nearby.
More parks nearby: Sappington Cemetery State Historic Site is a short drive away, while Route 66 State Park lies a short drive away.
Camping reservations: Book campsites and cabins for Missouri state parks online at icampmo1.usedirect.com.
🐾 Dogs & Pets at Castlewood State Park
- Pets allowed? statewide rule
- Responsible pet owners and their pets are welcome in Missouri state parks and historic sites, with pets leashed and under control.
- Leash rule statewide rule
- Leash not longer than 10 feet required at all times; portable fences and shock collars do not satisfy the requirement.
- Beaches & swim areas statewide rule
- Pets are not allowed in public swimming areas or on beaches.
- Cabins & lodging statewide rule
- The 'Cabins for Canines' program opens about 30% of lodging units to dogs (max two dogs per unit) at roughly 15 participating parks including Lake of the Ozarks, Bennett Spring, Echo Bluff and Roaring River; per-dog per-night fee varies by unit type.
- Pet fees statewide rule
- No day-use pet fee; Cabins for Canines charges a per-dog, per-night lodging fee (varies by unit).
- Statewide exceptions statewide rule
- Maximum two dogs per campsite; pets not allowed inside any park building.
Are dogs allowed at Castlewood State Park?
Responsible pet owners and their pets are welcome in Missouri state parks and historic sites, with pets leashed and under control. Individual parks can post stricter rules — check signage on arrival.
Rules verified July 2026 via mostateparks.com. More: Missouri state parks guide · Dog rules in all 50 states compared
Park Location
Plan your gear for Castlewood State Park
From our editorial guides, matched to this park’s activities:
