🌤 Weather at Thousand Hills State Park by season
| Spring | Summer | Fall | Winter |
|---|---|---|---|
| 29–72 °F | 61–86 °F | 31–77 °F | 15–39 °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 Kirksville, 4 mi away, elevation 970 ft. Conditions at the park can differ from the station, especially where elevation differs — check a forecast before you go.
Thousand Hills State Park is a public state park in Missouri near Kirksville in Adair County. Spanning 3,086 acres and established in 1952, this park offers a peaceful retreat into nature for visitors of all ages.
Quick Facts
| State | Missouri |
| Nearest City | Kirksville |
| County | Adair |
| Park Size | 3,086 acres |
| Established | 1952 |
Location & Getting There
Thousand Hills State Park is located near Kirksville, Missouri. The park’s coordinates are 40.1769, -92.6436.
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 Onondaga Cave, Meramec (Fisher Cave) and Lake of the Ozarks (Ozark Caverns) state parks require separate tickets; reserve them online or buy them at the park, and check the tour season before you go. Meramec Caverns near Stanton is a commercial show cave, not a state park. Montauk State Park sits at the headwaters of the Current River, but the classic float trips on the Current and Jacks Fork Rivers run through Ozark National Scenic Riverways, which the National Park Service manages, not Missouri State Parks; summer is its busiest season. Cell service is limited in the Ozarks backcountry.
Explore More Missouri State Parks
Thousand Hills 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
Thousand Hills SP — near Kirksville — preserves petroglyphs carved by Native Americans (dating back over 1,500 years). The park’s Forest Lake, rolling hills, and oak-hickory forest support bald eagles, white-tailed deer, and wild turkeys. Channel catfish and largemouth bass fill the lake.
Nearby Attractions
Kirksville — adjacent — has Truman State University. Big Creek CA — nearby.
Nearby parks: If you have extra time, Long Branch State Park is within about an hour’s drive, and Union Covered Bridge State Historic Site is elsewhere in the state.
⛺ Camping at Thousand Hills State Park: Campgrounds & Cabins
| Campsites | Two campgrounds. Campground 1 (April 1–October 31): basic and electric (including 50-amp) sites, plus family campsites. Campground 2 (year-round): electric-only sites. Dump station, showers, and water available at both campgrounds. |
|---|---|
| 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 devices do not meet leash requirements. |
| Reservations | 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 | Special-use camping area available, with priority for nonprofit organizations and youth groups. |
| Season notes | Campground 1 open April 1–October 31; Campground 2 open year-round. |
Camping questions about Thousand Hills State Park
Can you camp at Thousand Hills State Park?
Two campgrounds. Campground 1 (April 1–October 31): basic and electric (including 50-amp) sites, plus family campsites. Campground 2 (year-round): electric-only sites. Dump station, showers, and water available at both campgrounds.
How do you reserve a campsite at Thousand Hills State Park?
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 Thousand Hills 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 devices do not meet leash requirements.
Source: mostateparks.com (verified July 2026). Details change seasonally — confirm when booking.
🐾 Dogs & Pets at Thousand Hills 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 Thousand Hills 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 Thousand Hills State Park
From our editorial guides, matched to this park’s activities:
