DNR
Home PageFishing is available on the over three miles of Big River that flows through St. Francois State Park. Visitors should call the park office at 573-358-2173 in advance for updated river conditions. Small-mouth bass and catfish are most commonly caught. Many stretches of both Big River and Coonville Creek are shallow and easily waded, and both streams have easily-accessed banks within the park.
Two river access points in the picnic areas of the park
provide convenient canoe launch points along Big River for
fishing or floating. Motorized boats are not recommended due
to the shallow nature of much of the river.
St. Francois State Park is located in the heart of Missouri’s Parkland. Within an easy (one hour or less) drive, there are six Missouri state parks, six Missouri state historic sites and an abundance of other public lands and facilities. One prominent local attraction is the world-renowned scuba diving facility at Bonne Terre Mines, and the St. Louis metropolitan area lies within approximately one hour’s drive of the park.
Picnic Area/PlaygroundSt. Francois State Park has two large picnic shelters available for family reunions, company picnics and other special occasions. The shelters may be reserved for $35 by calling the park office at 573-358-2173 well ahead of time. If not reserved, they are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Dozens of individual picnic sites are located throughout the park. Most are situated along the shaded banks of Big River or Coonville Creek, and most are located near restroom and drinking water facilities. Ample parking is provided, and several sites are accessible to persons with disabilities.
Five large playgrounds are located in the picnic areas and campgrounds. Swings, slides and sandy play areas are sure to please the youngest visitors.
