Long Branch State Park

Tree-shaded campgrounds and cabins are what staying at Missouri State Parks is all about. Forty of our most scenic parks offer a wide range of sites, from basic sites to pitch a tent at to full-service sites for your RV. Fourteen favorite state parks offer lodging options ranging from motel rooms and fourplexes to a lake house, yurts and outpost cabins.

CAMPING

The smell of dinner on the grill, the anticipation of s’mores around the campfire and the sound of laughing kids splashing in a stream are all memories of that favorite camping trip in a Missouri state park campground. Missouri State Parks makes it easy to plan and enjoy that memorable camping trip whether you are in a tent or an 80-foot camping trailer.

Forty state parks and historic sites offer almost 3,600 campsites that range from secluded walk-in sites to sites with hookups for water, sewer and electrical service. Campgrounds are close to the action yet far enough away for you to enjoy the great outdoors. Campgrounds offer amenities such as hot showers, laundry facilities and dump stations and some even provide free Wi-Fi connections.

There are two ways to camp in Missouri state parks. Most campgrounds offer first-come, first-served campsites or you can reserve a site in advance by taking advantage of the centralized reservation system.

Missouri state parks provide the ideal setting. It’s up to you to create the memories of that perfect camping trip.

OPERATIONS

Many parks contain rules and policies that are specific to the individual park and its resources. Please call the individual park to inquire of specific rules and, upon your arrival, check the park’s bulletin boards for additional rules.

Electric hook-ups are available year-round at most state parks, while water and showers are usually available in the on-season, which is typically from April 1 through Oct. 31. At Roaring River, Bennett Spring and Montauk state parks, the on-season begins Feb. 25. Some northern parks begin on-season operation on April 15. The on-season for Table Rock State Park runs from March through November.

A two-night minimum stay on the weekend (Friday and Saturday) is required at most state parks for reservations. Camping is limited to any 15 days within a 30-consecutive-day period at any one park.

LEAVE NO TRACE

Leave No Trace is a national education program that teaches outdoor enthusiasts how to protect the places they love, like Missouri state parks and historic sites, from human-caused recreational impacts. Missouri State Parks has adopted the program’s seven principles, which are:
(1) plan ahead and prepare;
(2) travel and camp on durable surfaces;
(3) dispose of waste properly;
(4) leave what you find;
(5) minimize campfire impacts;
(6) respect wildlife;
(7) be considerate of other visitors.

Please practice these principles during your camping stay.

ENJOYING MISSOURI STATE PARKS WITH YOUR PET

Responsible pet owners and their pets are welcome in Missouri state parks. As a courtesy to other visitors, it is recommended you bring no more than two dogs per campsite. This also helps reduce the impact on the natural resources and aids with noise control. By following current pet rules, a positive impression will be left for all pet owners and will ensure that this privilege continues.

SENIOR AND DISABLED CITIZENS

Citizens who are 65 years of age or older or persons with disabilities are entitled to a reduced camping fee. An official document certifying proof of age or disability must be presented when registering. Please visit the Camping Fees page for additional information on discounts.

CAMPER AWARD

Have you or your family camped in five different state parks or historic sites this year? If so, you may be eligible for a camper award. Camper verification cards are available at all state parks and historic sites. Ask park staff to indicate on the card that you stayed at their facility. (Remember to obey all the rules and regulations.)

Once you have five state parks or historic sites on your card, mail it in. Once the card is received, you’ll be awarded a certificate as well as a patch. It’s that simple!

Looking for a place to get a watersports fix? Long Branch State Park’s three boat ramps provide access to sprawling and picturesque Long Branch Lake. For more fun on the water, fishing is popular and the marina store, swimming beach and day-use area next to the beach are a favorite for families. A modern campground the park is a perfect place for overnight stays. The park preserves some of the last savanna and prairie remnants in the Chariton River Hills. Trails through the Chariton River Hills Natural Area provide a good way for hikers to see colorful prairie wildflowers and a variety of birds, including red-headed woodpeckers, brown thrashers and indigo buntings.

Long Branch State Park offers basic and electric campsites and a special-use camping area. There are also several walk-in basic campsites available. For a little extra space, try one of the park’s family campsites.

Stop by the park store to pick up some camping supplies.

IMPORTANT CAMPING INFORMATION:

First-come, first-served sites are available. Reservable sites may be available on a day-by-day basis if the site is not reserved. Before occupying a site, check with the park staff or follow the directions on the posted card.
For weekend reservations, there is a required two-night minimum stay of Friday/Saturday or Saturday/Sunday.
During the off-season (November through March), potable water is available at the frost-free spigot near campsite 12.
Firewood is available year-round from the firewood vending machine located at the campground check station.
Campers planning to carry in firewood must comply with current firewood advisories.