Meramec State Park

Meramec State Park is a 6,896-acre state park owned and managed by the Missouri Department of Natural Resources. It’s located in Franklin County, Missouri approximately 60 miles southwest of St. Louis near Interstate 44 and the city of Sullivan. Within the boundary of the park flows the Meramec River — a beautiful, stream-fed waterway that meanders its way through some of the most scenic outdoor environments found in the Ozarks. The landscape features steep forested hills full of pine and various hardwoods and limestone outcroppings rising high above the cool waters of the Meramec. The name “Meramec” is derived from an Indigenous tribe that once inhabited the area and the word is believed to mean either “good fish” or “catfish”.

From floating to fishing to dining and camping and caving, there is a lot to do at Meramec State Park. Many first-time park vacationers are amazed at the variety of outdoor (and indoor) activities available within the park. Classic Ozarks-style cabins, modern motel rooms, canoe/raft rentals, casual dining atop the valley, and a fully-stocked store are just a few of the things that will ensure your visit to be one of many in the days and years ahead.

Whether you seek the mysterious environs of a deep, dark cave or to enjoy a lazy afternoon fishing or floating the river, this site will guide you to all of the necessary ingredients for making your visit to Meramec State Park one that you will cherish and remember for years to come.

Meramec State Park is located 60 miles southwest of St. Louis off of Interstate 44 at the Sullivan/Hwy. 185 exit (east exit). Take Hwy. 185 south a few miles to the park entrance. Meramec Park is a gated park, late check-in MUST call ahead.