Onondaga Cave State Park

Introduction of Onondaga Cave State Park

Onondaga Cave State Park in Leasburg, Missouri, offers spacious RV campsites, picnicking, hiking, cave tours, fishing, boating, and other activities. When you visit a park that has everything, you can’t go wrong. The entire family will enjoy a guided cave tour, where you can marvel at geological wonders such as a river flowing through the cavern and learn about this unique habitat.

George Cresswell and his family settled in the park area in 1850, when they built a mill on the river near the springs. The mill, however, was flooded in 1881, and the property was purchased by William Henry Davis, who built a new mill a little further down.

In 1886, a local named Charles Christopher discovered a cave behind the spring while exploring and purchased the surrounding land, naming it Mammoth Cave of Missouri. The property changed hands several times over the next century before becoming a state park in 1981.

This 1,317-acre park features nearly nine miles of trails, 64 campsites, miles of riverbank, and plenty of fun activities. Pack the camper or RV and head out to Onondaga Cave State Park, which is only an hour from the city but also in the heart of the Huzzah Conservation Area.

Onondaga Cave State Park Camping

There are 64 campsites here, 17 of which are basic and 47 of which have water and electric hookups. Driveways range in length from 38 to 82 feet, allowing even the largest motorhome or RV to fit comfortably. Each campsite has a fire ring, picnic table, and lantern hanger, as well as access to potable water. Campsites 1-13 are located right on the river bank near the day-use area, making them convenient but also noisy at times.By the host campsite number 66, there is a shower house with hot water, restrooms with running water, a laundry facility, a payphone, and an RV dump site. There is also a playground for children and a woodlot where you can cut your own firewood. There is another shower house, restroom, and woodlot near the end of the campsite, as well as two parking lots for overflow parking. The amphitheater is located near campsite 65 at the end of the Amphitheater Trail. Dogs are permitted as long as they are kept on a leash. The front garden, visitor center, shelter area, dump station, launch area, and day use area all have frost-free water.

Onondaga Cave State Park Activities

Picnicking

You can reserve one large picnic shelter that seats up to 72 people. It has water, electricity, BBQ grills, and picnic tables, and it’s right on the river, so you can go fishing. There is plenty of cold-weather-biting fish in the Meramec River, so bring your fishing gear. If you have a smaller family, the other shelter at the Blue Heron Trail trailhead is first come, first served, and can accommodate up to 30 people. There is, however, no grill or water, so you must bring your own.

Hiking

Hiking in Onondaga State Park is popular among both locals and visitors, so park the RV and go for a walk. There are five trails ranging in difficulty from easy to moderate, with lengths ranging from one-tenth of a mile to three miles. The easiest trail is also the shortest in length, and it is the path that leads to the amphitheater. The Deer Run Trail is the most difficult, with two and a half miles of hills, steps, and bluffs up to 100 feet above the Meramec River. This trail leads to Cathedral Cave, which also offers guided tours of 90 minutes.

Swimming

Pack your beach toys and supplies in the camper before you arrive at the park, as there is plenty of beachfront access on the Meramec River. Pack a picnic lunch and spend the entire day at the beach before returning to your campsite. You can even walk upstream and then float down in a tube, raft, canoe, or kayak. However, because there are no lifeguards, you must swim at your own risk.

Spelunking

If you’ve been wanting to see the caves but they’re closed for the winter, you can go visit some of the park’s other 38 caves. These caves are scattered throughout the park; some are only accessible by river, and others are quite dangerous. If you are new to spelunking, you should go with a professional. Many businesses in the area provide tours or classes. Leave the RV at the campsite and go cave exploring.

Onondaga Cave State Park Location

Onondaga Cave State Park in east-central Missouri is only about an hour’s drive from St. Louis, two hours from Springfield, and four hours from Kansas City. This well-known park is well-known for its many caves and the beautiful, majestic Meramec River, but what truly distinguishes it is its proximity to some of the major cities. It’s also easy to find because it’s right off Interstate 44, and there are plenty of signs and billboards directing you there. If you still can’t find it, just ask a local.

When you exit the highway, take Highway H for six miles, which is a very curvy and narrow road in places. When driving a large motorhome or towing a trailer or camper, you must be cautious and drive slowly. Keep an eye out for deer and other critters that may wander onto the road. Because some of the roads in the park are narrow and have a lot of low-hanging tree branches, it is best to leave your rig at the campsite and walk to wherever you want to go.

Parking

Parking is available

Public Transport

Public Transport is available