Echo Bluff State Park has excellent fishing for the elusive smallmouth bass or local favorite goggle eye. For those looking for a more leisurely stroll, there are over 2 miles of the concrete pathway within Echo Bluff State Park. Echo Bluff State Park is situated just 15 miles north of Eminence, MO and 40 miles south of Salem, MO. You'll receive your first newsletter soon! Visitors of all ages can fill their days with floating, hiking, swimming or fishing. We hiked around Alley Spring Grist Mill Historic Site. Our extended family met there for a fun afternoon of playing on the playground, wading in the crystal-clear river, and admiring the beautiful lodge. The 10 Best Things to Do in Eminence, United States, 34489 Echo Bluff Drive, Eminence, MO 65466, 35244 Echo Bluff Dr, Eminence, MO 65466-6542, County Road 208, HCR 1, Box 214, Eminence, MO 65466, Things to do in Cincinnati, Ohio (OH): The Best Antique Stores, What to do and see in Los Altos, California (CA): The Best Things to do, Top 10 Beaches in Oahu's Windward Coast, Oahu, Things to do in Indiana, United States: The Best Art Museums, The 10 Best Things to do Good for a Rainy Day in Southwest Gulf Coast, Southwest Gulf Coast, Top 6 Visitor Centers in Ontario's Near North, Ontario's Near North, The 10 Best Art Galleries in French Quarter, South Carolina (SC), 10 Concerts & Shows in Ontario That You Shouldn't Miss, 5. Download the Detailed Park Map (.pdf) Download the Campground Map (.pdf), Campsite Capacity Campsite Rules & Regulations, Guest Services, Inc. 2022 | Privacy Policy | Echo Bluff State Park, To continue, you must agree to our Privacy Policy. This breezy hike will take you to a rushing waterfall, and youll want to stare into its beauty forever. Canoeing on the Jack's Fork or Current rivers. 3. Before you plan your next adventure at Echo Bluff, learn more about the seasonal and year-round activities happening at the park and the surrounding areaand then enjoy a relaxing, renewing retreat in the Missouri Ozarks. You have people who are coming down for the weekend, who are able to relax and have a really nice dinner at the lodge, whether inside or outside, and then you have people in the RV park and campground, Pereira says. This destination is located in Florida, Missouri, and its full of lovely views. would go back. 
I have to thank my brother for the inspiration to go to Echo Bluff State Park in Eminence, Missouri. The forest and creek are a wonderful summer respite and very quaint. While wildlife, especially wild horses, are still likely to cross in front of you, and there are playing children and other pedestrians to keep an eye out for, the roads are paved and well-marked. Trails are hilly, beautiful views, two rivers to cross as many times as you want. They always make my yearly escape from the daily grind of life into a genuine retreat. Hikers completing the entire trail, which winds along bluffs and through forest and ravines, will be rewarded with waterfalls and scenic views of Sinking Creek and the park below.
These luxurious lodgings can house up to 8 people, and theyre full of tranquil views. For a sneak peak, check out the video below: Echo Bluff State Park is located at 34489 Echo Bluff Drive in Eminence, Missouri. Please contact the park office with questions at 573-751-5211. Beautiful and peaceful. We didn't mind, since that was one of the reasons for going. 10 family-friendly activities at beautiful Echo Bluff State Park. For those who prefer more modern amenities, rooms are available at the Betty Lea Lodge. There are modern amenities and everything seems well taken care of. Located within a three-hour drive from St. Louis, Missouris newest state park is also one of its most luxurious. Tricks to find the perfect rig. The horses have been visiting so often that they are becoming accustomed to people. Special Use Camping Before it was Echo Bluff State Park, this area of land was the site of Camp Zoe, a former campground and venue for music festivals. Tips to grow your RV rental business. The Old Kate Trail, located inside Parkville Nature Sanctuary, is one of the best hiking trails in Missouri. The restaurant offers indoor or outdoor seating and serves American classic fare along with some Ozark favorites.With so much adventure waiting for you at Echo Bluff, you shouldnt try to squeeze everything into one day. When you stay at Echo Bluff, a day on the nearby Current River is easily within reach; a local company, Carrs Canoe Rental, even offers equipment rentals as well as drop-off and pickup from the river. The campground is very nice but landscape is all new and small. Located in Eminence, Missouri, just a three-hour drive from St. Louis, Echo Bluff is the most recent state park to debut in Missouri. Subscribe today to receive our free e-newsletters, Missouri Botanical Garden sets opening date for visitor center, Protecting pollinators: Saving butterflies, bees, Saint Louis Zoo announces possible guest experiences for new WildCare Park, Sunflowers make their summer return in STL, Apple of my eye: Pick-your-own orchards near St. Louis, Aquatic adventure: Springfield aquarium takes guests on an undersea expedition, Little House in Missouri: Author's home is mecca for fans young and old .
The grounds are well kept, the water is crystal clear, and the historic feel tops it off. These cookies do not store any personal information. Dogs on a ten-foot or shorter lead are allowed on the trails, but in order to protect the ecosystem, it is essential to keep them under your control and clean up after them. Enjoya Book: Spend a leisurely day reading by Sinking Creek or next to a cozy fireplace with a book borrowed from the Lobby Library in the lodge. Always water for the horses along the trails. With two loops, hikers can enjoy a short introduction to the park trail system by choosing one of the mile-long loops, or combining both loops for a longer hike. Located in the Great Room of The Lodge you will find our Lobby Library. We went on a mid-week Sept. morning and there were only 6 other people there. Restaurants in Eminence. You can bring your own bikeor rent bikes on-site. A large playground with group swings and a splash pad area graces the property, as well as an amphitheater where programs, concerts, and other events are held.
Its a modern and new campground with lots of concrete and modern bathrooms. 1. Joe M. Pereira, national director of sales and marketing for Guest Services, the hospitality management company that manages services at Echo Bluff, describes the park as one of the best-kept secrets in the state. The band of 20 horses, which trot around the Current and Jacks Fork rivers, are protected and maintained by the Missouri Wild Horse League. The population was 600 at the time of the 2010 census. Creek is easy walk from campground.. nice spot with crystal clear water. We enjoyed a secluded camping spot within walking distance to a swimming area that the kids loved. Pitch your tent under the night sky and feel your worries melt away. Reservations can be made through recreation.gov. 4.
A few years and the lots will seem more separated. With a design that blends into the natural landscape, while paying tribute to the areas river culture, the playgrounds natural features and play structures serve as fun for all ages. We decided to visit Alley Spring after hearing of it from some other family members. The Painted Ridge Trail, suitable for beginning and advanced hikers and bikers, creates an opportunity for both short and longer hikes. 
We have also been contacted by another person who was also on a capsized boat on one of these trips and she said that she had broken her leg. 8. 5. Mende and Small have both worked at Echo Bluff for more than a year. Geocaching is a popular activity with RVers in which GPS and cellphone technology are utilized to connect people in a worldwide scavenger hunt. The wilderness around the campground has long been home to many different types of wildlife. With the amount of amenities it has to offer, itll almost feel like youre staying at a resort. Educational programs about nature and wildlife in the area cover creatures from frogs to bears and musical exhibitions and concerts are often held at this venue. The crystal clear creek passes right by the Echo Bluff that the park was named for, and provides an opportunity to cool off during the heat of summer. Echo Bluff State Park has over 150 picnic tables throughout the Park for your enjoyment. Mountain Biking: Spend a morning or afternoon at Echo Bluff zipping past 4.23 miles of majestic Missouri scenery from the seat of a mountain bike. All sites are equipped with large concrete pads, a fire ring, and a picnic table. Explore Sinking Creek 2. This is a place that will earn your respect for a release into nature. Families visit from all across St. Louis and the state. For serious explorers, the southernmost part of the park serves as a trailhead for the Current River Trail. It hosts many different events during the summer, particularly on the weekends. 
Missouri Travel articles represent the views and the research completed by St. Louis Sprout & About journalists and are not driven by advertising or requests by vendors or venues. Spent three nights at the Echo Bluff State Park campground.
6. Picnic A very short drive from Eminence. 
4- to 5-hour floats and 7- to 8-hour floats available. I have visited Blue Spring several times. Explore the park on hiking and mountain biking trails. Bring your camera and soak up the sights. You may spot animals like chipmunks, elk, squirrels, and raccoons while traveling hiking and biking trails. It was built on the site of a well-loved youth camp by the name of Camp Zoe, and many of the buildings from Camp Zoe, such as the small stone lodge and the old stable. Hiking: The state park features 4.23 miles of hiking trails, plus the nearby 8-mile Current River Trail.
The horses tend to be amicable towards both people and their pets, but it is important to remember that these are still wild animals. Missouri hit a home run with this newest state park. You get the amazing experience of floating the Jacks fork and the Current River, All from a single outfitter / campground. Water shoes are recommended, as they are in most state rivers and creeks. Hit the SPLASH PAD for some fun and thrills during your outdoor adventure. The Timbuktu campground is located near the creek that runs through the park. This campground has flush toilets and shower facilities available April 15 through October 15. When I think of camping at a state park, grilling hot dogs on the fire or heating up a pot of chili comes to mind. The company rents out equipment and will drop you off and pick you up, as the river is about a 12-minute drive from the park. There is a lower platform and a higher platform.A lot of reviewers will warn you about the gravel road. Miles of hiking trails, cabins and campgrounds, a beautiful creek and river, and breathtaking views are just a few of the things that make this new state park simply incredible. If you are wanting to place a cache for others to find, it is important to get a permit before hiding it and to ensure that all contents of the cache are family friendly. Grab a Book, Leave a Book Along with the spacious, well-maintained campsites, large enough for most campervans and trailers, there are also walk-in tent sites with raised platforms, fully-equipped cabins, and a full-service lodge equipped with all the amenities. RV sites 20-62 have electricity, water, and sewer. EMINENCE, MO - Nestled within one of the most beautiful corridors of Missouri, along the Ozark National Scenic Riverway system, is one of Missouris newest (and most luxurious) state parks. I highly recommend a camping trip to Eminence, Missouri. Perfect for wading, cooling off, and pure enjoyment for the whole family. Like the lodge, the cabins are outfitted with upscale kitchens and bathrooms, comfortable beds, dining and kitchen areas, outdoor decks, and more. 
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Echo Bluff State Park in Missouri is a new, modern, and welcoming park and really worth the visit in south-central Missouri! The whole experience was really neat. Hiking and Mountain Biking ate lunch at their picnic area. The resort atmosphere gives visitors the opportunity to enjoy nature at its best without giving up any of the comforts of home.Located in the core of the park, you will find the grand Betty Lea Lodge. The rolling, forested landscape around Alley Spring is where two of Americas most beautiful spring-fed rivers combine to make up the Ozark National Scenic Riverways.As the first national park area to protect a wild river system, visitors are able to enjoy various water activities as well as hiking, horseback riding and wildlife viewing. recreation.gov. We had a great experience. If you are a fan of bird-watching, you will want to be sure to pack your binoculars. When you go to Echo Bluff, it's really for some outdoor activity, peace of mind,and relaxation.. Fishing too. Take an 8-mile trip in a canoe or a single or tandem sit-on-top Jackson kayak. The best hidden gems and little known destinations - straight to your inbox. The rocks can be climbed but are slippery. Geocaching These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent.
Sinking Creek is just a few steps from the back of the parks lodge, the Betty Lea Lodge, so you may want to make sure that your water shoes and towel are in your campervan. At Echo Bluff State Park, visitors can explore the natural beauty of the Missouri Ozarks, all from the comfort of one the states truestand newesthidden gems. Visit Missouri State Parks Special Use Camping page for more information. With the same amenities offered at the cabins plus 24-hour front desk service, this is definitely a step above "glamping.". Using the camp hook for trash holder makes everything so accessible to them. Great place to take teens and adults for zip lining. St. Louis, MO 63119
The state of Missouri did an incredible job building the Lodge, Pereira says. Play areas are accessible for visitors of all abilities.For those ready for more adventure, a visit to one of the parks trails is in order. Wild horses go wherever they decide to visit so please take your trash to dump containers. Youll love exploring this underrated gem. Rent from a pro and travel like one, too. Echo Bluff State Park is a year-round outdoor destination that is in a spectacular natural setting. You can learn more about the historical mill here. Share your experiences of the newest state park in Missouri with us in the comments below! The eight-mile Current River Trail also runs through the area, connecting it to the Roger Pryor Pioneer Backcountry and Current River State Park. I remember camping with aunts, uncles, and cousins growing up and I hope my girls will look back on this camping trip with equally happy memories. There are 60 RV sites available for reservation at Echo Bluff State Park. Herons and geese can be found near the water and a variety of songbirds, including several species of swallows, warblers, and wrens. There are many opportunities for both hiking and biking in Echo Bluff State Park.
Swimming, hiking, biking, and event center are all located in the park so youll be sure to have something if you visit this park! Thank you! Visit Missouri State Parks Geocaching and Letterboxing page for more information. This includes working with a professional cleaning company to ensure all accommodations are thoroughly cleaned between guest stays, as well as regular cleaning of common spaces and high-touchpoint areas. For the more rustic traveler, Timbuktu campground offers both full service and primitive walk-in sites.
The lodge is really conducive for family reunions and weddings, as the setting is so pretty; the views are so nice, and at nightyou can gaze up at the stars. Take a 4-mile float on the Current in a tube, or try an 8-mile journey on a raft with your family. Tackle the waters of Missouri on your own terms. Hourly bike rentals are available at the Mercantile. Families may also rent a cabin or duplex onsite. Finish a book leave a book. A previously-approved permit is required to participate in this activity. The rustic playgrounds aesthetic mirrors the beautiful nature surrounding it, while the splash pad is sure to cool off kiddos on hot days. 
The newest state park in Missouri, Echo Bluff, is full of astonishing sights. If youre looking for something more glamorous, spend a night in a tree house at River of Life Farms. There are so many fantastic state parks in Missouri. Guests can enjoy the views of Echo Bluff and the sounds of Sinking Creek while relaxing in the rocking chairs lining the back porch of the lodge. To learn more, visitechobluffstatepark.com. Tube, kayak, canoe, or stand up paddle board down the sparkling Sinking Creek and Current River. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website. Bathrooms are strategically placed throughout the park to make your stay even more comfortable and convenient. View. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. What are the best places to camp in Missouri? Water hookups are not active during the winter months, between November and March, but there are a few frost free spigots during those months so you can have potable water. For large families or groups, there's 9 fully furnished cabins to stay at. My family member, a young teenager, died last week after being thrown from a canoe on the Jack's Fork river and he was wearing a life jacket. Hike With Bison At Guided Bison Saunter At Prairie State Park In Missouri, This Dinosaur-Themed Road Trip Through Missouri Is The Ultimate Family Adventure, This Man Made Swimming Hole In Missouri Will Make You Feel Like A Kid On Summer Vacation, The Amazing Campground Beach Every Missourian Will Want To Visit, 10 Cozy Campgrounds To Visit In Missouri Even After The Weather Turns Chilly, Get Away From It All With A Stay In This Incredibly Unique Missouri Retreat, These 10 Cozy Cabins Are Everything You Need For The Ultimate Fall Getaway In Missouri, Youll Want To Stay At The Most Unique Campground In Missouri This Summer. We also use cookies for functional and analytical purposes. Communal Fire Pit: Whether keeping warm on a chilly fall evening or capping off a long summer day, the fire pit at Echo Bluff is ideal for unwinding under the stars. The spring-fed stream serves as the second largest tributary of the Current River and is perfect for wading, fossil hunting, fishing, or just dipping your toes.When you are ready to return to dry land, a visit to the parks playground is a must. Discover the best Things to Do with expert advice, travel tips, destination information and inspiration. It can get hot in the summertime as the RV area is not particularly well shaded and a good awning will get a great deal of use. Reservations are required and can be made by contacting the Park Office at 573-751.5211. Left From St Louis area and could have gotten to park on one tank. The campground is only a few years old and everything looks good still! Event Shelters also they got in the big rubber ball that is rolled down a hill. After a night of smore making around the campfire, we packed up camp and went on one last family adventure. Echo Bluff State Park is proud to be home to Special Use Camping opportunities for non-profit organizations. Between Salem and Eminence is 44 miles and only saw 1 gas station so make sure you are prepared. Check-in for the campground is 3 PM and check out is 2 PM and those who do not have reservations are welcome to rent any site that is empty and not reserved by 3 PM. The rooms are beautiful; they're very well-appointed and all a great size. Cabins are adorable with small kitchens, full bath, air conditioning and heat. 
Up to two pets can share your campsite with you, but they must be kept on a ten-foot or shorter lead or in your trailer and should never be unattended. 
9. There are several trails at the park and there are several areas available for swimming. Missouri State Parks Geocaching and Letterboxing page, Missouri State Parks Special Use Camping page. took our church youth group. This post was created by SLM Partner Studio on behalf of Echo Bluff State Park. 10. Not only is the road challenging, but there is a great deal of wildlife in this area, such as deer, elk, and wild horses, which may unexpectedly cross your path. This is has been our favorite yearly place to visit for 15+ years! Eminence is a city in Shannon County, Missouri, United States.
All of the cabins include a kitchen, flat screen TV, an outdoor deck and gas grill and a fireplace. It amazes me how many people still don't know about it, Pereira says. Our backup plan was camping at Alley Spring. Within the loops are two shortcuts; designed to serve as bike challenge courses, they include elevated trails, ladder bridges, narrow balance features and ramps. Caches can be found hidden in many spots worldwide and contain a logbook or log sheet for people to sign once they have located the container. Tubing and Rafting: Missouri is lucky to have more than 30 rivers suited to floating, tubing, rafting,or canoeing. 
There is a section that is steep and uneven. Creekside Grill - Echo Bluff State Park. The lodge that is located in the park offers laundry facilities if you are needing to freshen up your wardrobe and there is a large playground near the lodge as well, with swings, tunnels, and a small splash zone with water fountains. Brochures and calendars outlining which events are available for viewing can be found at the Lodge. The equipment worked and in decent shape. Subscribe today to receive our free e-newsletters.Melissa Nordmann currently resides in St. Charles County. Enter your email address to follow this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email. Whether you visit in autumn, as the foliage turns brilliant hues of orange, yellow, and red, or in the summer, when float season is in full swing at the nearby Current River, youre in for a relaxing,scenic stay. Each area is separated by landscaped areas of wildflowers and shrubs native to the area. Give he trees some time to grow, and there will be plenty of shade in the summer. All of our kids enjoyed it which doesn't happen often since they range in age from 6-19. The shower house with restrooms are available year-round. 
Seconds after claiming they were too old for playgrounds, my own teen and pre-teen sons made a beeline for the raft-shaped swing the second they laid eyes on it. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. Withrow Springs State Park Arkansas Camping Review, Roaring River State Park Missouri Camping Review. Wild horses frequent the area,and gave us a wake up call on the first morning. She enjoys attending her sons' baseball games and hiking with her family in many of the area's fabulous parks.This article was written by St. Louis Sprout & About staff and is the original property of St. Louis Sprout & About magazine. Also the horseflies were bad in September, so don't wear perfume. They also rent horses for those who want to ride but don't have their own steeds.
The grounds provide for everything, and the way the park is set up, you have spaceand thats what were all looking for right now, just the space to take off your mask and go for a walk.. Wild Horse Watching: No matter your age, catching a glimpse of the wild horses famous in Shannon County is a sign of a truly great trip to Echo Bluff. 
Youre covered with our custom protection packages. It lives up to its name. Today, the only thing left from the festival and private campground is the rustic riding stable. So go slowly and use a low gear. 
Face masks are also required in common areasfor staff and guests. All rights reserved. 
The area is home to several other hiking trails that are worth exploring. This 5.25-mile trail (one way) takes travelers through portions of Echo Bluff State Park and continues on to neighboring Current River State Park.When hunger strikes, visitors may choose to enjoy a meal at the Creekside Grill, pick up a snack at the Sinking Creek Mercantile or enjoy a picnic lunch at one of the shelters or day use areas. Echo Bluff State Park, located in Eminence, Missouri, is the states 88th state park. However long your visit, you are sure to enjoy your time making memories at Echo Bluff.For more information about Echo Bluff, or to make a lodging reservation, call 855-999-6980 or visit EchoBluffStatePark.com. A shut-in more similar to a waterfall with a pool at the bottom. Those on foot may also enjoy these obstacles, or simply use them as a hiking shortcut. Several people that day had forgotten theirs and ended up wearing their regular shoes.
Amicable wild horses wander through the campground and lodge area, and visitors can cool off by splashing in Sinking Creek, a crystal clear stream in the shadow of Echo Bluff. It has shallow areas perfect for wading as well as a few spots deep enough to swim and even snorkel. Firewood is available onsite for purchase, but only for a few hours per day, generally in the evening. 
Featuring 16 guest rooms and four suiteseach with a balconyeach room at the lodge includes a fireplace, flat-screen TV with satellite service, complimentary wifi, microwave, mini-fridge, Keurig coffeemaker, and much more. Children's Adventure Playground and Splash Pad: Kids will love Echo Bluffs mini water park, as Pereira describesit, otherwise known as the Childrens Adventure Playground and Splash Pad. Missouri is home to some pretty amazing state parks, but theres a new one in town that youll definitely want to visit. Clean, well maintained campground with plenty of room, large strong stalls for the horses. 
Be sure to bring your water shoes and sense of adventure!