🌤 Weather at Cuivre River State Park by season
| Spring | Summer | Fall | Winter |
|---|---|---|---|
| 32–75 °F | 62–87 °F | 33–78 °F | 20–43 °F |
Each range runs from the coldest monthly average low to the warmest monthly average high in that season (1991-2020 climate normals), measured at Elsberry 1 S, 12 mi away, elevation 475 ft. Conditions at the park can differ from the station, especially where elevation differs — check a forecast before you go.
Cuivre River State Park is a public state park in Missouri near Troy in Lincoln County. Spanning 6,393.94 acres and established in 1946, this park offers a peaceful retreat into nature for visitors of all ages.
Quick Facts
| State | Missouri |
| Nearest City | Troy |
| County | Lincoln |
| Park Size | 6393.94 acres |
| Established | 1946 |
Location & Getting There
Cuivre River State Park is located near Troy, Missouri. The park’s coordinates are 39.0350, -90.9328.
Things to Do
Missouri state parks protect an impressive variety of Ozark landscapes — spring-fed rivers with crystal-clear water, dramatic shut-ins (narrow volcanic rock gorges), extensive cave systems, forested bluffs along the Ozark Trail, and managed prairies. Activities include hiking some of the Midwest’s most scenic trails, swimming and floating in cold, clear Ozark springs and rivers, fishing for trout in spring-fed streams, camping in forested river valleys, caving on guided tours, mountain biking, horseback riding, kayaking, and exploring Civil War and frontier-era historic sites. Missouri’s springs — including Big Spring and Alley Spring — are among the largest and most beautiful in the country.
Best Time to Visit
Missouri parks are a three-season destination with winter hiking as abonus. Spring (March–May) brings dogwood and redbud blooms, rushing waterfalls, and comfortable temperatures. Summer (June–August) is peak season for floating, swimming, and camping — the Current and Jacks Fork Rivers are iconic summer float trips. Fall (September–November) delivers excellent Ozark foliage peaking mid-October, with comfortable hiking weather. Winter offers peaceful trail experiences and is ideal for cave tours (caves maintain 56°F year-round). All Missouri state parks are free — no entrance fees or vehicle passes required.
Visitor Tips
All Missouri state parks are free to visit — no entrance fees or vehicle permits required. Camping fees are modest and vary by facility. Reservations are made through mostateparks.com. Cave tours at Onondaga Cave, Meramec (Fisher Cave) and Lake of the Ozarks (Ozark Caverns) state parks require separate tickets; reserve them online or buy them at the park, and check the tour season before you go. Meramec Caverns near Stanton is a commercial show cave, not a state park. Montauk State Park sits at the headwaters of the Current River, but the classic float trips on the Current and Jacks Fork Rivers run through Ozark National Scenic Riverways, which the National Park Service manages, not Missouri State Parks; summer is its busiest season. Cell service is limited in the Ozarks backcountry.
Explore More Missouri State Parks
Cuivre River State Park is one of many outstanding state parks in Missouri. Discover more parks in our Best State Parks in Missouri guide, or use our Park Finder to search by activity, location, or features.
Wildlife & Nature
Cuivre River SP — 6,393 acres — is one of Missouri’s largest state parks. The park’s rugged Ozark hills, Lincoln Hills Natural Area, and Cuivre River support white-tailed deer, bobcats, and wild turkeys. Eastern collared lizards bask on the glades. Timber rattlesnakes inhabit the rocky ridges.
Nearby Attractions
Troy — adjacent. St. Louis — 60 miles south. Mark Twain Lake — 50 miles northwest. Katy Trail SP — 20 miles south.
Make it a road trip: Pair a visit with Iliniwek Village State Historic Site (within about an hour’s drive) or Mark Twain State Park (elsewhere in the state).
⛺ Camping at Cuivre River State Park: Campgrounds & Cabins
| Campsites | Basic, electric, and sewer/electric/water sites (50-amp available), family campsites, 8 walk-in sites (tent camping only), 3 platform tent sites (#47, #48, #49, with 11x15 ft decks and four-season canvas tents), and a separate equestrian campground (running water, vault toilets, accessible; must camp with a horse). |
|---|---|
| Pets | Maximum two dogs per site recommended; must be supervised and kept on leashes no longer than 10 feet at all times; not allowed inside buildings except service animals or through the Cabins for Canines program. |
| Reservations | Reservable up to 12 months in advance via icampmo1.usedirect.com or toll-free 877-ICampMO (877-422-6766). |
| Special sites | Dump station, playground, amphitheater, wood lot at main campground; three organized group camps and a special-use camping area also available; camping limited to 15 days within any 30-consecutive-day period; gate closes 10 p.m. on-season / 8 p.m. off-season. |
| Season notes | On-season April 15-October 31 (showers/water available); off-season November 1-April 14 (frost-free water at campsite 69 only). |
Camping questions about Cuivre River State Park
Can you camp at Cuivre River State Park?
Basic, electric, and sewer/electric/water sites (50-amp available), family campsites, 8 walk-in sites (tent camping only), 3 platform tent sites (#47, #48, #49, with 11x15 ft decks and four-season canvas tents), and a separate equestrian campground (running water, vault toilets, accessible; must camp with a horse).
How do you reserve a campsite at Cuivre River State Park?
Reservable up to 12 months in advance via icampmo1.usedirect.com or toll-free 877-ICampMO (877-422-6766).
Are pets allowed at the Cuivre River State Park campground?
Maximum two dogs per site recommended; must be supervised and kept on leashes no longer than 10 feet at all times; not allowed inside buildings except service animals or through the Cabins for Canines program.
Source: mostateparks.com (verified July 2026). Details change seasonally — confirm when booking.
🐾 Dogs & Pets at Cuivre River State Park
- Pets allowed? statewide rule
- Responsible pet owners and their pets are welcome in Missouri state parks and historic sites, with pets leashed and under control.
- Leash rule statewide rule
- Leash not longer than 10 feet required at all times; portable fences and shock collars do not satisfy the requirement.
- Beaches & swim areas statewide rule
- Pets are not allowed in public swimming areas or on beaches.
- Cabins & lodging statewide rule
- The 'Cabins for Canines' program opens about 30% of lodging units to dogs (max two dogs per unit) at roughly 15 participating parks including Lake of the Ozarks, Bennett Spring, Echo Bluff and Roaring River; per-dog per-night fee varies by unit type.
- Pet fees statewide rule
- No day-use pet fee; Cabins for Canines charges a per-dog, per-night lodging fee (varies by unit).
- Statewide exceptions statewide rule
- Maximum two dogs per campsite; pets not allowed inside any park building.
Are dogs allowed at Cuivre River State Park?
Responsible pet owners and their pets are welcome in Missouri state parks and historic sites, with pets leashed and under control. Individual parks can post stricter rules — check signage on arrival.
Rules verified July 2026 via mostateparks.com. More: Missouri state parks guide · Dog rules in all 50 states compared
Park Location
Plan your gear for Cuivre River State Park
From our editorial guides, matched to this park’s activities:
