🌤 Weather at Roaring River State Park by season
| Spring | Summer | Fall | Winter |
|---|---|---|---|
| 34–76 °F | 60–88 °F | 33–81 °F | 23–50 °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 Seligman, 7 mi away, elevation 1,530 ft. Conditions at the park can differ from the station, especially where elevation differs — check a forecast before you go.
From a cave at the base of a limestone bluff, 20 million gallons of water gush forth every single day. This is the Roaring River Spring—one of Missouri’s largest—and it feeds a river so cold, so clear, and so perfectly oxygen-rich that rainbow and brown trout thrive in the heart of the Ozarks.
Roaring River State Park has been a trout fisher’s paradise since 1928. The hatchery stocks the river daily from March through October—more than 250,000 trout a year. But this isn’t just a fishing spot. It’s 4,000 acres of Ozark beauty with trails carved by the CCC, rustic stone cabins overlooking the valley, and a historic lodge where you can end the day with a riverside dinner. Whether you’re here to catch your limit, hike to a fire tower, or simply sit by crystal water and breathe, Roaring River delivers that rare thing: accessible wilderness with genuine heritage.
Park Fast Facts
| 📍 Location | 12716 Farm Road 2239, Cassville, MO 65625 |
| 🗺️ Region | Ozark Mountains / Barry County |
| 📐 Total Area | ~4,000 acres |
| 🌊 Spring Output | 20.4 million gallons/day (first-magnitude) |
| 🐟 Annual Trout Stocking | 250,000+ rainbow and brown trout |
| 📅 Established | 1928 (donated by Thomas Sayman) |
| ⏰ Office Hours | Year-round; check seasonal variations |
Trout Fishing
Roaring River is stocked daily from March 1 through October 31—making it one of Missouri’s most reliable trout destinations.
| Regulation | Details |
|---|---|
| 📅 Stocking Season | March 1 – October 31 (daily stocking) |
| ❄️ Winter Season | November – February (catch and release only) |
| 🐟 Daily Limit | 4 trout per day |
| 📦 Possession Limit | 8 trout |
| 📏 Brown Trout Minimum | 15 inches |
| 📏 Rainbow Trout | No minimum length |
| 🎟️ License Required | Missouri fishing license + daily trout tag (sold at park store) |
Fishing Zones
The river is divided into three zones with different regulations:
| Zone | Rules |
|---|---|
| 🔴 Zone 1 (Upper) | Flies and artificial lures only; most restricted |
| 🟡 Zone 2 (Middle) | Artificial lures; some bait restrictions |
| 🟢 Zone 3 (Lower) | All legal baits and lures permitted |
💡 Tip: Arrive early on weekends—the park gets crowded, especially during free fishing weekends.
The Spring & Hatchery
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| 💧 Roaring River Spring | First-magnitude; 20.4M gallons/day; emerges from cave at bluff base |
| 🐟 Hatchery | Missouri’s oldest; MDC-managed; 250,000+ trout/year |
| 🌡️ Water Temperature | ~58°F year-round (ideal for trout) |
| 👁️ Visitor Access | Spring pool and hatchery open to view |
Hiking Trails
Seven trails wind through the Ozark hills—many built by the CCC in the 1930s.
| Trail | Distance | Difficulty | Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|
| 🏔️ Fire Tower Trail | 3.5 mi | Strenuous | CCC fire tower (1930s); hardwoods; glades; best views |
| 🪨 Devil’s Kitchen Trail | 1.0 mi | Moderate | Rock outcrops; cave-like formations |
| 🦌 Deer Leap Trail | 0.8 mi | Easy-Moderate | Scenic overlooks; wildlife |
| 🦅 Eagle’s Nest Trail | 0.9 mi | Moderate | Valley views; bluff edge |
| 🌲 Pibern Trail | 1.1 mi | Easy | CCC-built; shaded forest walk |
| 🏞️ River Trail | 0.6 mi | Easy | CCC-built; follows the river |
| 💧 Springhouse Trail | Short | Easy | Access to spring pool |
Camping
| Area | Sites | Features |
|---|---|---|
| ⛺ 3 Campgrounds Total | 187 | Basic, electric, full hookups available |
| 🔌 Electric Sites | Various | 50/30/20 amp service |
| 🚿 Amenities | — | Flush toilets, hot showers, camp store |
| 👥 Group Camping | Available | Reservations required |
🐕 Pets: Allowed in campsites on leash (max 10 feet). 15-day limit per 30-day period.
Lodging
| Option | Details |
|---|---|
| 🏨 Emory Melton Inn | Stone & timber lodge; 26 rooms; private balconies; river valley views; full-service restaurant |
| 🏠 CCC Lodge | Historic lodge with modern rooms |
| 🏕️ Rustic Cabins | Stone cabins; kitchens; 2 bedrooms; Ozark character |
| 🏠 Duplex/Fourplex Units | Full kitchen; 2 BR; some dog-friendly (fee applies) |
📶 Note: Limited Wi-Fi in Inn lobby—the park encourages an “unplugged” experience.
CCC Heritage
The Civilian Conservation Corps and WPA transformed this park in the 1930s, building structures that still stand today.
- 🏛️ Fire Tower (1930s) – still climbable on Fire Tower Trail
- 🛤️ Pibern Trail & River Trail – CCC-built stone paths
- 🏠 Stone Cabins – rustic Ozark architecture
- 🐟 Hatchery Buildings – original structures still in use
- 🪑 Picnic Shelters – native stone construction
- 🗿 CCC Memorial Statue – honors the workers who built the park
Seasonal Guide
| Season | Experience | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 🌸 Spring (Mar-May) | Fishing season opens Mar 1; wildflowers; waterfalls | Opening day is packed—arrive very early |
| ☀️ Summer (Jun-Aug) | Peak fishing; swimming hole; trails; full facilities | Weekends crowded; book lodging early |
| 🍂 Fall (Sep-Oct) | Fishing continues; fall foliage; cooler hiking | Beautiful Ozark colors |
| ❄️ Winter (Nov-Feb) | Catch-and-release season; quiet trails; lodge open | Annual trout permit required |
Frequently Asked Questions
How often is the river stocked with trout?
The hatchery stocks the river daily from March 1 through October 31. Over 250,000 trout are released each year, making Roaring River one of Missouri’s most reliable trout fisheries.
Do I need a special license to fish here?
Yes—you need a Missouri fishing license plus a daily trout tag (sold at the park store). During catch-and-release season (November–February), an annual trout permit replaces the daily tag.
What are the fishing zones?
The river has three zones with different rules. Zone 1 (upper) is flies/artificial lures only. Zone 2 allows artificial lures. Zone 3 permits all legal baits. Check posted signs or ask at the park store.
Can I stay overnight without camping?
Absolutely! The Emory Melton Inn offers 26 rooms with river valley views and a full-service restaurant. The park also has rustic cabins and duplex units—some are dog-friendly.
Is swimming allowed?
There’s a designated swimming area in the park, though the spring-fed water is quite cold (~58°F). It’s refreshing on hot summer days but not for the faint of heart!
What did the CCC build here?
The Civilian Conservation Corps built many of the park’s iconic structures in the 1930s: the fire tower, stone trails (Pibern, River Trail), cabins, hatchery buildings, and picnic shelters. A bronze memorial statue honors their work.
Nearby state parks: If you have extra time, Big Sugar Creek State Park is a short drive away, and Table Rock State Park Missouri is within about an hour’s drive.
Plan Your Visit to Roaring River State Park
Cast into Missouri’s premier trout stream, explore CCC-built trails, and stay in an Ozark lodge with nearly a century of heritage.
📍 Address: 12716 Farm Road 2239, Cassville, MO 65625
🌐 Official Website: Missouri State Parks – Roaring River
📞 Park Office: (417) 847-2539
🏨 Lodge Reservations: roaringriverstatepark.org
Explore More Missouri State Parks
Roaring 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.
⛺ Camping at Roaring River State Park: Campgrounds & Cabins
| Campsites | Three campgrounds. Campground 1 (year-round): electric and family sites. Campground 2 (Feb. 25–Oct. 31): electric and family sites. Campground 3 (Feb. 25–Oct. 31): basic, electric, and sewer/electric/water sites, plus family sites. 50-amp electric sites available. |
|---|---|
| Cabins & Lodging | 26 rustic cabins (duplex and fourplex units, each with kitchen and two bedrooms) plus motel-style lodging: the historic CCC Lodge (7 guest rooms) and the Emory Melton Inn and Conference Center (26 guest rooms). Operated by a concessionaire, open March through October, reservations required, phone (417) 847-2330. |
| Pets | No more than two dogs per campsite recommended; pets must be supervised and kept on leashes no longer than 10 feet at all times. Portable fences and electronic collars prohibited. Pets excluded from buildings except through the Cabins for Canines program. |
| Reservations | Reservable up to 12 months in advance online at icampmo1.usedirect.com or by calling toll-free 877-ICampMO (877-422-6766). Camping limited to any 15 days within a 30-consecutive-day period at any one park. |
| Special sites | Organized group camp (Camp Smokey) available for nonprofit organizations and Missouri youth groups. Special-use camping area also available. Park store on-site. Dump station, showers, and laundry at the campgrounds; frost-free water spigots year-round in Campground 1. |
| Season notes | Campground 1 open year-round; Campgrounds 2 and 3 open Feb. 25–Oct. 31. |
Camping questions about Roaring River State Park
Can you camp at Roaring River State Park?
Three campgrounds. Campground 1 (year-round): electric and family sites. Campground 2 (Feb. 25–Oct. 31): electric and family sites. Campground 3 (Feb. 25–Oct. 31): basic, electric, and sewer/electric/water sites, plus family sites. 50-amp electric sites available.
How do you reserve a campsite at Roaring River State Park?
Reservable up to 12 months in advance online at icampmo1.usedirect.com or by calling toll-free 877-ICampMO (877-422-6766). Camping limited to any 15 days within a 30-consecutive-day period at any one park.
Are there cabins at Roaring River State Park?
26 rustic cabins (duplex and fourplex units, each with kitchen and two bedrooms) plus motel-style lodging: the historic CCC Lodge (7 guest rooms) and the Emory Melton Inn and Conference Center (26 guest rooms). Operated by a concessionaire, open March through October, reservations required, phone (417) 847-2330.
Are pets allowed at the Roaring River State Park campground?
No more than two dogs per campsite recommended; pets must be supervised and kept on leashes no longer than 10 feet at all times. Portable fences and electronic collars prohibited. Pets excluded from buildings except through the Cabins for Canines program.
Source: mostateparks.com (verified July 2026). Details change seasonally — confirm when booking.
🐾 Dogs & Pets at Roaring 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 Roaring 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
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