🌤 Weather at St. Joe 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, 5 mi away, elevation 900 ft. Conditions at the park can differ from the station, especially where elevation differs — check a forecast before you go.
St. Joe State Park is a public state park in Missouri near Park Hills in St. Francois County. Spanning 8,243 acres and established in 1976, this park offers a peaceful retreat into nature for visitors of all ages.
Quick Facts
| State | Missouri |
| Nearest City | Park Hills |
| County | St. Francois |
| Park Size | 8,243 acres |
| Established | 1976 |
| Google Rating | ⭐ 4.5/5 (450 reviews) |
Location & Getting There
St. Joe State Park is located near Park Hills, Missouri. The park’s coordinates are 37.8075, -90.5063.
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
St. Joe 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
St. Joe SP — 8,238 acres — was created from reclaimed lead mining land. The park is now Missouri’s premier OHV (off-highway vehicle) destination with 2,000 acres of sand flats for ATV riding. The park’s lakes, forest, and former mine areas support white-tailed deer, wild turkeys, and bald eagles.
Nearby Attractions
Flat River — adjacent. Missouri Mines SHS — 2 miles north. Elephant Rocks SP — 20 miles south. Johnson’s Shut-Ins SP — 25 miles south.
Nearby state parks: If you have extra time, Missouri Mines State Historic Site is a short drive away, and Pickle Springs Natural Area is a short drive away.
⛺ Camping at St. Joe State Park: Campgrounds & Cabins
| Campsites | 105 sites — Campground 1 (near the ORV riding area): 40 electric sites and 35 basic sites, all reservable. Campground 2 (near the equestrian trails): 13 electric and 12 basic sites for equestrian campers and campers without ORVs. Five additional basic trailside sites for overnight trail stays. Modern restrooms, hot showers, playground, and a dumping station in the camping area. |
|---|---|
| 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), swimming areas, and waters reserved for fishing. |
| Reservations | Reservable up to 12 months in advance online or by calling toll-free 877-ICampMO (877-422-6766). Weekend reservations require a two-night minimum stay. Extra vehicle parking $5 per night if capacity allowances are exceeded. Camping limited to any 15 days within a 30-consecutive-day period at any one park. |
| Special sites | Dump station located in Campground 1, available to registered campers at both campgrounds. |
| Season notes | Year-round access to both campgrounds. Showers/water available April 1–October 31. |
Camping questions about St. Joe State Park
Can you camp at St. Joe State Park?
Yes. St. Joe State Park has 105 campsites. Campground 1 (near the ORV riding area): 40 electric sites and 35 basic sites, all reservable. Campground 2 (near the equestrian trails): 13 electric and 12 basic sites for equestrian campers and campers without ORVs. Five additional basic trailside sites for overnight trail stays. Modern restrooms, hot showers, playground, and a dumping station in the camping area.
How do you reserve a campsite at St. Joe State Park?
Reservable up to 12 months in advance online or by calling toll-free 877-ICampMO (877-422-6766). Weekend reservations require a two-night minimum stay. Extra vehicle parking $5 per night if capacity allowances are exceeded. Camping limited to any 15 days within a 30-consecutive-day period at any one park.
Are pets allowed at the St. Joe 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), swimming areas, and waters reserved for fishing.
Source: mostateparks.com (verified July 2026). Details change seasonally — confirm when booking.
🐾 Dogs & Pets at St. Joe 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. Joe 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. Joe State Park
From our editorial guides, matched to this park’s activities:
