at Missouri State Parks
Missouri State Parks values the contributions of veterans, current service members and their families. We are honored to provide the following opportunities to those who have given so much.
Make a Donation for Veterans Special Events and Programs
You can support events and programs for veterans at Missouri State Parks by making a donation online any time. Simply click the link below and select the amount you would like to contribute. In the "Donation Description" box, please type “Veterans Events.”
Military Camping Discount
Military members and veterans receive a $2 per night camping discount year-round at state parks campgrounds. Nightly camping rates vary from campground to campground based on different criteria. Campsites with an electric amenity (electric, electric/water, sewer/electric/water) are priced differently for those with 30-amp service than for those with 50-amp service. The military discount will be given 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. A full listing of the camping rates by facility, broken down by season, can be found by visiting our Camping Rates page.
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. (Read More...)
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 U.S. During the Blue Star program, current military members and their families receive free admission to museums and historic sites beginning on Armed Forces Day in mid-May and continuing through Labor Day in early September.
Click here for more information and to see which facilities are participating this year.
Missouri State Parks Partners with our Military
Missouri State Parks partners with Fort Leonard Wood Army Base, Whiteman Air Force Base and the Missouri Veterans Commission to provide recreational opportunities.
Lake of the Ozarks Recreation Area
Located within Lake of the Ozarks State Park, with over 1,150 miles of shoreline, Lake of the Ozarks Recreation Area, or LORA, 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 and activity listings.
Royal Oaks Golf Course
Royal Oaks Golf Course, located within Knob Noster State Park, is owned and operated by the United States Air Force and is open to the public. Visit the Knob Noster State Park page for more information on about the state park.
Hero Hunt
Mark Twain State Park partners with the Missouri Veterans Commission to provide 15 veterans an all-inclusive managed deer hunt. Included in the hunt are lodging, meals, hunting permits and a hunting guide. If a veteran harvests a deer, processing will be covered as well. Click the link above for more information about the hunt and how to apply.
General Crowder Hunt
Crowder State Park partners with the Missouri Veterans Commission to provide 15 veterans an all-inclusive managed deer hunt. Included in the hunt are lodging, meals, hunting permits and a hunting guide. If a veteran harvests a deer, processing will be covered as well. Click the link above for more information about the hunt and how to apply.
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.
Free Fishing for Veterans
Yearly, Roaring River State Park and the Missouri Department of Conservation cohost an annual Veterans Free Fishing Day. Any individual with a veteran’s status is able to fish inside the park for free that day. Veterans are able to pick up their free permits at the park store 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. Veterans can also enjoy miles of hiking trails, camping, lodging and on-site dining facilities. They can also see the deepest cave spring in the United States, with a current depth of 472 feet.
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.
