State Parks Near St. Joseph, Missouri

7 state park units lie within 50 miles of St. Joseph. The closest is Lewis and Clark State Park, about 20 mi southwest of town. 1 park is within 25 miles, close enough for an evening visit.

Closest park
Lewis and Clark State Park20 mi southwest
Within 25 miles
1of 7 within 50 mi
With camping
51 with cabins
Dog-friendly
5pets allowed

State parks near St. Joseph, nearest first

Straight-line distance from central St. Joseph; driving distance is usually longer.

  1. Lewis and Clark State Park

    20 miles southwest · Rushville, Missouri · State Park

    Things to do include mountain biking, biking, ranger programs, hiking, and picnicking. Camping is available: campsites, including RV sites with full hookups and tent sites.

    1 alertCampingDogs allowedHiking

    Hours, fees and rules for Lewis and Clark State Park →

  2. Weston Bend State Park

    26 miles south · Weston, Missouri · State Park

    Popular activities here are mountain biking, biking, ranger programs, picnicking, and hiking. For overnight stays there are campsites (RV sites with full hookups and tent sites).

    1 alertCampingDogs allowedHiking

    Hours, fees and rules for Weston Bend State Park →

  3. Wallace State Park

    33 miles east · Cameron, Missouri · State Park

    Visitors come for boating, fishing, ranger programs, hiking, and picnicking. For overnight stays there are 2 camping areas (tent sites).

    1 alertCampingDogs allowedHikingFishingBoating

    Hours, fees and rules for Wallace State Park →

  4. Big Lake State Park

    37 miles northwest · Craig, Missouri · State Park

    Popular activities here are boating, fishing, and picnicking. Overnight options include campsites, with RV sites with full hookups and tent sites. If you'd rather not camp, the park offers cabins.

    CampingCabins/lodgingDogs allowedFishingBoating

    Hours, fees and rules for Big Lake State Park →

  5. Watkins Mill State Park

    39 miles southeast · Lawson, Missouri · State Park

    Things to do include mountain biking, horseback riding, canoeing and kayaking, boating, and swimming. Camping is available: campsites, including tent sites.

    1 alertCampingDogs allowedSwimmingHikingFishingBoating

    Hours, fees and rules for Watkins Mill State Park →

  6. Watkins Woolen Mill State Historic Site

    39 miles southeast · Lawson, Missouri · State Historic Site

    Things to do include historic sites and ranger programs.

    1 alert

    Hours, fees and rules for Watkins Woolen Mill State Historic Site →

  7. Thomas Hart Benton Home and Studio State Historic Site

    50 miles south · Kansas City, Missouri · State Historic Site

    The park supports historic sites and ranger programs.

    Hours, fees and rules for Thomas Hart Benton Home and Studio State Historic Site →

Best picks by activity

Camping near St. Joseph

  1. Lewis and Clark State Park 20 mi southwest · Campground listed
  2. Weston Bend State Park 26 mi south · Campground listed
  3. Wallace State Park 33 mi east · Campground listed
  4. Big Lake State Park 37 mi northwest · Campground listed
  5. Watkins Mill State Park 39 mi southeast · Campground listed

Cabins and lodging near St. Joseph

  1. Big Lake State Park 37 mi northwest · Cabins or other roofed stays

Dog-friendly state parks near St. Joseph

  1. Lewis and Clark State Park 20 mi southwest · Pets allowed under park rules
  2. Weston Bend State Park 26 mi south · Pets allowed under park rules
  3. Wallace State Park 33 mi east · Pets allowed under park rules
  4. Big Lake State Park 37 mi northwest · Pets allowed under park rules
  5. Watkins Mill State Park 39 mi southeast · Pets allowed under park rules

Swimming near St. Joseph

  1. Watkins Mill State Park 39 mi southeast · Beach, pool or swim area

Hiking near St. Joseph

  1. Lewis and Clark State Park 20 mi southwest · Hiking trails listed
  2. Weston Bend State Park 26 mi south · Hiking trails listed
  3. Wallace State Park 33 mi east · Hiking trails listed
  4. Watkins Mill State Park 39 mi southeast · Hiking trails listed

Fishing near St. Joseph

  1. Wallace State Park 33 mi east · Fishing listed
  2. Big Lake State Park 37 mi northwest · Fishing listed
  3. Watkins Mill State Park 39 mi southeast · Fishing listed

Questions about state parks near St. Joseph

What is the closest state park to St. Joseph?

Lewis and Clark State Park is the closest, about 20 miles southwest of St. Joseph in a straight line. Next are Weston Bend State Park and Wallace State Park.

How many state parks are near St. Joseph?

7 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 St. Joseph have camping?

5 parks list camping, the nearest being Lewis and Clark State Park, Weston Bend State Park and Wallace State Park. Check each park page for site types, hookups and how to reserve.

Are dogs allowed at state parks near St. Joseph?

Yes, at 5 parks, including Lewis and Clark State Park, Weston Bend State Park and Wallace 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 St. Joseph?

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

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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.