A Handbook to Spelunking vs. Caving: Best Caves in Missouri

Have you ever heard of “spelunking”? This quirky name refers to the recreation of exploring caves. Potholing, caving, spelunking; this activity has multiple names but is a lifelong passion for some and it's easy to see why when visiting Missouri.

Missouri is rich in geographical beauty and contains over 7,000 caves and caverns. If you’re visiting Camdenton or a nearby area, consider delving into this new hobby. To make your journey a bit easier, we’ve compiled some basic tips and information to get you started.

What is the Difference Between Caving and Spelunking?

“Cavers rescue spelunkers!" - the popular bumper sticker exists in the community for a reason. While both terms refer to cave exploring, there are distinct differences between the two. Within the community, spelunking has taken on negative connotations and many use it to refer to unprepared and inexperienced explorers.

Experienced enthusiasts refer to themselves as "cavers" and would take being labeled a spelunker as an insult. Many seasoned cavers form caving clubs and are somewhat secretive about local spots to ensure only those who know proper caving etiquette can find the cave.

If you’re not a seasoned caver, you probably won’t be prepared to belly crawl narrow passages and repel off of a cave wall-and you shouldn’t attempt it! Doing so without proper preparation and experience is very dangerous and could result in serious injury. This is why spelunking is a better option for beginners.

Show Caves vs Wild Caves

Caves are identified as either show (commercial) or wild. A show cave is accessible to the public for guided visits and has been altered to accommodate groups of tourists.

Commercial caves usually don’t require repelling or involve tight spaces and are safer for the general public. Wild caves are in their natural state and have not been altered. We recommend starting with touring some commercial caves to kick off your newfound hobby.

The Best Missouri Caves for Spelunking

Spelunking is an enjoyable activity year-round but especially during the summer months. The unique design of caves doesn't allow cold air to be pushed out and replaced by warm air, resulting in a cool climate.

Most show caves are easy to walk through for children and visitors with limited mobility. Here are some of the best spots to go spelunking in Missouri:

Jacob's Cave

Located in Versailles, Jacob's Cave is the largest cave at The Lake of the Ozarks and provides a breathtaking experience for all ages. One of the best things about Jacob's Cave is that it contains no steps and has smooth walkways, making it wheelchair and stroller-friendly. Visitors will see a variety of formations, massive stalactites, and even evidence of six Ice Ages and three earthquakes on their journey. This is one cave not to miss!

Unique Offerings: Easy accessibility, and scenic views.
Driving Time From Us: 35 minutes
Walkthrough: 1 hour 20 minutes
Tours: Year-round

Bridal Cave

Hailed as the area's most scenic cave, Bridal Cave has been dropping visitor's jaws for over 75 years. This cave is perfect for all ages and is accessible by boat or car. The cave stays at a cool 60 degrees so it's a perfect excursion year-round. Spend the day in geological wonder and then head back to our property for a relaxing night's sleep.

Unique Offerings: Known as the most beautiful cave in the area. Unique experiences; General, Lantern, and Black Light tours.
Driving Time From Us: 10 Minutes
Walkthrough: 1 hour
Tours: Year-round

Onyx Cave

Get your paddles ready and explore this cave on the water! No really, this cave is only accessible by kayak but shouldn't be missed if you're in the area. The cave is only 2 miles upriver from the HaHa Tonka State Park kayak zone. Enjoy a cool 30-minute ride through the cave and get in touch with the secret passages all around HaHa Tonka. Although there are no guided tours, you can enjoy taking a self-guided look at the cave and its beautiful formations.

Unique Offerings: Self-guided tour by kayak.
Driving Time From Us: 10 Minutes
Walkthrough: 30 minutes
Tours: Year-round

Stark Caverns

Located in Eldon, this cave has had many uses over the years, including a resting area for cattle, a speakeasy, trout farms, and even a roller-skating rink. Stark Caverns also offers unique experiences like an escape room and the famous black light tour located inside the cave!

Unique Offerings: 3 Distinct Experiences; Daily Tour, Black Light Tour, and Escape Room.
Driving Time From Us: 30 Minutes
Walkthrough: The Daily Tour takes approximately 1 hour.
Tours: Year-round

Ozark Caverns

Located at the Lake of the Ozarks State Park, Ozark Caverns offers unique features like the never-ending shower of water bursting out of the ceiling rock named Angel Showers. The cave is also home to four species of bats and salamanders, and 16 species of invertebrates. Perfect for all ages, this cave tour is one you should add to your travel itinerary!

Unique Offerings: Angel Showers and a glimpse at unique species of invertebrates and bats.
Driving Time From Us: 20 Minutes
Walkthrough: 1 hour
Tours: Year-round

The Best Missouri Caves for Caving

If you’re yawning at our list of spelunking caves and beginner tips, then get ready for our list of “caver” basics to begin your journey into this niche community.

Consider joining a local club to learn from professionals and receive the best advice.

Safety

While caving is considered a dangerous sport, there are some general guidelines to reduce the risk of injury:

Never Go Alone
Many consider a team of three to be a safe minimum, but additional team members equals more help if something goes wrong. Bring someone who has been to the cave before and understands the route, hazards, and demands.
Establish a Surface-Watch
This is a responsible person who will not be on the cave trip and will be available to call for help if needed. Let them know exactly where you’re going, who is on the trip, what vehicle(s) you are using, where they are parked, and when you plan to exit.
Avoid Unnecessary Risks
Don’t exert yourself further than you you’re able. If you're worried about fitting into a small opening, don’t risk it. Cave within the skill and experience levels of your team and don’t push your group beyond their limits. When in doubt, trust your instincts.
Tread Lightly & Leave No Trace
Caves are especially delicate environments and a careless nudge or bump can destroy them in an instant. Do not use chalk or spray paint on the walls. Carry out your trash, and leave the animals/insects alone.

Essential Caving Equipment

Light Source: You should not explore a cave without a reliable light source. Be sure to grab extra batteries and backup sources like a candle, handheld flashlight, or additional headlamp in case of malfunction.

Helmet: Don’t forget a reliable helmet. Caves can be muddy and slipping could result in injury. You will most likely be exploring a tight space and don’t want to risk hurting your head. Choose a basic construction helmet for an affordable option or invest in a high-quality caving helmet.

Additional equipment will depend on what you want to do in the cave. If you’re going to be repelling, you’ll need solid climbing gear like a rope, harness, ascenders, and carabiners. If you want to survey and map your cave routes, you will need a clinometer, a compass, and a laser range finder.

Extra Supplies

In addition to your essential equipment, here are some extra supplies you’ll want to bring:

Bottled water or hydration pack
Small backpack that can be easily removed
Sturdy gloves and knee/elbow pads
Protein snacks that won’t get crushed (, protein bar, beef jerky..etc)
Matches, candles, batteries, extra duct tape, small first-aid kit, etc.
Camera with a flash
Large zip-lock bag for human waste (you never know…)
Change of clothes (keep this in your car)

Stay at The Humming Bird Inn

Missouri is the best spot in the United States to go spelunking or caving, and we say this with all the confidence in the world. We know you won’t be disappointed with our beautiful cave system and there is truly an opportunity for every age and skill level.

When you’re done exploring, come back to our luxury Inn in Camdenton, Missouri. We offer the ideal balance of comfort, luxury, and personal touch. Enjoy our complimentary breakfast, beautiful suites, and premier views of the Ozarks. For some daytime fun, check out our resources for a day spent boating on the Lake of the Ozarks, or a day spent wine tasting.

Book now to enter a world of rejuvenation and tranquility at the Hummingbird Inn.