State Park

Roaring River State Park

Barry County, MissouriAbout 4,137 acresEstablished 1928
Status
Status not postedDaily sunrise – 10 p.m.
Entrance fee
Statewide rule — see below
Day-use reservations
None mentioned
Dogs
Dogs allowed, with restrictions10-ft leash
Camping
YesAlso cabins
Official site
mostateparks.com(417) 847-2539

Official page last checked Oct 29, 2026. How we keep this current

Overview

Covering about 4,137 acres, Roaring River State Park lies in Barry County, about 7 miles southeast of Cassville.

Visitors come for fishing, ranger programs, hiking, and picnicking. For overnight stays there are 3 camping areas (RV sites with full hookups and tent sites). Roofed lodging includes cabins.

Hours

Park, gate, office and facility hours are listed separately because they often differ. Alerts above override normal hours.

FacilityDaysHoursSeason
ParkDailysunrise – 10 p.m.—
Dailysunrise – sunset—
OfficeMon–Fri8 a.m. – 6 p.m.—
Sat–Sun10 a.m. – 6 p.m.—
OfficeSun–Wed8 a.m. – noon—
Thu–Sat8 a.m. – noon—
Visitor center — Nature Center - Roaring RiverFri–Mon9 a.m. – 5 p.m.—
Park2025-2026 State Holidays: On the following days (actual or observed), staff will not be available and park buildings will be closed: Thanksgiving Day; Nov. 28, 2025; Christmas Eve; Christmas Day; New Year’s Eve; New Year’s Day; Martin Luther King Jr. Day; Lincoln’s Birthday; and Washington's Birthday.
Official wording

Park Grounds: Sunrise to 10 p.m. Nov. 1 through Feb. 24 Sunrise to sunset

Park Office - Roaring River, Monday through Friday: 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Camp Fee Office: Feb. 25 through Oct. 31 (on-season) 8 a.m. to noon and 4-7 p.m., Sunday through Wednesday 8 a.m. to noon and 2-8 p.m., Thursday through Saturday Nov. 1 through Feb. 24 (off-season) Closed

Nature Center - Roaring River: Tuesday through Thursday: closed Friday through Monday: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

2025-2026 State Holidays: On the following days (actual or observed), staff will not be available and park buildings will be closed: Thanksgiving Day; Nov. 28, 2025; Christmas Eve; Christmas Day; New Year’s Eve; New Year’s Day; Martin Luther King Jr. Day; Lincoln’s Birthday; and Washington's Birthday.

Source: official park page, checked Oct 29, 2026. Times are local to the park (America/Chicago).

Fees and passes

Fees apply to camping, lodging and some tours (e.g. cave tours).

Statewide fee rule from Missouri's park system; this park’s page doesn’t list its own fees.

Reservations

Day use
No day-use reservation requirement mentioned
Booking system
Missouri State Parks reservation system (UseDirect / Tyler, 'ICampMO')
Phone
877-422-6766 (877-ICampMO)

Check availability and book

We link to the official booking system rather than showing live availability, which changes minute to minute.

Pets

Dogs allowed, with restrictions · leash up to 10 feet

Not allowed in or on: any building that is not part of the cabins for canines program.

We recommend no more than two dogs per campsite. Pets must be supervised and kept on leashes no longer than 10 feet at all times. Pet waste bags are available in most locations. Other than service animals, pets are not allowed inside any building that is not part of the Cabins for Canines program, or in public swimming areas or waters reserved for fishing.

Service animals are generally permitted where pets are not. Check with the park for specific areas.

Camping

Campground or site typeSitesHookups / featuresPrice
#1
Season: Year-round
Reservations: Year-round
—Electric*, Family*Showers—
#2
Season: Feb 25-Oct 31
Reservations: Feb 25-Oct 31
—Electric*, FamilyShowers—
#3
Season: Feb 25-Oct 31
Reservations: Feb 25-Oct 31
—Basic, Electric*, Sewer/Electric/Water*, Family*Showers—
Camping details from the park

Roaring River State Park offers basic, electric and sewer/electric/water campsites spread throughout three campgrounds. For a little extra space, try one of the park's family campsites. There is also an organized group camp.

Stop by the park store to stock up on whatever you need for your camping experience.

Printable campground maps are available for your reference by clicking on the "Map" links.

Individual Campground Information

CampgroundAvailable DatesShowers/Water AvailableReservationsTypes of Sites

#1 (Map)Year-roundYear-roundYear-roundElectric*, Family*

#2 (Map)Feb 25-Oct 31Feb 25-Oct 31Feb 25-Oct 31Electric*, Family

#3 (Map)Feb 25-Oct 31Feb 25-Oct 31Feb 25-Oct 31Basic, Electric*, Sewer/Electric/Water*, Family*

  • The accessible showerhouse with restrooms remains open year-round in Campground 1.
  • Water can be accessed year-round at several frost-free water spigots located in Campground 1. During the on-season, water can be accessed from several frost-free water spigots located in campgrounds 2 and 3.

Other Types of Camping Areas Available in the Park:

  • Organized group camp
  • Special-use camping area

From the official park page, checked Oct 29, 2026. Site counts and prices can change; confirm when booking.

Cabins and lodging

  • Cabins: 10 units
  • Duplex/four-plex units: 16 units
  • Motel rooms: 26 units

Roaring River State Park offers lodging accommodations for everyone’s taste from rustic cabins to modern motel rooms. The Emory Melton Inn and Conference Center, located on a hill near the entrance of the park, is an impressive stone and timber lodge that welcomes people to the valley. The inn offers 26 spacious and comfortable guest rooms, some with private balconies and a view of the river valley below. In addition to the guest rooms with standard amenities, the inn offers kitchenette suites. Wi-Fi is available in the inn’s lobby and meeting rooms.

The park also offers 26 rustic cabins and duplex and fourplex units. All cabins and housekeeping units have a kitchen and two bedrooms and are located throughout the park.

Read more from the park

Dogs are allowed in a limited number of the cabins for an additional fee. Click on the Cabins for Canines link to the right for more information.

Motel rooms and cabins are available March through October, and reservations are required.

The Emory Melton Inn and Conference Center, located in Roaring River State Park, includes guest rooms, conference and meeting rooms and a full-service dining room. The park also includes a store offering fishing equipment. All are operated by your concession hosts. Let these concession facilities help make your visit more enjoyable. For more information about concession facilities, their hours and rates, please call 417-847-2330 or visit their website.

For temporary closures related to weather, stewardship activities and maintenance, as well as temporary trail closures, visit our Park and Site Status Map.

Things to do

FishingCampingHikingRanger and interpretive programsPicnicking

Trails

TrailLengthDifficultyNotes
Deer Leap Trail——Trail information: https://mostateparks.com/media/pdf/trail-details-deer-leap-trail
Devils Kitchen Trail——Trail information: https://mostateparks.com/media/pdf/trail-details-devils-kitchen-trail
Eagle's Nest Trail——Trail information: https://mostateparks.com/media/pdf/trail-details-eagles-nest-trail
Fire Tower Trail——Trail information: https://mostateparks.com/media/pdf/trail-details-fire-tower-trail
Pibern Trail——Trail information: https://mostateparks.com/media/pdf/trail-details-pibern-trail
River Trail——Trail information: https://mostateparks.com/media/pdf/trail-details-river-trail-0
Springhouse Trail——Trail information: https://mostateparks.com/media/pdf/trail-details-springhouse-trail
Trail descriptions from the park

Deer Leap TrailDevils Kitchen TrailEagle's Nest TrailFire Tower TrailPibern TrailRiver TrailSpringhouse Trail

  • Trail Map
  • Trail Information
  • Trail Map
  • Trail Information
  • Trail Map
  • Trail Information
  • Trail Map
  • Trail Information
  • Trail Map
  • Trail Information
  • Trail Map
  • Trail Information
  • Trail Map
  • Trail Information

Fishing

Commonly caught fish: trout only

A state fishing license is usually required.

Amenities

Facilities

  • Picnic areas
  • Picnic shelters
  • Playground
  • Restaurant or food service

Camping

  • Tent camping
  • Sewer hookups

Lodging

  • Cabins

✓ listed by the park · ✕ the park says it is not available. Anything not shown here isn’t mentioned by the official source — that means unknown, not unavailable.

Accessibility

PARK OFFICE

This building was constructed in the 1930s by the Civilian Conservation Corps and was the original maintenance shop currently housing the park office. One accessible parking space is located adjacent to the pathway that leads to the office entrance. The parking space has a 5% slope as you pull in and a 0.5% cross slope. A large foyer area offers park and regional information inside the office. Staff is available to answer your questions.

DAY-USE AREAS

Accessible, shady picnic sites are currently found near the park office and in the accessible playground/shelter area. An accessible parking space and extended-end table and pedestal grill are located here. Access is by a paved pathway.

Read more from the park

RIVER SHELTER AREA

  • This beautiful area sits near the river under large, shady trees. The shelter features extended-end tables and a group grill and can accommodate up to 75 people. The nearby mostly-level parking lot has one accessible parking space with a continuous paved pathway to the accessible playground, picnic site, water fountain and shelter. A flush toilet is located adjacent to the parking lot.

CCC SHELTER AREA

  • Modifications have not been made for accessibility due to the historic nature of this area. This shelter, constructed in the 1930s, has a concrete floor bordered by flagstone that is 4 inches higher than ground level. It accommodates 50 people and has a group grill and two fireplaces. Parking is along the roadside on gravel, with a 1-foot-tall historic rock wall. The restroom is also historic with steps and narrow passages.

LODGING

Emory Melton Inn and Conference Center

  • Four accessible parking spaces are near the impressive lodge entrance for your convenience. As you enter the lodge, a service desk with friendly staff and a spacious lobby with rustic decor and comfortable furniture await you.
  • The inn offers 26 rooms, all of which have maneuverability, lower closet rods, lever-handled faucets, side-transfer toilets, shower transfer seats and adjustable height showerheads.
  • Public restrooms are designed for the use of all visitors.

Cabins and Fourplexes

  • At this time, private and duplex cabins have not been modified. One ground level unit of each fourplex has had minimal modifications. Some users may need assistance.

CCC Lodge

This beautiful structure is typical of the master craftsmanship of the Works Progress Administration and Civilian Conservation Corps era. Still rock solid, it stands as a testament to the workers of that time.

The interior of the building was renovated in 2016 and it includes seven suites with living space, lavatories, showers, and kitchen or kitchenette area. The lower level has an open space designed to be used for banquets or group meetings. Four suites are found on the first level and two of these suites have accessible access to restroom and shower amenities with shower units even with the floor. Each of the suites on this level provides access to the balcony. The three units in the top level of the building can only be reached by climbing a series of stairs and should not be considered accessible. A designated accessible paved parking space is found on the meeting room level of the building with several stairs required to reach the first suite level. The accessible suites on this level can be reached by parking in the upper level parking lot in the designated accessible space. The automatic entrance doors both open simultaneously to provide accessible entrance to the building.

Accessible restrooms are available in this building. The restrooms are found on the lower meeting room level and have a concrete floor, front-transfer toilets and lever-handled faucets. Restrooms are approached by a series of stone steps or by taking the path from the designated accessible parking space.

At the far end of the upper lodge parking lot, you can take a paved pathway to the spring overlook. An accessible parking space is located close to the CCC Lodge. The first 30 feet of the path is railed and has a slope of 7.5 to 9.3%, then the path levels out. A water fountain is available on this path if you turn toward the lodge. As you cross the overlook into the historic Department of Conservation hatchery, the pathway turns to flagstone.

CAMPGROUNDS

Campground 1

  • Campground 1, which is located behind the park office, provides three accessible electric sites (5, 33 and 61). Each site contains lantern posts, fire grills and extended-end tables. Nearby are accessible water hydrants for your convenience. An accessible showerhouse has been constructed adjacent to the existing showerhouse and offers front-transfer toilets, roll-in showers with lever handles and lever-handled lavatories. Electrical outlets and hand dryers are easily reached.
  • The mostly level parking lot has two accessible spaces. At the far end of Campground #1 is an accessible vault toilet with a paved accessible parking space. The dump station in this campground has not been modified for accessibility.

Campgrounds 2 and 3

  • Campgrounds 2 and 3 are located on Highway F along the river. These areas contain two electric accessible sites (102 and 109 in Campground 2) and four sewer/electric/water accessible sites (156, 182, 184 and 186 in Campground 3). Each site provides the same amenities as those in Campground 1.
  • The showerhouse in Campground 2 provides specific accessibility for each gender in the restrooms and a designated accessible shower area. The shower includes two separate showerheads with push button controls. There are paved sidewalks that provide access to the showers and restrooms from the designated accessible parking spot.
  • The laundries in campgrounds 1 and 3 have not been modified for accessibility. The doors do not have standard handles and machines are top operating.
  • The dump station located near this showerhouse may be accessible to most users. The flush-out is curb less and the hydrant has a straight handle.

CAMP SMOKEY GROUP CAMP

  • Constructed in the 1930s, this organized group camp is situated on a hillside. There are paved pathways, but many have slopes in excess of 7%.
  • Barracks 3 has a step-free entrance and ample maneuvering room for a wheelchair. Its restroom provides a front-transfer toilet and a roll-in shower. Lavatories can be accessed by chair only from the side. All other barracks have steps.
  • A water fountain located on natural turf is near the recreation hall which has a 1-inch high threshold. Once inside, the building is roomy.
  • The dining hall is set on a 6-inch foundation and some users may need assistance to enter.

NATURE CENTER

The Ozark Chinquapin Nature Center has one accessible parking space adjacent to a paved path. This pathway leads past a water fountain to the porch entrance. Inside, a spacious room contains live animal exhibits, taxidermy exhibits, static exhibits, and more.

AMPHITHEATER

The amphitheater has paved parking with two accessible parking spaces and a paved concrete pathway. Seating is available for wheelchair users.

FISHING ACCESSES

The first accessible fishing access is in Zone 1 (artificial flies and lures) located across from the spring dam, and provides one accessible parking space with an adjacent pathway to the curbed platform. This site accommodates several users and is usually shady. There is a second accessible fishing pier just up river from the first low water bridge. There is one designated accessible parking space along the CCC Lodge Road and a gravel path to the pier.

The second accessible fishing access is in Zone 2 (the fly zone) located in Campground #3. Two accessible parking spaces are located adjacent to a continuous concrete path that slopes to 5% before ending in a spacious curbed platform overlooking a deep pool. This access is sunny, but shade can be found close by.

There is a third accessible fishing pier just across from the fish cleaning station. There is one designated parking spot with a gravel path to the pier.

FISH CLEANING STATION

Opened in 2021, the new fish cleaning station is located at the end of Campground 3, near the division of fishing zones 2 and 3. Two accessible parking spaces are offered. The fishing cleaning station is ADA compliant and features running water and multiple work surfaces.

THE PARK STORE

The park store was opened in 2009 and it is accessible with two designated accessible parking spaces. The sidewalk is even with the parking lot allowing for no grade difference once the vehicle is exited. The vault toilet outside the store is accessible and easily reached from the designated accessible parking spaces.

THE HISTORIC FISH HATCHERY

The hatchery is managed by the Department of Conservation and is mostly paved with asphalt, original flagstone walks or gravel. The parking lot is mostly level and has one accessible parking space. The path to the spring is concrete and relatively level; the adjacent restrooms were built in the 1930s and are not currently accessible.

Roaring River State Park

12716 Farm Road 2239

Cassville, MO 65625

417-847-2539

1-800-334-6946

1-800-379-2419 TDD

Last updated: September 2025

Official accessibility information

Conditions change. Contact the park to confirm specific accessible features before your visit.

Getting there

Address
12716 Farm Road 2239
Cassville, MO 65625
Nearest town
Cassville — about 7 mi southeast (straight line)
Coordinates
36.5913, -93.8224
Phone
(417) 847-2539

Google Maps directionsApple MapsOfficial park map (PDF)

Nearby state parks

Sources and freshness

“Last checked” is when our system last read the official source. No change has been detected since this page was first published. Hours, fees and rules can change without notice — confirm with the park before you go. Methodology

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