Camping Rules and Regulations

The following rules are designed to help you enjoy your stay. If you do not understand the rules and need assistance, please contact any of the park staff or the campground hosts located in the campground.

In addition to the rules listed below, some facilities enact Special Management Regulations to improve park management, protect park resources or assist with our mission for providing a safe, pleasant recreational experience. Upon your arrival, please check the information board to learn of any applicable special management regulations, or contact the facility during regular business hours via our toll free information service line, 800-334-6946 (voice) or 800-379-2419 (Telecommunications Device for the Deaf).

State park and historic site campgrounds are intended for recreational camping only. Campsites cannot be used for day-use only. Camp only in designated campsites. Camping is limited to 15 days in any consecutive 30-day period.
Camping fees and collection procedures for each park are posted at several locations. Check-in procedures are outlined on the campground entrance sign and apply to all camping customers.
First-come, first-served customers should select an unoccupied site and verify availability with park staff before setting up camp.
Six persons, which include children and babies, in two sleeping units (one of which can be wheeled) is the maximum allowed per campsite. Exceeding this limit may result in acquiring another site, paying additional camping fees or evictions from the campground. Visit the Campsite Capacity page for details. If in doubt, please consult with park staff to determine your needs before you secure only one campsite.
There are limits on the amount of equipment you may place on each campsite. Visit the Campsite Capacity page for details. If in doubt, please consult with park staff to determine your needs before you secure only one campsite.
All sites are available on a first-come, first-served basis, except those that have been reserved under the formal reservation system. When reservable sites appear to be unoccupied, please inquire with the campground attendant about your potential use of the site.
A camper may hold one other available site for another camper expected to arrive before 3 a.m. The fee for this site must be paid and the permit posted.
Campsites designed for persons with disabilities may be occupied by other campers only with the permission of the campground attendant, and may only be reserved by or for a person with a disability. Proof of disability is required at check-in. Additional discount information can be found on the Camping Fees and Seasons page.
No personal property may be left unattended for longer than 24 hours.
A camping day begins at 3 p.m. each day. Check out must occur by 2 p.m. on the last day of your stay to free up the site for the next customer. A trespassing fine may be issued for unauthorized occupancy past 2 p.m.
Solicitation or selling any item (including resale of a campsite) is strictly prohibited.
Substantial personal property is a licensed vehicle, trailer, tent, dining fly, etc. and is a courtesy to other campers to clearly identify the site is occupied. Lawn chairs, tablecloths, coolers, etc. are not considered substantial personal property.
All vehicles and trailers must be on paved or graveled surfaces except as otherwise permitted. The physical design capacity of the site may not be exceeded.
Only the unit assigned to an electric campsite may use the electric source. Plug-ins shall not exceed receptacles provided at the pedestal.
Campers may not hook up to a shared water source for extended periods. Long-term connection is permitted by the occupant of the campsite when the site contains an individual water source.
All non-camping visitors must leave by 10 p.m. Quiet hours are from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. During these hours, the use of generators is prohibited. Respect your camping neighbor by keeping conversation, radio, television and musical instrument volumes to a minimum. Outside of quiet hours, you should continue to be considerate of the park's environment and the campers who are seeking a peaceful outdoor experience. Always keep noise to a minimum and respect your neighbor's space.
Pets must be on a secured leash that is no longer than 10 feet, reasonably quiet, under control of the owner and never left unsupervised. Pets are not allowed in any park structures (including restrooms and showerhouses), swimming areas (including beaches) and waters reserved for fishing. Please pick up after your animal. Animals assisting persons with disabilities are excluded from any rules that inhibit the animal's ability to perform its job. Visit the Enjoying Missouri State Parks with your Pet page for additional information.
The discharging of firearms, BB guns, paintball guns, bows and arrows, sling shots or any devices that use burning powder, explosives, compressed gases, etc. is prohibited.
Hanging lanterns or any other items from or in trees, trenching around tents, littering or discharging sewage or gray water on the ground is prohibited.
Gathering firewood in the park or historic site is strictly prohibited.
The use of electrical insect-killing devices is prohibited.
Campfires are the responsibility of the camper and are restricted to fire rings or grills provided. Trash is not to be burned in the pit or grill.
Do not pick or dig up plants, disturb or feed animals or scavenge dead wood.
Pack wisely and bring reusable containers to lessen the amount of trash you generate. Some parks abide by a "carry-in, carry-out" trash policy, while others provide trash receptacles and recycle bins. Please take every opportunity to recycle when you can.
When you have completed your stay, please remove your paid camping receipt from the post and leave your campsite in as good as or better condition than when you found it.

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