Camping

at Trail of Tears State Park

Trail of Tears State Park offers basic, electric and sewer/electric/water campsites and a special-use camping area. On-season (April through October) services include reservable sites, a dump station, showers, water and laundry. Campers planning to carry in firewood must comply with current firewood advisories.

Current nightly camping fees can be found through Fees and Seasons on the right; nightly camping fees effective May 1, 2013, can be found by clicking here.

Mississippi River Campground is open and reservable year-round. During the off-season (November through March), potable water is available from the frost-free spigot at the dump station. Note: The railroad is active.

Lake Boutin Campground is open and reservable May through October (closed November through April).

For weekend reservations, there is a required two-night minimum stay of Friday/Saturday.

Special-Use Camping Area

The special-use camping area is by reservation only for group camping. It offers campers a large area to set up multiple tents, vault toilets, picnic tables and a fire pit. This area does not have water or showers. Campers may use the facilities in the Lake Boutin Campground. Camping capacity is 40 campers and/or 10 cars. A $2 per camper per night fee is charged to Scout groups; an alternate nightly rate and deposit are charged for all other groups. Check-in is 3 p.m. and check-out is 3 p.m. the following day. Contact the park office at 573-290-5268 to make your reservations for the special-use camping area.  Use by groups other than organized youth groups is available at an alternate rate; interested parties may inquire by calling the park office.