The Missouri State Park System was launched all the way back in 1917. Today it encompasses over 150,000 acres and incorporates more than 90 state and historic sites.
Boasting a huge network of scenic trails which meander past jagged cliffs, bosky forests, rampaging rivers and picturesque meadows, this system has plenty to explore.
To support its breathtaking terrain, these state parks also proudly convey notable sites and landmarks of massive cultural relevance, as well as some very fine examples of historic architecture.
Every year, millions of visitors from the USA, and tourists from all over the world, head to these stunning public recreational areas to partake in a range of recreational outdoor pursuits. This includes hiking, swimming, fishing, canoeing, kayaking, horseback riding and biking in the summer months. As well as snowmobiling and cross-country skiing in the winter.
For those who live in St Joseph, within the county seat of Buchanan County, these nature preserves and conservation areas provide wonderful opportunities to explore the great outdoors.
Should this be something you would like to do, below is a selection of 5 state parks near St Joseph that are well worth heading to.
Map of State Parks Near St Joseph, MO
Here is a map of the state parks in Missouri covered by this post:
List of State Parks Near St Joseph
All five of the state parks near St Joseph highlighted below are just a couple of hours drive from the city, which means they are perfect destinations for a day trip.
That said, should you want to spend a few days or more at any of them, they all provide various forms of camping facilities for guests to use as well.
1. Weston Bend State Park
Distance from St Joseph: about 26 miles south of St Joseph (straight-line).
Location: 16600 MO-45, Weston, MO 64098
Situated just 35 mins south of St Joseph the Weston Bend State Park enjoys a picturesque location nestled on the east bank of the Missouri River.
Covering 1,133 acres this stunning public recreation space boasts comely river views, as well as plenty of paved and unpaved scenic trails that are great both hiking and biking.
A terrific base to visit Kansas City, which is also just a 30 minute drive away, this state park provides a nice playground for kids to enjoy, as well as several secluded picnic sites. While the river is a good spot for fishing, canoeing and kayaking.
Overall, the park offers 37 campsites that are a mix of basic and electric sites. Booking is essential as they tend to fill up fast.
Weston Bend State Park is a public recreation area on the east bank of the Missouri River in Platte County, Missouri.
See our full Weston Bend State Park guide for fees, hours, and what to expect.
2. Big Lake State Park
Distance from St Joseph: about 26 miles northeast of St Joseph (straight-line).
Location: 440 Street, Missouri 64463
625-acre lake with swimming, fishing, and nature center.
The 407-acre park sits beside Big Lake, the largest remaining oxbow lake in Missouri, with a campground, camper cabins and lake access for boating and fishing; the shallow lake’s wetlands draw migrating waterfowl. Source: Missouri State Parks, checked October 2026.
See our full Big Lake State Park guide for fees, hours, and what to expect.
3. Wallace State Park
Distance from St Joseph: about 34 miles east of St Joseph (straight-line).
Location: 10621 MO-121, Cameron, MO 64429
Just 45 minutes east of St Joseph’s lies the 502 acre Wallace State Park.
Known for being an island of serenity, this park has a 6-acre lake that is an excellent spot for fishing, swimming and boating. It also has four scenic trails which provide benches to sit and relax on along the way. Several scenic picnic spots are also scattered around the area, while there is also a playground for children to enjoy.
The campground here is family oriented and provides both basic and electric campsites for visitors. Should you want a bit more in the way of seclusion, however, walk-in campsites are available. While there is also a special-use camping area that is specifically designated for group camping.
In terms of facilities, all camping areas here come with a fire ring, vault toilet, pedestal grill, picnic tables and water spigot.
Wallace State Park is a public recreation area located seven miles (11 km) south of Cameron in Clinton County, Missouri.
See our full Wallace State Park guide for fees, hours, and what to expect.
4. Watkins Mill State Park
Distance from St Joseph: about 40 miles southeast of St Joseph (straight-line).
Location: Location Lawson, MO 64062
Watkins Mill State Park is two experiences in one place: an easy lakeside recreation area 40 minutes northeast of Kansas City, and one of the most remarkable industrial-history sites in the country. The park’s 1,442 acres surround a 100-acre lake ringed by a paved bike-and-hike path, while the adjoi.
See our full Watkins Mill State Park guide for fees, hours, and what to expect.
5. Indian Cave State Park
Distance from St Joseph: about 52 miles northwest of St Joseph (straight-line).
Location: Shubert, Nebraska
Indian Cave State Park is a public recreation and historic preservation area covering nearly 3,400 acres (1,400 ha) along the Missouri River in southeast Nebraska.
See our full Indian Cave State Park guide for fees, hours, and what to expect.
