Elephant Rocks State Park RV & Campground Guide
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Situated to the southeast of Belleview, Missouri, and west of Farmington, Missouri, sits Elephant Rocks State Park, which is also just south of the Buford Mountain Conservation Area in Bismarck, Missouri. Known for its huge Precambrian granite boulder formations that were formed over 1 billion years ago, Elephant Rocks State Park is located on a remote piece of land that borders a local quarry. Boasting seasonal temperature highs in the 80s around August and lows of 30 degrees in the winter months, this state park offers hiking, swimming, camping, and rock climbing. Guests can see the rocks that miners in the 19th century carved their names into and enjoy the breathtaking views that Southeast Missouri has to offer at this natural park. For the most part, Elephant Rocks State Park is a secluded gem, which is what makes it so attractive to visitors.
Spring 33-76 F
Summer 59-87 F
Fall 54-79 F
Winter 20-45 F
RV Resorts & Campsites in Elephant Rocks State Park
A lack of nearby amenities can be disheartening for some visitors, but those who prefer to travel by RV will find this to be a perfect destination. RV parks provide a convenient and affordable way to stay close to and easily access Elephant Rocks State Park for a day trip or week-long getaway. For guests who do not have RVs, RVshare makes it easy torent one.
Johnson’s Shut-Ins State Park Campground
As a local camping area that prides itself on offering natural beauty, Johnson’s Shut-Ins State Park is located just west of Elephant Rocks State Park. Sitting amidst the St. Francois Mountains, this park offers a rugged atmosphere for camping, hiking, nature exploration, and picnicking. Glades and rivers are abundant throughout the park, which is home to 17 terrestrial communities and more than 850 plant species.
• Location: Middle Brook, MO • Nightly Rate: $12-$30 • Wi-Fi: Yes, limited • Water Hookup: Yes • Sewer Hookup: Yes • Electric Hookup: Yes • Pet-Friendly: Yes • Other Features: Discount of $2 per night for senior citizens, military, and people with disabilities; modern restrooms and shower houses
Council Bluff Lake Recreation Area
Offering a more rustic camping experience, Council Bluff Lake Recreation Area is great for those looking to take advantage of local hiking, kayaking, boating, fishing, swimming, and camping. Sitting next to the largest lake in the Mark Twain National Forest, this area is known as the perfect location for outdoor activities.
• Location: Belgrade, MO • Nightly Rate: $11-$100 • Wi-Fi: No • Water Hookup: No • Sewer Hookup: No • Electric Hookup: No • Pet-Friendly: Yes • Other Features: Accommodations for RVs up to 40 feet in length, lantern posts and campfire rings provided, group sites available
Big Creek RV Park LLC
For a more modern camping experience, Big Creek RV Park LLC offers all the amenities you are looking for. Located off Highway 49, this RV park offers back-in and pull-through sites as well as a camp store, playground, horseshoe pit, and gathering area. Sitting next to a creek, visitors can feel free to wade in and cool off. A central volleyball court and arcade are some of this location’s favorite visitor attractions.
• Location: Annapolis, MO • Nightly Rate: $39-$48 • Wi-Fi: Yes • Water Hookup: Yes • Sewer Hookup: Yes • Electric Hookup: Yes • Pet-Friendly: Yes • Other Features: Discounts for Good Sam Club members, on-site pool, wide sites, nearby creek
What to Do at
Elephant Rocks State Park
Inside Elephant Rocks State Park
Unlike other destinations that solely offer walking trails, Elephant Rocks State Park is so much more than a hiking destination. While visitors can enjoy two different hiking trails – the Braille Trail and the Engine House Ruins Trail – this state park also offers quarry views, exploration of a local engine house, bird-watching, virtual tours, and a food truck. Designed for visitors of all physical ability levels, including those with physical disabilities, Elephant Rocks State Park welcomes everyone. Hiking through the main rock area, exploring the old engine house of a historic railroad, and photographing geological formations throughout the park are some of the most popular activities.
How to Get to
Elephant Rocks State Park
Elephant Rocks State Park can be accessed via MO-32 and I-44 from the south and I-55 from the north. Guests will find the location off County Road 53 between Belleview and Pilot Knob by turning off MO-21.
Entering Elephant Rocks State Park
The park is open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. during the summer season (April-October) and 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. in the winter season (November-March).
Elephant Rocks State Park Per Person : $0.0
We are excited that you chose Elephant Rocks State Park for your exploration and RVing destination. This park has amazing opportunities for guests both inside and outside of its legendary gates. If you are interested in sightseeing as part of an RV trip, please visit RVshare to look at reservation options. Be sure to share your photos, stories, and fun adventures at [email protected]!
Frequently Asked Questions About Elephant Rocks State Park
The best time to visit Elephant Rocks State Park to stand on the ginormous granite boulders is hands-down during the fall when the surrounding area is bursting with fall foliage. Plan a weekday visit to avoid big crowds.
Visitors will experience a typical Midwest climate that includes four seasons. However, expect the heat and humidity to last well into October and occasional wintery weather (including a bit of snow) to stick around until mid-April.
You won't find any elephants at this southeast Missouri state park. Still, you'll find deer, squirrels, birds, and maybe even the occasional black bear. The black bear population has risen in recent years, but they're not common.
Elephant Rocks State Park doesn't allow motor homes, campers, or any other RV. If you want to bring your RV, consider visiting the nearby Johnson's Shut-Ins State Park, which does offer full hook-up RV sites.
Pets are allowed at the state park and on the park trails. Know that Missouri State Parks always require dogs to be on leashes. Only service dogs are allowed inside any state park buildings.
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