St. Francois State Park

 

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. Mooner’s 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 park’s many shaded picnic sites or two covered shelters provide the perfect place for a quiet picnic lunch or large family gathering.

Overnight guests can choose from more than 100 campsites, both basic and electric. The campground features modern restrooms, hot showers and laundry facilities.

Whether coming to enjoy a day on the Big River, or to seek refuge in the peaceful, natural setting of the park, St. Francois State Park offers the perfect hideout from everyday life.

               

   

Fishing

Fishing is available on the over three miles of Big River that flows through St. Francois State Park. Visitors should call the park office at 573-358-2173 in advance for updated river conditions. Small-mouth bass and catfish are most commonly caught. Many stretches of both Big River and Coonville Creek are shallow and easily waded, and both streams have easily-accessed banks within the park.

Two river access points in the picnic areas of the park provide convenient canoe launch points along Big River for fishing or floating. Motorized boats are not recommended due to the shallow nature of much of the river.

Picnic Area/Playground

St. Francois State Park has two large picnic shelters available for family reunions, company picnics and other special occasions. The shelters may be reserved for $35 by calling the park office at 573-358-2173 well ahead of time. If not reserved, they are available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Dozens of individual picnic sites are located throughout the park. Most are situated along the shaded banks of Big River or Coonville Creek, and most are located near restroom and drinking water facilities. Ample parking is provided, and several sites are accessible to persons with disabilities.

Five large playgrounds are located in the picnic areas and campgrounds. Swings, slides and sandy play areas are sure to please the youngest visitors.

       

St. Francois State Park Campground Information
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.

Campers planning to carry in firewood must comply with current firewood advisory.

Missouri's forests are being threatened and you can help protect them.

The emerald ash borer, an exotic beetle, has already killed more than 50 million ash trees in the northern United States. It has now been detected in forests in Missouri. Federal and state quarantines have been issued for Wayne County to restrict movement of any ash wood product. This includes all hardwood firewood, the most common way emerald ash borer is spread.

Park Gate Information
Park gates close at 10 p.m. during the on-season and 6 p.m. during the off-season. Campers need to be sure to arrive prior to gate closure time.

Plants and Animals

St. Francois State Park is home to a rich diversity of native flora and fauna. From beautiful carpets of bluebells during the early spring to crimson displays of maple and oak foliage in autumn, there is always something wonderful to catch the eye. Many uncommon flowers and unique landscapes are easily observable, such as Queen of the Prairie and its fen habitat. Many areas of the park are being restored to pre-settlement open woodlands, with rich stands of prairie grasses and wildflowers. Huge sycamores over 250 years old line the banks of Big River, with open glades dotting the bluffs above.

Several interesting animal species make St. Francois State Park their home. Enrolled in the state’s Watchable Wildlife program, the park offers excellent opportunities to view popular favorites, such as white-tailed deer and wild turkey. Park visitors are just as likely to see raccoons, owls, hawks and a countless variety of songbirds. The observant visitor may even catch a glimpse of a collared lizard, beaver, bobcat or coyote. Visitors of all ages will find something remarkable at every turn.

Directions to St. Francois State Park

       

From St. Louis
To get to St. Francois State Park, take I-55 south to the Festus/Crystal City exit. Exit onto U.S. Hwy. 67 south and travel approximately 22 miles. The entrance to the park is on U.S. Hwy. 67 on the left side. It is marked by a set of large brown highway signs.

From Cape Girardeau/Poplar Bluff
To get to St. Francois State Park, take U.S. Hwy. 67 north to Bonne Terre. The entrance to the park is on U.S. Hwy. 67, approximately four and one-half miles north of Bonne Terre, on the right side. It is marked by a set of large brown highway signs.