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John A. Young Special-Use Area

at Lake of the Ozarks State Park

The special-use camping area is designated for group camping, with nonprofit organizations and youth groups having priority. It is divided into three separate camping areas. Each area is equipped with picnic tables, a lantern post, a fire pit, and a large area to set up multiple tents. Restrooms and water hydrants are approximately 250 yards away. Camping capacity is 30 campers per site. The quiet hours policy remains in effect for these areas. The fee for use of the area is $2 per person, per night. For more information or to reserve an area for your group, call 573-348-2694 or visit the park office during open hours.

The special-use area is located at the corner of Whispering Oaks and Benton roads in Miller County. From the Highway 42 and Highway 134 intersection, travel 1.2 miles on Highway 134 to Whispering Oaks Road. Turn right onto Whispering Oaks Road and travel 1.4 miles to Benton Road. The special-use area will be on your left.

Park Hours

Park Hours

Weather

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Coordinates

38.110610, -92.585370

Park Hours

For temporary closures related to weather, stewardship activities and maintenance, as well as temporary trail closures, click here to visit our Park and Site Status Map.

On the following days (actual or observed), staff will not be available and park buildings will be closed: Thanksgiving Day; Nov. 24, 2023; Christmas Eve; Christmas Day; New Year’s Eve; New Year’s Day; Martin Luther King Jr. Day; Lincoln’s Birthday; and Presidents Day. 

Park Grounds

Sunrise to one-half hour after sunset (Anglers are exempt at boat ramps.) 

Boat Launch at Grand Glaize Beach Area hours

Open year-round

Boat Launch Pa He Tsi hours

March 1 through Oct. 31*

*When lake levels drop below 658.5, this launch will be temporarily closed; please check the Park and Site Status Map before your visit.

Ozark Caverns hours

2024 Traditional Tours Schedule 

May 15-31
11 a.m., 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. Saturday and Sunday

June 1 - Aug. 15
11 a.m., 12:30 p.m., 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. daily

Aug. 16-31
12:30 p.m. and 2 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday

Sept. 1-15
11 a.m., 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. Saturday and Sunday

Sept. 16 - May 14
closed to traditional tours

NOTE: 
-- To help protect our bats from White Nose Syndrome, accessories (purses, backpacks, strollers, etc.) are not allowed in the cave. 
-- School group tours are available by prior appointment from April 15 through Oct. 15.

Park Office hours

8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday

On the following days (actual or observed), staff will not be available and park buildings will be closed: Thanksgiving Day; Nov. 24, 2023; Christmas Eve; Christmas Day; New Year’s Eve; New Year’s Day; Martin Luther King Jr. Day; Lincoln’s Birthday; and Presidents Day. 

Grand Glaize Beach hours

Beach closed for the season

Swim Beach - Public Beach #1 hours

Beach closed for the season

Ozark Caverns Visitor Center hours

May 15-31
11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Saturday and Sunday

June 1 - Aug. 15
11 a.m. to 5 p.m., daily

Aug. 16-31
12:30 p.m. to 3 p.m., Tuesday through Saturday

Sept. 1-15
11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Saturday and Sunday

Sept. 16-May 14
Closed