Discover the most magical spots to pitch your tent or park your rig on your next Washington adventure.
Explore rugged landscapes along the Big River in eastern Missouri. Â
The Big River makes a slow wind through this section of the Ozark Mountains, where water and woodlands meet. Located in eastern Missouri, Washington State park is home to rugged landscapes and grand outdoor adventures. Wade or float in the river waters—or make a splash in the parkâs pool. Explore the stateâs largest collection of petroglyphs, with rock carvings dating to around 1000 A.D. A more recent piece of history is the 1000 Steps Trail, built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s, providing a challenging route to reach a scenic view from a bluff above the river valley. Camping and campground rentals are available.
Summer is river season, making it a nice time to hit the watersâor the park pool. Both offer a refreshing way to cool off from the heat and humidity of Missouri summers. Spring and fall offer moderate temperatures for exploring the trailsâwatch for wildflowers in the spring and autumnal colors in the fall, reaching their peak in October. Winter camping brings a stillness to the park, along with freezing temperatures and occasional snows. During the off-season, park amenities (like the camp store and showerhouses) are limited.