See all 5 routes on Meramec River
Missouri | Missouri Ozarks
Meramec RiverOnondaga Cave State Park to Campbell Bridge Access
Five-mile Meramec float from the Onondaga Cave State Park canoe launch to MDC Campbell Bridge Access. Missouri State Parks and MDC document the public access pair, and the Sullivan USGS gauge supports a conservative same-day level check.
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Route location
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Route overview
Trip details
Access rules, camping and seasonal notes.
Permits, camping and season
Access and shuttle
Launch at the Onondaga Cave State Park Meramec River canoe launch or boat ramp and take out at MDC Campbell Bridge Access. MDC documents this as a five-mile canoe float, with the downstream Sullivan USGS gauge used as a conservative low-water check.
Access map
Put-in
Onondaga Cave State Park canoe launch / boat launchMissouri State Parks says the canoe launch is downstream from the Meramec River bridge and the boat ramp is upstream from the bridge; choose the signed launch that matches your craft and current park rules.
Take-out
Campbell Bridge AccessCampbell Bridge is an MDC river access with a concrete boat ramp, dedicated canoe launch, restroom, and parking, but same-day signs and local conditions still control use.
Road shuttle
Use a short two-car shuttle between Onondaga Cave State Park and MDC Campbell Bridge Access on Highway N. Check Onondaga Cave State Park status and inspect the Campbell Bridge landing before launching.
Additional access notes
- The Campbell Bridge coordinate is a practical public paddling-location anchor paired with MDC route and map evidence; verify the take-out from the road before launching.
More route and safety guidance
- MDC planning material identifies Onondaga Cave State Park to Campbell Bridge as a five-mile canoe float, and Campbell Bridge has a concrete ramp, canoe launch, restroom, and parking. Verify the Campbell landing from the road before launching.
- Keep the 200 cfs floor as a conservative low-water check. High or rising water can add fresh wood, bridge current, faster bends, and harder landings; do not use private banks or gravel bars as substitute access.
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Conditions
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Station details and river cameras
Station observations
USGS measurements
Measurement notes and coverage
These are observations at the station. Water depth and current can differ along your trip.
River camera · USGS
View at the gauge
Meramec River near Sullivan, MO. This view may be outside your paddling reach. Images are periodic and do not establish safe conditions.
Photos and recent reports
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Paddler reports
Recent notes from paddlers
A few quick notes from people who were on this route recently.
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Sources and methodology
Review source dates and published guidance below. We have not inspected this trip in person.
Why this scoreData reliability: checking
This rating reflects whether the gauge measures this part of the river, whether published water-level guidance is available, and how recently the data was updated.
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Data behind the scoreWater levels, published guidance and update times
These readings and published water-level limits help explain today’s score.
| Gauge site | Meramec River near Sullivan, MO |
| Discharge | Checking |
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| 24h trend | Checking |
| 24h change | Checking |
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| Rain last 24h | Checking |
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| Preferred range | Needs paddler reports |
| Known low-water floor | 200 cfs |
| High threshold | Water-level guidance unavailable |
| Evidence strength behind the range | Local route guidance |
| Gauge observed | Checking |
| Paddle Today updated | Checking |
| Main source behind this score | Rivers.MOHERP Sullivan gauge rating and Meramec trip logs |
| Gauge source | Checking |
| Weather source | Checking |
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NotesPublished evidence and verification notes
These notes cover the access details, route quirks, and source caveats most likely to matter once you get there.
- Official route shapeOnondaga Cave State Park to Campbell Bridge Access, 5 miles
MDC planning material for Campbell Bridge Access says a canoe float from Onondaga Cave State Park to Campbell Bridge Access is 5 miles.
- Public put-inOnondaga Cave State Park canoe launch / boat ramp
Missouri State Parks says paddlers can access the Meramec River from the park canoe launch or boat ramp, and its boat-launch page publishes coordinates for the Onondaga launch.
- Public take-outCampbell Bridge Access
MDC says Campbell Bridge Access provides Meramec River access with a concrete boat ramp, dedicated canoe launch, restroom, and ample parking.
- Direct gaugeUSGS 07014500
USGS operates Meramec River near Sullivan, MO, the live Meramec gauge downstream in this route corridor and the same gauge already configured for the neighboring Sullivan-area Meramec route.
- Low-water floor200 cfs minimum-only
Rivers.MOHERP rates the Sullivan gauge good beginning at 200 cfs and includes nearby Meramec trip logs rated good from roughly 294 to 543 cfs, with a low but floatable report at 238 cfs.
- Gauge check during route review · 2026-05-30574 cfs / 3.38 ft at 2026-05-30 04:30
This reading was saved when we checked the guide. It is not today’s water level. Check the current gauge and local conditions before paddling.
- High-water cautionHigh and flood categories are not casual-float water
Rivers.MOHERP describes high water as potentially dangerous for young or inexperienced paddlers and flood water as avoidable for casual trips because obstacles can be treacherous or deadly.
Verify it yourselfCheck the source links
Use these links to double-check the gauge, route details, and access notes before you head out.
Other routes nearby
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