DNR
Home PageRules of the Trail
The trails in Lake of the Ozarks State Park are yours. Please help to maintain and preserve their beauty by following these rules:
- Only hikers, equestrians, bicyclists and backpackers, as designated, are permitted on the park trails.
- All backpackers must register at the trailhead or park office before starting their trip.
- Camping is permitted only by backpackers on Woodland Trail. No equestrian camping is allowed.
- Groups of seven or more persons are permitted to camp only in designated areas. While smaller groups are not required to use the designated areas, they must camp at least 100 feet from the trail, 200 feet from any major public use area and at least one-fourth mile from the trail entry/exit point.
- Campfires are prohibited. Stoves will be needed for cooking.
- Cuttings implements such as saws and hatchets are not allowed on the trail.
- All pets must be leashed for their protection and that of other visitors and wildlife.
- All other rules and regulations pertaining to park use are applicable to trail users.
Note: Ticks and chiggers are abundant May through mid-October. Be prepared with insect repellent.
The Ethics of Good Trail Use
- Carry out what you carry in. If the trail users before you have not done this, you can help by removing their trash,too.
- Keep your group small. Small groups are less likely to harm the environment.
- Dispose of human waste properly. Fortunately, the top six or eight inches of soil provide a system of biological disposers that decompose organic material. Keeping this in mind, hikers should select a spot at least 100 feet from any open water; dig a small hole no deeper than six or eight inches; after use, fill the hole with loose soil and tramp in the sod. Nature will do the rest.
- Stay on the trail. Do not take shortcuts. The trail has been laid out to minimize destruction of surrounding vegetation and to prevent erosion.
