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Camping Rules and Regulations

To ensure a quality camping experience and to protect the park’s natural resources, visitors are asked to abide by the following rules. For more information or assistance, please contact park staff.

  • Camp only in designated campsites. Select an unoccupied campsite and verify availability with park staff before setting up camp. Check-in procedures are outlined on the campground entrance sign.
  • Maximum typical campsite capacity is limited to two sleeping units (only one of which can be wheeled), two vehicles (non-sleeping units), and six people; capacity is doubled for a family campsite. Exceeding the physical design of the campsite will result in additional fees.
  • Campsites designed for people with disabilities may be occupied by other campers only with permission from the park staff.
  • All wheeled vehicles and trailers must be kept on roads and parking pads except as otherwise permitted by special management rules.
  • Excessive volumes on radios, televisions, musical instruments, etc., are not permitted. Shutdown of these items may be necessary depending on your proximity to other campers. 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. Non-camping visitors must leave by 10 p.m.
  • Checkout time is 2 p.m. Check-in time is 3 p.m. Please remove all trash from your campsite.
  • No personal property may be left unattended longer than 24 hours.
  • All plants and animals are protected in Missouri state parks and historic sites. Please help protect the natural resources by not gathering or cutting firewood, digging holes, using insect-killing devices, collecting plants or animals, discharging sewage or gray water on the ground, or performing any other act that may harm the natural resources.  
  • Please do not hang lanterns or tie ropes, dog leashes, clotheslines, bungee cords, etc., to trees. Hammocks are allowed to be attached to trees only with a 2-inch nylon strap and at an appropriate height per code of state regulations.
  • It is recommended to have no more than two dogs per campsite. Pets must be kept on leashes no longer than 10 feet and be supervised at all times. Shock collars and other electronic devices do not meet these requirements. Pet waste bags are available in most locations for your use. Other than service dogs, pets are not allowed inside any building or in public swimming areas or waters reserved for fishing.
  • Solicitation and selling of any item (including the resale of a campsite) are strictly prohibited.
  • Campfires are the responsibility of the camper and are restricted to the fire rings and grills provided. Large fires and the burning of trash are strictly prohibited. Please put out your fire completely before leaving.
  • The discharging of firearms, BB guns, paintball guns, bows, slingshots, or any devices that use burning powder, explosives (including fireworks), compressed gases, etc., is prohibited.
  • The use of ATVs/UTVs, golf carts, go-karts, etc., is generally not allowed. Low-speed vehicles (maximum of 25 mph from the factory) are allowed if they meet the proper requirements (check with park staff). Allowable motorized vehicles (gas- or battery-powered), such as scooters, Segways, motorized bicycles, hoverboards, etc., can only be operated by a licensed driver. Personal mobility devices used by people with disabilities are allowed.
  • Water toys, such as Slip 'N Slides, and pools of any kind are not allowed. They can pose a safety hazard and damage the natural resources. Bounce houses are not allowed without a public assembly and event contract (see park staff).
  • Bicyclists, backpackers and others with limited ability to travel will be assured a camping space for the night of their arrival. Accommodations other than those available on a designated site may be arranged through the facility manager.
  • Please check the information board for a listing of rules and regulations, as well as special management regulations specific to the facility.