Graham Cave State Park

Interesting state park. At the edge of two ecosystems. Ozark Highlands and Glaciar Plains. The cave itself is pretty typical of a rock overhang in the woods in the area, but a lot larger. The cave is fenced off, so you can't really go into it. The park is about 5 minutes off the interstate, so it is a great place to stop and stretch your legs.

A nice, clean, small state park. It's right off the interstate so it can get a little loud from the traffic going by on parts of the hiking trails. Very pretty in the fall

So I am going to review this park from the perspective of a tent camper; perspectives from RVers may be different. We arrived at our site 31 after dark on Thursday. We were quickly disillusioned of any idea that these non-electric sites had actually been prepared to work as “tent sites.” There were no plots to set up a tent anywhere within the bounds of a campsite. The terrain was filled with ruts, lacked level ground, and just obviously not prepared with the same care as the asphalt RV pads. We found a suitable spot that worked for us; but really wish more site prep was done by MO DNR for tent camping. After the tent was set up we had our first fire. The proximity of the campground to Interstate 70 meant the highway noise was constant presence while trying to hear the sounds of nature rather than of society. However, the lack of light pollution definitely made up for that in the beautiful views of the sky. Friday morning was our first venture in to the just barely satisfactory shower house. While water temperature and water pressure were both great, the location and availability of hooks and a shelf had also not been well thought out through. Friday was also our first interaction with the staff. In this respect the park really shined. The camp ground host and visitor guides were both outstanding and absolute pleasures to interact with. The campground claims to have a playground however, this is just a single swing set with 4 swings. On Saturday we took the Indian Glade Trail down from the campground to Graham Cave. The trail was an outstanding hike with many different terrains, photo spots, and natural environment encounters. I would say this hike was the highlight of the state park itself. Graham Cave itself however was pretty disappointing as a giant fence prevents entry past the first 6-10ft, and looks quite ugly in any photos. Saturday evening Alexa, a visitor service guide, presented an educational program for the kids just after sunset. This program was awesome and interactive and I really hope the staff knows what a treasure they have in her program. That program was incredible, and definitely the primary factor of raising this review from fair to good. Before leaving Sunday morning we took a site seeing walk around the entire campground. The lack of properly configured pads for tent camper was common throughout the grounds. All in all our family had a wonderful weekend, however in many ways this was in spite of the condition of the campgrounds.

The camp ground site was not a pleasant experience, and bathrooms/showers were unclean. In one stall, the nozzle broke off as I was showering, another was unable to use, and the large shower stall was difficult to adjust the water and bad water pressure. We expected to be able to park 2 cars, but there is only one narrow parking spot. Animals would love it if they dont mind tons of spiders. My turtle enjoyed the campsite, but it was very uncomfortable for me. If you camp here, choose closest to the restrooms and playground. The further away from the shower area, the more un-level the ground is, and spiders are under every step. I drove by the picnic area, and it was lovely.

The Google directions take you to the middle of the highway, but we realized if you go to the website there is a directions option that leads you to the correct location for the campgrounds. When we arrived at the campground someone in a golf cart drove down to our site, then turned around and went back. They didn't speak to anyone and we thought that was weird. The next morning we noticed that was the campground attendant. It would have been nice if they had spoken the day before. Overall it was a nice campground for tents. Bring your own tissue for the restroom.