🌤 Weather at Knob Noster State Park by season
| Spring | Summer | Fall | Winter |
|---|---|---|---|
| 32–76 °F | 63–90 °F | 33–81 °F | 18–45 °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 Warrensburg 4NW, 13 mi away, elevation 796 ft. Conditions at the park can differ from the station, especially where elevation differs — check a forecast before you go.
Knob Noster State Park is a public state park in Missouri near Knob Noster in Johnson County. Spanning 3,934.38 acres and established in 1935, this park offers a peaceful retreat into nature for visitors of all ages.
Quick Facts
| State | Missouri |
| Nearest City | Knob Noster |
| County | Johnson |
| Park Size | 3,934.38 acres |
| Established | 1935 |
| Google Rating | ⭐ 4.5/5 (400 reviews) |
Location & Getting There
Knob Noster State Park is located near Knob Noster, Missouri. The park’s coordinates are 38.7667, -93.5667.
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 parks like Onondaga Cave, Meramec Caverns, and Ozark Caverns require separate tickets and often sell out on weekends — reserve in advance. Float trip parks along the Current and Jacks Fork Rivers get very busy on summer weekends. Cell service is limited in the Ozarks backcountry.
Explore More Missouri State Parks
Knob Noster 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
Knob Noster SP — 3,567 acres near Whiteman AFB — preserves an island of Ozark forest surrounded by prairie. The park’s oak-hickory forest, glades, and Pin Oak Lake support white-tailed deer, wild turkeys, and bobcats. Eastern collared lizards bask on the rocky glades. Armadillos root.
Nearby Attractions
Knob Noster — adjacent. Whiteman AFB — adjacent — home of the B-2 Spirit stealth bomber. Sedalia — 20 miles east. Warsaw — 40 miles south.
Nearby state parks: If you have extra time, Bothwell Lodge State Historic Site is within about an hour’s drive, and Battle of Lexington State Historic Site is within about an hour’s drive.
⛺ Camping at Knob Noster State Park: Campgrounds & Cabins
| Campsites | Basic, electric, sewer/electric/water and family campsites. Sites 1-25 have 50-amp electric service and are open/reservable year-round. Sites 30-71 have 30-amp electric service (converter devices not allowed); the page separately states sites 26-60 are reservable only April 15-Oct 31 and closed Nov 1-April 14, with showers/water off during that closure — official page gives inconsistent site-number ranges for this seasonal cutoff, so no single total is stated. Two backpack camps on McAdoo Trail (year-round, no showers/water). |
|---|---|
| Pets | Recommended no more than two dogs per campsite; leashes no longer than 10 feet at all times; portable fences, shock collars and similar devices do not meet requirements; pets barred from buildings (except Cabins for Canines), swimming areas and fishing waters. |
| Reservations | Reserve up to 12 months in advance online or by phone, 877-ICampMO (877-422-6766). Walk-up registration available if a site is unreserved. Camping limited to any 15 days within a 30-consecutive-day period. |
| Special sites | Two organized group camps plus a special-use camping area with eight campsites (fee $2 per person, per night). Use of generators is prohibited in the campground unless approved by the park manager. |
| Season notes | Part of the campground is open year-round; the seasonal portion is closed Nov 1-Apr 14, with showers/water off during that period (potable water available at a frost-free spigot near the visitor center). |
Camping questions about Knob Noster State Park
Can you camp at Knob Noster State Park?
Basic, electric, sewer/electric/water and family campsites. Sites 1-25 have 50-amp electric service and are open/reservable year-round. Sites 30-71 have 30-amp electric service (converter devices not allowed); the page separately states sites 26-60 are reservable only April 15-Oct 31 and closed Nov 1-April 14, with showers/water off during that closure — official page gives inconsistent site-number ranges for this seasonal cutoff, so no single total is stated. Two backpack camps on McAdoo Trail (year-round, no showers/water).
How do you reserve a campsite at Knob Noster State Park?
Reserve up to 12 months in advance online or by phone, 877-ICampMO (877-422-6766). Walk-up registration available if a site is unreserved. Camping limited to any 15 days within a 30-consecutive-day period.
Are pets allowed at the Knob Noster State Park campground?
Recommended no more than two dogs per campsite; leashes no longer than 10 feet at all times; portable fences, shock collars and similar devices do not meet requirements; pets barred from buildings (except Cabins for Canines), swimming areas and fishing waters.
Source: mostateparks.com (verified July 2026). Details change seasonally — confirm when booking.
🐾 Dogs & Pets at Knob Noster 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 Knob Noster 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 Knob Noster State Park
From our editorial guides, matched to this park’s activities:
