Annie and Abel Van Meter State Park

Nathan Powers

2023-06

We camped out here for the weekend.The campground is one circular lot with I think around 18 spots. Some are basic just for tents and some have water and or electric.The ones on the inside of the circle have more space and are more open but you don't have any privacy. Most spots on the outside of the circle, especially on the north and west sides have more privacy but not as much space.The grounds are well kept with grass while maintained.I hiked on most of the trails in one day. I missed the memorial trail and boardwalk. Home that I walked on will maintained. Some of them are more difficult than others but none of them too strenuous.Note about the lake - Once you get to the parking lot for the lake you'll see nothing but trees. On the east side of the parking lot (next to the state park signage/billboard) there are two trail heads. Take the one on the left. There's a quarter mile hike down to the lake. The way back is mostly uphill. Not too steep, but steep enough you might feel it if you don't do much hiking/walking.Playground: It had a nice playground for small kids including a little play area and some swing sets.Restrooms: There were two bathrooms present. One was a traditional drop toilet. It had a solar fan so surprisingly it did not have any smell.The other bathroom has a shower and the women's had two toilets and the men's had one toilet and a urinal. Everything was clean.Dog-friendliness: We did not take any dogs but we saw plenty of people who had dogs.

Rhonda Marie

2024-04

Google Maps said to take 404, DO NOT!!! Take 122 into the park as it's paved and brings you directly in. 404 is a 5 mile dirt road. The park is well kept up, and the management is wonderful. Clean reastrooms and the best shower ever!!!

shelswanderlust

2022-05

Beautiful campground. The place was literally just us. No one else was really camping here. That being said, do to recent heavy rain the place was full and I mean full of puddles and all kinds bugs. Not the campgrounds fault. But I asked to move to another site under some more shade and away from the puddles which should help w the bugs. After about 3 hours I’m told we can move but it’ll be $4. Are you kidding me?? We were the only ones here and there are only about 4 families coming today. Poor customer service. Not blaming the host, but whomever told him to handle this situation like this is awful js.

Casey Boyer

2023-06

The park is beautiful and the campground is very well maintained. The only reason for 4 stars is the camper dump situation. You have to haul into town (~ 15 mins) and do a little song and dance to dump your camper. If they add a dump station or full hook up, this would be a 5 star campground!Playground: The kids had fun at the playground!

Ray Brown

2023-05

We enjoyed a lovely weekend camping with friend in mid-January. The park was quiet with wonderful sunsets. We also enjoyed the many hiking trails.

Laurie Jackson

2023-05

…More

Dustin Smith

2022-05

I always love coming here, I come at least one a year, beautiful camp grounds lots of hiking trails, the lake is hard to fish no way to put a boat in and a good hike if you wanted to take a kayak,

sheri smith

2023-05

We took the kids for a last day out before school here. We try to do it at least once a year with them, this year we walked around the entire lake-fun and used all that pent up energy

Atryus Marshall

2017-05

The staff at the state park is absolutely superb they went above and beyond, out of their way to assist me. It's a Wonderful quiet place. all the campsites were almost perfectly level. surrounded by corn fields but you can't tell when you're inside the park. a lovely little place and I plan on going back several times.

Tina Mischke

2020-05

Although off the beaten track and no hookups, I loved staying here. This is a beautiful park and there are many hiking opportunities and places of historical interest, including a view of the Lewis and Clark Expedition trail and Native American sites. The road to some of these things is closed as of November 1 but we were there in October and it was really peaceful.

Rasse Boy's Outdoor Life

2020-05

We found such a variety of etiable Autumn mushrooms! So beautiful, just a great way to get out.Pick a path, then enjoy nature!!!

William Kurtz

2023-07

Nice couple of trails. Quiet camping. Well maintained.

Dominique Polk

2023-08

It's always so beautiful to hike through. Different areas to explore. Easy hiking for the most part. There are bathrooms and showers, camping areas, picnic areas, and a shelter house with lots of tables to enjoy picnics on even rainy days. We come here often as it isn't far from our town and walk around some.There is even a free museum when you first come in that you can go into and see how the tribes that lived on these lands survived, housed, and took care of other members. It's all pretty neat, really, Walking through the woods anytime of the year is still easy, beautiful, and safe. You will most likely find pieces of Indian artifacts laying around out there, but make sure not to take them with you. It's not allowed. However, you are encouraged to look around and then let all be as it was. There are park rangers, but as long as you're obeying park rules, then they stay friendly and let you explore. A must-see attraction. Kid friendly, pet friendly, and camping fees are super low and convenient. Tent and rv spots.Restrooms: Super clean!Picnic area: There are lots of tables to enjoy family reunions, outings, or other big social events.

Vera greer

2018-05

Thank you for a great place to stay!A lovely quite park with lots of shade trees. Well kept grounds and care takers were very helpful and friendly. We would recommend it to everyone .

Shana Dearing

2020-05

Beautiful area to hike through. Plan on coming back when the weather is warmer. Check out the museum on the way in, it's worth it.

Christi Boyer

2019-05

Kind of hard to find, but nice park! Camping available. Missouri American Indian Cultural Center was closed when we arrived, but we’ll be back to check that out! Lots of trails!

Darin Good

2023-12

Excellent place for a quiet walk through the woods

Cathy Daniels

2022-05

Van Meter is a green magic all its own! It's unique and si very absolutely lively!

Shalene Blackwood

2020-05

Great visitors center with lots of hands on Native American info. Nice short easy hike into the marsh.

Joseph Kerski

2022-05

Beautiful peaceful spot… Beautiful trees & you can hear the frogs croaking… Great trails.

kim young

2023-05

This is a beautiful park! The campsites are so roomy. The odd numbered sites on the outside of the circle are super private. There is only one shower in the women's bathroom but it's quite large and roomy. For hot water just barely turn on the faucet if you turn it too far it goes right to cold. Campground maintenance staff is very friendly and helpful also.

Kayla Elson

2023-05

Great State Park for hiking, picnics, or small gatherings. There are shelter houses, outdoor grills, and well marked trails you can spend hours on. They've recently added Kayak rentals for the lake which is a great addition! Camping is also available.

Tim K

2023-11

Great campsite! Super clean, spread out and heated bathrooms and showers (April-Oct)

Carol Hough

2023-05

This is a small and peaceful campground.Inside loop is well groomed and urban park picturesque. Outside loop has a handful of nicely wooded sites that are tucked in close to the natural marsh. Mix of basic and electric sites, so something for everyone.Ranger lives on site and it is obvious he loves this park. Maintenance crew is attentive and friendly.Nature thrives in this park!A rare gem in today’s glamping world.Peace, quiet, and nature. I love this park

Jean Gerken

2022-05

I had the most wonderful time hiking on the trails today. Two very nice people and their dog were leaving the trails as I started. They were the only people I saw. It was a lovely peaceful hike. So very beautiful. It was not my first visit and I will of course come again.

Valerie Lewis

2021-05

Beautiful park. My first visit. Tall tall trees and squirrels all around. Nice and quiet.

Seth Gaddie

2021-05

Wonderful getaway, small park but so quiet and meticulously maintained.

landon hartline

2023-05

Trick or treating was awesome. John and Don did a great job

Shawn coleman

2020-05

Amazing RV park, trails, hiking area, lake, Indian cultural center. There are a lot of RV parks closer to route 70 and I almost didn't drive the 12 miles north to go to this one but I am so glad we did. Huge RV spots. Secluded, tree canopies on every spot. Quiet. The grounds are manicured like a golf course. And since it's in a state park. RV spots are only $21 with electric. Even cheaper if you want a big RV spot without electric. If you want a beautiful spot for a tent it was $6 bucks. Late-night check-in. Honor system. We were there in peak season of July and only 2 others in a huge RV area. 100% recommend. Kids will love it.

Scott Fann

2017-05

Great place for camping, hiking, and fishing. Campground has a nice bathhouse and a good playground for the kids. Great circle drive for the kids to ride bikes.