Is Onondaga Cave State Park Campground first-come first-served or reservation?

Onondaga Cave State Park Campground accepts online reservations. We recommend booking in advance, especially during peak season (typically summer weekends). Use campsite alerts to get notified when spots become available.

What is the best time to visit Onondaga Cave State Park Campground?

Onondaga Cave State Park Campground is open On-season: Apr 1–Oct 31. Off-season: Nov 1–Mar 31.. The best time to visit depends on your preferences—summer offers the warmest weather and most activities, while spring and fall provide fewer crowds and milder temperatures. Check current conditions before your trip.

Are there showers at Onondaga Cave State Park Campground?

Onondaga Cave State Park Campground does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

Are dogs allowed at Onondaga Cave State Park Campground?

Yes, pets are allowed at Onondaga Cave State Park Campground. Dogs must typically be kept on a leash (usually 6 feet or shorter) and under control at all times. Be sure to clean up after your pet and check for any breed or size restrictions.

What amenities are available at Onondaga Cave State Park Campground?

Onondaga Cave State Park Campground offers: Pets Allowed. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Onondaga Cave State Park Campground?

Popular activities at Onondaga Cave State Park Campground include Hiking, Fishing, Swimming, Biking, Boating, Wildlife Viewing. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Onondaga Cave State Park Campground

4.64

123 reviews

7556 Highway H, Leasburg, MO 65535-9136, United States

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

764 ft

Price

Varies

Booking

Reservable

Sites

Varies

Season

On-season: Apr 1–Oct...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Pets Allowed

Book on Missouri State Parks Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

764 ft

Price

Varies

Booking

Reservable

Sites

Varies

Season

On-season: Apr 1–Oct...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Pets Allowed

Book on Missouri State Parks Official Website

Get Directions

Onondaga Cave State Park Campground

No fees available

Campsite Fees

Nightly camping rates vary by campground, campsite amenities and season (on-season Apr 1–Oct 31; off-season Nov 1–Mar 31). Reduced camping rates are...

No paid fee categories listed.

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Missouri State Parks

Provider

573-245-6576

I manage this campground

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Campground Map

7556 Highway H, Leasburg, MO 65535-9136, United States

Onondaga Cave State Park Campground

7556 Highway H, Leasburg, MO 65535-9136, United States

Weather at Onondaga Cave State Park Campground

Best Time to Camp at Onondaga Cave State Park Campground

Fall offers the best combination of comfortable weather and scenery. Expect daytime highs in the mid-50s to mid-70s°F with cool nights in the 40s–50s. River paddling, fishing and hiking along the Meramec are at their peak as hardwood bluffs turn color, while cave tours remain comfortable (the cave stays a constant 57°F) and crowds are smaller than summer weekends. Fall works well for photographers, paddlers and anyone wanting crisp air, good fishing and quieter trails. The campground runs at full capacity April through October. Winter camping is possible but limited. Some facilities close for the season, so contact the park ahead of time. Mowed areas around sites help prevent ticks during warmer months, and sites stay dry with no standing water even after rain.

Best

Summer (Jun-Aug)

Peak season with warm weather, perfect for water activities. Book early.

Planning Tips

Operating Season: On-season: Apr 1–Oct 31. Off-season: Nov 1–Mar 31.

About Onondaga Cave State Park Campground

Onondaga Cave State Park Campground sits in a wooded valley along the Meramec River, with one of America's most spectacular show caves a short walk from your tent or RV. The campground offers electric hookups (30/50 amp), dump stations, hot showers, and level sites shaded by mature hardwoods. Cave tours book up fast in peak season, and the park's narrow access road requires careful navigation for big rigs.

Historical Significance

Onondaga Cave is designated as a National Natural Landmark, recognized as a notable example of Missouri's cave resources.

Weather and SeasonsFall offers the best combination of comfortable weather and scenery. Expect daytime highs in the mid-50s to mid-70s°F with cool nights in the 40s–50s. River paddling, fishing and hiking along the Meramec are at their peak as hardwood bluffs turn color, while cave tours remain comfortable (the cave stays a constant 57°F) and crowds are smaller than summer weekends. Fall works well for photographers, paddlers and anyone wanting crisp air, good fishing and quieter trails. The campground runs at full capacity April through October. Winter camping is possible but limited. Some facilities close for the season, so contact the park ahead of time. Mowed areas around sites help prevent ticks during warmer months, and sites stay dry with no standing water even after rain.

Natural Features and SceneryThe park's centerpiece is Onondaga Cave, a National Natural Landmark where guided tours descend past towering stone pillars, delicate soda straws, and rippling flowstone formations illuminated by cave lighting. The cave holds a constant 57°F year-round. Above ground, the spring-fed Meramec River curves through forested bluffs, offering clear water for paddling and productive fishing holes. Trails lead to river overlooks and limestone outcroppings. The Blue Heron Trail climbs past cliffs and a small waterfall, while other paths wind through hardwood forest and seasonal wildflowers. Heavy tree cover blankets the campground itself, creating a quiet, private feel despite the wooded valley setting.

Scenic ViewsPanoramic views of the Meramec River from Vilander Bluff and scenic underground vistas within the cave.

Best Campsites

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Stay Limit

Camping is limited to any 15 days within a 30-consecutive-day period at any one park.

Tents

Tents are not allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Best CampsitesSites are level, dry, and spacious with lantern hooks and grills. Water and 50-amp electric sites accommodate larger campers up to 34-foot fifth wheels. Many sites offer privacy due to heavy tree cover, though some feel close together during peak season. Tent campers appreciate the clean, well-maintained sites with good drainage.

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When to Book

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Cancellation Alerts

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Amenities available

Park page confirms picnic sites and picnic shelters are available and the Missouri State Parks camping page describes statewide amenities (showers, laundry, dump stations, Wi‑Fi) but does not list site-level amenities for Onondaga Cave Campground on the provided page.

Picnic tables

I manage this campground

Activities you can enjoy

Onondaga Cave State Park offers cave tours plus a range of outdoor activities centered on the Meramec River and park trails, including hiking, fishing, boating and interpretive programs.

Hiking

Fishing

Swimming

Biking

Boating

Wildlife viewing

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

No Cell ServiceCell phone service is not available at this campground. Plan accordingly for emergencies and download offline maps before arriving.

No Flush ToiletsFlush toilets are not available at this campground. Expect vault or pit toilets only.

No Electric HookupsElectric hookups are not available at this campground. RV campers should arrive with a full battery and plan for off-grid power (generator hours/quiet rules permitting).

No Water HookupsSite-level water hookups are not available. RV campers should fill freshwater tanks before arrival; check the No Potable Water note above if applicable for drinking water.

No Dump StationThere is no dump station at this campground. Plan to use a dump station along your route or at a nearby facility before or after your stay.

Trip Planning Tools

Set an AlertGet notified when sites open up Check WeatherHistorical weather data Gear for This TripMatched gear recommendations Packing ListCustomizable checklist

Questions & answers

Researching this campground? Ask anything — other campers and our team will weigh in. No visit required.

Tips from campers

Short heads-ups about the road in, gear quirks, timing, and more. You don't have to have been here to share what you know.

Reviews

From Booking Sources

4.6

123 reviews

Top-Rated

Onondaga Cave State Park Campground is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews

Visitor sentiment is strongly positive, with frequent praise for the cave tours and knowledgeable guides, pleasant wooded campground, nearby river access, and diverse trails. Typical concerns mention narrow access roads if following GPS, limited hookups/full sewer at some sites, occasional crowded sites in peak season, and limited cell service.

Review Summaries

Based on 123 reviews

What Campers Love

Exceptional guided cave tours and knowledgeable staff; quiet, wooded campground with good trails and Meramec River access for fishing and floating; well‑maintained park facilities overall (visitor...

Based on 123 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Reserve cave tours in advance; follow Highway H rather than blind GPS routing to avoid long dirt‑road detours; wear sturdy shoes and a light jacket for cave tours; big rigs should check road and site...

Based on 123 reviews

Camper Quotes

“Great Campground- nice trails and the cave tour was Awesome- River access on Meramac.” — “If I could give this cave 20 stars I would. It is stunning.”

Based on 123 reviews

Outdoorithm Community

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Go if

Cave enthusiasts and paddlers get the most out of this place. Fall is the sweet spot: river color, decent fishing for bass and catfish, smaller crowds, and the cave stays 57°F year-round regardless. Reserve your cave tour before you reserve your site.

Skip if

Amenity facts here are muddled and contradictory, so confirm hookups, showers, and sewer availability directly with the park before booking. Also: ignore GPS routing and follow Highway H or you may end up on a long dirt-road detour with a big rig.

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