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Spacious hunting lodge hideaway with stunning views and Private River Access

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Beach
Interior
Smart TV, fireplace, books
Exterior
Outdoor dining

Reviews

9.8 out of 10
Exceptional

Entire home

4 bedrooms3 bathroomsSleeps 122271 sq ft

Popular amenities

  • Kitchen
  • Washer
  • Dryer
  • Pet friendly
  • Free WiFi
  • Air conditioning

Explore the area

View in a map
Steelville, MO
  • Place, Meramec River
    ‪1 min walk‬
  • Place, Peaceful Bend Vineyard
    ‪4 min drive‬
  • Place, The Fugitive Beach
    ‪51 min drive‬

Room options

Similar properties

Interior
Spacious Ozarks Family Home - Private Pool & Grill
Bourbon
  • Pool
  • Kitchen
  • Washer
  • Pet friendly
$490 nightly
The price is $525
May 3 - May 4
Total with taxes and fees
Spacious Ozarks Family Home - Private Pool & Grill

About the neighborhood

Steelville

Located in Steelville, this vacation home is in a rural location, within a 5-minute drive of Meramec River and Peaceful Bend Vineyard. .This vacation home is 6.7 mi (10.9 km) from Riverview Roadside Park and 7.2 mi (11.6 km) from Birds Nest Beach Park.
View more Vacation Homes in SteelvilleOpens in a new window

What's nearby

  • Meramec River - 1 min walk - 0.1 miles
  • Peaceful Bend Vineyard - 4 min drive - 1.8 miles
  • Missouri University of Science and Technology - 39 min drive - 33.0 miles
  • Meramec Caverns - 47 min drive - 44.5 miles
  • The Fugitive Beach - 51 min drive - 42.5 miles

Restaurants

  • ‪MidWest Travel Plaza - ‬22 min drive
  • ‪McDonald's - ‬22 min drive
  • ‪Casey's General Store - ‬10 min drive
  • ‪Casey's General Store - ‬22 min drive
  • ‪Huddle House - ‬23 min drive

About this property

Entire place

You'll have the entire home to yourself and will only share it with other guests in your party.

Spacious hunting lodge hideaway with stunning views and Private River Access

Murphys Retreat
Elevated River Retreat | Sleeps 12, Fireplace & Valley Views
Murphys Retreat is a spacious lodge style home perched on a scenic bend of the Meramec River on our century family farm. With elevated views overlooking the river and valley below, this home offers a peaceful setting where guests can relax, unwind, and enjoy the natural beauty of the Ozarks.
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✨ Home Highlights at a Glance
• Sleeps up to 12 guests comfortably
• Elevated setting with views up the Meramec River and valley below
• Located on a century family farm with the possibility of seeing cattle nearby
• Large wood-burning fireplace as the centerpiece of the living space
• Spacious layout designed for families and groups
• Comfortable living area for gathering and relaxing
• Fully equipped kitchen for group meals and entertaining
• Outdoor space where you can relax and hear the river running below
• Firepit area for evenings under the stars
Murphys Retreat is ideal for guests looking for a true Ozark river setting, combining elevated views, peaceful surroundings, and a comfortable group-friendly layout.
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River Access, Floating & Outdoor Experiences
As a guest of Murphys Retreat, you’ll enjoy access to multiple Meramec River areas managed by 4J Vacation Rentals, offering flexibility for relaxing, floating, and exploring.
✔ Included River Access
• Riverside Pavilion – Covered pavilion with deck overlooking the river, bar area, fireplace, refrigerator, sink with running water, swimming access, shade, and cornhole boards
• Bluffside River Take-Out – Scenic swimming area that also serves as the designated floating take-out point
✨ Optional River Access
• 4J Gravel Bar (Optional) – Optional access to a 13-acre private river property with ½ mile of Meramec River frontage, ideal for relaxing, swimming, kids playing, and short tubing loops throughout the day
Access to the 4J Gravel Bar is available for a per person fee and is not included with the nightly cabin rate.
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Floating & Golf Cart Rentals
Floating and tubing options are available through 4J Vacation Rentals (visit our website and click the Floating tab for routes and current rates). Optional golf cart rentals are also available to make getting around easy and fun.
Please note: Gravel bar access and rentals such as floating equipment and golf carts are optional amenities offered separately and are not included in the nightly cabin rate.
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Farm-to-Table Dining from Our Family Farm
As part of your stay, guests have the option to order farm-raised meats from our family-owned 4J Cattle Farm, including Wagyu and Angus beef and pasture-raised chicken, delivered directly to the cabin.
Many groups enjoy grilling steaks or preparing farm-fresh meals during their stay.
Make yourself comfortable in this air-conditioned vacation home, which features a fireplace and a Smart TV. There's a private balcony. A kitchen is outfitted with a refrigerator, an oven, and a stovetop. Complimentary wireless internet access is available to keep you connected.
Pamper yourself with onsite massages or make use of the other amenities, which include barbecue grills.
Guests will find features like internet access and onsite parking.

Property amenities

Pool/Spa

  • Massage

Internet

  • Available in the house: Free WiFi

Parking and transportation

  • Car recommended
  • Parking on site

Kitchen

  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Cookware, dishware, and utensils
  • Dishwasher
  • Ice maker
  • Kitchen island
  • Microwave
  • Oven
  • Refrigerator
  • Spices
  • Stovetop
  • Toaster

Dining

  • Dining table

Bedrooms

  • 4 bedrooms
  • Bedsheets provided

Bathroom

  • 2.5 bathrooms
  • Bathtub or shower
  • Hair dryer
  • Shower
  • Towels provided

Living spaces

  • Dining table
  • Fireplace
  • Living room
  • Separate dining area

Entertainment

  • Books
  • Games
  • Smart TV

Outdoor areas

  • Balcony
  • Barbecue grill
  • Firepit

Laundry

  • Laundry facilities
  • Washing machine

Comfort

  • Air conditioning
  • Heating

Pets

  • Pet friendly
  • Welcoming dogs only
  • 2 pets total

Suitability/Accessibility

  • Smoking not allowed

Services and conveniences

  • Iron/ironing board

Location highlights

  • In a rural location

Things to do

  • Kayak
  • Birdwatching nearby
  • Fishing nearby
  • Golfing nearby
  • Hiking/biking trails nearby
  • Horseback riding nearby
  • Kayaking nearby
  • Motor boating nearby
  • Mountain biking nearby
  • Rafting nearby
  • Swimming nearby
  • Water tubing nearby
  • Wildlife walks nearby
  • Winery tours nearby

Safety features

  • Carbon monoxide detector (host has indicated there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property)
  • Smoke detector (host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property)
  • First aid kit
  • Fire extinguisher
  • Deadbolt lock

General

  • Unit size: 2,271 square feet

Policies

Check-in

Check-in time starts at 3:00 PM
Contactless check-in available
Minimum check-in age: 18

Check-out

Check-out before 11:00 AM

Special check-in instructions

You will receive an email from the host with check-in and check-out instructions
Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools

Pets

Pets allowed
Service animals are welcome, and are exempt from fees
Welcoming dogs only
2 total pets
Restrictions apply; for more information contact the property at the number on the booking confirmation

Children and extra beds

Children are welcome

Events

No events allowed

Smoking

Smoking is not permitted

Important information

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card, or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
Onsite parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Host has indicated there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher, a first aid kit, and a deadbolt lock
This property is managed through our partner, Vrbo. You will receive an email from Vrbo with a link to a Vrbo account, where you can change or cancel your reservation

We should mention

A car is recommended for transportation to and from this property

Property is also known as

21191
Murphy's Retreat on the Meramec River

Spacious hunting lodge hideaway with stunning views and Private River Access Reviews

Reviews

9.8

Exceptional

Rating 10 - Excellent. 31 out of 34 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 2 out of 34 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 1 out of 34 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 34 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 34 reviews

9.8/10

Cleanliness

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Judy B.

Liked: Cleanliness
We loved the spaces for gathering our group together like the porch, the campfire area, the living room and dining areas. The view was fabulous too. We loved the pavilion down by the river and had no trouble getting there either walking or using a front wheel drive car. We loved the whole property and definitely would stay at Murphy’s place again. The other cabins look nice too from the outside.
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Myka B., Forsyth

Liked: Cleanliness

Cousin getaway & float trip

We couldn't have had a better time! Half of us live in MO and the other half in IL, so this was the perfect place to come together for some summer fun! The house was great and had everything we needed...including a beautiful view!Honestly, we were outside on the porch, around the fire pit or at the river the majority of our stay. However, we cooked a big dinner every night and enjoyed landing in comfy beds after long, hot days in the river. We would definitely stay here again! Also, it was so convenient having Kick'n K Canoe rentals on the premises.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Neta m.

Liked: Cleanliness

Views are amazing!

We had a wonderful stay with plenty of room for everyone, oh and theviews!
Stayed 2 nights in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Vicki M., Des Peres

Liked: Cleanliness

Great house, private, everything you need

We couldn't be happier with everything you provided! And the fan was perfect on the deck - thank you! And the recommendation for your mom's rafting company worked out perfect! I highly recommend your property!
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Greg W.

Liked: Cleanliness

Very Relaxing and refreshing

So easy to settle in and begin enjoying the surroundings. Outside fire pit every night. Good fishing in the beautiful river. The house had everything we needed. Used a bird identifying app and noted 24 birds one morning over coffee. Hope to visit again.
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Blake F.

Liked: Cleanliness

Stay

Beautiful place! We loved the access to the river and the peaceful views. Only negative is there is a hornets nest in the upper soffit of the house to the right of the deck. We sprayed them a bunch of times and they kept coming. Might want to get an exterminator out there. It happens and we understand, just wanted you to know about it.
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Nick B.

Liked: Cleanliness

Golf trip with friends

Had a great stay. Beautiful view. Very relaxing. Look forward to returning.
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2024

10/10 Excellent

Stacy T.

Liked: Cleanliness

Such a great space to be with friends and perfect location

Host was available when needed for questions. House was perfect for our group. We loved the Pavillion and out door back porch. Plenty of space very clean and beautiful scenery! Close to the river for floating and play time. I called to organize float and everything was ready to go when we arrived. Great directions to our location and float pick up drop off with no problems. Cant wait to go back! PERFECT 5TH YEAR GIRLS annual float trip!
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2023

8/10 Good

Nijole G.

Liked: Cleanliness

Christmas in July

It was a lovely spot. Nice and clean. 2 guests stung by wasps and 1 spider bite but we were in the woods.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

Elizabeth C.

Liked: Cleanliness

Great Thanksgiving Gathering

We had a wonderful time gathering with our far flung children for the holiday in this remote spot. The kitchen had everything we needed for a traditional feast. The views are spectacular!
Stayed 5 nights in Nov 2022

10/10 Excellent

Tarah S.

Liked: Cleanliness

Beautiful Area

House was amazing! Beautiful views!! Jessica was very nice and responding to any communication quickly. We got to meet her and her husband and they were both friendly and awesome! Definitely recommend and will hopefully be back soon!
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2022

10/10 Excellent

Austin M.

Liked: Cleanliness

Good spot for a bachelor party

There was a ton of room for guests to sleep (there were 12 of us). The kitchen was spacious and had everything we needed and the river was short walk down the trail.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2022

10/10 Excellent

Caitlin P.

Liked: Cleanliness

Cozy cabin with tons of space

We really enjoyed our stay and it worked out really well with our two toddlers. The kitchen was really well equipped and everything seemed really clean. We only slept in the master bedroom and the basement bed but both were really comfortable. The bathtub was so fun for our toddlers to bathe in and we used it everyday. The only issue we had was that the listing makes it sound like the pavilion is was for our private use, when in fact there are a handful of other cabins nearby that also have access to the pavilion. That being said the pavilion was awesome! It had a refrigerator multiple grills, a Johnny on the spot (that wasn’t awful) and plenty of seating. The gravel road to get down to the pavilion was pretty steep and hard to get up in a minivan but we made it just fine once we got the hang of it. If you have four wheel drive it would be no problem. The spring that is just down the river a bit is so beautiful and was so fun to explore! We did have a few questions for the owner who was super helpful and very polite. We look forward to staying at this cabin again and possibly trying out some other cabins at Murphy’s place.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2022

10/10 Excellent

Corrina T.

Liked: Cleanliness

Spring Break

This is a beautiful home and the views are amazing. Everything was nice and neat.
Stayed 4 nights in Mar 2022

10/10 Excellent

Kristen B.

Liked: Cleanliness

Hidden Gem

Great experience! Enjoyed the house, making fires, drinking coffee & soaking up the view, hanging out at the pavilion, hiking, playing corn hole and cards, and baking pizzas in the pizza oven. We also enjoyed a trip into Steelville. Walked around visiting the stores. Enjoyed a burger and ice cream at the Dairy Isle.
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2022

10/10 Excellent

John K.

Liked: Cleanliness

Rustic, quiet, beautiful view

Great location yet away from everything!
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2021

10/10 Excellent

Breanna R.

Liked: Cleanliness

Lovely birthday trip

We absolutely loved our stay at Murphy's Retreat! It was so cozy and spacious all at once! We really enjoyed the screened in porch and how close the river was! We will definitely be back soon!!
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2021

6/10 Okay

Marty B.

Beautiful view of the river

Upon entering, the air smelled nice and clean. However, there were a few problems with cleanliness. The floors were quite dirty, the fireplace doors black, there was a spoon in the disposal and it smelled bad, and some of the kitchen items were greasy or soiled. Screens on porch have several holes allowing unwanted animals to enter. On the plus side, bedding was clean and there were plenty of clean towels. The furniture is well worn but comfortable. I've rented many apartments, condos and houses in this country as well as in Europe. In my opinion, this house, though very remote with a great view, is not a good value for the money.
Stayed 6 nights in Nov 2020

10/10 Excellent

Dani O.

Liked: Cleanliness

Perfect weekend getaway

Very clean, beautiful view of the river, large screened in porch. We were a group of women that met at Peaceful Bend Winery (right across the street from the property) for a nice lunch and wine prior to check in at our cabin. The cabin had plenty of sleeping space and everything we needed. We spent most of our time on the screened in porch looking at the river below. It is a little hike to get down to the river if you don't have a 4 wheel drive vehicle. Or you can drive a couple of miles to Bird's Nest Landing for river access. We had a great weekend.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2020

10/10 Excellent

april m., Effingham

Liked: Cleanliness

BEAUTIFUL AND SPACIOUS!!

Crystal responded quickly. Place was great! Already planning a trip back next year!
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2020

10/10 Excellent

Greg-Susan F.

Liked: Cleanliness

Wonderful Getaway from the City!

Everything was as advertised and the screened-in porch overlooking the river and woods was definitely the highlight of the trip! So relaxing for us, and the perfect place for the dogs to hang out too. Had a couple of issues but Crystal addressed them to our satisfaction. Would definitely return and have already recommended it to others.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2020

10/10 Excellent

Douglas J., Joplin, MO

Liked: Cleanliness

Vineyards and Springs

This place has a great view and is right on the Meramec River, we went to several vineyard and Missouri Springs. A good place to get away and see the natural beauty of Missouri.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2020

10/10 Excellent

cynthia h.

Wonderful time

It was a great property. Even though the weather was cold the wood burning fireplace made for great comfort. Very clean and had everything we needed for family fun. Thanks for everything.
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2018

10/10 Excellent

Debbie D., Heyworth, IL

Perfect Family Retreat

Your property far exceeded our expectations. We hiked, ate good meals, talked and laughed and gave thanks for the opportunity to spend time together in a wonderful atmosphere. Thanks, The Darrow Family
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2017

8/10 Good

Lisa H.

Loved the location

Very nice property and wonderful views. Overall the property was clean and comfortable. Kitchen had everything you need. Wish we had brought more meals to eat in. The only negatives is some of the furniture is older and worn and bathrooms are a bit dated. The cabin is very roomy and comfortable. We would definitely stay here again. We enjoyed having a nice dinner out at Sybill’s in St.James. Avoid eating at Hick BBQ in Steelville it was not good.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2017