at Missouri State Parks
Missouri State Parks values the contributions of current and former service members and their families. We offer a variety of opportunities and services for the military community, and we encourage you to join us in supporting those who have given so much.
Opportunities for Military Personnel
Some of these opportunities are also available to family members of military personnel. Continue reading for specific information.
Military Camping Discount
Military members and veterans receive a $2 per night camping discount year-round at Missouri State Parks campgrounds. The military discount is available to retired, veteran and active-duty military personnel, as well as family members of active-duty military personnel – all of whom must show the proper valid military identification at time of check-in. Forms of identification include: CAC card, DD Form 1173, Form 214 or any of the examples shown here.
Please note that nightly camping rates vary by campground and season. Visit our Camping Rates page for rate listings and more information.
Veteran Recruitment Program
Missouri State Parks seeks employees who have demonstrated their commitment to protecting public resources, and our veterans have demonstrated their commitment while also developing valuable skills that we need.
In accordance with state law, if you are a veteran, a family member of a veteran or a survivor of a veteran, you are given preference in the employment selection process when you are similarly qualified to other applicants for the same position. If you are a veteran, we encourage you to ensure that your military experience is included in every application you submit for employment at Missouri State Parks.
Visit our Veteran Recruitment page for more information.
Blue Star Museums Program
The Blue Star Museums program is a collaborative effort of the National Endowment for the Arts, Blue Star Families, the Department of Defense and more than 2,000 museums across the country. During the Blue Star program, current military members and their families receive free admission to museums and historic sites. The program begins on Armed Forces Day in mid-May and continues through Labor Day in early September.
Visit the Blue Star Museums Program page for more information and a list of participating facilities.
Free Fishing for Veterans
Each year, Missouri State Parks and the Missouri Department of Conservation cohost Veterans Free Fishing Day at Roaring River State Park. Anyone with a veteran’s status can fish inside the park for free that day. Veterans can pick up their free permits at the park store on the day of the event. Veterans are invited to catch their limit of four fish and then clean and fillet them at the cleaning station.
Hero Hunt
Mark Twain State Park partners with the Missouri Veterans Commission to provide veterans an all-inclusive managed deer hunt. Included in the hunt are lodging, meals, hunting permits and a hunting guide. Meat processing is covered for any veteran who harvests a deer.
Please visit the Hero Hunt webpage for more information about the hunt and the application process.
General Crowder Hunt
Crowder State Park partners with the Missouri Veterans Commission to provide veterans an all-inclusive managed deer hunt. Included in the hunt are lodging, meals, hunting permits and a hunting guide. Meat processing is covered for any veteran who harvests a deer.
Please visit the General Crowder Hunt webpage for more information about the hunt and the application process.
Operation Roaring River
Roaring River State Park hosts Charlie 22 Outdoors’ annual Operation Roaring River program to provide activities for veterans. The mission of Charlie 22 Outdoors is “to provide outdoor activities to our nation’s veterans, and their families, with the goal of showing them there is hope, love and a personal meaning in God’s grace.” Activities offered at Operation Roaring River include fly fishing, arts and crafts, nature hikes, bluegrass music, and more.
For more information, visit charlie22outdoors.com.
Lake of the Ozarks Recreation Area
Lake of the Ozarks Recreation Area, or LORA, is located within Lake of the Ozarks State Park and provides camping, boating, swimming, fishing and many other outdoor activities for the whole family to enjoy. LORA welcomes active-duty military, retired military, members of the National Guard and Reserves, DoD employees with ID cards, family members, and Fort Leonard Wood contract employees.
Visit the Lake of the Ozarks State Park page for more information about the state park.
Services for Military Personnel and Family Members
Governor’s Challenge to Prevent Suicide among Service Members, Veterans and their Families
The Governor’s Challenge to Prevent Suicide among Service Members, Veterans and their Families is launching a new training video intended to help individuals support someone they know who may be struggling with a suicidal crisis and has a safety plan. A safety plan is a brief intervention to help those experiencing self-harm and suicidal thoughts. It has coping strategies and resources an individual can use to decrease their risk of suicidal behavior and consists of six steps: warning signs, internal coping strategies, people and social settings that provide distraction, people to ask for help during crisis, professionals or agencies to contact during a crisis, and ways to make the environment safer.
The video is accessible to anyone who wants to view it and is intended to complement existing suicide prevention training. Organizations providing suicide prevention training are encouraged to use this video to help individuals better prepare for how to support someone who has a safety plan.
Website to Help Prevent Suicide among Service Members, Veterans and their Families
The Missouri Governor’s Challenge Team to Prevent Suicide among Service Members, Veterans and their Families website aims to further the state’s efforts in reducing suicides.
The site, mogovchallenge.com, provides general information on the team’s projects and strategic priorities, the impact suicide is having on the military community, and resources for members of the military community and for anyone wishing to support them. The website also offers access to free online military culture and suicide prevention training through PsychArmor for health care providers, veterans, employers, military family members and others.
How You Can Help
Support Events and Programs for Veterans
You can support state park events and programs for veterans by making an online donation. Just follow these steps:
- Open the donation website link.
- Enter the amount you would like to contribute.
- Type in “Veterans Events” for the donation description.
- Click “Add Donation.”
The online donation option is available year-round. In July, you can also support veterans events by rounding up your Missouri State Parks purchase to the nearest dollar.
Register for the Frozen Chosin Challenge
From Dec. 5-7, 2025, Johnson’s Shut-Ins State Park will host a series of winter treks collectively known as the Frozen Chosin Challenge. Sponsored by the Missouri Korean War Veterans Memorial, this event is designed to bring awareness to the Korean War – specifically the Battle of Chosin Reservoir – and its participants.
The event is open to the public, but paid registration is required for each course. All proceeds support the Missouri Korean War Veterans Memorial. Please visit the official listing for more information.
