Release Date

Events, programming and group reservations also suspended

JEFFERSON CITY, MO, April 17, 2020 – Out of an abundance of caution and in response to the extension of the statewide "Stay Home Missouri" Order, Missouri State Parks is extending temporary closures of campgrounds, park-run lodging, offices and visitor centers and extending the suspension of special events and programming through May 3. This suspension includes Missouri State Parks special events, including both on- and off-site programming, third party events, group reservations and guided tours.

Missouri State Park visitor centers, offices, campgrounds and lodging will remain closed through May 3. Most state parks and state historic sites will remain open for day-use, with the exception of temporary closures at five state parks to address overcrowding and concerns regarding public safety.

State park temporary closures through May 3 include the following:

  • The temporary closure of Castlewood State Park
  • The temporary closure of Elephant Rocks State Park
  • The temporary closure of Watkins Woolen Mill State Historic Site and Park
  • The temporary closure of Weston Bend State Park
  • The temporary closure of the off-road vehicle riding area at St. Joe State Park


Gates to individual parking lots may close at all state parks when the lot is near capacity.

For questions regarding state park or historic site campground or park-run lodging, please call the Reservation Call Center at 1-877-422-6766. The call center is open daily 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. CST.

For an existing reservation with concessionaire lodging, please contact them directly at the phone number listed below:   

     Sam A. Baker State Park                 573-856-4223
     Bennett Spring State Park              417-532-4307
     Echo Bluff State Park                      844-322-3246
     Lake Wappapello State Park           573-297-3817​
     Meramec State Park                         573-468-6519
     Montauk State Park                         573-548-2434​
     Pomme de Terre State Park            636-222-8602 or 417-852-1031
     Roaring River State Park                  417-847-2330
     Stockton State Park                          417-276-5329
     Thousand Hills State Park               660-665-7119
     Washington State Park                    636-586-2995

For the latest actions taken by Missouri State Parks in response to COVID-19, visit mostateparks.com/response. Missourians are encouraged to review information provided by the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services as it relates to COVID-19.

The team is closely monitoring the progression of COVID-19 and its effect in Missouri. While safety, stewardship and service are all very important to Missouri State Parks, safety is the top priority.

Missouri State Parks is committed to the safety of park guests, volunteers and staff. If you have any questions regarding Missouri State Parks events or programs, please contact us at moparks@dnr.mo.gov.

For more information on state parks and historic sites, visit mostateparks.com. Missouri State Parks is a division of the Missouri Department of Natural Resources.

Contact Information