Camping Rules and Regulations

The following rules are designed to help visitors enjoy their stay. For more information or assistance, please contact any of the park staff or the campground hosts located in the campground.

In addition to the rules listed below, some facilities enact Special Management Regulations to improve park management, protect park resources or assist with our mission for providing a safe, pleasant recreational experience. Upon your arrival, please check the information board to learn of any applicable special management regulations, or contact the facility during regular business hours via our toll free information service line, 800-334-6946 (voice) or 800-379-2419 (Telecommunications Device for the Deaf).

State park and historic site campgrounds are intended for recreational camping only. Campsites cannot be used for day-use only. Camp only in designated campsites. Camping is limited to 15 days in any consecutive 30-day period.
Check-in procedures are outlined on the campground entrance sign and apply to all camping customers. Camping fees and collection procedures for each park are posted at several locations.
Exceeding campsite capacity limits may result in camper having to acquire another site, paying additional camping fees or eviction from the campground. Visit the Campsite Capacity page for details. If in doubt, please consult with park staff to determine your needs before you secure only one campsite.
Only one electrical user is allowed per electric campsite. Plug-ins shall not exceed receptacles provided at the pedestal.
Campers may not hook up to a shared water source for extended periods. Long-term connection is permitted by the occupant of the campsite when the site contains an individual water source.
All vehicles and trailers must be on paved or graveled surfaces except as otherwise permitted. The physical design capacity of the site may not be exceeded.
Unless the customer holds the reservation, sites marked as reservable may not be occupied without approval of the campground attendant. First-come, first-served customers should select an unoccupied site and verify availability with park staff before setting up camp.
A camping day begins at 3 p.m. each day. Check-out time for all campers is 2 p.m. on the last day of your stay to free up the site for the next customer.
A camper may hold one other available site for another camper expected to arrive before 3 a.m. The fee for this site must be paid and the permit posted.
Quiet hours are from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. Generators are prohibited during these hours, and some parks do not allow generators at any time. Show consideration for your camping neighbor by keeping conversations respectful and quiet. Excessive volumes on radios, televisions, musical instruments, etc. will be enforced. Shutdown of these items may be necessary depending on your proximity to other campers and how densely other campsites are occupied. Outside of quiet hours, continue to be considerate of the park's environment and the campers who are seeking a peaceful outdoor experience. Always keep noise to a minimum and respect your neighbor's space.
All non-camping visitors must leave by 10 p.m.
The use of electrical insect-killing devices is prohibited.
Campsites designed for persons with disabilities may be occupied by other campers only with the permission of the campground attendant, and may only be reserved by or for a person with a disability. Proof of disability is required at check-in. Additional discount information can be found on the Camping Fees and Seasons page.
No personal property may be left unattended for longer than 24 hours.
Solicitation or selling any item (including resale of a campsite) is strictly prohibited.
Gathering firewood in the park or historic site is strictly prohibited.
Campfires are the responsibility of the camper and are restricted to fire rings or grills provided. Burning trash in the fire ring or grill is strictly prohibited.
The discharging of firearms, BB guns, paintball guns, bow and arrows, sling shots or any devices that use burning powder, explosives, compressed gases, etc. is prohibited.
Pack wisely and bring reusable containers to lessen the amount of trash you generate. Some parks abide by a "carry-in, carry-out" trash policy, while others provide trash receptacles and recycle bins. Please take every opportunity to recycle when you can.
Up to two dogs are allowed per campsite. Visit the Enjoying Missouri State Parks with your Pet page for additional information. Pets must be kept on leashes no longer than 10 feet and under control at all times. The use of a shock collar or other electronic device does not meet these requirements. Pets, other than service dogs used by persons with disabilities, are not allowed inside any buildings or structures, in public swimming areas and beaches, in waters reserved for fishing or in certain limited areas. Pet waste bags are available in most locations and should be used for clean up.
Hanging lanterns or any other items from or in trees, trenching around tents, littering or discharging sewage or gray water on the ground is prohibited.
Do not pick or dig up plants, disturb or feed animals or scavenge dead wood.
Substantial personal property is a licensed vehicle, trailer, tent, dining fly, etc. and is a courtesy to other campers to clearly identify the site is occupied. Lawn chairs, tablecloths, coolers, etc. are not considered substantial personal property.
Temporary swimming pools are prohibited in the park, including the campground.
When you have completed your stay, please remove your paid camping receipt from the post and leave your campsite in as good as or better condition than when you found it.

Camping Information Home Page | State Parks/Historic Sites Home Page