Watkins Mill State Park

Watkins Mill State Park is a true gem for history buffs and nature lovers alike. Imagine yourself taking a step back in time as you walk through the preserved buildings of the 19th century woolen mill, complete with original machinery that still works. The visitor center gives visitors an inside look into the lives of the Watkins family and their many business ventures.

The park offers 96 campsites, 74 of which have electric hookups. For those in need of a little extra space, try out one of the park’s family campsites. The park also has five accessible sites for campers with disabilities, and a special-use camping area.

The Missouri State Parks system now allows visitors to reserve their campsites up to 12 months in advance, giving you plenty of time to plan your trip. You can make a reservation or view campsite details, photos, and availability on the reservation website or by calling toll-free 877-ICampMO (877-422-6766). A printable campground map is also available on the state park website.

It’s important to note that during the on-season, all campsites are reservable, and during the off-season, sites 1-34, 98, and 99 are available for walk-in users only. For those looking to charge their electric vehicle, there is a $5 fee for using a vacant electric campsite for up to one hour.

The campground is fully reservable during the on-season, and reservable sites may be available to walk-in users on a day-by-day basis if the site is not reserved. A small portion of sites are available for walk-in only during the off-season. For weekend reservations, there is a required two-night minimum stay of Friday/Saturday or Saturday/Sunday.

The park also offers amenities such as woodlot open in the evening during the on-season for campers to purchase wood, and showers, dump station and laundry are not available during the off-season. Campers planning to carry in firewood must comply with current firewood advisories. Parking of watercraft or all-terrain vehicle trailers off the campsite pad is permitted at this facility.

Camping is limited to any 15 days within a 30-consecutive-day period at any one park or historic site. The campground gate closes at 9 p.m. during the on-season and 8 p.m. during the off-season, so be sure to arrive prior to gate closure time.

In addition to traditional campsites, Watkins Mill State Park also offers a special-use camping area for those looking for a unique camping experience. Whether you’re a history buff, nature lover, or just looking for a peaceful getaway, Watkins Mill State Park has something for everyone.