shady beach

Been going to Shady Beach for 4 years now. We love it (although Sunny Beach would be a more appropriate name). Just across the River, another water source runs into the Meramec. We've been told it's called "Indian Creek". The entire beach is a great swimming area (assuming the river is at normal levels). There is also a beautiful, large bluff across the river. It really is one of the prettiest spots I've seen on the Meramec. There are several campsites available just a stones throw from the river. The couple who run it have always been extremely nice and accommodating to us. If you go for the day, it is only $10 per car (if you have more than 4 people in your car, it's an additional $1 each for those individuals). The restrooms and showers are kept very clean. The only items they sell are ice and wood. The nearest store is 5-plus miles away, so be prepared. The float from here is not a great float. River is slow and there aren't many gravel bars. I suggest saving your money and swimming at the beach, which is great! Pets are allowed and leashes aren't required. We love the place

We came here this weekend because it's so close and reasonable and we've been coming here for years. It's always a calm, happy camping trip. From the minute we checked in it was crazy. I asked if we could move sites for shade reasons and the nice man in front of me said let me ask. Gets on his walkie and asks a lady she's yells back "Why? They're on the river what do they expect." I said ok and walked away. She continued to run her mouth about us as we walked away. It wasn't a big deal but being on the river you'd this she would know shade is nice after a long day on the river. That is why it's called Shady Beach......I was so disappointed in the customer service. Then there are NO quiet rules but that's fine......had we known the clientele that brings is pot smoking, wood stealing, fire cracker thowing retards. I know that those issues are not there problem but they way they were handled again. Terrible. They see someone shooting fireworks so at 11pm they opt to turn on a led street light so they can monitor the situation. Thank you for ruining that sleep. The day of the float was a disaster. There was a reservation mix up of sorts somehow. Regardless of my fault or their fault I was calmly trying to figure out what happened and all the woman in charge can mnage to say is it's not my problem. Then my friend says "let's just go float, we'll sort out the extra charges Monday and we just won't come back". That is her right. At this point the lady in charge again instead of being helpful in ANY way she spouts off that if we don't like it we can pack up now and go. I've worked in customer service for over ten years. I wasn't ever rude. I never raised my voice. I simply wanted a calm camp trip for my birthday and this is what I got. The funny part of the we story is had she let us switch sights those problem people she would have seen with no problem without ruining ten sights around them. I dunno. I used to love this place I've been coming for years but after the way we were treated I just can't go back. She was so rude. Even after I was just like ok let's just float and I paid she manages to say "your all set".......well congratulations to me. Where does my raft go in? Where does it come out? Important details I think. Nope just turned around and started talking to someone else. I'm sorry I'm just paying you for a service I'm sorry I bothered you by asking you for details of the service I paid for. I'm sorry. I truly used to love this place. Now.....I'll search for other options. They lost my business. It's a big deal we float every year.

fun just dont think it should cost to go to the river. But it is a very fun place to go to hang out with family and friends even if you want to camp out on the beach or just have a wennie roast.

This is a great place if you are local to access the river, swimming, camping, etc.. It is relatively small and as with all places in the area often gets quite crowded. They vigorously enforce their rules but never harrass anyone who is simply enjoying themselves, swimming, camping, drinking, etc.. Actually the only ones I have seen asked to leave were those openly using drugs(marijuana). It is geared towards families and they evidently want to keep it that way.