State Parks have distinct personalities
A summer goal is to stay in all the state parks with camping facilities in Traveler country as I make my advertising rounds for the publication.
I prefer camping to staying in motels. It save you money and puts you in contact with other people and nature.This summer I’ve camped in Babler, Hawn, St. Joe, Sam Baker, Washington and Meramec State Parks and a National Parks Service Campground at Alley Spring. I’ve met campers, volunteer hosts, various wild animals, birds and insects, and seen some of Missouri’s prettiest scenery.
Each park has its own personality. Babler is an outpost in St. Louis’ western sprawl. Its sky is never dark and rarely quiet, as air traffic from nearby Spirit of St. Louis Airport flies overhead. Babler is frequented by bicyclists from nearby suburbs, who enjoy the steep and scenic hills and miles of roads.
St. Joe is an ATV paradise with some fishing lakes thrown in. Old lead mining wasteland has been used to make a place for people who like to camp and ride their off-road vehicles.
Hawn, Washington and Sam Baker offer more intimate encounters with nature. Pickle Creek meanders through the deep hollow where the Hawn campground is set, with spectacular scenes just steps from your tent site. Baker lays along the St. Francis River and you can make a canoe trip right at the park. Washington offers easy access to the Big River, plus trails, petroglyphs and great scenery.
Meramec, on the nights I was there, was full and loud, with noisy campers and roaring motorcyles. Perhaps that’s because it’s not far off Interstate 44. Camping is along the Meramec River front, handy for swimming, fishing, canoeing, kayaking or tubing. I found the 1.8 mile Deer Hollow Hiking Trail, and enjoyed an early morning uphill workout that came back into the paved park road for an easy walk back to camp.
It’s fun to talk with the volunter camp hosts and the people you meet around you. If you haven’t partaken of Missouri State Parks yet this summer, make plans now to get out there. Maybe I’ll see you in a campground.
Emery Styron
River Hills Traveler
