Scared of ticks? (Justifiable, these days.) Lost your tent amid the boxes in the basement? (Your spouse pitched it, but we won't tell.) There are all sorts of reasons to prefer a wilderness retreat that's a little more civilized: It's cleaner, cushier, dryer, and not as likely to capsize a romantic interlude. Plus it's still cheaper than most hotels, you can fall asleep to crickets and hoot owls instead of somebody else's cable TV picks, and the view the next morning's a whole lot prettier.

Sam A. Baker State Park

Distance from St. Louis: 122 miles

$75–$240 per night, two nights minimum

Each of this park’s rustic cabins overlooks the rugged landscape of the St. Francois Mountains and the rivers and creeks running through it. Made with native wood and stone, all except one of these cabins is equipped with kitchens, full baths, heating and cooling, outside BBQ grills, fire pits, and picnic tables. Bedding, towels, and utensils are provided. Dogs are only allowed in designated Cabins for Canines. Up to two dogs are permitted with a surcharge of $15 per dog, per night.

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Lake Wappapello State Park

Distance from St. Louis: 143 miles

$75–$185 per night, two nights minimum

With Lake Wappapello and miles of scenic trails nearby, this park can provide outdoor entertainment for days. Camper cabins and two-bedroom cabins accommodating up to six guests and a three-bedroom cabin accommodating as many as 10 offer amenities such as heating and cooling, a refrigerator, and an outdoor grill. (Be warned: Camper cabins do not have running water or restrooms.) Dogs are allowed in designated Canine Cabins. Up to two dogs are permitted with a surcharge of $15–$25 per dog, per night. Kennels provided.

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Meramec State Park

Distance from St. Louis: 68 miles

$105–$250 per night, two nights minimum

Thanks to cabins tucked away in the woods, lodging here won’t deprive you of Meramec’s natural charm. Cabins and duplexes offering one to five bedrooms provide necessities such as dishes, towels, refrigerators, and heating and cooling, but exclude televisions, telephones, and clocks for a true escape. Dogs allowed in all except four cabins with a surcharge of $15 per dog, per night.

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Thousand Hills State Park

Distance from St. Louis: 213 miles

$57–$258 per night

All lodging is situated within walking distance of some of the park’s main attractions, including the marina, the beach, and the hiking trails. Seven duplex-style cabins provide 14 different lodging units, eight of which sit on the lakefront. Each cabin offers heating and cooling, showers, televisions, and outdoor grills, and some cabins include a kitchenette. Up to two dogs are allowed with a surcharge of $20 per dog, per night.

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Bennett Spring State Park

Distance from St. Louis: 175 miles

$79–$159 per night

Bennett Spring boasts the lush flora and fauna of the Ozarks, plus a swimming pool and dining lodge. Motel rooms, sleeper units, duplex cabins, individual cabins, and four-plex units offer air conditioning, televisions, refrigerators and more. Up to two dogs are allowed in four dog-friendly cabins with a surcharge of $15 per dog, per night.

Washington State Park

Distance from St. Louis: 54 miles

$105–$195 per night

With fishing, hiking, swimming, and float trips, this park balances plenty of fun with its majestic Ozark views. Cabins with one, two, or three bedrooms can lodge four, six, or 12 people respectively. Each includes a fully furnished kitchen, a shower, heating and cooling, and an outdoor grill. Dogs allowed in Cabins for Canines with a surcharge of $15 per dog, per night.