Castlewood State Park in Missouri, USA - map and visitor information

Research checked: 2026-11-11. Check linked official notices before travel.

Castlewood State Park in Ballwin, Missouri, follows the Meramec River through bluffs and low meadows. Choose River Scene Trail for a climb and a valley view, or stay near the picnic areas for a shorter outing.

A bluff view over the Meramec

River Scene Trail has overlooks more than 200 feet above the river. Farther on, a wooden boardwalk descends from the bluff into the valley.

Know before you go

Fees, hours, and seasonal access

Allow for a steep climb and seasonal flooding

The lower River Scene route crosses woodland that floods seasonally. Check the park hours and status page before setting out. At the river, stay on firm ground and watch for undercut banks, deep holes and logjams.

Check the map before riding

The bluff portion of River Scene Trail is hiking only. If you’re riding, use the park map and posted signs to choose a route that permits bicycles. During inclement weather, the park closes trails to cyclists and horseback riders under its wet-weather policy. Hikers can still use trails under that policy. Check the park’s trail closure guidance for the current status map.

Book a picnic shelter

Follow the booking link on the park’s shelter information page for dates from 30 days to 12 months away. Call the park for closer dates. A reserved shelter is available from 9 a.m. until the park closes. From April through October, reserve Monday through Friday except Memorial Day, Independence Day and Labor Day. The shelters are first come, first served on those holidays and on weekends. From November through March, you can reserve any day of the week.

Arrive on Kiefer Creek Road

Use 1401 Kiefer Creek Road, Ballwin, MO 63021. The official park profile links to the park map and day-use parking information.

Other state parks west of St. Louis

• Route 66 State Park. Drive to North Outer Road near Eureka.
• Dr. Edmund A. Babler Memorial State Park. Use the Wildwood park entrance.

Hike the bluff or fish the riverbank

Read the River Scene Trail sheet for the 3.4-mile route. The walk starts with an uphill section and returns through the lower valley. For shore fishing, try riverbank access along River Scene, Stinging Nettle or Al Foster trails. The eroded River Scene connection to the other two trails is closed. Use separate access for those routes. Check Missouri fishing permit rules for your eligibility and review the applicable limits.

Accessible picnic and office approaches

Accessible office parking connects to the porch by a paved path. In the first picnic area, a path serves picnic sites, a restroom and the playground. The second shelter and its restroom have not been adapted. Shelter-area flush restrooms and water fountains close from November through March. The Lone Wolf Trailhead parking lot has a vault toilet year-round. See the park accessibility guide to choose a site.

A former river resort

Railroad outings from St. Louis

In the early 1900s, Missouri Pacific Railroad trains brought St. Louis visitors to resorts along the Meramec.

Meadows and river-bottom woods

Broad meadows and low woods flank the river. Fish in the Meramec include catfish, walleye and bluegill.

Contact Castlewood State Park

Call 636-227-4433 for shelter bookings, trail access or facilities.