Camping

What's new this year

A few things changed for the 2026 season — and two big decisions are still pending.

State-park reservations open a full year out

You can book a state-park campsite 12 months ahead — and the most popular weekends and the March 1 trout-park opener go fast.

The Ozark Riverways changed its booking

All developed AND backcountry river campgrounds now require Recreation.gov reservations (up to 6 months ahead). Primitive sites stay free and non-reservable, and gravel-bar camping while floating is still free but regulated. Set up Recreation.gov before you go — cell service is spotty.

A conservation-area camping permit is proposed for 2027

MDC's "$5-for-5-for-10" permit (10 or fewer people, 5 days) got initial approval May 29, 2026; comments run July 16–Aug. 14, 2026; the final vote is Sept. 11, 2026; it would take effect Feb. 28, 2027 if approved. Today MDC camping is free and unregistered.

The tax that keeps parks free is on the Aug. 4, 2026 ballot

Amendment 1 would renew the one-tenth-of-one-percent Parks, Soils and Water Sales Tax for 10 years. It expires in 2028 if it's not renewed — so the free-entry rule is up to voters this summer.

On the ballot

The tax that keeps state parks free

Missouri state parks are free to enter. The reason is a small statewide sales tax — and this summer it's up to voters whether it keeps going.

The tax Parks, Soils and Water Sales Tax
Where it stands On the Aug. 4, 2026 ballot as Amendment 1. First approved in 1984 and renewed every decade since (last time around 80%), it returns to voters every 10 years.
The rate A one-tenth-of-one-percent state sales tax.
What it raises It generates about $140 million a year.
Where the money goes The money is split evenly between state parks and soil-and-water conservation; the parks half funds the large majority of the park system and keeps the parks free to enter.
If it isn't renewed It expires in 2028 if voters don't renew it.

Before you go

Missouri Porch explains; the agency that runs your campground decides.

Last checked: 2026-06-18. Prices, dates, reservation rules, and closures change — confirm with the agency that runs your campground before you go.

This is a plain-English summary, not the official rulebook. Camping spans five different agencies, and each sets its own rules — always confirm with the agency that runs your campground before you go.

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