State parks, historic sites prepare for camping season

March 15, 2021 at 5:05 a.m. | Updated March 15, 2021 at 9:59 a.m.

FILE--In this Wednesday, June 11, 2014, file photo, James Lyons and Florence Reaves, from Kirkwood, Mo., hike to a stone lookout over the Little Missouri River inside the Theodore Roosevelt National Park, located in the Badlands of North Dakota. Parties involved in a dispute over whether North Dakota regulators should be involved in the siting of a controversial oil refinery near Theodore Roosevelt National Park are battling in state court. The dispute is over whether state regulators should have reviewed the site of the $800 million Davis Refinery. Environmental groups say yes, but developer Meridian Energy and the state Public Service Commission are both urging a judge to rule against a hearing. (AP Photo/Charles Rex Arbogast, File)
FILE--In this Wednesday, June 11, 2014, file photo, James Lyons and Florence Reaves, from Kirkwood, Mo., hike to a stone lookout over the Little Missouri River inside the Theodore Roosevelt National Park, located in the Badlands of North Dakota. Parties involved in a dispute over whether North Dakota regulators should be involved in the siting of a controversial oil refinery near Theodore Roosevelt National Park are battling in state court. The dispute is over whether state regulators should have reviewed the site of the $800 million Davis Refinery. Environmental groups say yes, but developer Meridian Energy and the state Public Service Commission are both urging a judge to rule against a hearing. (AP Photo/Charles Rex Arbogast, File)

Missouri state park and historic site campgrounds are preparing for the 2021 camping season, which typically begins April 1.

To help guarantee a safe experience, updated procedures have been implemented.

To ensure a camping spot, campers are encouraged to make a reservation prior to arrival at the park, according to a Missouri State Parks news release. Most campgrounds are fully reservable, and any campsites not reserved are available on a walk-in registration basis. Campers must pay the camping rate prior to occupying the site.

For more information on camping, visit mostateparks.com/activity/camping.

Missouri State Parks' contactless self check-in feature remains available to customers with reservations on their day of arrival. For more information on self check-in, visit mostateparks.com/self-check-in.

Showerhouses and modern restrooms are available during the parks' camping season. Regular cleaning schedules will be posted at the park. Firewood and ice are available for purchase during operating hours. For more information on specific hours, contact the park or historic site office directly.

State park and historic site day-use areas are open. Playgrounds, trails, boat launches and picnic areas are also open, as are some indoor spaces, including visitor centers, nature centers, museums and offices.

Visitors can be better prepared for their outing by viewing the online park and site status map before heading out. Contact information for Missouri State Parks staff will be posted on signs throughout the park for visitors who have questions or need assistance.

When visiting a Missouri state park or historic site, visitors are encouraged to follow social-distancing guidelines and be proactive in protecting themselves and others amid ongoing public health concerns due to COVID-19. Come prepared with hand sanitizer and bottled water, avoid large and congested crowds, and stay home if you are sick. Face coverings are encouraged when social-distancing measures are difficult to maintain and may be required by local orders.

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