Robertsville State Park

Just west of St. Louis, Missouri residents and visitors can spend a pawtastic afternoon at the Robertsville State Park in Robertsville. With more than 1,200 acres along the Meramec River, this park has something for everyone, including your little fur buddies! 

If you and your pup are hikers, you will find several miles of hiking paths along scenic bluffs, forests and clearings that were once farm fields, such as along the Spice Bush Trail. Bordered on one side by the Calvey Creek, and on two others by the Meramac River, this is a woofderful place for water enthusiasts. A boat launch allows you to put in a canoe or other boat, and the fishing is just furbulous here, as the Meramac River is full of huge catfish, bass, carp, bluegill, and many other species. Just be sure to bring along your Missouri State fishing license. When you are done fishing, you can cook up your catch on a  BBQ grill in one of the picnic areas.

Stay overnight in the campgrounds for a true adventure. The camp areas are well-shaded and offer basic and electric sites, as well as showers, restrooms, laundry facilities and a dumping station. Although the park is free, there is a small fee for camping, which you can reserve online or by calling the park office. When in the campground, make sure your pooch is restrained either by a leash or in a crate or kennel. 

There's also a playground for the little humans in your clan, and another restroom and a vault toilet in other areas of the park. You can go geocaching or metal detecting here, or try to spot one of the hundred types of birds that visit the park, such as the great blue heron, bluebirds and barred owls. Make sure you bring along your binoculars and a camera.

Be sure to keep your pup leashed in all areas of the park. Tote along water to share with your thirsty pup, and always have clean-up bags on hand to help keep this park clean and dog-friendly.

No bones about it, you and your pup are going to love the Robertsville State Park!