National parks and outdoor recreation are often associated with the American West, but did you know Missouri has millions of acres of public land? Not only does Missouri have rich natural resources to enjoy, but much of it can also be experienced for free or at very little cost. We’ll look at five types of public land in Missouri and what sorts of activities they are geared towards so that you can find your next adventure!
State Parks
The first state park in Missouri, Big Spring State Park, was established in 1924. The State Park system keeps some of Missouri’s most iconic natural landmarks open to the public, from Ha Ha Tonka State Park to Elephant Rock State Park. Missouri State Parks tend to be geared towards camping, hiking, RV sites, nature watching, and fishing. Numerous Missouri State Parks offer cabin rentals, as well as kayak rentals for paddling. They tend to be very beginner friendly, so if you’re just dipping your toes into the world of outdoor recreation, a state park is a great place to start your journey!
Missouri Department of Conservation Areas
Equally as historic as the state park system is the Missouri Department of Conservation. Established by the citizens of Missouri to preserve wildlife and access to hunting and fishing, the MDC manages over 1,000 conservation areas and offers hundreds of events throughout the year to teach outdoor skills, ecology, and more. Fun fact: Missouri is one of the few states in the U.S. whose conservation department is funded through sales tax dollars, instead of solely through hunting and fishing licenses.
MDC Conservation Areas are focused on maintaining rich, biodiverse ecosystems and maintaining public access for hunting, angling, and trapping. Whether you’re looking to hunt whitetail deer, catch a once-in-a-lifetime catfish, or spend a winter morning chasing waterfowl, the MDC has a huge variety of conservation areas, both large and small for you to explore.
These areas vary in their accessibility, but they tend to favor more undisturbed management with fewer trails. If you’re looking for a truly wild experience in nature, they are a great place to start. As with all these areas, hunting and fishing require licenses, which can be purchased online. Don’t worry though — for Missouri residents, license costs are very affordable. If you have any questions regarding regulations or how to obtain a license, you can contact your local MDC regional office for more information.
The MDC also manages shooting ranges where you can practice firearms handling in a safe, professional environment. They also offer archery ranges throughout the Kansas City metro where you can hone your skills in a natural environment.
County Parks
The Kansas City Region has a number of high-quality parks to explore. The Blue River trail system in South Kansas City has a massive network of mountain bike trails, ranging in difficulty from beginner to expert. There’s also ample fishing and boating access through the Clay, Platte, and Jackson County parks systems. Most of the major reservoirs in Kansas City have swim beaches where you can spend your summer in the sun.
While county parks tend to favor hiking, biking, and fishing, they also often feature tent campsites, as well as RV sites. There are also opportunities to archery hunt for deer through specially managed hunts, which give access to local communities to hunt close to home while managing urban deer populations.
National Forests
If you’re looking to really escape, a National Forest may be the place for you. The Mark Twain National Forest spans a stunning 1.5 million acres of public land. Much of it allows for dispersed camping, hunting, fishing, foraging, and more. It’s primarily centered in the Ozark region of Missouri. This rugged terrain can be as tough as it is beautiful, so if you choose to adventure off the trail, be prepared.
At the turn of the 20th century, much of Missouri’s now-iconic wildlife had been almost completely extirpated, primarily through poor land use. The white oak forests and deep Ozark hollers the public can now enjoy were made possible through decades of intentional management. You don’t need to go to the Rocky Mountains for a real mountaintop experience.
National forests favor primitive-style camping, hunting, angling, and hiking. There is little to no infrastructure and that’s an intentional choice. You may need a 4x4 vehicle to access parts of this land system, so do a little research beforehand!
Army Corps of Engineers
A less-known part of the public land system in Missouri is Army Corps of Engineers Land. Much of these areas are centered around Missouri’s Reservoirs, lakes, and streams, places that are managed for flood control and recreation. Your recreational opportunities on Army Corps land are highly diverse. They offer campgrounds, boat ramps, waterfowl hunting, trails, and more. Large portions of Truman Reservoir, Lake of the Ozarks, Lake Taneycomo, Smithfield Lake, and other major reservoirs in Missouri are managed at least in part by the Army Corps of Engineers. There are activities for people of all skill levels to be had.
A Few More Tips
These five public land types are not the only places to recreate in Missouri. The US Fish and Wildlife Service maintains several public use areas and many cities and municipalities have public land you can explore as well. Google Maps, onX, and the GIS maps on governmental agency sites can be great ways to learn more about the public land near you.
It’s also important to be aware of the intended uses for the places you recreate. Some areas do not allow camping or bikes and if you’re foraging, most public land prohibits the sale of wild mushrooms, plants, or animals taken from those areas. If an area allows hunting, avoid hiking or biking in it during peak hunting seasons. Also, be sure to safely extinguish campfires in areas where they are allowed. Sometimes property boundaries can be difficult to distinguish, so make sure you’re aware of the public/private boundaries in an area so that you are not unintentionally trespassing, especially if you are hunting, foraging, camping, or fishing.
Every Missourian has the right to enjoy nature! In every season and every part of the state, there is public land waiting to be explored. Get out there and do it!
"In every season and every part of the state, there is public land waiting to be explored. Get out there and do it!"
"Not only does Missouri have rich natural resources to enjoy, but much of it can also be experienced for free or at very little cost."