[Skip all navigation]

DNR Home PageDNR Home Page | Locator Map | Resource Center | FAQ | Events | Directory | Search

Things to Know
800-334-6946

Things to Know

About Us Firewood Advisory Plants and Animals
Accessibility Information  Hours of Operation Resource Center
Campground Improvements Job Opportunities Safety Tips for Water Recreation
Conceptual Development Plans Laws and Regulations Site Map
Concession Opportunities Links of Interest State Park Ranger Program
Cooperative Projects Missouri State Park Advisory Board State Park Store
Enjoying Missouri state parks with your pet Outdoor Recreation Grants Visioning:  What is this all about?
FAQs Parks, Soils and Water Sales Tax We Want to Hear From You

Exhibit at Prairie State Park.

Things to Know Before You Go

  • Alcoholic beverages are prohibited on beaches, parking areas and off-road-vehicle areas in all state parks and historic sites.
  • No hunting or discharging of firearms is permitted.
  • Removal of plants, animals, rocks, downed timber, artifacts or relics is prohibited without written permission from the state park director.
  • Mosquitoes and Ticks in Missouri State Parks
Woolen mill machinery at Watkins Woolen Mill State Park and State Historic Site.

Cooperative Projects

Hours of Operations

Missouri state parks are generally open from sunrise to sunset for those not camping or staying in park lodging facilities. Historic site hours vary; please call 800-334-6946, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Some parks have gates that close each evening. Be sure to contact the park if you plan to arrive late to ensure your entrance into the park or campground. Facility hours are also available on this Web site.

Parks, Soils and Water Sales Tax

The primary source of funding for the state park system is half of the dedicated constitutional tax of one-tenth-of-one-percent parks, soils and water sales tax, which provides about three-fourths percent of the division's budget for operation and development of state parks. All additional funding comes from revenues generated in the state park system and some federal funds.

The parks, soils and water tax was created through a constitutional amendment and earmarked specifically for the state park system and efforts to stop soil erosion. The tax was first approved by voters in 1984, and has since been reapproved by voters twice in 1988 and 1996. Two-thirds of voters approved the tax the last two times, showing how much Missouri voters support their state park system.

We Want to Hear From You...

For more information on the state park system or individual state parks and historic sites, call toll free at 800-334-6946. Persons with hearing and speech impairments, call toll free at 800-379-2419 with a Telecommunications Device for the Deaf (TDD). You can also contact the Department of Natural Resources via e-mail.