Facts and Figures
Attendance Figures
The Department of Natural Resources is routinely asked by many of you for attendance data in our state park system. By providing this information on the Internet, we hope to better serve your needs.
The data is set up based on the monthly figures for 67 of the 80 state parks and historic sites that report attendance. The camping unit figures are from camping permit sales. Total visitors include campers, cabin and hotel guests, and day-use visitors. The column for motel rooms/cabins rented reflects totals from our contracted concession-run operations.
2001 | 2002 | 2003 | 2004 | 2005 | 2006 | 2007 | 2008 | 2009 | 2010
User Satisfaction
During several comprehensive studies conducted since 1995, users of state parks and historic sites indicated their ongoing satisfaction with the state park system. According to the 2000 survey conducted by the University of Missouri, almost 99 percent of the users surveyed were satisfied with their visit. To see detailed reports of visitor services, click on the Visitor Research Reports link on the right.
Economic Impact of State Park System
The Missouri state park system, with about 17 million visitors annually to its state parks and historic sites, has a positive economic impact on the state and local communities. Results of an economic impact study being conducted by the University of Missouri estimate that total annual expenditures of state park visitors are approximately $410 million. The total economic impact of these expenditures is estimated at $538 million. Approximately 22 percent of all visitation comes from out of state, bringing new dollars into our economy.
Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan (SCORP)
Missouri's 2008-2012 Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan (SCORP) is now available. This plan provides a framework for the planning, development, management and protection of Missouri's outdoor recreation resources. In addition, this plan will ensure Missouri remains eligible to receive federal Land and Water Conservation Funds for outdoor recreation projects from the National Park Service. The planning process to create this document involved the input of local, state and federal officials and a cross-section of citizens. The new plan includes revisions in two areas: Missouri State and Federal Agency-Owned Recreation Land and Facilities and the section on Missouri's Trails. The remaining data is from the previous plan and is still considered relevant.
For additional information or questions, please e-mail or call 573-751-0848.
