Camping is a great way to unplug, recharge, and connect with nature. More than 300 of Missouri’s conservation areas offer camping for those looking for a more adventurous, primitive experience. All camping on conservation areas is free, and most camping is first come, first served. Be sure to have a backup plan in case the…
Tree-killing insects and diseases can hitchhike in firewood, moving much farther with you in a single weekend than they could in years on their own. Once in a new location, these invasive pests can start new infestations that destroy forests, decrease property values, and become costly to manage. Missouri has a statewide firewood quarantine that…
Mark Twain National Forest (MTNF) invites anyone ready for a leisurely drive through a beautiful stretch of forest and open woodlands to learn about the restoration work that goes into caring for these landscapes. Southern Missourians may have seen smoke in the sky in recent weeks from prescribed burns. Some may wonder why these controlled…
Forest Service recreation managers have been working hard to get all the recreation areas cleaned up and ready for use on the Potosi/Fredericktown Ranger District. Silver Mines, Marble Creek, Hazel Creek, Berryman, Brazil Creek, and Wild Boar Ridge Campground at Council Bluff are open for business. Picnic tables awaiting to be installed at new camping…
Guests can once again book the cabins at Big Lake State Park, thanks to the park team and Missouri State Parks northern construction crew. The cabins closed in March 2019, due to major flood damage. Once repairs to the levee, which protects the park from flooding, were completed in summer of 2021, park team members began…
A project funded through the Great American Outdoors Act (GAOA) will improve campsite amenities at a popular Forest Service recreation site on the Houston/Rolla/Cedar Creek Ranger District of Mark Twain National Forest. The Lane Spring electrical and water fountain replacement project will replace outdated waterline components, upgrade existing electrical system to handle more load, and…
I know that if you are reading this you are probably aware of “our out of doors” and I am “preaching to the choir,” but I believe some of this information we all can use to help others. There are many ways to cover our tracks (so to speak). As more and more people venture…
I have enjoyed many a stroll in Missouri State Parks, but one I took last October was simply spooktacular! On a road trip to view the fall colors, I stopped at St. Francois State Park to stretch my legs where I was greeted with an unexpected surprise. The campground was decked out with an array…
