🌤 Weather at St. Francois State Park by season
| Spring | Summer | Fall | Winter |
|---|---|---|---|
| 34–77 °F | 63–88 °F | 34–81 °F | 23–48 °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 Farmington, 14 mi away, elevation 900 ft. Conditions at the park can differ from the station, especially where elevation differs — check a forecast before you go.
🏆 Official Guide: St. Francois State Park — 2,735 acres of wooded hills and glades north of Bonne Terre, with more than three miles of the Big River for floating and a rugged wild area at its heart.
St. Francois State Park is where the St. Louis crowd goes to float. Just five miles north of Bonne Terre in the northern edge of the Ozarks, its 2,735 acres of forested hills, glades, and creek bottoms are threaded by more than three miles of the Big River — an easy, scenic paddle with two in-park access points that make it one of eastern Missouri’s most convenient float trips.
Away from the water, the park protects the Coonville Creek Wild Area, where hiking and equestrian trails climb through quiet woods and the 49-acre Coonville Creek Natural Area shelters a spring-fed stream and its narrow valley. Entry and parking are free, like every Missouri state park.
What Makes This Park Unique
Big River Floating
Three-plus miles of the Big River flow through the park, with two easy canoe/kayak launches in the picnic areas — a gentle float perfect for beginners and families.
Coonville Creek Wild Area
A backcountry-feel trail network winds through wooded hills and glades, surrounding a 49-acre natural area along spring-fed Coonville Creek.
Smallmouth Water
The Big River gives up smallmouth bass and catfish; wade or float-fish the riffles and pools away from any motorboat wake.
100+ Campsites Near St. Louis
Basic, electric, and special-use camping just an hour south of the metro make it a go-to weekend float base.
Things to Do
Floating & paddling: Launch a canoe or kayak from either picnic-area access and drift the Big River. Motorized boats are not recommended on this stretch.
Hiking & horseback riding: Three trails — including one open to equestrians — climb through the Coonville Creek Wild Area’s hills and glades.
Fishing: Smallmouth bass and catfish are the common catches along the river’s riffles and deeper pools.
Camping
St. Francois offers more than 100 campsites across basic and electric campgrounds plus a special-use area, with modern restrooms and hot showers. Reserve through iCampMO up to 12 months ahead; summer float weekends fill early.
Visitor Information
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Entry Fee | FREE — no entrance or parking fees at Missouri State Parks |
| Size | 2,735 acres |
| River | 3+ miles of the Big River; two canoe launches |
| Camping | 100+ sites (basic, electric, special-use) |
| Location | ~5 miles north of Bonne Terre, MO (St. Francois County) |
| Official Info | Missouri State Parks – St. Francois |
Getting There
From St. Louis, take US-67 south past Bonne Terre — the park entrance is on the west side of the highway, roughly an hour from the metro.
Nearby Parks Worth Combining
Pair a St. Francois float with the volcanic shut-ins and swimming at Johnson’s Shut-Ins and the billion-year-old boulders of Elephant Rocks farther south in the St. Francois Mountains. The Missouri state parks guide has the full picture.
Facts verified against Missouri State Parks (DNR) and public records, July 2026. Float conditions, camping fees, and hours are set by the DNR — check the official park page before your trip.
⛺ Camping at St. Francois State Park: Campgrounds & Cabins
| Campsites | Basic and electric campsites, with 63 sites offering 30-amp electric hookups and water (28 of these pull-through). Family campsite available for extra space. Modern restrooms and hot showers. |
|---|---|
| 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. Pets excluded from buildings (except through the Cabins for Canines program), public swimming areas, and fishing waters. |
| Reservations | Fully reservable up to 12 months in advance online 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 | Backpack camp on the Pike Run Trail for hikers. Special-use camping area with five individual campsites, each with a picnic table, fire pit, and lamp post, plus a drinking water spigot and covered group meeting area. All campers must have an immediate means of motorized transportation in case of evacuation due to flooding. Dumping station on-site. |
| Season notes | Year-round camping. Showers/water available April 1–October 31. Gate closes 10 p.m. on-season, 6 p.m. off-season. |
Camping questions about St. Francois State Park
Can you camp at St. Francois State Park?
Basic and electric campsites, with 63 sites offering 30-amp electric hookups and water (28 of these pull-through). Family campsite available for extra space. Modern restrooms and hot showers.
How do you reserve a campsite at St. Francois State Park?
Fully reservable up to 12 months in advance online 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 pets allowed at the St. Francois 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. Pets excluded from buildings (except through the Cabins for Canines program), public swimming areas, and fishing waters.
Source: mostateparks.com (verified July 2026). Details change seasonally — confirm when booking.
🐾 Dogs & Pets at St. Francois 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 St. Francois 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 St. Francois State Park
From our editorial guides, matched to this park’s activities:
