Johnson's Shut-Ins SP Rules and Tips
Food, Drinks, Pets and Containers: Food, alcohol, pets, coolers and disposable drink containers are not allowed within the shut-ins recreation area or on the trail to the shut-ins. Visitors should plan ahead and bring reusable water bottles. Pets are allowed in most other outdoor areas of the park, but owners must comply with Missouri State Parks' pet rules. Pets should not be left unattended or in vehicles.
Shut-Ins Access: The southern area of the park containing the shut-ins is considered a limited-access area. The shut-ins parking area has a 100-car capacity for day-use visitors. From Memorial Day to Labor Day, the parking lot normally reaches capacity by 10 a.m. The northern part of the day-use area remains available even when the shut-ins parking area has filled to capacity. When the river discharge reaches 75 cubic feet per second, access to the shut-ins is closed to protect visitors.
Restricted Areas: Any person found within an area signed as restricted area will receive a fine of up to $500 and be ejected from the park.
Fishing: Fishing is permitted only in waters without swimmers.
For More Information: If you have any questions, please call the park office at 573-546-2450. To see a complete list of closures and advisories, please visit our Park and Site Status Map.
River Levels - Johnson's Shut-Ins
Shut-Ins Conditions Information
A gauge at the park measures the flow of the river that runs through the shunt-ins. Live river flow information is available online.
Flag System
Flags and signage regarding river conditions are displayed at the Black River Center, the campground entrance and the shut-ins parking lot. The park uses flags of three different colors: red, yellow and green. Each color represents a different hazard level based on the river flow. The flags also indicate whether the shut-ins access is open.
Red Flag
During red flag conditions, the river flow is 75 cubic feet per second or higher. The hazard level is high, and the shut-ins access gate is closed.
Yellow Flag
During yellow flag conditions, the river flow is 26-74 cubic feet per second. The hazard level is medium, and the shut-ins access gate is open.
Green Flag
During green flag conditions, the river flow is 25 cubic feet per second or lower. The hazard level is low, and the shut-ins access gate is open.
Safety Considerations
There may be times when no flags are displayed. This does not necessarily mean conditions are safe for swimming or wading. All swimmers and waders are advised to exercise caution and wear personal flotation devices.