State: Missouri
Address 1: 8920 U.S. Hwy. 67 North
City: Bonne Terre
Zip: 63628
Phone: 573-358-2173
Open: Open all year
Open all Year: Yes
Number of Sites: 110
Electric: 63
Camp URL: http://mostateparks.com/stfrancois.htm
Full Hook: Yes
Just as outlaws sought refuge from the law during the Civil War, visitors today can seek refuge from everyday life in the beauty of the Pike Run Hills at St. Francois State Park. The forested ridges and hollows of these hills offer visitors a chance for unconfined solitude in a wilderness setting.
Three hiking trails, one allowing equestrians, wind through the forested hills and glades of Coonville Creek Wild Area. Mooners Hollow Trail leads visitors to Coonville Creek Natural Area, highlighted by the clear waters of Coonville Creek, which were once used to make moonshine. The Big River, which forms the southern boundary of the park, is ideal for canoeing. The parks many shaded picnic sites or two covered shelters provide the perfect place for a quiet picnic lunch or large family gathering.
St. Francois State Park offers basic and electric campsites. There is also a backpack camp for hikers on the Pike Run Trail. On-season (April through October) services in the campground include a dump station, showers, water and laundry. Water is not available in the park during the off-season (November through March).
The campground is open and reservable year-round. For reservations, there is a required two-night minimum stay for weekends. All campers must have an immediate means of motorized transportation in case of evacuation due to flooding. Campers participating in long-distance bicycle tours traveling without support are exempt.