DNR
Home PageAnglers in search of bass, catfish and crappie can cast their lines into any of the park's four stocked lakes. Monsanto Lake is the largest, approximately 25 acres and about 30 feet at its deepest point. Apollo Lake and JoLee Lake are the next in size, and the smallest of the four is Pim Lake. Boats can be used on all four lakes, however, only electric motors are allowed.
State fishing regulations apply. A fishing pass must be
obtained for access to Apollo and JoLee lakes.
There is one gravel boat ramp located at each of the four lakes in St. Joe State Park that are open year-round. Man-powered boats and boats with electric trolling motors are allowed on the lakes; the use of gas-powered motors is not permitted. There are no launch fees. A fishing pass must be obtained from the park office for access to Apollo and JoLee lakes.
Other AmenitiesIce and soda, as well as safety items such as helmets, flags and flag parts are available for sale at the park office. The office staff also sells souvenir shirts, hats and patches as well. The park office is open daily from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. October through March and 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. April through September.
Radio Controlled Flying Field
Model airplane enthusiasts are welcome to frequent
St. Joe State Park. A large area with a grass runway
maintained by a local organization is set aside for operating
radio controlled airplanes. A vault toilet and picnic tables
are available at this area and users may gain access by
checking in at the park office.
Several picnic sites with tables and grills are located in the Pim day-use area. A large and small shelter perfect for family gatherings or special outings can be reserved for $30 per day. If not reserved, the shelters are available at no charge on a first come, first served basis.
Vault toilets, water and a children’s playground are also available at the Pim day-use area. Lakeview Trail, a 1.5-mile loop, can be used to access Monsanto Lake and beach from this area as well.
Picnic sites with grills are also available at the equestrian and ORV staging areas as well as at Pim Lake. Picnic tables only are provided at the Blankshire and Harris Branch trail heads and at Monsanto Lake.
Swimming8/15/08 -- Monsanto Beach at St. Joe State Park will close Sept. 2 for improvements
Swimming is permitted at Monsanto and Pim lakes only. Both lakes are easily accessible and have excellent swimming beaches. A large shelter with picnic tables is located at Monsanto Lake and is available on a first-come, first-served basis. There are also benches, a volleyball net, a change house and a vault toilet. Pim Lake and beach is smaller than Monsanto, but has benches, picnic tables, barbecue grills, a change house and a vault toilet.
No cans, glass bottles, coolers, fires, alcohol or pets are allowed at the beaches.
The use of metal detectors is allowed on Monsanto and Pim beaches only with written permission from the Division of State Parks. Permits can be obtained free of charge by writing to the Division of State Parks, P.O. Box 176, Jefferson City, Mo. 65102. Permitted use is allowed during daylight hours after Labor Day to Memorial Day, and 7 a.m. to 9 a.m. from Memorial Day through Labor Day. Digging tools must not exceed 12 inches in length and 3 inches in width.
Scuba diving is permitted in Monsanto and Pim lakes. Participants must be certified and must be accompanied by another certified diver. They are required to display a marker indicating their location. Divers must check in and out at the park office.
