Onondaga Cave State Park
Leasburg, MO
A show cave with large formations including stalagmites and flowstone, explored on a guided walk through lit passages. Tours run seasonally and the cave stays cool all year, so bring a light jacket; the park also has trails along the Meramec River.
Onondaga Cave State Park covers about 550 ha (1,358 acres) along the Meramec River, roughly 8 km (5 miles) southeast of Leasburg. The cave was discovered in 1886 by Charles Christopher, was named a National Natural Landmark in 1980, and the site became a state park in 1982. It is known for its "lily pad" formations. The park also contains Cathedral Cave, said to be about one and a half times as long as Onondaga.
Besides the cave tours, the park offers camping, hiking, fishing, picnicking and swimming; a visitor center with a nature museum was built in 1990. The park drew more than 420,000 visitors in 2023, so summer weekends can be busy. Plan about half a day for the tour, the visitor center and the riverbank. Tours are seasonal; check current dates with the park before you travel.
- Nearest town
- Leasburg, MO
- Category
- Nature & parks
- GPS
- 38.0597, -91.2281
Hours, fees and access change. Confirm with the operator or park before you go.
Good to know
Best time to go
The most pleasant months are usually May and September–October. Still fine, with some compromises, in April and June. Hot in July. Cold, short days in January–February. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
Nearby
Campsites nearby
- The Rafting CoCampsite10 mi from Onondaga Cave State ParkTentsCaravans
- Lucky Clover Lakeside River ResortCampsite10 mi from Onondaga Cave State Park
- Berryman Campground & Recreational AreaCampsite13 mi from Onondaga Cave State Park
- Red Bluff Recreation AreaCampsite17 mi from Onondaga Cave State ParkToilets
- Hazel Creek CampgroundCampsite19 mi from Onondaga Cave State Park
- Hummingbird Hollow OutdoorsCampsite21 mi from Onondaga Cave State ParkTentsElectricityDrinking waterShowersToilets
All campsites in Missouri · Campsite data: © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL 1.0 · Updated October 3, 2026
FAQs
Where is Onondaga Cave State Park?
Onondaga Cave State Park is in Leasburg, MO, at GPS 38.0597, -91.2281. It is about 10 mi from Cuba.
Can you camp near Onondaga Cave State Park?
Yes. The nearest campsite listed in OpenStreetMap is Onondaga Cave State Park Campground, about 1 mi away; within 25 mi there are 24 campsites and motorhome stopovers.
What is there to see near Onondaga Cave State Park?
Places worth a stop nearby: Meramec Caverns (14 mi), Elephant Rocks State Park (41 mi), Johnson’s Shut-Ins State Park (42 mi) and Hermann (46 mi).
When is the best time to visit Onondaga Cave State Park?
The most pleasant months are usually May and September–October. Still fine, with some compromises, in April and June. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)