Special-Use Area

at Onondaga Cave State Park

three picnic tables in an open area with a vault toilet in the backgroundThe special-use camping area is designated for group camping, with nonprofit organizations and youth groups having priority. It is located about 1 mile from the main campground. This area has no electricity or water. The cost is $2 per person per night. Reservations can be made for this area through the park office by calling 573-522-1860.

Camper trailers are not allowed in this area and pull behind trailers are not recommended without the use of four-wheel drive.

Park Hours

Coordinates

38.050581, -91.237188

Park Hours

For temporary closures related to weather, stewardship activities and maintenance, as well as temporary trail closures, click here to visit our Park and Site Status Map.


On the following days (actual or observed), staff will not be available and park buildings will be closed: Thanksgiving Day; Nov. 24, 2023; Christmas Eve; Christmas Day; New Year’s Eve; New Year’s Day; Martin Luther King Jr. Day; Lincoln’s Birthday; and Presidents Day. 

The park is open year-round for camping and day use.

Onondaga Cave hours

2023 Onondaga Cave tours

  • The last day of cave tours will be Oct. 1.
  • Tours can be reserved online on our reservation website or by visiting the park. For more information, contact the park at 573-245-6576.

2023 Cathedral Cave tours

  • Tours will be offered on weekends from Memorial Day through Labor Day.
  • Tours can be reserved online on our reservation website or by visiting the park. For more information, contact the park at 573-245-6576.

Visitor Center hours

April through October (On-Season)

9 a.m. to 5 p.m., daily

November through March (Off-Season)

Closed

Store hours

April through October (On-Season)

9 a.m. to 5 p.m., daily

November through March (Off-Season)

Closed

Park Office hours

8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday, year-round

On the following days (actual or observed), staff will not be available and park buildings will be closed: Thanksgiving Day; Nov. 24, 2023; Christmas Eve; Christmas Day; New Year’s Eve; New Year’s Day; Martin Luther King Jr. Day; Lincoln’s Birthday; and Presidents Day.