at Hawn State Park
Backcountry camping can be the ultimate experience for hikers who want to have an overnight experience along Whispering Pine Trail of Hawn State Park.
The trail provides the opportunity for day hikes of varying lengths or a longer backpacking trip. It meanders through a beautiful mixed hardwood and pine forest, which is home to a variety of animals such as bobcat and wild turkey. Extensive exposures of sandstone and granite can be explored along the banks of Pickle Creek and the River Aux Vases.
Water is not available at the trailhead, but can be obtained at the park office or the campground. Water from Pickle Creek or the River Aux Vases may be used for drinking while on the trail, but it should always be treated before consumption. The trail is signed in a counterclockwise direction with colored arrows. Red arrows identify the north loop; blue arrows mark the south loop; and additional markers are used to mark spur trails leading to the camp areas.
Backcountry campsite locations
Backcountry Campsite Details
Camping is limited to 10 designated sites along Whispering Pine Trail loops and White Connector 3. The nightly rate is $10, and the standard reservation, cancellation and modification policy for campsites is applied.
Campers can reserve their backcountry camping site in advance by:
- Visiting the online reservation system and reserving a site no later than 7 p.m. CST the day of arrival. You must have a customer account to make your reservation.
- Calling the reservation call center at 877-422-6766 between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. CT daily
When making a reservation online at icampmo.com, the visitor can easily view campsites to determine which campsites are available with an easy-to-use map and the ability to see multiple photos for each site. Same-day reservations are accepted March through November online at icampmo.com or by phone at 877-422-6766 up until 7 p.m. the day of your planned arrival. Any site not reserved remains available for walk-up registration by contacting the park office or camp host at the check station in the campground.
The maximum group size at each campsite is six hikers. The sites are numbered 1-10. Site numbers 1, 2, 3, 5, 6 and 7 are close to water. Overnight parking for hikers is allowed at the trailhead with a maximum of two vehicles per campsite.
Backcountry Camping Rules
As with any backpacking trip, trail users should be considerate of wear and tear on the trail, taking only photographs and leaving only footprints. The impact of fire rings and wood gathering for campfires in wilderness areas have led to the prohibition of backcountry campfires.
- Check-in time is 3 p.m. Checkout time is 2 p.m. on day of departure.
- Camping is self-check-in. If you are unable to check in due to lack of cellphone service, you can check in at the office or with a campground host.
- Hikers may visit the office or campground hosts if they have questions.
- Fires are allowed only in the metal fire rings found at each site – please do not burn trash. Camping stoves are recommended for cooking.
- Cutting implements such as saws and hatchets are not allowed on the trail.
- Carry out what you carry in.
- Dispose of waste properly. The top 6 to 8 inches of soil provides a system of biologic disposers that decompose organic material. For pet or human waste, select a spot at least 200 feet from any open water. Dig a small hole no deeper than 6 or 8 inches. After use, fill the hole with loose soil and tramp in the sod. Nature will do the rest.
- Dogs must be leashed at all times. Dispose of pet waste by burying as above or packing out in bags.