Pickle Springs Natural Area is a public state park in Missouri near Pickel in Ste. Genevieve County County. Spanning 256 acres and established in 1986, this park offers a peaceful retreat into nature for visitors of all ages.
Quick Facts
| State | Missouri |
| Nearest City | Pickel |
| County | Ste. Genevieve County |
| Park Size | 256 acres |
| Established | 1986 |
Location & Getting There
Pickle Springs Natural Area is located near Pickel, Missouri. The park’s coordinates are 37.8011, -90.3012.
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Missouri state parks free?
Yes, all Missouri state parks are completely free to visit. There are no entrance fees, vehicle permits, or parking charges. Cave tours and camping have separate fees. This makes Missouri one of the most accessible park systems.
Can I take a cave tour at Missouri state parks?
Yes, Missouri is “The Cave State” and several parks offer guided cave tours including Onondaga Cave, Fisher Cave, Cathedral Cave, and Round Spring Cave. Tours require tickets and sell out on weekends — book in advance.
What are the best float trip parks in Missouri?
Top float trip parks include Round Spring, Alley Spring, and Big Spring along the Current and Jacks Fork Rivers. These Ozark rivers offer crystal-clear water and dramatic bluffs. Summer weekends are extremely popular.
What is the best time to visit Missouri state parks?
Spring brings dogwood blooms and rushing waterfalls. Summer is peak for floating and swimming. Fall offers beautiful Ozark foliage (October). Winter hiking is pleasant with fewer crowds. Parks are enjoyable year-round.
Explore More Missouri State Parks
Pickle Springs Natural Area 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
Pickle Springs NA — a National Natural Landmark — features bizarre sandstone formations sculpted over 500 million years, including “Slot” canyon, “Cauliflower Rocks,” and “Terrapin Rock”. The park’s Lamotte sandstone supports rare ferns, lichens, and eastern collared lizards. Five-lined skinks dart between the formations.
Nearby Attractions
Hawn SP — 5 miles north. Ste. Genevieve — 15 miles north — UNESCO World Heritage Site. Trail of Tears SP — 15 miles south.
Nearby state parks: If you have extra time, Hawn State Park is a short drive away, and St. Joe State Park is a short drive away.
🐾 Dogs & Pets at Pickle Springs Natural Area
- 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 Pickle Springs Natural Area?
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
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