State Parks Near Kirksville, Missouri
8 state park units lie within 50 miles of Kirksville, including 3 parks across the line in Iowa. The closest is Thousand Hills State Park, about 4 mi west of town. 1 park is within 25 miles, close enough for an evening visit.
- Closest park
- Thousand Hills State Park4 mi west
- Within 25 miles
- 1of 8 within 50 mi
- With camping
- 63 with cabins
- Dog-friendly
- 3pets allowed
State parks near Kirksville, nearest first
Straight-line distance from central Kirksville; driving distance is usually longer.
Thousand Hills State Park
Visitors come for mountain biking, canoeing and kayaking, boating, swimming, and fishing. Water access includes a swimming beach. For overnight stays there are 2 camping areas (tent sites).
Hours, fees and rules for Thousand Hills State Park →Long Branch State Park
The park supports mountain biking, canoeing and kayaking, boating, swimming, and fishing. Overnight options include campsites, with tent sites.
Hours, fees and rules for Long Branch State Park →Gen. John J. Pershing Boyhood Home State Historic Site
Things to do include historic sites, ranger programs, and picnicking.
Hours, fees and rules for Gen. John J. Pershing Boyhood Home State Historic Site →Lake Wapello State Park
Things to do include swimming, boating, fishing, and hiking. On the water side, there is a swimming beach, a boat ramp, and a fishing pier. Camping is available: campsites, including RV sites with full hookups, group camping, and showers.
Hours, fees and rules for Lake Wapello State Park →Locust Creek Covered Bridge State Historic Site
Covering about 40 acres, Locust Creek Covered Bridge State Historic Site lies in Linn County, about 17 miles east of Chillicothe.
Hours, fees and rules for Locust Creek Covered Bridge State Historic Site →Pershing State Park
Things to do include boating, fishing, ranger programs, hiking, and picnicking. Camping is available: campsites, including tent sites.
Hours, fees and rules for Pershing State Park →Lacey-Keosauqua State Park
Things to do include historic sites, swimming, fishing, and hiking. Its trail network totals roughly 13 miles, according to the park. Water access includes a swimming beach and a fishing pier.
Hours, fees and rules for Lacey-Keosauqua State Park →Honey Creek State Park
Things to do include swimming, boating, fishing, and hiking. Water access includes a swimming beach, a boat ramp, and a fishing pier.
Hours, fees and rules for Honey Creek State Park →
Best picks by activity
Camping near Kirksville
- Thousand Hills State Park 4 mi west · Campground listed
- Long Branch State Park 27 mi south · Campground listed
- Lake Wapello State Park 43 mi north · Campground listed
- Pershing State Park 46 mi southwest · Campground listed
- Lacey-Keosauqua State Park 47 mi northeast · Campground listed
+ 1 more in the list above
Cabins and lodging near Kirksville
- Lake Wapello State Park 43 mi north · Cabins or other roofed stays
- Lacey-Keosauqua State Park 47 mi northeast · Cabins or other roofed stays
- Honey Creek State Park 50 mi north · Cabins or other roofed stays
Dog-friendly state parks near Kirksville
- Thousand Hills State Park 4 mi west · Pets allowed under park rules
- Long Branch State Park 27 mi south · Pets allowed under park rules
- Pershing State Park 46 mi southwest · Pets allowed under park rules
Swimming near Kirksville
- Thousand Hills State Park 4 mi west · Beach, pool or swim area
- Long Branch State Park 27 mi south · Beach, pool or swim area
- Lake Wapello State Park 43 mi north · Beach, pool or swim area
- Lacey-Keosauqua State Park 47 mi northeast · Beach, pool or swim area
- Honey Creek State Park 50 mi north · Beach, pool or swim area
Hiking near Kirksville
- Thousand Hills State Park 4 mi west · Hiking trails listed
- Long Branch State Park 27 mi south · Hiking trails listed
- Lake Wapello State Park 43 mi north · Hiking trails listed
- Pershing State Park 46 mi southwest · Hiking trails listed
- Lacey-Keosauqua State Park 47 mi northeast · Hiking trails listed
+ 1 more in the list above
Fishing near Kirksville
- Thousand Hills State Park 4 mi west · Fishing listed
- Long Branch State Park 27 mi south · Fishing listed
- Lake Wapello State Park 43 mi north · Fishing listed
- Pershing State Park 46 mi southwest · Fishing listed
- Lacey-Keosauqua State Park 47 mi northeast · Fishing listed
+ 1 more in the list above
Questions about state parks near Kirksville
What is the closest state park to Kirksville?
Thousand Hills State Park is the closest, about 4 miles west of Kirksville in a straight line. Next are Long Branch State Park and Gen. John J. Pershing Boyhood Home State Historic Site.
How many state parks are near Kirksville?
8 state park units are within 50 miles, and 1 within 25 miles. That includes parks, recreation areas, historic sites and natural areas run by the state.
Which state parks near Kirksville have camping?
6 parks list camping, the nearest being Thousand Hills State Park, Long Branch State Park and Lake Wapello State Park. Check each park page for site types, hookups and how to reserve.
Are dogs allowed at state parks near Kirksville?
Yes, at 3 parks, including Thousand Hills State Park, Long Branch State Park and Pershing State Park. Dogs usually must be leashed, and some areas such as beaches or buildings may be off-limits.
Are there free state parks near Kirksville?
None of the nearby parks list free entry; most charge a daily vehicle fee or accept an annual pass. Fees are on each park page.
State parks near other cities
- Near Moberly, MO54 mi south
- Near Ottumwa, IA57 mi north
- Near Quincy, IL66 mi east
- Near Oskaloosa, IA76 mi north
- Near Mexico, MO81 mi southeast
- Near Burlington, IA87 mi northeast
- Near Columbia, MO87 mi south
Or see all Missouri state parks, Iowa state parks or every city we cover.
Built from official park data and updated as parks change; this list was last rebuilt Oct 30, 2026. Features shown are those the official source lists. Filter these parks on the map.