at Washington State Park
This symbol indicates that the specified area is fully compliant with Americans with Disabilities Act Accessibility Guidelines (ADAAG).
Park Office
Parking for the office is located near the interpretive center and parallel to the sidewalk. The path is uneven flagstone and has a step. Being a historic structure built by the Civilian Conservation Corps, the office has not been modified. Park information and assistance can also be found April through October at Thunderbird Lodge (operated by the park concessionaire) and in the campground with the campground host.
Interpretive Center/Small Petroglyph Site
Parallel parking is adjacent to a flagstone sidewalk. The entrance to the interpretive center has mostly level flagstone and a 34-inch-wide doorway. Floor level is 2 inches lower than the threshold. Inside, you’ll find a mostly level flagstone floor and interpretive exhibits. A flagstone path leads past the interpretive center to a petroglyph site. Here, a railed wooden observation deck is provided. An 8-inch step is encountered at the deck.
Across the road from the interpretive center is a Korean War memorial, which has a paved pull-off area and is accessible to all visitors.
Picnic Areas
Two accessible picnic sites are provided. The first one is found at the swimming pool picnic area*. It includes a signed parking space, a paved pathway, an extended-end table and a pedestal grill.
The second site is adjacent to the Thunderbird Lodge parking lot. Here you’ll find a shady site with a signed parking space, paved pathway, extended-end table and a pedestal grill.
*Please note that the swimming pool is temporarily closed.
Campground
- The wooded campground offers one basic and two electric accessible campsites, which provide a fire ring, an extended-end table, a lantern post and a pedestal grill. Accessible vault toilets and water hydrants are found in both loops.
- The main showerhouse has one accessible parking space located to the right as you pull in. A paved pathway leads to the entrances. Inside, you’ll find roll-in showers with grab bars and a seat and front-transfer toilets. The lavatories can be rolled under. Electric outlets may be difficult for some users to reach.
- The laundry has two sets of top-operated machines with long sorting tables provided. The average maneuvering width is 3 feet. The breezeway contains an information board.
- Near the main showerhouse is an accessible playground with a wood chip pathway.
- The amphitheater, located just down from the playground, has a paved pathway leading to a seating area with room for wheelchairs. Unmarked parking is along the road.
- The dump station has not been modified.
Special-Use Area
This area has a gravel parking lot and is mostly level to a slight slope of 3%. Tables and fire rings are provided on natural turf. The water fountain, hydrant and vault toilet are not modified for accessibility.
Thunderbird Lodge Store
This historic structure offers four accessible parking spaces with a paved path to the entrance. A spacious interior houses an accessible restroom and the park store, which is operated by the park concessionaire. Cabin, watercraft and swimming pool rentals*, as well as limited park information, are available here.
*Please note that the pool is temporarily closed.
Cabins
Cabin 10
This cabin has paved parking with a very slight slope and a pathway to the patio entrance. The patio offers an extended-end table and a pedestal grill. The door has a lever-style handle and opens into a large living area and accessible kitchen. Overhead cabinets may be out of reach for some users. Wide doorways open into bedrooms that provide lowered shelves and closet rods. The bath has an accessible lavatory with lowered mirror, lowered towel shelves, a side-transfer toilet and a tub/shower with grab bars and a removable shower seat. The showerhead is adjustable.
Big River Day-Use Area
The picnic sites have not been modified at this time. The vault toilets in this area are accessible. Access to the Big River is not ADA accessible at this location.
Big River Shelter House
The shelter has level, paved parking with one signed space. A paved pathway leads past an accessible water fountain to the entrance. This shelter provides an extended-end table, a group grill and seating for 96 people. An accessible playground is located nearby with a paved pathway and a seating area. Also, an additional signed parking space offers easy entry to the accessible vault toilet.
CCC Shelter House
This historic shelter has level, paved parking with a fine gravel and dirt path to the structure. Here, you’ll encounter a 12-inch step up into the flagstone-floored building. There have been no modifications done to this structure. Seating accommodates 84 people and includes a group grill and a fireplace. The vault toilet is not accessible.
Swimming Pool (Temporarily Closed)
Level, paved parking is provided with a wide pathway to the change house. Wide hallways allow easy access to the pool deck and change rooms. Side-transfer toilets, lowered mirrors and clothes hooks, accessible lavatories and roll-in showers are provided. An accessible water fountain is available in the breezeway. A shaded deck area is located near the concession area. Accessible seating is available. The pool is accessible via a paved ramp with a downward slope of approximately 10%. The concession stand has not been modified.
Nearby, a picnic area provides two signed spaces with an accessible picnic site. The playground and water fountain have not been modified. Restrooms are located near the playground and have a roll-under lavatory and a side-transfer toilet.
Petroglyph Interpretive Shelter
Plenty of level, unmarked parking is available. A level pathway leads through the information kiosk and under the shelter, which provides overhanging interpretive panels.
Big River Valley Gazebo Overlook
This area offers level parking but otherwise is not modified.
Boat Launch
The boat launch, maintained jointly with the Department of Conservation, has an ADA accessible pad that allows wheelchairs direct access to a boat preparing to launch.
Trails
Due to topography, trails have not been modified.
For more information, contact the park:
Washington State Park
13041 State Highway 104
De Soto, MO 63020-7000
636-586-5768
1-800-334-6946
1-800-379-2419 TDD
Last updated: August 2024