DNR
Home PageFrequently Asked Questions
When do the state parks close for the winter?
Is there an entrance fee?
Can I take my dog to the state parks?
Can I bring alcohol into a state park?
Where is Wi-Fi available?
Is geocaching allowed?
Can I use my metal detector?
Which state parks allow rock climbing/rappelling?
Can I have my wedding at a state park or historic site?
Can I make a campsite reservation?
How do I find out which state parks and historic sites offer the activity or service I enjoy?
What kind of volunteer opportunities are available?
How can I obtain a license for a road crossing/utility line for a business or private residence (relating to Katy Trail State Park)?
How can I reserve the Carnahan Memorial Garden (Governor's Garden)?
I can't find the information I'm looking for on the Web site.
How do I get directions to the state park or historic site I want to visit?
When do the state parks close for the winter?
The state parks are open year-round. Generally, water is turned off in most of the campgrounds Nov. 1 and turned on again April 1. The electric is on year-round.
The Missouri state park system does not charge entrance fees. However, there are fees associated with camping, lodging, tours, museums and certain special events.
Can I take my dog to the state parks? Additional pet-related information
Pets must be kept on leashes at all times. Pets, other than service dogs used by persons with disabilities, are not allowed in any state park/historic site building including cabins and motels. You may take your dog on most of the hiking trails except at Johnson's Shut-Ins State Park, where you may not take your dog on the trail and down to the shut-ins.
Can I bring alcohol into a state park?
Alcohol is allowed at your campsite, but it is not allowed in parking lots, beach areas and off-road vehicle areas.
At Bennett Spring State Park near Lebanon, visitors can get Wi-Fi access at the dining lodge during regular operating hours. Sam A. Baker State Park near Patterson offers Wi-Fi in the dining lodge, store and cabins. At Montauk State Park near Salem, it is available in the Dorman L. Steelman Lodge, which houses the store and restaurant. At Roaring River State Park near Cassville, it is available at the Emory Melton Inn and Conference Center. Big Lake State Park near Craig offers access at the park store, including the store's café and recreation center. At all five parks, guests must provide their own computers.
Is geocaching allowed?
This activity is allowed within certain guidelines that have
been established in current policy. A permit is required
prior to placing a cache. Further information may be obtained
by calling 800-334-6946.
Missouri State Park System Geocaching Policy | Geocaching Placement Permit
Can I use my metal detector?
Metal detecting is allowed only on specific sand beaches in the facilities listed below. A permit is required and may be obtained free of charge by writing to Missouri Department of Natural Resources, Facility and Visitor Services Program, P.O. Box 176, Jefferson City, MO 65102, or by e-mail. Please provide your name and postal mailing address.
Which state parks allow rock climbing and rappelling (by permit only)?
This activity is allowed only during certain months. A permit is required and may be obtained by contacting the park prior to your visit.
| Elephant Rocks State Park Lake of the Ozarks State Park |
Meramec State Park (rappelling only) St. Francois State Park |
Can I have my wedding at a state park or historic site?
Activities such as weddings are permitted by prior approval. You should submit your request in writing at least three weeks in advance of the wedding. In this request, please clearly define the nature of the activity, number of persons attending, special equipment needs, location in park, dates and time and any other requirements. The facility head will then approve or disapprove your request. You may inquire about mailing addresses or be connected to any state park or historic site through 800-334-6946.
Can I make a campsite reservation?
Reservations are accepted in 35 of Missouri's 40 state park and historic site campgrounds. Reservations can be made online or by phone up to six months in advance or as close as two days. Reservations cannot be made within two days of your arrival. To find out where and how you can make a reservation, please visit the Camping Reservations page.
How do I find out which state parks and historic sites offer the activity or service I enjoy?
You can do a search for any activity or service offered through the Search page, from locating those near I-70 to finding out where you can trout fish and more.
What kind of volunteer opportunities are available in Missouri State Parks?
The Volunteer in Parks Program offers you the chance to volunteer as a campground host, interpreter, park/historic site aide, trail worker or on the Katy Trail or Ozark Trail.
How can I obtain a license for a road crossing or utility line for a business or private residence (relating to Katy Trail State Park)?
Contact the department's Planning and Development Program at 800-334-6946 or 573-751-5374. Licenses are issued after the proposed crossing area is checked to determine if the safety of Katy Trail State Park users or drainage will be affected.
I can't find the information I'm looking for on the Web site.
Information specific to each state park and historic site can be accessed through the dropdown menu located in the upper half of each page. The location of this menu is denoted by the red arrow in the example below.
If the information you are seeking is not listed there, your next option is to check on the Site Map. Feel free to send an e-mail for assistance as well.
How do I get directions to the state park or historic site I want to visit?
Driving directions are provided for most state parks and historic sites. You can access them by choosing Directions from the dropdown menu while on a page dedicated to the facility you want to visit. The dropdown menu is located in the upper half of each page.
