Meramec State Park in Missouri

Meramec State Park is a Missouri state park located 60 miles southwest of St. Louis off Interstate 44. It boasts 6,896 acres of hills, pines, hardwoods, limestone outcroppings, and caves with the beautiful Meramec River meandering through it. There is something for everyone, and tons of amenities to ensure that nothing is missing to make a trip to Meramec as comfortable as possible.

Lodging/ Amenities
There are rustic cabins located throughout the park. These include full size beds, basic kitchen supplies, a stove top or full stove, towels, linens, a coffee pot, heating and air conditioning, and most have a microwave and fireplace. These are “rustic” however, and do not include a television, telephone, or a clock. Cabins require a minimum of a two night stay, three night minimum on holiday weekends. There are never any pets or smoking allowed in the cabins.

Knob Noster State Park

Knob Noster State Park is a 3,934 acre park located in Johnson County, Missouri, just between Sedalia and Warrensburg. The park falls within the Osage Plains, a transition zone where prairie becomes forest. Wild grasses and flowers scatter among trees, similar to a savanna. The savanna continues to become overgrown with trees as the land slowly transitions to a forest. The Osage Plains are made up of sandstones and limestones from the Mississippian and Pennsylvanian ages - approximately 359 million years to 33 million years ago. Coal, clay, and shale can also be found in the bedrock.

The park is named after the nearby town, Knob Noster. Knob Noster was named after one of its two small hills that rose up in an otherwise flat area of the state. Local Indian legend states that the hills rose to memorialize slain warriors. Noster is Latin for “our.” Thus, the name Knob Noster means “our hill.” The park itself was created under the name Montserrat National Recreation Demonstration Area until it was transferred to Missouri in 1946 and given its current name. The park was constructed by the National Park Service, Works Progress Administration, and Civilian Conservation Corps to show that land that had been cleared for farming, mining, or lumber could be restored and reclaimed for recreational use. Today many activities such as hiking, camping, and fishing can be enjoyed at the park.

At Crowder State Park We Have Everything

If you are looking for a travel destination that combines all of the best opportunities of a recreation area, look no further than Crowder State Park in Trenton, Missouri. Whether your idea of fun is camping, fishing, picnicking, swimming, hiking, equestrian or mountain biking trails, or a combination of all of these adventures and more, you will find that Crowder has everything, and in abundant supply.

Since 1938, when Crowder State Park opened, the public has enjoyed more than 1,912 acres full of recreational opportunities or just plain places to relax and take in the sights and sounds. Even better, unlike a lot of more famous park destinations, Crowder is a place where you won’t have to fight the maddening crowds to enjoy all of the attractions this emerald jewel offers.

Big Oak Tree State Park

Driving through East Prairie, Missouri offers travelers a chance to see pristine farmland that catches the eye. Then, suddenly as if looming up out of nowhere, a huge grove of giant oak trees appear. Majestic in their strength and surrounded by what appears to be a forest of lesser trees of different species.

Welcome to the Big Oak Tree State Park, over 1,029 acres of perfectly preserved beauty. A large island that stands out in an ocean of agriculture. The giant oaks that are nestled within the park are the biggest in the state, and are likely to please and awe any traveler that desires rest, relaxation, and lots of fun. Big Oak Tree State Park is no ordinary park. Beneath the giant oak behemoths that are surrounded with their forest like subjects, is a beautiful swamp environment that contains a superb undergrowth of woody vines, and colossal bald cypress trees. This cypress swamp is the only one in the entire state of Missouri.

Hawn State Park

Hawn State Park is one of Missouri’s most majestic parks that sprawls over 4,953 acres. The park is a spectacular place to visit for outdoor enthusiasts. The lovers of nature will bask in the beauty while watching many species of animals and birds in this natural habitat. The park features clear streams, sandstone and a forest saturated with oak and pine trees. This is truly a wonderland that beckons to those who love camping and hiking.

Camping is available year round in the park. However, during on-season a reservation will ensure your place in the campgrounds. The on-season is April through October. During this time, the park provides services that include laundry facilities, showers, water, basic campsites and electric campsites. It is important to mention a two-night minimum reservation is required on the weekends. Pets are welcome as long as they are well behaved and their pet owners maintain control.