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.

Swimming - Johnson's Shut-Ins

at Johnson's Shut-Ins State Park

people sitting on the rocks and swimming in the water

Splash off in nature's water park: the shut-ins. A shut-in is a geological feature similar to a gorge that “shuts-in” the river. Water cascades through billon-year-old rocks, creating chutes, pools and waterfalls.

Safety Considerations  

There is no lifeguard on duty, so swimming is at your own risk. While swimming or wading at the park, you may encounter changing river conditions, strong currents, above- and below-water surface debris, and bottoms that are slippery or unstable or have sudden drop-offs.

Sturdy water shoes and life jackets are recommended.

Information about river levels is available online and at the park. When the river discharge is at or above 75 cubic feet per second, access to the shut-ins is closed. 

The following items are not allowed in the Shut-Ins or on the Trail to the shut-ins:

  • Drinks in disposable containers (plastic bottles, cans, etc.)
  • Food
  • Alcohol
  • Coolers
  • Pets – Do not leave pets unattended or in vehicles.