Accessibility Information

at Johnson's Shut-Ins State Park

Accessible SymbolThis symbol indicates that the specified area is fully compliant with Americans with Disabilities Act Accessibility Guidelines (ADAAG).

Accessible SymbolBirding

Visitors of all abilities can enjoy birding along Shut-Ins Trail. This trail has information and signage, rest areas, mostly manageable surfaces, and many other ADA considerations.

To find additional locations that are accessible, visit Birdability to view their accessible birding trails maps.

DAY-USE SIDE

Accessible SymbolShut-Ins area

The main parking lot, located below River Store, is mostly level and has four handicap parking areas. This parking lot gives handicap users the ability to access the ADA trail to the shut-ins overlook, which is 0.25 miles long. The ADA trail is pavement, concrete and a wooden boardwalk with very little slope. Partway down the trail is an accessible vault toilet, and just beyond is a resting area with benches. Once at the overlook, there are more benches provided for resting and leisure. 

Accessible SymbolRiver Store

River Store is located next to the main parking lot and serves as the main retail store for the day-use operation. There is one handicap parking spot that gives users the ability to utilize River Store and/or use the picnic tables on the adjacent deck. The only way to access the main parking lot from this handicap spot is by the main road. 

Accessible SymbolEnclosed Shelter

The enclosed shelter is a day-use shelter that can be rented by the public for weddings, reunions, etc. It is located off the main road before the main shut-ins parking lot. There are two handicap parking spots right in front of the building.

Accessible SymbolSouth Day-Use Area

The South Day-Use Area has two handicap parking spots. This area has five day-use shelters with two tables and grill per shelter. One shelter and a vault toilet is ADA accessible. These shelters are primarily for visitors picnicking and accessing the Black River.

Accessible SymbolNorth Day-Use Area

The North Day-Use Area has two handicap parking spots. This area has seven day-use shelters with two tables and grill per shelter. One shelter, vault toilet and playground has ADA accessibility. These shelters are primarily for visitors to picnic, access the Black River and use the playground

Accessible SymbolBlack River Center

The Black River Center has seven handicap parking spots (four in the north loop and three in the south loop). The Black River Center has more than 2,000 square feet of interpretation and educational exhibits and a small retail shop on the first floor. The second floor is the administrative offices and an indoor classroom for programs. This indoor classroom can be rented by the public when not in use by staff.  Furthermore, the second floor has a viewing platform to overlook the “scour,” which is ADA accessible by elevator.  

Accessible SymbolCAMPGROUND

  • Loop 1 – Equestrian Loop
    One electric/water campsite is accessible. There is one handicap parking spot at the bathroom/showerhouse.

  • Loop 2 – Full-Service Camping and Camper Cabins
    There is one accessible sewer/electric/water accessible campsite in this loop. Camper Cabin # 1 is also accessible. There are five total ADA parking spots in this loop. Two are located at the bathroom/showerhouse, two located at the picnic shelter and one located at Camper Cabin #1. 

  • Loop 3 – Electric Loop
    There is one accessible electric campsite and two handicap parking spots in this loop. One parking spot is located at the bathroom/showerhouse and one is at the picnic shelter.

  • Loop 4 – Basic Loop
    One accessible basic campsite and two handicap parking spots are located in this loop. One parking spot is located at the bathroom/showerhouse and one is at the picnic shelter.

  • Special-Use Area
    This area is designated for Boy or Girl Scout groups that are teaching life skills and/or stewardship. There is one handicap parking spot located in this area. Its primary use is accessibility to the accessible bathroom/showerhouse located in this loop.

  • Loop 5 - Walk-In Sites – West Side
    These 14 sites have wooden platforms located in the woods that visitors can camp at.  Visitors must park on the east or west side to access these sites. There is one handicap parking spot located in the west parking area. This spot is for site 514, which is the only ADA accessible camping spot in the walk-in sites.  

Accessible SymbolCampground Store

There are two handicap parking spots located next to the Campground Store. These two spots give visitors access to the store, woodlot, laundry room and amphitheater. The Campground Store has all the day-to-day essentials that campers would need during their stay.  


For more information, contact the park:

Johnson’s Shut-Ins State Park
148 Taum Sauk Trail
Middle Brook, MO  63656-9601
573-546-2450
1-800-334-6946
1-800-379-2419 TDD

Last updated: April 2021