Established in 1917, the Missouri State Park System has been encouraging visitors to explore its breathtaking landscape for well over 100 years.
Comprising more than 90 sites, and some 150,000 acres, it is known for its huge network of stunning hiking trails. Which collectively showcase a wonderful tapestry of scenic rivers, gorgeous meadows, rugged cliffs and dense woodland.
Often ranked within the top 5 state park systems in America, millions of visitors travel from all over the USA, and the rest of the world, every year to check out its outstanding natural beauty. Taking the opportunity to enjoy a range of outdoor recreational pursuits like swimming, boating, camping and fishing.
For residents of Osage Beach, these fabulous conservation and nature preserves afford wonderful opportunities to immerse themselves within the bosom of nature.
If this is something you are in mind to do, here is our recommendation of 5 state parks near Osage Beach which are well worth checking out.
Map of State Parks Near Osage Beach MO
Below is a map of the state parks in Missouri covered in this post:
List of State Parks Near Osage Beach
All of the state parks outlined below are within easy driving distance of Osage Beach. So you should be able to visit them as day trip destinations.
However, they all offer camping accommodation options for those who want to spend a bit more time exploring any of them too.
1. Bennett Spring State Park
Location: 26250 MO-64A, Lebanon, MO 65536
At just a 55 minute drive south from Osage Beach, the Bennett Spring State Park is a stunning 3,216 acre park that showcases some of the finest examples of nature Missouri has to offer.
Dominated by the mighty spring, which pumps out over 100 million gallons of water on a daily basis into the Niangua River, this was the first park to be added to Missouri’s state park system.
Very popular with hikers, photographers and those who enjoy wildlife watching, there are a number of scenic trails that highlight the park’s flora and fauna. Fishing is also practiced by many who enjoy plenty of opportunities to catch trout.
With five campgrounds dotted around the verdant woodland areas, camping options here range from basic and family, to full hookups that come with electricity, water and sewer.
There are also individual cabins, a duplex cabin, four-plex unit that has been recently renovated, and even a motel room.
2. Harry S. Truman State Park
Location: 28761 State park Road West, Warsaw, MO 65355
Located an hour and 15 minute drive west from Osage Beach, the Harry S. Truman State Park, is the perfect place to head to if you like outstanding views.
Spread across 1,440-acres, the park encapsulates scenic bluffs, shimmering crystal waters and incredible flora. Much of which can be seen in its rawest beauty along several hiking trails.
Set on a peninsula that runs around the spectacular Truman Lake, this is a very good spot for swimming. Fishing is also a popular pastime too, and there is also a fabulous marina in which to moor boats at.
In terms of camping accommodation, the park has six different campgrounds that offer a wide variety of options to suit all budgets and tastes.
3. Knob Noster State Park
Location: 873 SE 10 Rd, Knob Noster, MO 65336
The Knob Noster State Park is situated about an hour and 35 minutes in a northerly direction from Osage Beach.
Incorporating some 3,394 acres, it is known for its spectacular landscape of lush prairie and dense oak tree forest, which reside on either side of the charming Clearfork Creek. This makes it a beautiful terrain to hike through and photograph.
Overall the park is a popular spot for swimming, fishing, horseback riding, mountain biking and kayaking. While there are several beautiful picnic areas located throughout it too.
Ranging from family and basic sites to those with full electricity, the campground here offers a good mix of accommodation options. You’ll also find two backpack camps and a couple of organised group camps onsite as well.
4. Long Branch State Park
Location: 28615 Visitor Center Rd, Macon, MO 63552
If you take the 2 hour and 10 minute drive north to Macon, you will reach the wonderful Long Branch State Park.
The perfect place to go if you love water based recreational activities, the park’s 1,828 acres are situated adjacent to the Long Branch Reservoir.
With three boat ramps to utilize, it is a fantastic place to go fishing. While the likes of SUP, kayaking, canoeing and jet-skiing are enjoyed by many too.
For those looking to just sunbathe and relax there is a comely swimming beach here, while several trails will lead you through the gorgeous Chariton River Hills Natural Area, which will showcase stunning prairies that are carpeted with radiant wildflowers, that will captivate you with their beauty.
If you are interested in their camping options. The park offers a good selection of sites that range from electric hookups to primitive.
It also has a number of basic walk-in campsites and a convenient special-use camping area too.
5. Wallace State Park
Location: 10621 MO-121, Cameron, MO 64429
At just 502 acres, the Wallace State Park isn’t the biggest on this list in terms of landmass. But what it lacks in size it more than makes up for in beauty.
Accessed via a 3 hour and 15 minute drive north from Osage Beach, the park is a haven of serenity for those who want to get away from the pressures of city life for a while.
The likes of hiking, fishing and boating give you plenty of opportunity to find a peaceful and secluded spot to be with your thoughts for a period of time. While several picnic spots provide a gorgeous backdrop in which to enjoy a bite to eat.
Onsite you will find a family-friendly campground that offers both electric and basic campsites for visitors. There are also walk-in campsites for those who prefer to be a bit more secluded, as well as a group camping too.
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