Blue Springs Ranch

For Missouri residents seeking a comprehensive outdoor adventure, Blue Springs Ranch in Bourbon, MO, stands as a premier destination. Located at 1246 Blue Springs Rd, this expansive 150-acre resort on the beautiful Meramec River offers a diverse array of activities and lodging options, making it a true hub for family fun and outdoor recreation. Whether you're dreaming of a relaxing float trip, a thrilling zipline experience, or simply a peaceful night under the stars, Blue Springs Ranch has something for everyone. This is a place where generations of families return, building cherished memories year after year, and it’s perfectly situated for a convenient getaway right here in our beloved state.

Blue Springs Ranch has cultivated a reputation as a vibrant, family-friendly resort. Reviews consistently highlight the friendly staff, the cleanliness of the cabins, and the sheer abundance of activities available. From exhilarating river adventures to serene camping experiences, this destination is designed to cater to various preferences, ensuring that every visitor finds their ideal way to connect with Missouri's natural beauty. This article will provide Missouri locals with an in-depth look at Blue Springs Ranch, detailing its accessible location, the wide range of services and features that make it so popular, and why it remains a top choice for creating unforgettable outdoor experiences. Get ready to discover your next favorite Missouri family vacation spot.

Blue Springs Ranch is conveniently located at 1246 Blue Springs Rd, Bourbon, MO 65441, USA. Bourbon is a charming community in Crawford County, Missouri, perfectly positioned to offer both a serene rural escape and excellent accessibility from major metropolitan areas.

One of the most significant advantages for Missouri locals is the ranch's proximity to St. Louis. Blue Springs Ranch proudly states it is "just one hour from St. Louis," making it an ideal destination for weekend getaways, day trips, or longer vacations without the burden of extensive travel. The drive typically involves well-maintained highways, primarily Interstate 44, which runs through Bourbon, ensuring a smooth and straightforward journey for families, RVs, and cars alike. Upon exiting I-44, a short drive on Route N leads directly to Blue Springs Road and the ranch entrance. This ease of access allows visitors to maximize their time enjoying the resort's numerous offerings rather than spending it on the road. Additionally, the city of Bourbon provides essential amenities such as gas stations and local stores, ensuring that campers can easily resupply or find any necessary conveniences just a short drive from the ranch.

Blue Springs Ranch is a full-service outdoor resort, offering a comprehensive range of amenities and activities to ensure a memorable stay for all types of visitors. Their extensive offerings include:

• Diverse Lodging Options:

  • Cabins: A wide variety of clean cabins are available, ranging from small, two-person camper units to large bluff view cabins capable of sleeping up to 16 guests. They offer different styles, including log cabins, bunkhouses, ranch houses, and even unique accommodations like a "Family Conestoga Wagon." Many cabins feature amenities like full bathrooms, kitchens, fireplaces (wood-burning or gas), and some even have seasonal pools or hot tubs.

  • Campsites: Over 200 campsites are available, catering to all camping preferences:

    • Full Hook-up RV Sites: Offering 30-amp and 50-amp electric, water, and sewer connections.

    • Partial Hook-up Sites: With water and electricity.

    • Tent Sites: Many tent sites with electric and water, and basic tent sites located near the waterfront.

  • Float Trips on the Meramec River: As a prominent feature, Blue Springs Ranch offers multiple float trip options:

    • 10-Mile Float: Available with canoes, kayaks, rafts (4-man up to 10-man).

    • 5-Mile Float: Available with canoes, kayaks, rafts. (Note: Rafts are currently limited to the 5-mile float).

    • 1-Mile Lazy River Float: Accessible with inner tubes, with buses leaving hourly from the lower beach to the upper beach.

    • Rental equipment includes fiberglass canoes, aluminum canoes, single kayaks, and various sizes of rafts and inner tubes/cooler tubes.

  • Recreation and Facilities:

    • Ziplining: Test your courage on four ziplines totaling over 3,000 feet, soaring through the Missouri wilderness and across water.

    • Horseback Riding: Guided trail rides to explore the scenic ranch property.

    • Swimming Pool: An outdoor pool for refreshing dips and relaxation.

    • Playground: Dedicated areas for children to play.

    • Basketball and Volleyball Courts: For sports enthusiasts.

    • General Store: A well-stocked store offering anything you might need during your stay (though note, no beer or alcohol is sold).

    • Restrooms and Showers: Clean facilities are available for all campers.

    • Dump Station: For RV waste disposal.

    • Laundry Facilities: For guest convenience.

    • Wi-Fi Access: Available, often with an initial free period followed by a purchase requirement.

  • Friendly and Accommodating Staff: Reviews consistently praise the friendly staff, who are noted for being helpful, even waiting for late arrivals.

  • Pet-Friendly: Pets are allowed outdoors on a leash, making it a suitable destination for families with furry members.

  Features / Highlights

  • Prime Meramec River Access: Blue Springs Ranch boasts direct access to the upper Meramec River, widely considered one of the best floating rivers in Missouri. The campground provides two distinct river access points, making it incredibly convenient for float trips. This prime location is a major draw for water enthusiasts.

  • Extensive Activity Offerings: Unlike many campgrounds that primarily offer just sites, Blue Springs Ranch is a full-fledged resort with a wide array of on-site activities. The combination of float trips, ziplining, horseback riding, swimming, and various sports ensures there's never a dull moment and caters to all ages and interests.

  • Variety of Lodging: From primitive tent sites to luxurious cabins and even unique covered wagons, Blue Springs Ranch offers an accommodation style to suit every preference and group size. This versatility allows families to choose their ideal level of comfort.

  • Family-Friendly Atmosphere and Traditions: Multiple reviews highlight the family-oriented nature of the resort, with many visitors returning year after year, sometimes for generations. This creates a welcoming and familiar environment for new and returning guests alike.

  • Customer Service Excellence (Generally): Despite a rare incident during a severe weather event mentioned in one review, the overwhelming sentiment regarding staff is positive, with "friendly staff" and willingness to "wait for us" being common praises. This indicates a general commitment to guest satisfaction.

  • Beautiful Natural Surroundings: The 150-acre property is set in the scenic Ozark region, offering picturesque views and a refreshing natural environment for a true escape.

  Promotions or Special Offers

  Blue Springs Ranch, as a large resort, frequently offers various promotions and special packages to enhance your stay. While specific, real-time deals can fluctuate, it is always recommended to check their official website or call directly for the most current offers. Common types of promotions include:

  • Mid-Week Discounts: Often, lower rates are available for stays during weekdays compared to peak weekends.

  • Off-Season Rates: Reduced pricing for bookings outside the main summer season (e.g., spring or fall).

  • Package Deals: Look for bundles that combine lodging or camping with popular activities like float trips, ziplining, or horseback riding for a comprehensive experience at a potentially lower overall cost.

  • Group Rates: If you are planning a large gathering, family reunion, or group trip, Blue Springs Ranch may offer special rates for multiple cabin or campsite bookings.

  • Last-Minute Deals: Occasionally, they might offer discounts on last-minute bookings to fill available spots.

  • Raincheck Policy: As noted in a review, Blue Springs Ranch has a raincheck policy for floating portions of reservations if it's raining at the resort through 12:00 PM on the day of your float. This raincheck is good for one year and can be used towards activities, camping, or cabins.

  It is important to note their cancellation policies, which typically require 14 days notice for camping/camper unit cancellations and 30 days for multiple cabin reservations, with applicable service fees. Always confirm all details and policies when booking.

  Contact Information

  • Address: 1246 Blue Springs Rd, Bourbon, MO 65441, USA. This specific address ensures accurate navigation to the resort.

  • Phone: (573) 732-5200. This is the direct phone number for Blue Springs Ranch, allowing you to speak with their team for reservations, inquiries, and information on current availability and promotions. They also have a toll-free number: (800) 333-8007.

  Conclusion: Why Blue Springs Ranch is Suitable for Locals

  For Missouri residents, Blue Springs Ranch in Bourbon stands out as an exceptionally suitable and appealing destination for a multitude of reasons. Firstly, its accessibility is a major draw. Being just an hour's drive from St. Louis means that families can easily escape the city for a weekend or even a day trip without the hassle of long-distance travel, maximizing their time for fun and relaxation. This convenience makes it a regular choice for many local families seeking recurrent outdoor adventures.

  Beyond its ideal location, Blue Springs Ranch offers an unparalleled diversity of activities, making it a true all-in-one resort. Whether your family enjoys the thrill of a Meramec River float trip (with options for canoes, kayaks, rafts, or tubes), the excitement of ziplining, or the traditional charm of horseback riding, there's something to engage every member. The wide range of lodging options, from basic tent sites to comfortable cabins and even unique covered wagons, ensures that every family can find accommodations that fit their style and budget, fostering repeat visits and established traditions.

  The consistently praised friendly staff further enhances the experience, contributing to the welcoming atmosphere that keeps visitors coming back. While the reviewer mentioned a minor issue with a door lock, the overall sentiment regarding cabin cleanliness and staff helpfulness remains overwhelmingly positive. For any Missourian seeking a comprehensive, fun-filled, and conveniently located outdoor resort where lasting family memories are made, Blue Springs Ranch truly delivers. It's more than just a campground; it's a cherished Missouri tradition waiting to be part of your family's story.