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Special-Use Area

at Trail of Tears State Park

a picnic table and a group fire ring areaThe special-use camping area is by reservation only for group camping. Organized youth groups (Scouts, 4-H, church, etc.) have priority.

This area offers campers a large area to set up multiple tents and includes vault toilets, picnic tables and a fire pit. It does not have water or showers. Campers may use the facilities in the Lake Boutin Campground. Camping capacity is 40 campers and/or 10 cars. A $2 per camper per night fee is charged. Check-in is 3 p.m., and checkout is 3 p.m. the following day.

Contact the visitor center at 573-290-5268 to make your reservations for the special-use camping area. 

Park Hours

Park Hours

Weather

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Coordinates

37.444545, -89.479965

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.

Park Grounds

  • 7 a.m. to 10 p.m., April through October
  • 7 a.m. to 6 p.m., November through March

Overlook hours

7 a.m. to dusk, daily

Beach hours

Beach closed for the season

Visitor Center hours

April through October (On-Season)

  • April
    10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday
    Noon to 4 p.m. Sunday
    Closed Monday through Friday
  • May through September
    9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday
    Noon to 5 p.m. Sunday
    Closed Monday and Tuesday
  • Oct. 1-31
    9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursday through Saturday
    Noon to 5 p.m. Sunday
    Closed Monday through Wednesday

November through March (Off-Season)

  • Nov. 1 through March 15
    Closed
  • March 16-31
    10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday
    Noon to 4 p.m. Sunday
    Closed Monday through Friday

Park Office hours

Summer Hours (on-season)

April through September

9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Saturday

Noon to 5 p.m., Sunday

October

9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Thursday through Saturday

Noon to 5 p.m., Sunday

Closed Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday

Winter Hours (off-season)

November through March

10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Saturday

Noon to 4 p.m., Sunday

Closed Monday through Friday