Weston Bend State Park
Missouri State Park

Weston Bend State Park

Weston, MO
Available Activities
  • Hiking
  • Camping
  • Swimming
  • Fishing
  • Mountain Biking
  • Horseback Riding
  • Kayaking
  • Cave Tours
  • Biking

🌤 Weather at Weston Bend State Park by season

SpringSummerFallWinter
34–77 °F65–90 °F34–80 °F21–45 °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 Leavenworth, 5 mi away, elevation 870 ft. Conditions at the park can differ from the station, especially where elevation differs — check a forecast before you go.

Verified by America’s State Parks Editorial Team – Updated March 2026

Weston Bend State Park is a public state park in Missouri near Weston in Platte County. Spanning 1,133 acres and established in 1980, this park offers a peaceful retreat into nature for visitors of all ages.

Quick Facts

StateMissouri
Nearest CityWeston
CountyPlatte
Park Size1,133 acres
Established1980
Google Rating⭐ 4.5/5 (600 reviews)

Location & Getting There

Weston Bend State Park is located near Weston, Missouri. The park’s coordinates are 39.3877, -94.8802.

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

Weston Bend 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

Weston Bend SP — on a Missouri River bluff — provides panoramic views of the Missouri River valley and Fort Leavenworth, Kansas. The park’s bluffs, forest, and tobacco barns support bald eagles, white-tailed deer, and wild turkeys. Migrating raptors ride the thermals.

Nearby Attractions

Weston — adjacent — has antique shops, wineries, and a distillery. Fort Leavenworth — across the river. Kansas City — 30 miles south. St. Joseph — 30 miles north.

Make it a road trip: Pair a visit with Jewell Cemetery State Historic Site (within about an hour’s drive) or Watkins Mill State Park (within about an hour’s drive).

America's State Parks is an independent online guide to the state parks of the United States. Our editorial team compiles and reviews each park profile from official state park agency sources and other primary references, and follows a published editorial and review methodology (see /editorial-review-methodology/). We update profiles and correct errors on an ongoing basis.

⛺ Camping at Weston Bend State Park: Campgrounds & Cabins

Campsites35 existing basic and electric campsites (some 50-amp), plus family campsites. In 2026, an additional 15 new campsites with sewer, water, and 50-amp electrical service opened, with reservations accepted for arrivals May 1, 2026 and after. Heated restrooms with flush toilets, hot showers, laundry facilities.
PetsNo 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.
ReservationsReservations available during the on-season (mid-April through October) online or by calling 877-422-6766. Park phone (816) 640-5443.
Special sitesDump station available year-round. Potable water available at multiple locations during the on-season (mid-April through October). Gate closes 9 p.m. on-season, 6 p.m. off-season.
Season notesCampground open year-round; reservations only available during the on-season (mid-April through October).

Camping questions about Weston Bend State Park

Can you camp at Weston Bend State Park?

35 existing basic and electric campsites (some 50-amp), plus family campsites. In 2026, an additional 15 new campsites with sewer, water, and 50-amp electrical service opened, with reservations accepted for arrivals May 1, 2026 and after. Heated restrooms with flush toilets, hot showers, laundry facilities.

How do you reserve a campsite at Weston Bend State Park?

Reservations available during the on-season (mid-April through October) online or by calling 877-422-6766. Park phone (816) 640-5443.

Are pets allowed at the Weston Bend 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 Weston Bend 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 Weston Bend 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

Last updated: May 13, 2026

Park Location

Weston, MO

Plan your gear for Weston Bend State Park

From our editorial guides, matched to this park’s activities: