Day Trips from St. Louis
← All St. Louis day tripsDay Trips from St. Louis: State Parks & Natural Areas
The best state parks and natural areas within driving distance of St. Louis, MO. Hiking, camping, swimming, and stunning scenery without the national park crowds. Real drive times, ratings, and visitor info included.
12 state parks near St. Louis
Ha Ha Tonka State Park
Camdenton, MO 65020
Just 2 hrs 49 min from St. Louis, rated 4.8 stars by 5,589 visitors, perfect for hiking, scenic views, and getting outdoors.
Best time to visit: Spring through fall for trails and foliage. Fall colors peak mid-October.
Castlewood State Park
Ballwin, MO 63021
Just 31 min from St. Louis, rated 4.8 stars by 3,697 visitors, perfect for hiking, scenic views, and getting outdoors.
Best time to visit: Spring through fall for trails and foliage. Fall colors peak mid-October.
Bell Smith Springs Scenic Area
Ozark, IL 62972
Just 2 hrs 38 min from St. Louis, rated 4.8 stars by 700 visitors, perfect for hiking, scenic views, and getting outdoors.
Best time to visit: Spring through fall for trails and foliage. Fall colors peak mid-October.
Johnson's Shut-Ins State Park
Middle Brook, MO 63656
Just 1 hr 44 min from St. Louis, rated 4.8 stars by 2,834 visitors, perfect for hiking, scenic views, and getting outdoors.
Best time to visit: Spring through fall for trails and foliage. Fall colors peak mid-October.
Shaw Nature Reserve
Gray Summit, MO 63039
Just 40 min from St. Louis, rated 4.8 stars by 811 visitors, perfect for hiking, scenic views, and getting outdoors.
Best time to visit: Spring through fall for trails and foliage. Fall colors peak mid-October.
Shawnee National Forest
IL 62946, USA
Just 1 hr 35 min from St. Louis, rated 4.8 stars by 6,301 visitors, perfect for hiking, scenic views, and getting outdoors.
Best time to visit: Spring through fall for trails and foliage. Fall colors peak mid-October.
Ferne Clyffe State Park
Goreville, IL 62939
Just 2 hrs 5 min from St. Louis, rated 4.8 stars by 2,032 visitors, perfect for hiking, scenic views, and getting outdoors.
Best time to visit: Spring through fall for trails and foliage. Fall colors peak mid-October.
Powder Valley Conservation Nature Center
Kirkwood, MO 63122
Just 23 min from St. Louis, rated 4.8 stars by 349 visitors, perfect for hiking, scenic views, and getting outdoors.
Best time to visit: Spring through fall for trails and foliage. Fall colors peak mid-October.
Pickle Springs Natural Area
New Offenburg, MO 63670
Just 1 hr 14 min from St. Louis, rated 4.8 stars by 802 visitors, perfect for hiking, scenic views, and getting outdoors.
Best time to visit: Spring through fall for trails and foliage. Fall colors peak mid-October.
Washington State Park
De Soto, MO 63020
Just 1 hr 1 min from St. Louis, rated 4.7 stars by 1,674 visitors, perfect for hiking, scenic views, and getting outdoors.
Best time to visit: Spring through fall for trails and foliage. Fall colors peak mid-October.
Mark Twain National Forest
Rolla, MO 65401
Just 1 hr 28 min from St. Louis, rated 4.7 stars by 10,395 visitors, perfect for hiking, scenic views, and getting outdoors.
Best time to visit: Spring through fall for trails and foliage. Fall colors peak mid-October.
Hickory Canyons Natural Area
MO 63670, USA
Just 1 hr 10 min from St. Louis, rated 4.7 stars by 416 visitors, perfect for hiking, scenic views, and getting outdoors.
Best time to visit: Spring through fall for trails and foliage. Fall colors peak mid-October.
Frequently Asked Questions About State Parks Day Trips from St. Louis
What are the best state parks near St. Louis, MO?
The best state parks near St. Louis offer hiking, camping, swimming, fishing, and scenic overlooks. Check the cards above for top-rated parks with drive times, ratings, and budget estimates.
How much does it cost to visit state parks near St. Louis?
Most state parks near St. Louis charge a vehicle entry fee of $5-$15 per day. Annual passes are usually available for $25-$50 and pay for themselves in 2-3 visits. Camping fees are separate and vary by site type.
Which state parks near St. Louis are best for camping?
Several state parks within driving distance of St. Louis offer campgrounds ranging from primitive tent sites to full-hookup RV sites with showers. Book early for summer weekends, as popular parks fill up months in advance.
What is the best time to visit state parks near St. Louis?
Spring and fall offer the best weather and smallest crowds at state parks near St. Louis. Summer is great for swimming and camping but parks are busiest. Winter visits are peaceful and many parks stay open year-round for hiking.
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