Missouri State Park Fees
Missouri state parks are 100% free to enter — no admission fees, no parking fees, no vehicle permits. This is funded by a dedicated Parks, Soils and Water Sales Tax approved by voters.
| Activity | Cost |
|---|---|
| Park Entry | FREE |
| Parking | FREE |
| Basic Camping | $13–$17/night |
| Electric Sites | $18–$28/night |
| Cabins | $70–$170/night |
| Lodges | $100–$200/night |
Parks by Region
Lake of the Ozarks & Central Missouri
The Ozarks’ lake playground with castle ruins and caves.
- Ha Ha Tonka State Park — Castle ruins overlooking karst landscape and spring
- Lake of the Ozarks State Park — Missouri’s largest park with lake access
- Ha Ha Tonka — Natural bridge, sinkholes, and spring
- Rock Bridge Memorial State Park — Devil’s Icebox cave system near Columbia
- Finger Lakes State Park — Off-road vehicle park with swimming lake
Ozark Highlands & Southeast
Deep valleys, crystal springs, and world-class floating rivers.
- Johnson’s Shut-Ins State Park — Natural water slides in volcanic rock
- Elephant Rocks State Park — Giant 1.5-billion-year-old granite boulders
- Echo Bluff State Park — Modern Ozarks resort on Sinking Creek
- Taum Sauk Mountain State Park — Missouri’s highest point (1,772 ft) and Mina Sauk Falls
- Montauk State Park — Headwaters of the Current River with trout hatchery
Southwest Missouri & Springfield Area
Ozark streams, caves, and warm-water springs.
- Roaring River State Park — Spring-fed trout fishing in a deep valley
- Bennett Spring State Park — Premier trout fishing with natural spring
- Table Rock State Park — Gateway to Branson and Table Rock Lake
St. Louis Metro & Mississippi Bluffs
Urban-accessible parks along the great rivers.
- Castlewood State Park — Meramec River bluffs with mountain biking
- Route 66 State Park — Historic Mother Road with river access
- Mastodon State Historic Site — Pleistocene fossils and Kimmswick bone bed
- Felix Valle House State Historic Site — French colonial heritage in Ste. Genevieve
Katy Trail & Missouri River
The nation’s longest rail-trail stretching 240+ miles.
- Katy Trail State Park — 240+ miles of flat trail along the Missouri River
- Lewis and Clark State Park — Missouri River oxbow lake near Kansas City
- Weston Bend State Park — Blufftop views of the Missouri River
Northern Missouri Prairies
Rolling hills, covered bridges, and prairie lakes.
- Thousand Hills State Park — Petroglyphs and lake swimming near Kirksville
- Pershing State Park — Locust Creek wetland with boardwalk
- Wallace State Park — Quiet camping and fishing near Cameron
Best Parks by Activity
Best for Hiking
- Ha Ha Tonka — Castle ruins, springs, and karst geology
- Johnson’s Shut-Ins — Shut-ins trail with volcanic rock formations
- Elephant Rocks — Braille Trail through giant boulders
Best for Fishing
- Bennett Spring — Premier trout fishing with hatchery
- Roaring River — Spring-fed trout zone in Ozark valley
- Montauk — Current River headwaters with stocked trout
Best for Cycling
- Katy Trail — 240+ miles, longest rail-trail in America
- Castlewood — Mountain biking along Meramec River bluffs
- Finger Lakes — Off-road trails with ATV access
Best for Families
- Johnson’s Shut-Ins — Natural water slides and swimming
- Elephant Rocks — Climb giant billion-year-old boulders
- Echo Bluff — Modern lodge, swimming, and floating
When to Visit
| Season | Experience | Crowds |
|---|---|---|
| Spring (Mar–May) | Wildflowers, waterfalls peak, river floating begins | Moderate |
| Summer (Jun–Aug) | Swimming at Shut-Ins, floating season, Katy Trail peak | High |
| Fall (Sep–Nov) | Ozark foliage, camping, comfortable hiking | Moderate |
| Winter (Dec–Feb) | Lodge stays, bald eagles, trout fishing year-round | Low |
FAQs
Are Missouri state parks really free?
Yes! All 93 parks and historic sites have free entry, free parking, and free admission. This is funded by a constitutionally dedicated sales tax.
What is the Katy Trail?
The Katy Trail is the longest developed rail-trail in the US at 240+ miles, running along the Missouri River from Clinton to Machens. It’s free and open year-round.
Can I swim at Johnson’s Shut-Ins?
Yes! The natural water slides and pools formed by the Black River are open for swimming. It’s extremely popular in summer — arrive early.
What is the best trout fishing in Missouri?
Bennett Spring, Roaring River, Montauk, and Meramec Spring state parks all have designated trout areas with daily tags required.
Castle ruins, natural water slides, and the longest trail in America — explore Missouri’s 93 free parks.
