Activities

  • hiking

    View the natural areas of the park on one of three trails. Click here for more information.

  • canoe_float

    Take a float on Big River. Click here for more information.

  • camping

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

  • lodging

    Stay in a one-, two- or three-bedroom housekeeping cabin. Click here for more information.

  • swimming

    Cool off in the park’s swimming pool. Click here for more information.

  • fishing

    Big River offers you opportunities to catch a wide variety of fish. Click here for more information.

  • backpacking

    Spend the night at the backpack camp along Rockywood Trail. Click here for more information.

  • boating

    Launch your own canoe, kayak or raft into Big River.

  • picnicking

    You have the choice of several picnic areas to enjoy lunch with a small or large group. Click here for more information.

  • Interpretive Programs

    Enjoy programs presented Friday and Saturday evenings from Memorial Day through Labor Day. Click here for more information.

  • Playground

    There are three playgrounds within the park -- at the swimming pool, in the campground and near the shelter at the Big River day-use area.

Park information

Petroglyphs, quaint hiking shelters and incredible Ozark overlooks define the Washington State Park experience. Easy access to the Big River makes the park great for swimming or fishing and the park’s three hiking trails address every type of hike, from easy strolls to power hikes. Buildings constructed by African-American Civilian Conservation Corps stonemasons complement the park and add to its sense of history.

See video

Park Hours

Park Grounds:

  • Sunrise to sunset, year-round.
  • November through March
    The roads to the upper picnic shelter, pool complex, cabins and the river bottoms are closed to vehicles. They are open to foot traffic.

Park Office hours

  • 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, year-round.
    Please note there may be times when the office is closed while staff are working in the park.

Interpretive Center hours

Sunrise to sunset, year-round

Thunderbird Lodge hours

  • April 1-14
    Closed
  • April 15-30
    8 a.m. - 5 p.m. daily
  • May through October
    8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Sunday through Thursday
    8 a.m. to 7 p.m., Friday and Saturday
  • November through March
    Closed