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Special-Use Area

at Watkins Mill State Park

Picnicking SymbolVault Toilet Symbol

 

The special-use camping is designated for group camping, with nonprofit organizations and youth groups having priority. It is divided into five separate camping areas. These areas are available from March through November. Each area is equipped with a picnic table and fire ring. Shared vault toilets are available, but there is no water. There is direct access to the bicycle trail. The special-use camping area is located on the east side of the facility and is accessed from Endsley Road.

The fee for use of an area is $2 per person, per night. For more information or to reserve an area for your group, call 816-580-3387 during office hours.

picnic tables in a shaded area a flag pole a vault toilet

 

Park Hours

Park Hours

Weather

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Coordinates

39.396981, -94.253083

Park Hours

For temporary closures related to weather, stewardship activities and maintenance, as well as temporary trail closures, click here to visit our Park and Site Status Map.

On the following days (actual or observed), staff will not be available and park buildings will be closed: Christmas Eve; Christmas Day; New Year’s Eve; New Year’s Day; Jan. 2, 2023; Martin Luther King Jr. Day; Lincoln’s Birthday; and Presidents Day. 

Day-Use Areas

  • Lake Trail
    7 a.m. to sunset
  • Williams Creek Picnic Area
    Open year-round
  • Hill Top Picnic Area
    Open daily April 15-Oct. 31
  • Fox Hunt Picnic Area
    Open daily April 15-Oct. 31
  • South Gate:
    April 15-Oct. 31: 6:30 a.m. to sunset, daily
    Nov. 1-April 14: 7 a.m. to sunset, daily
  • North Gate
    7 a.m. to sunset, daily, year-round

Park Office hours

Summer Hours (on-season)

  • April 15-Oct. 31
    8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday
    9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., Saturday
    10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., Sunday

Winter Hours (off-season)

  • Nov. 1-April 14
    8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday
    9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Saturday
    10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Sunday

Visitor Center hours

Visitor Center and Museum

  • April 15-Oct. 31
    9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Saturday
    10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., Sunday
  • Nov. 1-April 14
    9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Saturday
    10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Sunday

Swimming Beach hours

Beach closed for the season