Mark Twain State Park and Mark Twain Birthplace State Historic Site Closed for Managed Deer Hunt Starting Nov. 5, 2026

Mark Twain State Park and Mark Twain Birthplace State Historic Site will be closed from 4 p.m. on Nov. 5, 2026, until 10 a.m. on Nov. 9, 2026, due to a managed deer hunt. Only registered hunters and people working the event will be allowed on the property. All camping and lodging within the park will be unavailable from Nov. 5, 2026, through Nov. 8, 2026.

For more information, please call the park office at 573-248-9980. For a complete list of closures and advisories, please visit our Park and Site Status Map.

CCC Open Shelter - Buzzard's Roost Area

at Mark Twain State Park

To reserve this shelter, or to check for availability, visit our reservation page* or contact the park at 573-248-9980.

*Shelters can be reserved online from 30 days to 12 months in advance of the day of use. Reservations for arrival dates less than 30 days out can be made only by contacting the park.

CCC open picnic shelter under trees

Shelter Amenities

  • Eight picnic tables
  • Electricity
  • Fireplace
  • One grill
  • Water available April 15-Oct. 31
  • Length x width: 33' x 12'
  • Maximum occupancy: 45
  • Distance to beach: 3.8 miles
  • Distance to playground: 0.2 mile
  • Distance to vault toilets: 100 yards

For more information about the park's picnic areas, click here.

historic rock picnic shelter
Coordinates
39.472222, -91.794167