Missouri has a well-maintained system of state parks, most of which provide camping facilities.
Missouri has a wide variety of beautiful natural areas that are perfect for camping. Whether you want to explore the prairie, the big rivers, or the rugged Ozarks, Missouri has what you're looking for. Camping can be your primary adventure, or can be included in a vacation of hiking, fishing, or canoeing. In 1976, Missourians approved a special sales tax exclusively for conservation, and the result is a system of nicely maintained state parks, river access locations, trails, and conservation areas.
In the northwest part of the State, near Craig, MO, Big Lake State Park is a favorite. It is located on the Missouri River north of St. Joseph. Water sports and bird watching are popular activities for campers here. The park offers electric campsites as well as basic ones. There are modern restrooms, showers, and laundry facilities as well.
Near Kansas City, camping facilities are available at Watkins Mill State Park, Lawson, MO. This area features historic buildings to tour. The recreational facilities feature a sandy swimming beach, biking, hiking, and horseback trails, and fishing.
In the northeast section of the state, near Montgomery City, MO, Graham Cave State Park is centered around a cave that was inhabited by ancient Native Americans. Along with complete camping facilities, the park features hiking and biking trails.
Also in the northeast region, camping is available at Mark Twain State Park, the third oldest of the Missouri state parks. The campground is heavily wooded. The park borders the Mark Twain Lake, providing boating, swimming, and fishing opportunities, as well as beautiful views along the six miles of hiking trails. The birthplace of Mark Twain is also located adjacent to the state park. The park is located near Stoutsville, MO.
In the center of the state near Columbia, you will find Finger Lakes State Park. Along with complete camping facilities, this park is popular for it's more than 70 miles of trails designated for off-road vehicles. Don't pick this park if you're looking for peace and quiet! The park does enforce quiet hours from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m.
A quieter central Missouri park is Van Meter State Park near Miami, MO. Along with camping facilities, hiking trails, and a lake for fishing, this park features the unique habitat of a fresh-water marsh, along with fens and forests.
Near St. Louis, camping is available at Meramec State Park, located on the Meramec River. Camping and picnicking are available year round. The park has a visitor center that features educational exhibits and large aquariums displaying Missouri fish. More than 40 caves are found at Meramec, with guided tours provided for Fisher Cave. Expect the park to be full on weekends.
St. Joe State Park, at Park Hills, MO, is also close to St. Louis. This park features a large off-road vehicle area, as well as trails for hiking, biking, and horseback riding. Campers with horses can be accommodated here. Lakes for swimming are also featured.
For those who wish to do a lot of hiking, the Katy Trail State Park is a 220-mile trail across the middle of the state. The trail was constructed on a railroad track that is no longer in use. While the park itself does not provide campsites, private campgrounds are available along the trail. The park does provide restrooms at many of the 39 trailheads.
The southwest quarter of Missouri is called the Lakes Region because of the many large man-made lakes. Toward the center of the state lies the Lake of the Ozarks. Modern camping facilities, along with biking and hiking trails and all sorts of water sports are features of Lake of the Ozarks State Park.
Bennett Spring State Park, near Lebanon, MO, is about 50 miles northeast of Springfield. This park features, along with camping facilities, a spring that gushes 100 million gallons of water a day. Hiking and canoeing are other activities available here.
Near Branson, Missouri's hottest tourist spot, are Table Rock Lake and Table Rock State Park. The park features a public marina with rentals of all sorts of boats. Complete camping facilities with easy access to the lake are available.
Montauk State Park is located in the southeast section of the state, near Salem, MO. Montauk features trout fishing in the cool, clear headwaters of the Current River. Hiking trails and a trout hatchery are other attractions. Campers interested in history will enjoy a tour of an 1896 gristmill located on the river.
The Trail of Tears State Park, near Jackson, MO, in the far southeast, commemorates the thousands of Cherokee Indians who lost their lives when forced to relocate. Many died crossing the Mississippi River in the winter of 1838-39. The park has a visitor center that features information about the tragedy. The park has many trails that provide opportunities for primitive camping and backpacking. In the winter, the park is popular as a place to site bald eagles.
These are just a few of the notable state parks in Missouri. Near each of them are numerous private campgrounds. The Missouri Department of Conservation publishes a free state map that notes every state park, river access, and conservation area, and provides information about facilities and activities at each location.
