Meramec State Park
🏆 Missouri’s Cave Country — 40+ caves, Meramec River canoeing, Ozark forest hiking, and one of Missouri’s most complete state park experiences
Meramec State Park sits in the heart of Missouri’s cave country along the banks of the Meramec River in the eastern Ozarks. With more than 40 known caves within its 6,896 acres — including Fisher Cave, one of the few publicly accessible guided cave tours in the state park system — Meramec is a geological dreamscape. Add a clear, spring-fed river for canoeing and kayaking, 13 miles of hiking trails through Ozark forest, excellent camping, and you have one of the most complete state park experiences in Missouri.
Table of Contents
Caves
Meramec State Park contains more than 40 caves — the highest concentration of any state park in Missouri (itself the “Cave State” with 6,500+ known caves).
🦇 Fisher Cave — Guided Tour
• Type: Ranger-led guided tour (the only cave open to visitors)
• Length: ~1 hour, approximately 0.5 miles underground
• Features: Stalactites, stalagmites, flowstone, cave coral, rimstone dams
• Temperature: Constant 58°F year-round
• Season: Memorial Day through Labor Day (check schedule)
• Cost: $5–8/person (varies by age)
• Footwear: Closed-toe shoes required — cave floor is wet and uneven
Meramec River
The Meramec River is one of Missouri’s premier floating streams — clear, spring-fed water flowing through a scenic Ozark valley with bluffs, gravel bars, and forested banks. The park’s stretch is popular for canoeing, kayaking, and tubing.
| Activity | Details |
|---|---|
| 🛶 Canoeing/Kayaking | Excellent float river — Class I (gentle current, easy for beginners) |
| 🏊 Swimming | River swimming at gravel bars and sandy areas |
| 🎣 Fishing | Smallmouth bass, goggle-eye, catfish |
| 📏 Typical Float | Half-day to full-day trips available from nearby outfitters |
Hiking Trails
| Trail | Distance | Difficulty | Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wilderness Trail | 6.0 mi loop | Moderate | Longest trail, bluff views, deep forest |
| Bluff View Trail | 1.5 mi | Moderate | River bluff overlook, best views |
| River Trail | 2.0 mi | Easy | Meramec River bank, fishing access |
| Natural Wonders Trail | 2.5 mi | Moderate | Cave entrances, sinkholes, geological features |
Camping & Cabins
| Option | Details | Rate |
|---|---|---|
| ⛺ Basic Sites | ~120 sites, no hookups | $15/night |
| 🔌 Electric Sites | Electric hookups available | $24/night |
| 🏠 Cabins | Rustic and modern cabins along the river | $80–$150/night |
| 🏕️ Group Camp | Large group camping area | Contact park |
Fishing
The Meramec River is an excellent smallmouth bass fishery. Goggle-eye (rock bass), longear sunfish, and channel catfish are also abundant. Fish from the bank, wade, or float-fish from a canoe. Missouri fishing license required.
Visitor Information
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| 📍 Address | 115 Meramec Park Dr, Sullivan, MO 63080 |
| 📞 Phone | (573) 468-6072 |
| 🕐 Hours | Year-round, sunrise to sunset |
| 💰 Entry | Free — Missouri state parks do not charge entry |
| 📡 Cell Service | Limited in park |
Best Time to Visit
| Season | Weather | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| 🌸 Spring (Apr–May) | 55–75°F | Wildflowers, trout fishing, cave tours begin |
| ☀️ Summer (Jun–Aug) | 80–90°F | River floating, swimming, cave tours, full camping |
| 🍂 Fall (Sep–Nov) | 50–70°F | Fall colors, comfortable hiking, reduced crowds |
| ❄️ Winter (Dec–Feb) | 30–50°F | Quiet hiking, cabin stays (no cave tours) |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you tour a cave at Meramec State Park?
Yes — Fisher Cave offers ranger-led guided tours (Memorial Day–Labor Day). Tours are ~1 hour, 0.5 miles underground, and cost $5–8. The cave is a constant 58°F. Closed-toe shoes required.
Can you canoe the Meramec River?
Yes — the Meramec is an excellent float river (Class I — gentle, suitable for beginners). Several outfitters near the park offer canoe, kayak, and tube rentals with shuttle service. Half-day and full-day floats available.
Is there an entrance fee?
No — Missouri state parks do not charge entrance fees. Cave tours, camping, and cabin stays have separate fees.
How many caves are in the park?
More than 40 known caves — the most of any state park in Missouri. Only Fisher Cave is open to the public via guided tours. The other caves are closed to protect bat habitat and fragile formations.
Are there cabins?
Yes — the park offers rustic and modern cabins along the Meramec River. Rates range from $80–$150/night. Cabins book up quickly for summer weekends. Reserve through mostateparks.com.
Is there swimming?
Swimming in the Meramec River is informal — at gravel bars and sandy areas. There is no lifeguarded swimming beach. The river water is spring-fed and clean but cold.
How far from St. Louis?
Meramec State Park is approximately 60 miles southwest of St. Louis — about a 1-hour drive via I-44. It makes an excellent day trip or weekend getaway from the city.
🦇 Visit Meramec State Park
Tour a living cave, float a pristine Ozark river, camp beneath Missouri hardwoods, and explore one of the most cave-dense landscapes in America.
🗺️ Official Park PageFrequently Asked Questions
Are Missouri state parks free?
Yes, all Missouri state parks are completely free to visit. There are no entrance fees, vehicle permits, or parking charges. Cave tours and camping have separate fees. This makes Missouri one of the most accessible park systems.
Can I take a cave tour at Missouri state parks?
Yes, Missouri is “The Cave State” and several parks offer guided cave tours including Onondaga Cave, Fisher Cave, Cathedral Cave, and Round Spring Cave. Tours require tickets and sell out on weekends — book in advance.
What are the best float trip parks in Missouri?
Top float trip parks include Round Spring, Alley Spring, and Big Spring along the Current and Jacks Fork Rivers. These Ozark rivers offer crystal-clear water and dramatic bluffs. Summer weekends are extremely popular.
What is the best time to visit Missouri state parks?
Spring brings dogwood blooms and rushing waterfalls. Summer is peak for floating and swimming. Fall offers beautiful Ozark foliage (October). Winter hiking is pleasant with fewer crowds. Parks are enjoyable year-round.
Explore More Missouri State Parks
Meramec 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.
