Finger Lakes State Park
RV Guide
Introduction
Located in central Missouri, Finger Lakes State Park is just one of two ATV parks found in the state. There are over 70 miles of off-roading trails that wander through the park’s forests and across its many hills. Experienced riders can also head to the professional motocross track.
There’s more than just ATVing at Finger Lakes State Park. There are multiple lakes within the park, with excellent fishing, boating, and swimming. You can rent a kayak or canoe from the park office and explore the 4.5-mile long water trail. The waters of the lakes are packed with striped bass, channel and flathead catfish, crappie, and black bass. You can also hike or bike on many of the park’s trails and try to spot one of the hundreds of bird species that move through the park.
The RV campground in the park has over 30 sites, and has multiple sites with electrical hookups if you want to camp in comfort. The campground connects to the park’s network of hiking, biking, and ATVing trails, so you’ll be out the door of your rig and on the trail in minutes.
RV Rentals in Finger Lakes State Park
Transportation
Driving
Finger Lakes State Park is located in central Missouri, not too far from St. Louis. You’ll also be within driving distance of Des Moines and Kansas City. The park is easy to navigate, and you should have few issues getting your campervan to the campground.
Driving from St. Louis, take I-70 west and you will get to the park in just over two hours. If you are coming from Des Moines, take IA-5 south from the city to US-63 and you will get to the park in a little under four hours. From Kansas City, take I-70 east and you will arrive at the park in two hours.
The park’s main entrance is just off US-63, and you won’t have to drive far once you’re in the park to find your campsite. The park only has three main roads, and they can all accomodate large rigs. If you visit the park during the winter, there will occasionally be ice on the roads. However, you shouldn’t need snow chains- just take extra caution while driving after a winter storm.
Parking
Public Transportation
Campgrounds and parking in Finger Lakes State Park
Campsites in Finger Lakes State Park
Reservations camping
Finger Lakes State Park Campground
There are 36 sites in the campground located within the park, 17 of which have electrical hookups. The remaining 19 sites have no hookups of any kind. There are showers, restrooms, and water access stations located within the campground, as well as a dump station.
There are two trailheads that lead directly into the campground. You’ll also find a playground on the edge of the campground. The campground is located about a half-mile north of the park’s main office and the swimming area.
All of the sites can be reserved online year round. However, the water lines in the campground only run from April through October. The park’s peak season is in summer, so try to book as early as possible if you are planning a visit during peak season.
First-come first-served
First-Come, First-Served
If a site is not reserved, the park may rent it on a first-come, first-served basis.
Seasonal activities in Finger Lakes State Park
Off-Season
Biking
Many of the park’s hiking trails can also be used for mountain biking. The varied, hilly terrain and shaded forests make for great rides just about any time of the year. Some trails are reserved for off-roading, so check with the park office before you head out onto the trail. The park doesn’t rent gear, so come prepared with everything you need.
Hiking
If you want a more relaxed way to explore the park outside of the camper or trailer, you can take one of the many hiking trails. There is a 2.4-mile loop that takes you along one of the park’s streams. The trails has a number of hills, so it’s perfect for hikers who want a decent workout.
The hiking in the park tends to be best in fall, when the maple, oak, and sycamore trees begin to turn and autumn colors come to life. However, the trails are still open year round.
Boating
The park is also a great destination for RV campers interested in boating. The park has a number of different lakes, and you can explore the finger shaped inlets on your own in a kayak or canoe. There is also a 4.5-mile long water trail that leads you through the park’s forests. The park office rents kayaks, canoes, and paddleboards. If you rent a boat from the park, you can only use it on the main lake.
In-Season
ATVing
Finger Lakes State Park is one of two ATV parks located in the state of Missouri. You’ll have over 70 miles of trails that can be used for off-roading. The park also has a motocross track, a professionally designed course situated on ten acres. The track is often used for official motocross events.
The park does not rent ATV gear, so you’ll need to bring your own or rent one from one of the nearby shops. You have to purchase a riding permit for each day that you plan on off-roading in the park.
Swimming
If you visit the park during the summer, head to the swimming area. There is a full sand beach where you can relax and enjoy the sun. There are no boats allowed in the swimming area, so you’ll have plenty of room to swim. You can even bring a metal detector to hunt for any buried treasure- just make sure you register the device with the park office.
The beach is open sunrise to sunset May through September. Pets are not allowed on the beach. The swimming area is not monitored.
Fishing
The park’s finger-shaped lakes also make for excellent fishing. A wide variety of fish species populate the park’s lakes, including black and striped bass, channel and flathead catfish, and crappie. You can fish from the shore, bring your own boat, or rent one from the park office.
If you fish in the park, you’ll need a Missouri state fishing licence, unless you are over the age of 65 or under the age of 16. Fishing is great year round, but you’ll probably get the most bites in spring and early fall.
