Activities

  • camping

    Basic and electric campsites are available. Click here for more information.

  • lodging

    Stay in one of the seven duplex cabins overlooking Forest Lake. Click here for more information.

  • hiking

    Three hiking trails weave throughout the park. Click here for more information.

  • fishing

    Excellent fishing opportunities await you at the 573-acre Forest Lake. Click here for more information.

  • boating

    Launch your boat onto Forest Lake at the paved boat ramp. Click here for more information.

  • swimming

    The beach is open Memorial Day weekend to Labor Day. Click here for more information.

  • dining

    Enjoy a wide selection of excellent foods and cocktails. Reservations are suggested for dinner. MasterCard, Visa and Discover are honored. Visit the concession website. 

  • Bicycling

    Thousand Hills Trail is open to mountain biking. Click here for more information.

  • backpacking

    Backpack camping is available on Thousand Hills Trail. Click here for more information.

  • picnicking

    Bring along a picnic lunch as there are more than 60 picnic sites including four open shelters and one enclosed shelter. Click here for more information.

  • Interpretive Programs

    Participate in interpretive programs offered in the spring, summer and fall months. Click here for more information.

  • Playground

    Playgrounds are located at Point Shelter, campground 1 and the main day-use area.

Park information

The cool waters of Forest Lake provide the centerpiece for Thousand Hills State Park, whose woody shores and broad savannas recall a time when northern Missouri was far less developed. The lake offers fishing, swimming and boating. The park offers hiking, mountain biking, and abundant opportunities to see wildlife. An interpretive shelter helps visitors understand the petroglyphs left behind by the area’s inhabitants more than 1,500 years ago. The park also offers campsites and cabins for overnight stays.

See video

Park Hours

Day-Use Areas:

  • Summer Hours (On-Season)
    April through October
    7 a.m. to 10 p.m., daily
  • Winter Hours (Off-Season)
    November through March
    7 a.m. to sunset, daily

The day-use area gates close at these times.

Marina hours

Summer Hours (On-Season)
8 a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday through Friday
7 a.m. to 7 p.m., Saturday and Sunday
September through October
8 a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday through Friday
7 a.m. to 8 p.m., Saturday and Sunday

Store hours

  • Summer Hours (On-Season)
    8 a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday through Friday
    7 a.m. to 7 p.m., Saturday and Sunday
    September through October
    8 a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday through Friday
    7 a.m. to 8 p.m., Saturday and Sunday

Park Office hours

  • Summer Hours (On-Season)
    April through October
    Usually available in park daily
  • Winter Hours (Off-Season)
    November through March
    Usually available in park Monday through Friday

The office telephone is monitored for messages during daytime hours.

Dining Lodge hours

  • Summer Hours (On-Season)
    4 p.m. to 9 p.m., Monday through Saturday
    8 a.m. to 9 p.m., Sunday
    September through October
    4 p.m. to 9 p.m., Monday through Friday
    11 a.m. to 9 p.m., Saturday
    8 a.m. to 9 p.m., Sunday
  • Winter Hours (Off-Season)
    November through Dec. 22
    4 p.m. to 9 p.m., Wednesday through Saturday
    11 a.m. to 3 p.m., Sunday

Beach hours

May 25 through Sept. 3, 2012
1 p.m. - 6 p.m. daily