🌤 Weather at Mark Twain State Park by season
| Spring | Summer | Fall | Winter |
|---|---|---|---|
| 32–73 °F | 63–86 °F | 32–79 °F | 18–41 °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 Monroe City, 11 mi away, elevation 741 ft. Conditions at the park can differ from the station, especially where elevation differs — check a forecast before you go.
Mark Twain State Park & Soaring Eagles Golf Course near Elmira honors America’s beloved author who spent many summers in this area. The park offers 3 miles of nature trails, seasonal hunting, and winter activities like snowshoeing and cross-country skiing across its tranquil woodland setting.
Park Overview
| Trail Miles | 3 miles nature trails |
| Golf | Soaring Eagles Golf Course |
| Hunting | Archery hunting (seasonal) |
| Winter | Snowshoeing, XC skiing |
Mark Twain Connection
Samuel Clemens (Mark Twain) spent summers at his sister-in-law’s farm near Elmira, where he wrote significant portions of his most famous works.
Activities
- Nature trail hiking (3 miles)
- Golf at Soaring Eagles
- Archery hunting (seasonal)
- Birdwatching
- Cross-country skiing (winter)
- Snowshoeing (winter)
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
Mark Twain 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
Mark Twain SP — near Elmira, where Samuel Clemens (Mark Twain) spent his summers and wrote many of his greatest works including Adventures of Huckleberry Finn at his sister-in-law’s farm (Quarry Farm). The park’s rolling hills and forest support white-tailed deer, wild turkeys, and red foxes. Red-tailed hawks soar above. Bluebirds nest in boxes.
Nearby Attractions
Elmira — adjacent — has Mark Twain’s study (moved to Elmira College campus), his gravesite at Woodlawn Cemetery, and the National Soaring Museum. Corning — 15 miles west — has the Corning Museum of Glass. Watkins Glen SP — 20 miles north — has the famous gorge.
More parks nearby: Mark Twain Birthplace State Historic Site is a short drive away, while Iliniwek Village State Historic Site lies within about an hour’s drive.
⛺ Camping at Mark Twain State Park: Campgrounds & Cabins
| Campsites | Three campgrounds: Badger (Electric*, year-round, showers/water Apr 15-Oct 31, reservable Mar 1-Nov 30), Coyote (Basic, Electric*, same seasonality as Badger), Puma (Electric*, Family*, same seasonality as Badger). *50-amp electric available. |
|---|---|
| Cabins & Lodging | Six camper cabins in Puma Campground (up to four adults plus two children; queen bed, full-size futon, and a carpeted sleeping loft; electricity, heating, air conditioning, dining table, ceiling fan, compact refrigerator, microwave/toaster oven, porch bench, picnic table, pedestal grill and campfire grill; parking for two vehicles plus a boat trailer). Cabins do NOT include water or a restroom — central restroom/showerhouse available Apr 15-Oct 31 only; off-season a vault toilet is at the Puma Loop and water is at frost-free hydrants. Guests bring own linens/sleeping bags. On-season rate $85 plus tax, off-season rate $80 plus tax (rental window Mar 1-Nov 30); three-night minimum on holiday weekends, two-night minimum other weekends; no same-day registration. Cabins for Canines allows up to two dogs only in Cabin A or F (not B-E). |
| 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). Weekend reservations require a two-night minimum stay (Friday/Saturday or Saturday/Sunday). Walk-up registration available if a site is unreserved. Camping limited to any 15 days within a 30-consecutive-day period. Special-use group area: flat fee $40/night for up to 20 people plus $2/person/night for additional people; call 573-248-9980. |
| Special sites | Special-use camping area and an organized group camp also available. Outdoor warning siren located in Coyote campground near the amphitheater. Watercraft/ATV trailer parking permitted off the campsite pad. |
| Season notes | All three campgrounds open year-round; showers/water Apr 15-Oct 31; off-season (Nov-Apr 14) potable water at frost-free spigot near campsite 1. |
Camping questions about Mark Twain State Park
Can you camp at Mark Twain State Park?
Three campgrounds: Badger (Electric*, year-round, showers/water Apr 15-Oct 31, reservable Mar 1-Nov 30), Coyote (Basic, Electric*, same seasonality as Badger), Puma (Electric*, Family*, same seasonality as Badger). *50-amp electric available.
How do you reserve a campsite at Mark Twain State Park?
Reserve up to 12 months in advance online or by phone, 877-ICampMO (877-422-6766). Weekend reservations require a two-night minimum stay (Friday/Saturday or Saturday/Sunday). Walk-up registration available if a site is unreserved. Camping limited to any 15 days within a 30-consecutive-day period. Special-use group area: flat fee $40/night for up to 20 people plus $2/person/night for additional people; call 573-248-9980.
Are there cabins at Mark Twain State Park?
Six camper cabins in Puma Campground (up to four adults plus two children; queen bed, full-size futon, and a carpeted sleeping loft; electricity, heating, air conditioning, dining table, ceiling fan, compact refrigerator, microwave/toaster oven, porch bench, picnic table, pedestal grill and campfire grill; parking for two vehicles plus a boat trailer). Cabins do NOT include water or a restroom — central restroom/showerhouse available Apr 15-Oct 31 only; off-season a vault toilet is at the Puma Loop and water is at frost-free hydrants. Guests bring own linens/sleeping bags. On-season rate $85 plus tax, off-season rate $80 plus tax (rental window Mar 1-Nov 30); three-night minimum on holiday weekends, two-night minimum other weekends; no same-day registration. Cabins for Canines allows up to two dogs only in Cabin A or F (not B-E).
Are pets allowed at the Mark Twain 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 Mark Twain 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 Mark Twain 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 Mark Twain State Park
From our editorial guides, matched to this park’s activities:
