Missouri’s state parks offer an impressive network of spacious cabins perfectly suited for big families, combining the comforts of home with the adventure of the great outdoors. From rustic retreats to modern accommodations, these park cabins provide the ideal base for exploring some of the state’s most beautiful natural areas.
This guide showcases eleven remarkable Missouri state parks with cabins that accommodate families of 6 to 12 people. From the ancient St. Francois Mountains to the crystal-clear waters of Bennett Spring, each destination offers unique experiences and diverse activities. You’ll find detailed information about cabin amenities, family-friendly recreation options, and nearby attractions to help plan your perfect outdoor retreat.
1. Sam A. Baker State Park – Patterson, MO
Sam A. Baker State Park is located in Wayne County, Missouri, near the town of Patterson. The park spans over 5,000 acres and features the St. Francois Mountains, with access to the St. Francis River and Big Creek for fishing, canoeing, and swimming. Visitors can explore several hiking trails, including the challenging 14-mile Mudlick Trail and the 1.5-mile paved bicycle trail. A nature center provides educational exhibits about the area’s natural and cultural history.
Sam A. Baker State Park Big Family Cabins
- Cabins 9,10,11,12,15,17 — Sleeps 6. Two-bedroom cabins with one queen bed in each bedroom and a futon in the living room. Central air. (Fireplace in cabins 15 & 17)
- Cabin 18 — Sleeps 10. Five-bedroom cabin with four queen beds, one full-size bed, a futon in the living room, two bathrooms. Fireplace and central air.
Nearby Kid-Friendly Activities
Within an hour’s drive from Sam A. Baker State Park, families can explore additional attractions like the Onondaga Cave State Park, featuring a scenic cave system and hiking trails. The Annie and Abel Van Meter State Park offers a historical site with a reconstructed fort and opportunities for picnicking and wildlife viewing. Nearby towns like Farmington and Potosi provide dining options, shopping, and family-friendly events throughout the year.
2. Bennett Spring State Park – Lebanon, MO
Bennett Spring State Park is located approximately 12 miles west of Lebanon, Missouri, in Dallas and Laclede counties. The park encompasses over 3,300 acres and features Bennett Spring, which releases more than 100 million gallons of clear, cool water daily into the Niangua River. This spring branch is stocked daily with rainbow trout during the fishing season, making it a popular destination for anglers.
Bennett Spring State Park Cabins for Big Families:
- River Duplex Cabins – Sleeps 6. 2 bedrooms with a queen bed in each bedroom and a hide-a-bed.
- Spring Duplex Cabins – Sleeps 6. 2 bedrooms with a queen bed, two twins, and a hide-a-bed.
- Four-Plex Unit – Sleeps 6. 2 bedrooms with a queen, two twins, and a hide-a-bed.
Nearby Kid-Friendly Activities
Within an hour’s drive from Bennett Spring State Park, families have several fun options to keep the kids entertained. In Springfield, Missouri, Fantastic Caverns offers guided tours through an underground cave system, providing an educational and adventurous experience. The Dickerson Park Zoo is another great stop, with animal exhibits, a petting zoo, and playgrounds. In Lebanon, check out the Route 66 Museum’ offers’s exhibits on the historic highway’s impact on the region. For more outdoor adventures, head to Mark Twain National Forest, where hiking trails, scenic drives, and opportunities for spotting wildlife await.
3. Lake of the Ozarks State Park – Kaiser, MO
Lake of the Ozarks State Park, located near Osage Beach, Missouri, is the state’s largest state park, encompassing over 17,000 acres and 85 miles of shoreline along the Grand Glaize Arm of the lake. The park offers a variety of recreational activities, including two public swimming beaches, boat launches, and marinas for fishing and boating enthusiasts. Visitors can explore 12 hiking trails of varying difficulty, such as the 13.5-mile Trail of Four Winds, which provides scenic views of the lake and surrounding forest. The park also features Ozark Caverns, a guided cave tour showcasing unique geological formations like the “Angel Showers.”
Lake of the Ozarks Big Family Cabins:
- Outpost cabins – 8 available, sleeps 6. Developed in 1993 and upgraded in 2011, each cabin features tables and chairs, a wood-burning stove, electricity, a ceiling fan and lighting, air conditioning, supplemental heating, and sleeping accommodations for six people. Infants and children count as occupants. These accommodations include two three-quarter size beds (sized in between a twin and a full) in the loft and one double futon bed downstairs. To prepare for your experience, bring your camping gear such as sleeping bags, pillows, cooking and eating utensils, and water containers. The rustic cabins do not have running water, so plan accordingly. Cooking and smoking are not allowed inside the cabins
Nearby Kid-Friendly Activities
Within a one-hour drive of Lake of the Ozarks State Park, the Lake of the Ozarks Aquatic Center offers a fun-filled day with water slides and play areas, perfect for kids of all ages. Families might also explore Ha Ha Tonka State Park, where they can hike trails leading to unique geological features and old castle ruins, allowing kids to enjoy both nature and history. For a more relaxed experience, consider visiting local beaches for swimming or picnicking, which are easy to access and an excellent way to unwind after a day of hiking and outdoor adventure.
4. Lake Wappapello State Park – Williamsville, MO
Lake Wappapello State Park is located in Wayne County, Missouri, near the town of Williamsville. The park encompasses 1,854 acres and borders the 8,400-acre Lake Wappapello, which was created in 1938 by damming the St. Francis River. The park offers a variety of recreational activities, including fishing for crappie, catfish, and bass; boating; swimming; and hiking on several trails. Additional amenities include picnic areas, playgrounds, and a swimming beach at the Allison Cove Day-Use Area. The park also provides access to the Wappapello Lake Section of the Ozark Trail, which is open to hiking, mountain biking, and equestrian use
Lake Wappapello State Park Big Family Cabins:
- Two-bedroom cabin – 7 available, sleeps 6. Two-bedroom cabin amenities include bathroom; kitchenette with sink, refrigerator, electric cooktop and oven, pots and pans, coffeemaker, toaster, microwave, and seating for six; television/DVD player combo; heating and cooling; bed and bath linens; picnic table and outdoor fire ring with grill.
- Three bedroom cabin – 1 available, sleeps 10.
Nearby Kid-Friendly Activities
Within an hour’s drive of Lake Wappapello State Park, the nearby Sam A. Baker State Park offers additional hiking trails and a chance to see local wildlife, making it a great spot for a family outing. For a more educational experience, consider visiting the nearby Historic Johnson’s Shut-Ins State Park, where children can enjoy wading in shallow pools and learning about geology. Additionally, visit local farm attractions where kids can participate in seasonal activities like berry picking or enjoying farm animals, all providing memorable and low-cost experiences.
5. Meramec State Park – Sullivan, MO
Meramec State Park is situated along the Meramec River near Sullivan, Missouri, approximately 60 miles southwest of St. Louis. The park encompasses over 6,800 acres of diverse landscapes, including hardwood forests, glades, and more than 40 caves. Visitors can explore over 13 miles of hiking trails, some of which lead to scenic bluffs and historic structures built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s. The Meramec River offers opportunities for swimming, fishing, and boating, with canoe, kayak, and raft rentals available. Accommodations include a modern campground, cabins, and a motel with a conference center. The park’s visitor center features exhibits that interpret the natural and cultural history of the area.
Meramec State Park Big Family Cabins:
- Cabin 9 – Two-bedroom cabin sleeps 6
- Cabin 11 – Four-bedroom cabin sleeps 10
- Cabin 19 – Five-bedroom cabin sleeps 10
Nearby Kid-Friendly Activities
Within an hour’s drive of Meramec State Park, families can explore several attractions. Meramec Caverns, located nearby, offers guided tours of a 4.6-mile cave system with unique formations and historical significance. The Caveman Zipline provides an adventurous experience with views of the surrounding area. For wildlife enthusiasts, the Wild Animal Adventure Park in Stanton features a variety of animals and interactive exhibits.
6. Montauk State Park – Salem, MO
Montauk State Park is located near Salem, Missouri, at the headwaters of the Current River. The park is renowned for its trout fishing, with a fish hatchery on-site and daily stocking during the fishing season. Visitors can explore three trails that offer easy access to the park’s natural beauty, including the Pine Ridge Trail and a paved trail around the lake. The historic Montauk Mill, built in 1896, is open for seasonal tours, providing insight into the area’s past.
Montauk State Park Big Family Cabins:
- Cabin 3 – 3 bedrooms with 3 queen-sized beds, microwave, and TV.
- Cabins 7 & 8 – 2 bedrooms with 3 double beds.
- Cabins 9 through 12 – 2 bedrooms with 2 queen-sized beds and a double-sized sofa sleeper.
- Cabins 26 through 29 – 2 bedrooms with 2 queen-sized beds, a Murphy bed, microwave, dishwasher, and a gas log fireplace. Cabin 26 is handicapped accessible.
- Cabins 30 through 33 – 2 bedrooms with 2 queen-sized beds and a double-sized sofa sleeper.
Nearby kid-friendly activities:
Within an hour’s drive of the park, families can visit the Ozark National Scenic Riverways, offering opportunities for canoeing, kayaking, and exploring natural springs. The nearby town of Salem provides additional amenities and local attractions. For those interested in exploring more of the Ozarks, the Mark Twain National Forest offers hiking, wildlife viewing, and scenic drives.
7. Pomme de Terre State Park – Pittsburg, MO
Located in southwest Missouri near the towns of Hermitage and Pittsburg, Pomme de Terre State Park spans over 700 acres along the 7,800-acre Pomme de Terre Lake. The park is divided into two sections, each offering a variety of recreational opportunities. Visitors can enjoy fishing for bass, walleye, catfish, crappie, and muskie—the lake is known as Missouri’s premier destination for muskellunge fishing. The park features two public swimming beaches, boat ramps, and a marina that provides boat rentals and supplies. For those interested in hiking, the Indian Point Trail on the Pittsburg side offers scenic views of the lake, while the Cedar Bluff Trail on the Hermitage side winds through wooded areas and along rocky bluffs.
Pomme de Terre State Park Big Family Cabins
- Lake House – Enjoy the comforts of home in this wood-frame lake house. Located on the Hermitage side of the park near the park office, the lake house is within short driving distance of a boat launch and picnic area. The house sleeps up to six people. Two bedrooms each offer a queen-size bed, with a third bedroom offering single bunk beds.
Nearby Kid-Friendly Activities
The nearby town of Bolivar offers local dining and shopping options. For those interested in history, the Polk County Museum in Bolivar provides exhibits on local heritage. Outdoor enthusiasts might consider a visit to Bennett Spring State Park, located approximately 50 miles east, which offers trout fishing, hiking trails, and a nature center.
8. Roaring River State Park – Cassville, MO
Roaring River State Park is located in the southwest Ozark hills, approximately 7 miles south of Cassville, Missouri. The park is renowned for its premier trout fishing, with the Roaring River spring providing a consistent flow of cold water ideal for rainbow trout. Anglers can fish in the river, which is stocked daily during the fishing season. The park features seven hiking trails that traverse rugged terrain, offering scenic views and access to unique geological formations. Visitors can also explore the Ozark Chinquapin Nature Center, which provides educational exhibits about the local ecosystem
Roaring River State Park Big Family Cabins
- Duplex Cabin – Sleep 6. Have a kitchen, satellite television, 2 bedrooms with one double bed in each room, and a pulldown Murphy bed in the living room. These cabins are located on Highway F near the center of the park.
Nearby Kid-Friendly Activities
Within an hour’s drive of Roaring River State Park, the nearby town of Cassville offers the Barry County Museum, which showcases local history and culture. Zone 4 Mini Golf & More provides family-friendly entertainment, including a 19-hole mini-golf course, axe throwing, and batting cages. For those interested in wildlife, the Promised Land Zoo in Eagle Rock features interactive animal exhibits.
9. Stockton State Park – Dadeville, MO
Stockton State Park is located in southwest Missouri on a peninsula between the Big and Little Sac arms of Stockton Lake, approximately 9 miles south of the town of Stockton. The park spans over 2,100 acres and offers a variety of recreational activities. Visitors can enjoy boating, fishing, swimming, and sailing on the 24,900-acre lake, which is known for its clear waters and consistent southwest breeze. The park features two boat ramps, a marina with over 300 boat slips, and a swimming beach. On land, there are hiking and mountain biking trails, picnic areas, and campgrounds with basic and electric sites.
Stockton State Park Big Family Cabins
- Two-bedroom duplexes – Sleep 6. Have a full pull-out sleeper sofa, two queen-sized and a modern kitchen.
- Three-bedroom house – This home sleeps 8 comfortably. This home features 3 queen beds, 1 twin bed, and 2 futons that make into full-size beds.
Nearby Kid-Friendly Things to Do
Within an hour’s drive of Stockton State Park, families can explore the town of Stockton which hosts the annual Black Walnut Festival in September, celebrating the area’s heritage. Nearby, the Stockton Lake Management Lands offer opportunities for wildlife observation and nature walks. For a scenic drive, the area around the lake provides picturesque views of the Ozark hills and prairie landscapes.
10. Thousand Hills State Park – Kirksville, MO
Thousand Hills State Park is located two miles west of Kirksville in Adair County, Missouri. The park encompasses over 3,000 acres and features Forest Lake, a 573-acre body of water suitable for fishing, swimming, and boating. Visitors can enjoy hiking and mountain biking on the park’s trails, as well as opportunities to observe local wildlife. An interpretive shelter provides information about petroglyphs left by inhabitants over 1,500 years ago.
Thousand Hills State Park Big Family Cabins
- Duplex cabin – Seven available, sleeps 6 with rollaway. Each unit has a bath with a shower, patio, picnic table, barbecue grill, and color TV. Kitchen amenities include table service, apartment-size stove, refrigerator, and microwave.
Nearby Kid-Friendly Activities
Within an hour’s drive of the park, families can explore attractions in Kirksville. The Del and Norma Robison Planetarium offers educational programs about astronomy. The Museum of Osteopathic Medicine provides exhibits on the history of osteopathic medicine. The Kirksville Aquatic Center features swimming facilities with an indoor pool open all year, great for a rainy day.
11. Washington State Park – De Soto, MO
Washington State Park is located in Washington County, Missouri, approximately 7 miles southwest of De Soto along Highway 21. The park spans over 2,100 acres and is situated along the Big River, offering opportunities for swimming, fishing, and canoeing. Visitors can explore three hiking trails, including the 1,000 Steps Trail, which features stonework constructed by the African American Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s. The park is also home to a significant collection of Native American petroglyphs, with over 350 symbols carved into dolomite rock, dating back to around 1000 to 1600 CE.
Washington State Park Big Family Cabins
- Three-bedroom cabin – Sleeps 12. Full kitchen, linens included heat or A/C, charcoal grill, and fire ring.
Nearby Kid-Friendly Activities
Within an hour’s drive of Washington State Park, families can explore the nearby town of De Soto offers local dining and shopping options. For those interested in history, the Sandy Creek Covered Bridge State Historic Site, located approximately 20 miles northeast, provides a glimpse into 19th-century bridge construction. Outdoor enthusiasts might consider a visit to St. Francois State Park, located about 30 miles south, which offers hiking trails, fishing, and picnicking opportunities
Missouri’s state parks offer an affordable way for big families to enjoy the outdoors, with spacious cabins, scenic landscapes, and activities to keep kids busy. Whether you’re planning a weekend fishing trip or a weeklong hiking getaway, these parks provide a variety of lodging options that work for families of 5, 6, or more. For even more trip ideas, check out our National Park Guides for Families or explore Missouri Hotels for Big Families to find the right fit for your crew family.
