Hiking in the Ozark Mountains, fishing for catfish in the Mississippi River, exploring well-preserved caves and backpacking through unspoiled wilderness are opportunities available for outdoor adventurers in eastern Missouri. The large network of state parks and the 1.5 million acres of the Mark Twain National Forest provide diverse recreational and camping opportunities for all ages.
Cuivre River State Park
Although Cuivre River State Park is set in a predominantly agricultural landscape near the St. Louis metropolitan area, it is a nature lover’s paradise with its wilderness flavor. Cuivre River State Park offers more than 30 miles of trails of varying difficulty, and many of the trails are open for both hiking and horseback riding. Campers can also enjoy boating and fishing on Lake Lincoln, a 55-acre lake stocked with largemouth bass, bluegill and channel catfish. A beach area is available for swimming. Choose from equestrian, primitive, electric or electric/water/sewer campsites. Restrooms, showers, laundry, firewood and ice are conveniently located nearby.
Meramec State Park
Caves, glades, mature forest and overgrown beaver meadows are some of the natural wonders of Meramec State Park. Water enthusiasts can enjoy swimming, fishing, rafting and canoeing in the Meramec River. Hikers can wander through the park on six different trails, including the 10-mile Wilderness Trail that allows for backcountry camping. Check out well-preserved bear claw marks, cave wildlife and a vast array of calcite deposits ranging from intricate helictites to massive columns 30 feet tall while taking a guided tour of Fisher Cave, one of more than 40 caves in the park. The campground offers primitive, electric and water/electric tent sites with conveniently located restrooms, showers, laundry, firewood and ice.
Taum Sauk Mountain State Park
Taum Sauk Mountain State Park includes more than 7,000 acres of unspoiled wilderness. An easy walk guides visitors to the top of Taum Sauk Mountain, the highest point in Missouri at 1,772 feet. The Mina Sauk Falls Trail, a moderately rugged three-mile trail, wanders to Mina Sauk Falls, the tallest wet-weather waterfall in Missouri with a 132-foot drop over a series of rocky ledges. Hikers and backpackers can also take the 33-mile Taum Sauk section of the Ozark Trail and visit Devil’s Tollgate, an eight-foot-wide passage through 50 feet of volcanic rhyolite standing 30 feet high. Campers enjoy a true wilderness experience with primitive and solitary walk-in campsites.
Trail of Tears State Park
The Trail of Tears State Park is located on the site where nine of 13 groups of Cherokee Indians were forced to cross the Mississippi River in harsh winter conditions in 1838-39. The history of the park’s name contrasts with the peaceful, serene landscape that welcomes visitors today. Hikers can enjoy more than 14 miles of trails within the park's 3,415 acres. Anglers can cast their lines in the Mississippi River to fish for catfish, perch and carp or try Lake Boutin for bass, bluegill and catfish. The park offers primitive, electric and electric/water/sewer campsites on two separate campgrounds with restrooms, laundry, showers and firewood also available.
Mark Twain National Forest
Spread over 1.5 million acres, the Mark Twain National Forest is the crown jewel of Missouri’s parks. Choose from 14 floatable streams and 16 lakes that range from three to 440 acres for swimming, boating, canoeing, kayaking and fishing. Mark Twain National Forest has about 742 miles of trails for hiking, biking, horseback riding or ATV/motorcycle riding. The variety of campgrounds matches the diverse variety of recreational activities available in the Mark Twain National Forest. Campers can choose from primitive, electric, electric/water, electric/water/sewer, RV and equestrian sites with laundry, showers, restrooms and firewood conveniently located.
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