A Unique Outdoor Privilege
Missouri offers free access to its state parks, unlike many other states. Visitors only need to pay for camping or fishing. This rare benefit enhances the outdoor experience and encourages greater public participation.
Extensive Park System
Missouri has 87 state parks and historic sites, plus the Roger Pryor Pioneer Backcountry. These parks encompass over 200,000 acres and offer more than 1,000 miles of trails, 3,500 campsites, 2,000 picnic sites, and 194 cabins. The variety accommodates all skill levels and interests.
Sustainable Funding Model
The Parks, Soils, and Water Sales Tax funds about 75% of the state parks’ operating and development budgets. Additional funding comes from park revenues and federal support. Every Missouri resident contributes to preserving and maintaining this vast public resource.
National Recognition
Several Missouri parks receive national acclaim. Katy Trail State Park, at 240 miles, is the longest rails-to-trails project in the U.S. Ha Ha Tonka State Park, located on Lake of the Ozarks, is a finalist in USA Today’s Best State Parks in America. It features trails, caves, natural bridges, and the ruins of a 20th-century castle.
Takeaway
Missouri’s state parks offer high-quality, free-access recreation funded by a shared commitment to nature. These parks serve as a model for public outdoor spaces across the nation.