Your Ultimate Guide To State Parks In Missouri
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Beth Price-Williams
Author
Exploring Missouri means always having a long list of places to go and things to do. We can all probably agree that we can never really get bored in Missouri unless we feel like it. There is so much to do here. Even if we’re strapped for cash, we can get out and have fun at one of the best state parks in Missouri. Missouri’s state parks are admission-free and offer something for everyone – hiking, biking, swimming, boating, camping, and just kicking back and chilling.
Most Popular State Parks In Missouri
One of the best ways to get to know Missouri is by exploring its many state parks, where you can hike, boat, go horseback riding, and camp. Many of Missouri’s state parks offer activities all year round. If you’re not sure where to start when it comes to exploring, plan a visit to one of the most popular state parks in Missouri.
1. Roaring River State Park – Cassville
Roaring River State Park, 12716 Farm Rd 2239, Cassville, MO 65625, USA
If you've not been to the most-visited state park in Missouri, known for its trout fishing and deep blue spring, add it to your bucket list. You'll find a full menu of things to do at Roaring River State Park, including fishing, wildlife watching, picnicking, and camping. Slip on a pair of comfy shoes, and follow one or all of the seven hiking trails, too. If you're bringing the little ones along, stop by the playground in the day-use area.
2. Ha Ha Tonka State Park – Camdenton
Ha Ha Tonka State Park, 1491 Missouri D, Camdenton, MO 65020, USA
Crowned one of the "50 Most Beautiful Places in the World" by Conde Nast Travel, Ha Ha Tonka State Park is perhaps best known for the ruins of a majestic castle, originally built by the Snyder family, that went up in flames in the 1940s. Visiting the ruins is just one of the many things to do at Ha Ha Tonka State Park. Explore the more than two dozen trails; go boating; or spend time watching wildlife. Ha Ha Tonka transforms into a winter wonderland after it snows, making it one of the best state parks in Missouri in winter.
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3. Elephant Rocks State Park – Belleview
Elephant Rocks State Park, 7390, 7406 MO-21, Belleview, MO 63623, USA
Of all the things to do at Elephant Rocks State Park, the most memorable is visiting Elephant Rocks, 1.5-billion-year-old granite rock formations that look like circus elephants. That's just the beginning of the fun, though. Bouldering, hiking, and picnicking are all popular activities. One of the best state parks in Missouri to visit in summer, Elephant Rocks hosts a food truck on select days throughout the year. Grab a hot dog, nachos, chips, and shaved ice.
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Best State Parks In Missouri To Camp
Pack all of your gear for an epic adventure at one of these Missouri state parks that promise an amazing camping experience. Try glamping in a yurt; pitch a tent for a primitive adventure, or book a stay at a modern cabin. Missouri’s state parks promise something for everyone.
4. Pomme de Terre State Park – Pittsburg
Pomme de Terre State Park, Hwy. 64B, Pittsburg, MO 65724, USA
Go on a glamping adventure by booking one of the yurts at Pomme de Terre State Park. You'll find many of the comforts of home - air-conditioning, a mini-fridge, and a lamp - but no running water. During the day, discover the many things to do at Pomme de Terre State Park, including hiking, biking, kayaking, canoeing, picnicking, and camping. Spend your summer days lounging on one of the two sandy beaches and swimming in the lake.
5. Sam A. Baker State Park – Patterson
Sam A. Baker State Park, 5580 MO-143, Patterson, MO 63956, USA
Adventure calls in all seasons, and you can answer by going camping at Sam A. Baker State Park, home to three campgrounds - a seasonal campground, an equestrian campground, and a year-round campground. Campgrounds are handicap-accessible and feature a variety of amenities, including parking, showers, and bathrooms. Spend your days exploring the many things to do at Sam A. Baker State Park. Hiking, biking, horseback riding, boating, swimming, and picnicking are all popular activities at the park.
6. Table Rock State Park – Branson
Table Rock State Park, 5272 Historic Hwy 165, Branson, MO 65616, USA
For the ultimate camping adventure, reserve the two-bedroom yurt at Table Rock State Park. The yurt is brimming with modern amenities, including A/C and heat, a full kitchen, a living room, a sliding glass door, and a skylight. If you prefer a more traditional experience, pitch a tent or park your RV. Camping is just one of the many things to do at Table Rock State Park. Go hiking, biking, swimming, and fishing.
Best State Parks In Missouri To RV
Enjoy all the comforts of home while camping out under the stars at one of these state parks in Missouri that are perfect for an RV adventure. Spend your days exploring the Missouri state park, hiking, picnicking, and even swimming before retreating to your RV. If you don’t have an RV, rent one from RVshare, and hit the road.
7. Echo Bluff State Park – Eminence
Echo Bluff State Park, 34489 Echo Bluff Dr, Eminence, MO 65466, USA
For an epic adventure, book your stay at Timbuktu Campground at Echo Bluff State Park, where you can pitch a tent or park your RV. The campground boasts a full menu of amenities, including complimentary wifi, laundry, and a restaurant. That's just scratching the surface of all the things to do at Echo Bluff State Park. Spend the day hiking or mountain biking; watch the kiddos at the splash pad, and enjoy a day of floating on the river in the summer.
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8. Wakonda State Park – La Grange
Wakonda State Park, 32836 State Pk Rd, La Grange, MO 63448, USA
Go camping year-round at one of Wakonda State Park's two campgrounds. Both feature water and showers seasonally. Boulder Lake Campground has electric sites while Wakonda Lake Campground offers sewer, electric, and water. You'll find so many things to do at Wakonda State Park that you'll want to camp out for at least a few evenings. Popular park activities include hiking, biking, swimming, boating, and fishing. If you visit during the summer, bring your swimming gear for a day at the sandy beach. The beach makes it one of the best state parks in Missouri in summer.
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9. Crowder State Park – Trenton
Crowder State Park, 8598, 76 MO-128, Trenton, MO 64683, USA
Pull into one of the shaded RV spots at Crowder State Park that also offers tent camping. The RV campground features a variety of amenities, including vault toilets, showers, and water. Plan to spend time checking out all of the things to do at Crowder State Park, too. From horseback riding and wildlife watching to hiking and boating, there's something to do for everyone at this nearly 2,000-acre state park.
Best State Parks In Missouri For Hiking
Is there a better way to experience all of the beauty that Missouri has to offer than on a scenic hike? Missouri’s more than 800 hiking trails promise something for everyone, from newbies who prefer a leisurely walk through the woods to seasoned hikers who want a mighty challenge. Some of the best hiking trails in Missouri are in its state parks.
10. Lake of the Ozarks State Park – Brumley
Lake of the Ozarks State Park Campgrounds, 257 Public Beach Rd, Brumley, MO 65017, USA
More than a dozen hiking trails, spanning 56 miles, offer an idyllic way to get to know Lake of the Ozarks State Park, the largest in Missouri. For a relatively short and sweet trek, follow the 1.3-mile Lake Trail that meanders along the lakeshore. Just be prepared for a moderate challenge. The park is also home to a 9.9-mile aquatic trail if you're up for a day on the water. For more things to do at Lake of the Ozarks State Park, relax on one of the two sandy beaches, go fishing, or plan a camping adventure.
11. Katy Trail State Park – Machens
Machens, MO 63301, USA
If you're up for an epic adventure, follow the entirety of the 240-mile Katy Trail, which runs from Clinton to Machens. The trail is divided into 26 shorter segments. The most popular things to do at Katy Trail State Park include hiking, biking, and horseback riding. Katy Trail, one of the best state parks in Missouri in spring, offers a glimpse at Missouri history, features four railroad depots, and boasts a tunnel of trees.
12. Johnson Shut-In’s State Park – Middle Brook
Johnson's Shut-Ins State Park, 148 Taum Sauk Trail, Middle Brook, MO 63656, USA
Wear a pair of comfy shoes because you've got a lot of hiking ahead of you at Johnson's Shut-Ins State Park. Six trails meander through the park. The Johnson's Shut-Ins State Park Trail leads straight to this natural wonder. It offers a bit of a challenge, and dogs are not allowed on it. However, it's worth it for the views of the shut-ins. When you're not hiking, you'll find plenty of other things to do at Johnson's Shut-Ins State Park, including biking, horseback riding, swimming, fishing, and wildlife watching.
Best Little-Known State Parks In Missouri
With 93 state parks and historic sites in Missouri, we can easily overlook a few gems that are more than deserving of a spot on our bucket list. Next time you’re planning an adventure, check out one of the best lesser-known state parks in Missouri. Here are a few to get you started.
13. Big Oak Tree State Park – East Prairie
Big Oak Tree State Park, 13640 MO-102, East Prairie, MO 63845, USA
Stroll along a boardwalk trail that will take you under a canopy of trees at this lesser-known state park in Missouri that promises plenty of quiet. The towering trees make it one of the best state parks in Missouri in fall, and you'll likely cross paths with a variety of wildlife - from raccoons to deer. Other things to do at Big Oak Tree State Park include picnicking and fishing. There's also a playground for the little ones.
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14. Big Lake State Park – Craig
Big Lake State Park, 7181, 204 Lake Shore Dr, Craig, MO 64437, USA
The gem of the cozy 407-acre state park is the oxbow lake, where you can while away the hours boating and fishing. With all the things to do at Big Lake State Park, you might want to make your visit an overnighter or a weekend getaway. Reserve a camper cabin or pitch a tent lakeside.
15. Wallace State Park – Cameron
Wallace State Park, 10621 MO-121, Cameron, MO 64429, USA
While it's rather snug at around 500 acres, Wallace State Park boasts plenty of natural beauty, including its gem - a six-acre lake. Among the things to do at Wallace State Park, the most popular are fishing, boating, and hiking. The park has four trails and a playground for the kiddos.
Do you agree that these are the best state parks in Missouri? How many state parks in Missouri have you visited? Let us know in the comments! Ready for even more adventures in Missouri? Set off on this epic road trip to experience Missouri’s great outdoors. Before heading out on any day or road trip, make sure you check out OIYS’s road trip essentials packing list.
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