St. Joe State Park
The roar of engines breaks the stillness of the Old Lead Belt at St. Joe State Park, one of two off-road
vehicle parks in the state system. The sand flats, hills, and 2,000 acres set aside for off-road vehicle use
make this park the premier off-road vehicle area. The park also features four lakes, with two
swimming beaches, an equestrian trail, a hiking and bicycling trail, and picnic sites, as well as two
campgrounds capable of accommodating campers with ORV or horse trailers.
St. Francois State Park
The forested ridges and cool hollows of St. Francois State Park offer visitors a retreat from everyday life.
Three hiking trails, including one that allows equestrian access, wind through the forested hills and glades
of the Coonville Creek Wild Area. Easy access to the Big River makes St. Francois State Park ideal for
canoeing and floating and the many shaded picnic sites and two covered shelters make the park perfect for
family gatherings. Overnight guests can choose from more than 100 campsites, in campgrounds with modern
restrooms, hot showers, and laundry facilities.
Elephant Rocks State Park
The giant elephant-shaped granite boulders are the star at Elephant Rocks State Park. The coarsely
crystalline red granite forms are popular with history buffs (who like to read the names of the 19th century
miners who used to work in the area and who carved their names into rocks), children (who love to climb and
scramble over and through the rocks) and parents (who revel in taking pictures of their children pretending
to push the rocks). The park has a trail that winds through the rocks, which is an interpretative Braille
trail. Abundant picnic areas and vibrant fall colors add to the park's appeal.
Johnson's Shut-Ins State Park
Play in the shallows of the East Fork of the Black River. Shoot through Mother Nature's hydraulics in the
shut-ins. Hike a trail that will show you 1.4 billion years of geologic history. Take your horse on a pretty
mountain trail. Johnson's Shut-Ins State Park is a jewel of the system, a place with something for
everyone: pretty picnic areas, Ozark landscapes, natural places to swim, great campsites.