52 Weeks of Fun

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Missouri State Parks

Prairie State Park Campground

Imagine following a great river of bison across a treeless expanse of sun-washed grasses or witnessing the spectacle of a prairie wildfire lighting the night sky. This blend of grazing and fire was among the many factors that contributed to an intricate assembly of tall grasses, wildflowers, and abundant wildlife called prairie. More than 13 million acres of tallgrass prairie once covered more than one-third of Missouri’s landscape. Today, less than 65,000 acres remain. Prairie State Park is Missouri’s largest remaining tall grass prairie landscape.

Visitors to the park see panoramic vistas of swaying grass and ever-changing wildflowers. They also may spot the park’s resident bison herd. The park’s Regal Tallgrass Prairie Nature Center offers exhibits and interpretive programs designed to inform visitors about the special place.

Prairie State Park offers a small number of basic campsites and a backpacking camp. These basic campsites will accommodate groups of up to 20 people.

On-season (April through October) is when the facility’s camping on-season when shower house and modern restroom services are available to campers. A vault toilet is the only restroom facility in this camping area. During the off-season, the facility’s camping services are limited. The vault toilet in the camping area remains open year-round.

Potable water is available on the south side of the shop building before you enter the camping area. A vault toilet is the only amenity that serves the campground and backpack camp. Campfires are prohibited at the backpack camp. Backpack stoves are permitted.

Missouri State Parks
Missouri State Parks

A 52 Weeks of Fun Fascinating Fact about Prairie State Park Campground

More than 13 million acres of tallgrass prairie once covered more than one-third of Missouri’s landscape. Today, less than 65,000 acres remain.

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Missouri State Parks

Basic camping is available at Prairie State Park, with fire rings and picnic tables in each sit.
Missouri State Parks

Prairie State Park offers some fantastic sunrises and sunsets.
Missouri State Parks

The Regal Tallgrass Prairie Nature Center offers exhibits and interpretive programs about the park.
Missouri State Parks

More than 25 rare and endangered plant and animal species have been recorded in Prairie State Park, some of which are not found anywhere else in the state.

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