These Missouri State Parks Are Perfect for a Cheap Getaway

Location:

Lebanon, MO

Highlights:

If you’re craving a mix of nature, history, and legendary trout fishing, you’ve got to check out Bennett Spring State Park . This timeless Missouri retreat is the kind of place families return to year after year to relax, fish, and explore.

We Recommend This For:

Fishing enthusiasts, outdoor lovers, families, and anyone looking to unplug in nature.

What we Love:

Rainbow trout fishing, tranquil hiking trails, historic stone structures, and cozy cabins and campgrounds for all seasons.

• Cast your line into the spring branch, teeming with rainbow trout—perfect for both seasoned and first-time anglers.
• Explore scenic hiking trails winding through the lush valley, with beautiful photo spots and peaceful forest stretches.
• Stay overnight in rustic cabins or set up camp in well-maintained campgrounds, ideal for a weekend escape or longer vacation.
• Dine at the historic lodge serving hearty meals and snacks after a day of outdoor fun.

Distance from Springfield:

Expect the drive to take around 1 hour and 10 minutes.

How to Get to Bennett Spring State Park:

From Springfield, head northeast on I-44 to Lebanon. Take Exit 129 and follow MO-64 west for about 12 miles, then turn onto MO-64A directly into the park.

Location:

Ballwin, MO

Highlights:

If you’re up for scenic trails, river views, and a hint of history, Castlewood State Park is a local favorite. It’s a quick getaway where you can hike, bike, or just soak in the peace of the Meramec River valley.

We Recommend This For:

Mountain bikers, trail runners, hikers, St. Louis locals, and anyone looking for a nature-filled day trip.

What we Love:

Challenging and beginner-friendly trails, riverside views, rich history, and wide open meadows for spotting deer and birds.

• Bike or hike along scenic trails that range from gentle loops to rugged climbs with sweeping valley views.
• Explore remnants of the park’s 1900s party resort past tucked among forests and bluffs.
• Fish along the Meramec River or simply relax at one of the quiet riverside spots.
• Watch for wildlife like deer, owls, and wild turkeys in the meadows and woodlands.

Distance from St. Louis:

Expect the drive to take around 35 minutes.

How to Get to Castlewood State Park:

Take I-44 west from St. Louis to Exit 272 (Big Bend Road). Head west to Ries Road, then south to Kiefer Creek Road, which leads into the park entrance.

Location:

Troy, MO

Highlights:

If you want an Ozark-style wilderness escape without heading too far from the city, Cuivre River State Park is your go-to spot. It’s a rugged, scenic gem perfect for nature lovers who crave adventure and serenity in equal measure.

We Recommend This For:

Hikers, backpackers, campers, wildlife photographers, and anyone seeking a wilder side of Missouri.

What we Love:

Ozark-like terrain near St. Louis, scenic trails, peaceful Lake Lincoln, and diverse campsites from primitive to modern.

• Hike through rugged, forested hills with trails suited for everything from day hikes to multi-day backpacking adventures.
• Fish, swim, or paddle at Lake Lincoln, a scenic spot for warm-weather recreation.
• Camp under the stars at your choice of modern or primitive campsites nestled in natural surroundings.
• Watch for deer, foxes, and birds in the park’s vast wild areas ideal for quiet observation and nature photography.

Distance from St. Louis:

Expect the drive to take around 1 hour and 10 minutes.

How to Get to Cuivre River State Park:

From St. Louis, take I-70 west to US-61 north. Follow US-61 to Troy, then take State Route 47 east and turn onto State Route 147 to reach the park entrance.

Romantic Missouri State Parks

Location:

Wildwood, MO

Highlights:

If you're looking for a peaceful nature break that’s still close to the city, Dr. Edmund A. Babler Memorial State Park is a classic. It’s a go-to spot for family picnics, trail adventures, and learning more about Missouri’s natural beauty.

We Recommend This For:

Families, hikers, equestrians, local day-trippers, and fans of CCC-era architecture.

What we Love:

Easy access from St. Louis, Civilian Conservation Corps stonework, multi-use trails, and educational nature programs.

• Wander miles of scenic hiking, biking, and horseback trails perfect for active days outdoors.
• Relax with a picnic under the trees or cook out at one of the many family-friendly shelters.
• Explore the River Hills Visitors Center with displays on local wildlife, plants, and ecosystems.
• Stay overnight at a well-equipped campground nestled in the peaceful woods of the park.

Distance from St. Louis:

Expect the drive to take around 40 minutes.

How to Get to Dr. Edmund A. Babler Memorial State Park:

Take I-64 west from St. Louis to Highway 109 south. Continue to Highway BA (Babler Park Drive) and follow signs to the park entrance.

Location:

Belleview, MO

Highlights:

If you’re into geology, quirky photo ops, or just want to climb some seriously giant rocks, Elephant Rocks State Park is a must-visit. It’s a fun and family-friendly stop packed with ancient granite boulders and accessible trails.

We Recommend This For:

Families, geology buffs, accessible travelers, and anyone looking for a unique natural landmark.

What we Love:

1.5-billion-year-old granite boulders, the inclusive Braille Trail, and wide open spaces perfect for climbing and exploring.

• Walk the Braille Trail, designed for visitors with visual or physical disabilities, offering a smooth and scenic loop through the main boulder field.
• Climb and explore the massive elephant-shaped rocks scattered like a stone parade through the park.
• Discover the historic ruins of an old railroad engine house, tucked away near the trails.
• Picnic at one of the many tables with views of the geological wonders and surrounding woodlands.

Distance from St. Louis:

Expect the drive to take around 1 hour and 45 minutes.

How to Get to Elephant Rocks State Park:

Take I-55 south from St. Louis to Highway 67 south. In Bonne Terre, switch to Highway 21 south and follow signs through Pilot Knob and into Belleview. The park entrance will be clearly marked on Hwy. 21.

Location:

Diamond, MO

Highlights:

If you're in southwest Missouri, this peaceful monument is a heartfelt and educational stop. It’s a place to walk, reflect, and be inspired by the life and legacy of George Washington Carver.

We Recommend This For:

History buffs, families, educators, nature lovers, and anyone seeking inspiration from one of America’s great minds.

What we Love:

Insightful exhibits, the serene Carver Trail, interactive kids' activities, and Carver’s powerful story of perseverance and discovery.

• Walk the Carver Trail, an easy one-mile loop through prairie, woodland, and streams that retraces George Washington Carver’s childhood surroundings.
• Explore museum exhibits detailing Carver’s legacy as a scientist, educator, and humanitarian.
• Engage younger visitors with hands-on children’s activities that make Carver’s story come alive.
• Reflect in peaceful outdoor spaces that invite thought and connection with nature and history.

Distance from Joplin:

Expect the drive to take around 25 minutes.

How to Get to George Washington Carver National Monument:

From Joplin, head east on I-44 and take Exit 11A to Route V south. Follow signs to Carver Road and continue to the monument entrance just outside Diamond, Missouri.

Missouri State Parks for Families

Location:

Camdenton, MO

Highlights:

If you’re into epic views, castle ruins, and crazy cool rock formations, Ha Ha Tonka State Park will blow your mind. It’s like stepping into a fantasy landscape—right in the heart of Missouri.

We Recommend This For:

Hikers, photographers, geology enthusiasts, families, and Lake of the Ozarks vacationers.

What we Love:

Castle ruins on a bluff, scenic boardwalks, a natural bridge, caves, and some of the most dramatic geology in Missouri.

• Climb to the castle ruins for panoramic views of the Ha Ha Tonka Spring and Lake of the Ozarks below.
• Walk boardwalks and trails through caves, sinkholes, and forests packed with natural wonders.
• Marvel at the massive natural bridge—a stunning 70-foot-high stone arch formed over millions of years.
• Relax with a picnic and soak in the peaceful vibes of this unforgettable park.

Distance from Springfield:

Expect the drive to take around 1 hour and 15 minutes.

How to Get to Ha Ha Tonka State Park:

From Springfield, head north on Highway 65 to Camdenton. Take Highway 54 east, then turn onto State Road D and follow signs into the park entrance.

Location:

Independence, MO

Highlights:

If you’re curious about presidential history or love exploring charming historic homes, this stop is a must. The Harry S Truman National Historic Site offers a powerful glimpse into the quiet life of America’s 33rd president.

We Recommend This For:

History lovers, presidential buffs, families, and fans of mid-20th-century American culture.

What we Love:

Guided home tours, preserved personal artifacts, walkable historic neighborhoods, and insights into Truman’s down-to-earth lifestyle.

• Tour the Truman Home, where guides walk you through the same halls Harry and Bess Truman once lived in.
• Stroll through the surrounding neighborhood and imagine small-town life in the early 1900s.
• Visit the Truman family farm and learn about his rural roots just outside the city center.
• Watch the park’s film to better understand Truman’s life, legacy, and leadership.

Distance from Kansas City:

Expect the drive to take around 25 minutes.

How to Get to Harry S Truman National Historic Site:

From downtown Kansas City, take I-70 east to Noland Road. Head north to US-24, then east to North Main Street. The site is located in the heart of Independence.

Location:

Ste. Genevieve, MO

Highlights:

If you're chasing quiet trails, dramatic rock formations, and bird calls echoing through the trees, Hawn State Park is a hidden gem. It’s a pristine escape where geology, wildlife, and solitude meet in one unforgettable setting.

We Recommend This For:

Hikers, bird watchers, geology fans, campers, and anyone craving a quiet, scenic retreat.

What we Love:

Sandstone canyons, serene pine forests, rugged hiking trails, and peaceful campsites under the trees.

• Hike through some of Missouri’s most scenic terrain, with trails winding past cliffs, creeks, and dense forest.
• Backpack along the ten-mile Whispering Pines Trail for a more immersive wilderness experience.
• Spot dozens of bird species, from songbirds to hawks, making this a birder’s paradise.
• Unwind with a picnic on the soft woodland floor or stay overnight in the tranquil campground.

Distance from St. Louis:

Expect the drive to take around 1 hour and 30 minutes.

How to Get to Hawn State Park:

Take I-55 south from St. Louis to Exit 150. Continue west on Route 32 through Ste. Genevieve, then south on Route 144 to reach the park entrance.

Location:

Lesterville, MO

Highlights:

If you're looking for nature’s version of a waterpark wrapped in epic scenery, Johnson's Shut-Ins State Park is pure magic. It’s a wild, splash-worthy retreat carved into volcanic rock, perfect for adventurous families and geology lovers alike.

We Recommend This For:

Families, swimmers, hikers, nature explorers, and anyone seeking a fun, active day in the wilderness.

What we Love:

Natural rock water slides, volcanic shut-ins, dramatic mountain views, and sprawling trails in one of Missouri’s most stunning parks.

• Splash in the shut-ins—rocky pools and chutes formed by ancient volcanic rock, perfect for a natural water adventure.
• Explore rugged trails through the St. Francois Mountains with panoramic overlooks and geological wonders.
• Relax with a picnic on the banks or under shaded trees, listening to the rushing waters nearby.
• Camp in one of Missouri’s best-equipped campgrounds, surrounded by forest and clear night skies.

Distance from St. Louis:

Expect the drive to take around 2 hours and 15 minutes.

How to Get to Johnson's Shut-Ins State Park:

From St. Louis, take I-55 south to US-67 south. Head west on Highway 221, then south on MO-21. Turn onto Highway N, then follow signs to the park entrance near Taum Sauk Mountain.