Sand beach near St. Louis? (Creve Coeur, Washington: neighborhood, bars, association)

[dangdude]

I have a 3 year old who would love to play on a lakefront sandy beach. I don't count Creve Coeur lake because it's really pebbles (unless I missed the sand?). Is there a sandy beach nearby?

Someone told me that Renn Lake has a sand beach, about 90 minutes away. I am open to with "pay" beaches but I don't think a "neighborhood only" beach would help unless you're offering to let me be your guest.

Thanks!
Dan

[flynavyj]

Hmmmm, always thought Creve Couer was 'sandy' but maybe that's just by St. Louis standards.

Along the Meremac River in Castlewood Park in Ellisville there are some sandbars and beaches, might be worth looking into. I've never given it a try, to see just how sandy it is, but it is there, and i'd recommend taking a peak. Good luck!!!

[silibran]

Originally Posted by flynavyj

Hmmmm, always thought Creve Couer was 'sandy' but maybe that's just by St. Louis standards.

Along the Meremac River in Castlewood Park in Ellisville there are some sandbars and beaches, might be worth looking into. I've never given it a try, to see just how sandy it is, but it is there, and i'd recommend taking a peak. Good luck!!!

Treat the Meramec River with respect. People die swimming in it every year. But yes, I believe there is a sandy beach there.

[flynavyj]

Originally Posted by silibran

Treat the Meramec River with respect. People die swimming in it every year. But yes, I believe there is a sandy beach there.

Agreed, I would not recommend it for swimming with a 3 year old...and certain parts of the Meramec have pretty strong currents, however it might be a good spot for a "beech" experience. Same time, a sand box can do this also but I can understand the benefits of an endless sand box.

[SouthCityGal]

St. Joe State Park has two sand beaches. It's a bit of a drive (less than 90 min.), but close to Elephant Rocks State Park, so you can easily make a day out of it:

St. Joe State Park | Missouri State Parks

[SouthCityGal]

I thought that I should also add that the beaches there do close from time to time due to bacterial issues in the water (other state parks have the same problem, not just St. Joe's). Be sure to check online before you go--you wouldn't want to waste your time driving there to find out that's it's closed for the day: State Parks Beach Status - DNR

I don't remember the name of the beach there that I prefer (since there are two). One is close to the off-road vehicle riding area. I found that one to be noisier and more crowded. The other beach is fairly quiet, and has never been crowded the handful of times I've gone. When you drive in to the park, there is a welcome booth and they can refer you to a specific beach, if you have a preference.

[glamatomic]

According to the MO State Parks website, Washington State Park in De Soto (about 1 hour from St. Louis) also has sand beaches, or at least, that's what they claim. I've never been there so don't know.

This is definitely an interesting thread though, some worthwhile information I'll probably use in the next couple of years once our family starts growing! Thanks for posting the question!

[DinsdalePirahna]

There are small sandy beaches on both lakes in Lake Saint Louis. Generally open to community association members only, but a lot of people do sneak in.