Johnson's Shut-Ins State Park

Park Information

A section of Highway 221 near Doe Run, Missouri, is currently closed and is expected to remain so through mid-November. This will require those heading to the following facilities to take an alternate route: Battle of Pilot Knob State Historic Site, Elephant Rocks State Park, Johnson’s Shut-Ins State Park and Taum Sauk Mountain State Park.

Looking for a unique destination? Johnson’s Shut-Ins State Park offers ancient beauty!

The wilderness qualities and geology of Johnson’s Shut-Ins State Park and the surrounding St. Francois Mountains make this park a special place to visit. Its rugged character provides the perfect backdrop for camping, hiking, picnicking, splashing in the shut-ins, exploring nature or just relaxing.

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. 

Valley Day-Use Area

The main park gates open and close at these times.

  • March 1 through the Wednesday before Memorial Day
    8 a.m. to 6 p.m., daily
  • Thursday before Memorial Day through Labor Day
    8 a.m. to 8 p.m., daily
  • Day after Labor Day through Oct. 31
    8 a.m. to 6 p.m., daily
  • November through February
    8 a.m. to 4 p.m., daily

Park Office hours

8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday

Closed Saturday and Sunday

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. 

Store - Campground hours

April 1 through the Thursday before Memorial Day
4 p.m. to 8 p.m. Friday
12:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday
8 a.m. to noon Sunday
Closed Monday through Thursday
When the store is closed, firewood may be purchased with only cash or check near the campground store.

Friday before Memorial Day through Labor Day
8 a.m. to 11 a.m. and 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. daily

Tuesday after Labor Day through Oct. 31
4 p.m. to 8 p.m. Friday
12:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday
8 a.m. to noon Sunday
Closed Monday through Thursday

November through March
Closed – Firewood may be purchased with only cash or check near the campground store.

Store - River hours

April 1 through the Friday before Memorial Day
10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Saturday and Sunday
Closed Monday through Thursday

Saturday of Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day
10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. daily

Day after Labor Day through Oct. 31
10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Saturday and Sunday
Closed Monday through Friday

Nov. 1 through March 31
Closed

Visitor Center - Black River Center hours

April through October (on-season)

  • April
    10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Saturday and Sunday
  • May through Wednesday before Memorial Day
    10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Wednesday through Sunday
  • Thursday before Memorial Day through Labor Day
    10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Wednesday through Sunday
  • Tuesday after Labor Day through September
    10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Wednesday through Sunday
  • October
    10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Saturday and Sunday

November through March (off-season)

  • Closed

Gatehouse - Day-Use Area hours

Thursday before Memorial Day through Labor Day 
Hours determined by park superintendent