Camping and Recreational Activities

PURPOSE: This rule is established as a means of informing the public of the availability, restrictions, and proper usage of the various recreational activities and facilities provided in state parks. (1) Any violation of the general rules, regulations, division policies, and state statutes occurring in a campground in any state park or state historic site is also a violation of division campground management rules. (2) Camping Fee. Methods of collecting the camping fee (site to site, office, fee booth, etc.) for each campground shall be posted as public information. Camping permits, once issued and paid for, are nontransferable. (3) Camping Areas. Camping areas are for overnight camping only. Camping is permitted only on designated campsites, overflow camping areas, and other camping areas, unless otherwise authorized by the director or his designee. (4) Campsite Capacities. (A) The allowable and acceptable occupancy on one campsite is as follows: Two (2) sleeping units, only one (1) of which can be wheeled, and one additional non-sleeping mode of transportation vehicle; or two (2) tents and two (2) non-sleeping modes of transportation vehicles. The facility manager must approve this and any other exceptions to the campsite capacity limits. (B) Six (6) people is the maximum number allowed per campsite, unless the group is defined as indivisible. 1. Indivisible. A group of persons, campers, tents, and vehicles that cannot be reasonably divided to occupy more than one (1) site. Examples: Parent(s) or guardian(s) with minor children or dependents; or a single motorized camper with its occupants. (C) Vehicles and Trailer Wheels. All wheeled vehicles and trailers (boat, etc.) must be confined to the campsite parking pads or other designated parking areas. Unless otherwise provided under the special management regulations, no wheeled vehicles or trailers shall be allowed to park on the grass or along campground roads. (D) Capacities may be limited by campsite design. (E) Only one (1) electric plug-in is allowed at each campsite. (5) Campsite Availability. Reservations are accepted for most campsites during a certain portion of the year. Unreserved and nonreservable campsites are available on a walk-up registration basis. A valid camping permit documents reservation and takes priority as evidence and first right of occupancy for the standard camping day in the event the campsite is inadvertently occupied by anyone other than the original holder of the camping reservation. (6) Quiet Hours. Campground quiet hours are between 10:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m. All non-campers are required to leave the campground by 10:00 p.m. This regulation prohibits any excessive or disruptive noises that are defined as noise emanating from radios, stereo systems, televisions, electric generators, loud conversations, etc., which can be heard by other persons not on the same campsite or same general area. The use of excessive or disruptive noises applies elsewhere and is not permitted between the hours of 6:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m. also, unless otherwise allowed by the facility manager. (7) Camping Limits. Camping is limited to any fifteen (15) days within a thirty (30) consecutive day period at one park, unless otherwise provided by special management regulations. This limit applies to any individual, group, and/or camping unit. (8) Unattended Property. Campers shall not be allowed to leave personal property unattended on a campsite for more than twenty-four (24) hours without written permission from the facility manager or designee for special circumstances such as medical emergencies or equipment failure. (9) Holding or Reserving a Campsite. (A) In addition to a camper’s own campsite, one (1) additional campsite may be held for another camper anticipated to arrive later that same day, so long as substantial personal property is placed on the campsite, the fee for the additional campsite has been paid, and the permit posted at the campsite. (B) Reservable campsites shall not be occupied without a reservation, or directions from the park staff. A camping reservation may be forfeited if the camper has not arrived and has not made contact with park staff to arrange for late arrival by 3 p.m. on the day after the camper’s scheduled arrival date. (10) Camping Services. The facility manager will post in plain view of arriving campers an enumerated list of camping services and the inclusive dates and times those services are offered. (11) Campsites Designated for Persons with Disabilities. Campsites designed for persons with disabilities may only be reserved by a party that includes at least one (1) person with a disability. Camping permits for these sites may be issued to parties that do not include a person with a disability for the same day and up to seven (7) days before the day of reservation when all other campsites of the same type (basic, electric, sewer/electric, sewer/electric/water) have been sold. Such permits will allow the party to occupy the campsite designated for persons with disabilities for the duration of their stay. (12) Overflow Camping. Overflow camping areas to accommodate special circumstances may be established by the facility manager with the approval of the district office. The duration of use and location of overflow camping areas will be determined by the facility management to provide limited overnight campsites within the capabilities of the facility and its resources. (13) Special Use Camp Areas. (A) Special use camp areas may be reserved up to twelve (12) months in advance online or by contacting the applicable facility. Priority shall be given to nonprofit, youth organizations, and/or applications based on date of submission if more than one (1) request is received simultaneously. (14) Equestrian Camping. (A) Equestrian campers must camp in designated equestrian camping areas and comply with all health and safety laws and regulations. (B) Animals are the responsibility of their owners. (15) Camping along trails is permitted as follows: (A) Along certain designated bicycle, equestrian, and backpacking trails; (B) By registering before using the trail; and (C) In appointed areas along the trail unless otherwise posted, then at least one hundred (100) feet from the designated trail, and at least two hundred (200) feet from any public use area facilities. (16) General Camping Rules. (A) The following are prohibited: 1. Occupying a campsite without a valid camping permit; 2. Discharging of sewage or treated water, commonly referred to as “grey water,” from tents, campers, or recreational vehicles, except at designated locations; 3. Fires outside of the fire pits, barbecue grills (where provided), and other locations approved by the facility manager; 4. Leaving a fire unattended; 5. Hanging of lanterns on trees or shrubs; 6. Trenching around tent camps for protection against water or wind damage; and 7. Using electronic insect killing devices. (B) Hammocks may be used with one-inch (1") wide nylon straps when tying off to a tree. Use may be prohibited depending on the campsite logistics. (C) Fires may be prohibited throughout the state park or state historic site by special order of the facility manager when fire conditions warrant. (17) Swimming. (A) No person shall— 1. Swim, bathe, or otherwise enter any waters owned by, leased to, or under the control of the division that is marked as non-swimming or restricted, or as instructed by the facility manager or designee; 2. Dress or undress on any beach, in any state building, or other place in a state park or state historic site area, except in bath houses, personal camping units, or structures provided and maintained for that purpose; 3. Throw, cast, lay, or deposit any glass, crockery, or any part thereof, or any metallic substance in any swimming area in any state park or state historic site; 4. Bring a dog or pet into a designated swimming beach or area as otherwise posted, except for service dogs assisting a person with a disability; 5. Wash their body, dogs, or pets with or without soap or other cleansers in swimming areas or any waters under the control of the director; or 6. Possess intoxicating liquor and/or non-intoxicating beer in any designated swimming area or adjacent parking lots, or other areas as posted. (B) Swimmers and bathers shall be dressed at all times in proper attire that conforms to commonly accepted social standards. (C) Swimming beaches and pools may be closed to the public and bathing therein be prohibited at any time when, in the opinion of the facility manager or concessionaire, bathing is dangerous or otherwise inadvisable. (D) Fishing and boating are permitted only outside designated swim areas. (18) Picnic Areas and Use. Areas are designated for picnicking to include such amenities as parking, picnic tables, fire grills, and restrooms. Picnicking is permitted in any state park or historic site in areas set apart and designated for that purpose. Picnicking is not permitted in designated campgrounds. (A) Use of grills, tables, and benches generally follows the rule of first-come first-served, but no person or group shall use any picnic area, shelter, or facility to the exclusion of other persons for an unreasonable time if facilities are crowded, as determined by the facility manager. (B) Fires are permitted only in personal campstoves, or grills provided by the state park or state historic site for outdoor cooking. Each picnicking party is responsible for ensuring their fire is completely extinguished before leaving the area, unless it is to be used by others. (C) Each picnicking party is responsible for ensuring that all trash, such as boxes, cans, papers, bottles, garbage, and other refuse is placed in receptacles provided for that purpose, or is carried out as otherwise required at posted locations. (19) Horses, donkeys, and mules are permitted only in designated areas within state parks and state historic sites and are not permitted in non-equestrian camping areas, picnic areas, or other public use areas. Horses, donkeys, and mules shall have a rider on them or be tied in a designated area. Horses, donkeys, and mules shall not be ridden on foot trails, through streams, off designated trails, or tied to trees without the permission of the facility manager. In those facilities that require a rider’s permit or that seasonally close riding trails or areas, it is the responsibility of the rider to obtain the proper permit. (A) Equestrian owners or riders must show proof of current negative Coggins test (equine infectious anemia) upon request by appropriate park personnel and can be denied access to the facilities if such proof cannot be provided. (B) In those undeveloped areas where horseback riding is permitted at random, horses, donkeys, and mules shall be properly restrained, ridden with due care, and shall not be permitted to graze unattended. (20) Hunting. No individual shall use or discharge weapons of any type in any state park or historic site, without written permission of the director with the following exception: (A) Hunting shall be permitted in designated areas of Missouri’s state parks only during periods of special hunts, which shall be sponsored jointly by the Department of Natural Resources’ Division of State Parks and the Department of Conservation to control or prevent animal overpopulation or to control or prevent problems related to overpopulation such as damage to natural resources, property damage, or public health hazards. Due to the changing locations of these hunts and conditions for hunting, the policies governing them shall be developed and announced jointly by the division and the Missouri Department of Conservation prior to the designated hunts. (21) Fishing. (A) Commercial fishing or the buying or selling of fish caught in park waters is forbidden. (B) Fishing may be prohibited in certain areas as designated by the director and upon the proper posting of these areas. (22) Boating. Unless otherwise prohibited boating is allowed in state park waters in accordance with state and federal rules and regulations. State park waters fall under the jurisdiction of various state and federal agencies. The Missouri Water Patrol, Missouri Coast Guard, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, and/or Missouri Department of Conservation promulgates the regulations pertaining to boating. Specific regulations regarding boating generally are posted at points of access. (A) The following actions are prohibited: 1. Launching or removing watercraft from any park waters (waters totally owned by the Department of Natural Resources) or tying to trees or land objects, except at places designated for this use; 2. Leaving a privately-owned boat or watercraft of any kind in park waters in excess of twenty-four (24) hours without written permission of the facility manager or designee; and 3. Renting, hiring, or operating for charge any kind of boat or watercraft, whether powered or not, on any state park or state historic site waters without written permission from the director. (B) The director may establish limits for the horsepower of outboard motors that may be operated in park waters; limits are posted at each respective location. (C) On waters managed under agreement with the Department of Conservation, special regulations specified in 3 CSR 10-4.116 also apply and may be enforced by park staff. (23) Shelter Houses. Open shelters and/or enclosed shelters may be provided in the day use areas of Missouri’s state parks and state historic sites. (A) Open and enclosed shelters may be reserved up to twelve (12) months in advance online or by contacting the applicable facility or contracted concessionaire, with full payment being made at time of reservation. (B) Shelter rental fees are established by the division director and posted for public reference. (C) Reservations cancelled less than seven (7) days prior to the day of reserved use causes forfeiture of the shelter fee. (D) When reserving an enclosed shelter, an individual from the reserving group must contact the respective facility manager or designee to arrange for the building to be unlocked prior to the agreed upon time of use and locked at the end of use. (E) Shelters must be vacated by 10 p.m. daily, or earlier if the shelter is located in an area that closes before 10 p.m. (F) When not reserved, open shelters are available for firstcome, first-served use at no cost. Enclosed shelters are available by reservation only. (24) Historic Structures. Fees charged for entrance to historic sites, their associated structures, museums, or features may be established by the director of the Department of Natural Resources and posted at the historic sites alongside the hours of operations. (A) Consumption or introduction of foods or drinks in any state historic building is prohibited unless in areas so designated for the public or upon permission of the facility manager or the director. (25) Off-Road Vehicle (ORV) Areas. (A) ORV areas are located in Finger Lakes and St. Joe state parks. (B) ATVs and motorcycles may be operated in ORV areas. The operation of other vehicles may be permitted with the proper authorization. Other motorized vehicles are specifically prohibited on wooded trails at St. Joe State Park, except for maintenance and rescue operations. ATVs and motorcycles are prohibited on the beaches, beach access trails, and paved roads. (C) Passengers are not permitted on ATVs or motorcycles. Where permitted by the manufacturer, other motorized vehicles may carry as many passengers as there are seat positions provided that all passengers wear seatbelts. (D) Operators of ATVs and motorcycles, and operators and passengers of other motorized vehicles without fully enclosed metal cabs, must wear protective helmets that meet United States Department of Transportation or ANSI Z90.1 certification. (E) Motorized vehicles, except motorcycles, must be equipped with a flexible mast, minimum of 72 inches in length, with a day-glow orange or yellow flag measuring at least 72 square inches displayed at the top of the mast. (F) All ATVs and motorcycles must be equipped with a spark arrestor, functioning brakes, and muffler designed so that the noise level does not exceed eighty-six (86) dbA. (G) Before entering the ORV area, each off-road vehicle may be inspected by park staff for compliance with the safety equipment requirements. (H) The speed limit within the staging area or the entrance road to the ORV area shall be five (5) miles per hour, with the speed limit in the designated buffer area between the staging area and the ORV riding area set at twenty (20) miles per hour. No exhibition driving will be allowed within these areas. (I) Operators under sixteen (16) years of age and/or unlicensed operators must have direct supervision of a licensed adult while operating a motorcycle or ATV. (J) Use of or being under the influence of alcohol or drugs while operating an ATV or motorcycle is prohibited. Open or closed containers of intoxicating liquor and/or non-intoxicating beer are prohibited in ORV areas, staging areas, entrance roads, and other areas designated for ORV operation. (K) Access to the lakes in the ORV area at St. Joe State Park shall be provided to persons for the purpose of fishing only. Vehicle access requires a pass to be obtained from park staff, which may be revoked for unauthorized conduct. (L) A use permit will be required for each ORV operated in the ORV area. The director shall establish the types of permits and the permit fee. (M) ATVs and motorcycles shall be unloaded and loaded only on designated locations within the ORV areas. (N) Areas within the ORV area may be posted as closed to vehicle traffic for emergencies or due to other management practices. (26) Use of Pedal-Powered or Electrically Assisted Pedal-Powered Vehicles. To facilitate accessibility to the public, the use of pedal-powered and electrically assisted pedal-powered vehicles is permitted on all trails designated for bicycle use. (27) Other Recreational Activities. (A) State parks and historic sites provide opportunities for our visitors to engage in varied recreational activities. However, the division maintains the right to prohibit or otherwise restrict recreational activities that are not in keeping with the mission and objectives of the Department of Natural Resources, that may damage property, that require special safety measures, or that conflict with other uses of an area. Such prohibitions or restrictions shall be determined by the director, who may establish policy or procedures to regulate conduct. (B) Specific recreational activities that are restricted by policy include using metal detectors, caving, rock climbing and rappelling, diving, and conducting special events and activities. (C) Additional recreational activities may be restricted by policies established after the effective date of this provision and/or by signage. AUTHORITY: section 253.035, RSMo 2016.* This version of rule filed Dec. 31, 1975, effective Jan. 10, 1976. Amended: Filed Jan. 16, 1978, effective May 11, 1978. Amended: Filed May 29, 1981, effective Sept. 11, 1981. Amended: Filed June 10, 1981, effective Sept. 11, 1981. Amended: Filed March 31, 1982, effective Aug. 12, 1982. Amended: Filed Dec. 14, 1983, effective March 12, 1984. Amended: Filed Jan. 11, 1984, effective May 11, 1984. Amended: Filed April 5, 1985, effective June 27, 1985. Amended: Filed March 18, 1987, effective July 23, 1987. Emergency amendment filed April 10, 1987, effective April 20, 1987, expired July 15, 1987. Rescinded and readopted: Filed Oct. 26, 2000, effective June 30, 2001. Amended: Filed June 7, 2018, effective Feb. 28, 2019. Amended: Filed July 18, 2022, effective Feb. 28, 2023. Amended: Filed May 28, 2025, effective Dec. 30, 2025. *Original authority: 253.035, RSMo 1961, amended 1967, 1983, 1993, 1995.