DNR
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The word Meramec comes from an Indian word for catfish. The river and oxbow lake offer opportunities for fishing. Along with catfish, there are bluegill, crappie, drum and smallmouth bass. Gigging for hogsuckers is a popular activity on fall evenings. Fishing licenses and bait are not available at the park.
Boat LaunchOnondaga Cave State Park maintains a canoe launch and boat ramp for the use of visitors who have their own craft. Canoe rental is not available within the park. Canoes or rafts may be rented from a number of liveries in the area. The nearest locations will be in Leasburg, Bourbon, Cuba and Steelville. The canoe launch is located in the picnic grounds downstream from the Meramec River bridge. The boat ramp is located upstream from the bridge.
Other AmenitiesThis information is not available online at this time. Please call the park office at 573-245-6576 to request this information.
Picnic Area/PlaygroundA day-use area is available for picnics. The picnic area is located along the Meramec River with picnic tables and a charcoal grill at each site. The picnic shelter may also be used if it has not been previously reserved. The picnic shelter is located alongside the lake on the road to the campground. Water and electricity are available as well as charcoal grills for cooking and picnic tables. The picnic shelter may be reserved through the park office for $30 per day.
A new playground made of recycled plastic products was constructed in 2004 in the campground.
SwimmingThe Meramec River has a number of popular swimming holes. However, the river is not within the park and no lifeguard is on duty. All swimming is at your own risk.
