🌤 Weather at Wallace State Park by season
| Spring | Summer | Fall | Winter |
|---|---|---|---|
| 31–74 °F | 63–87 °F | 32–78 °F | 15–40 °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 Cameron, 7 mi away, elevation 1,010 ft. Conditions at the park can differ from the station, especially where elevation differs — check a forecast before you go.
Wallace State Park is a public state park in Missouri near Cameron in Clinton County. Spanning 573 acres and established in 1932, this park offers a peaceful retreat into nature for visitors of all ages.
Quick Facts
| State | Missouri |
| Nearest City | Cameron |
| County | Clinton |
| Park Size | 573 acres |
| Established | 1932 |
| Google Rating | ⭐ 4.5/5 (400 reviews) |
Location & Getting There
Wallace State Park is located near Cameron, Missouri. The park’s coordinates are 39.6569, -94.2142.
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
Wallace 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
Wallace SP — near Cameron — provides recreation in northwest Missouri’s rolling farmland. The park’s forest, lake, and creek support white-tailed deer, wild turkeys, and bald eagles. Largemouth bass fill the lake. Bobwhite quail call from the field edges.
Nearby Attractions
Cameron — adjacent. St. Joseph — 30 miles west. Watkins Mill SP — 30 miles south. Kansas City — 50 miles south.
Nearby state parks: If you have extra time, Watkins Woolen Mill State Park is within about an hour’s drive, and Watkins Mill State Park is within about an hour’s drive.
⛺ Camping at Wallace State Park: Campgrounds & Cabins
| Campsites | Multiple campgrounds (Campgrounds 1–4): basic and electric campsites. Campgrounds 1 and 2 also offer walk-in sites (4 walk-in campsites total, suitable only for tent camping). Modern restrooms, hot showers, trailer dump station, playground equipment. |
|---|---|
| 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 not allowed inside buildings outside the Cabins for Canines program, or in swimming/fishing areas. |
| Reservations | Fully reservable up to 12 months in advance; walk-up registration possible if a site is not reserved. Weekend reservations require a two-night minimum stay of Friday/Saturday or Saturday/Sunday. Camping limited to any 15 days within a 30-consecutive-day period at any one park. |
| Special sites | A travel campground provides 20 campsites reservable by organized camping groups of five or more. Special-use camping area divided into three areas (Fox, Jay, Oak), each with a fire ring, pedestal grill, picnic tables, vault toilet, and water spigot. |
| Season notes | Campgrounds 1 and 2 open year-round (showers/water April 15–October 31). Campgrounds 3 and 4 open April 15–October 31 only, closed during the off-season. During the off-season, potable water is available at the frost-free spigot near the dump station and firewood is sold upon request. |
Camping questions about Wallace State Park
Can you camp at Wallace State Park?
Multiple campgrounds (Campgrounds 1–4): basic and electric campsites. Campgrounds 1 and 2 also offer walk-in sites (4 walk-in campsites total, suitable only for tent camping). Modern restrooms, hot showers, trailer dump station, playground equipment.
How do you reserve a campsite at Wallace State Park?
Fully reservable up to 12 months in advance; walk-up registration possible if a site is not reserved. Weekend reservations require a two-night minimum stay of Friday/Saturday or Saturday/Sunday. Camping limited to any 15 days within a 30-consecutive-day period at any one park.
Are pets allowed at the Wallace 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 not allowed inside buildings outside the Cabins for Canines program, or in swimming/fishing areas.
Source: mostateparks.com (verified July 2026). Details change seasonally — confirm when booking.
🐾 Dogs & Pets at Wallace 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 Wallace 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 Wallace State Park
From our editorial guides, matched to this park’s activities:
Top Tours & Activities Near Kansas City
from $30
from $779
from $75