State Parks near Kirksville, MO

Big River State Forest is a multi-use outdoor recreational area near Oquawka that is used for timber resource education and supply. The forest was first established in 1925, although land acquisitions since then have increased its size substantially. In the past, there were stands of hardwood trees, but these have been cultivated and replaced with the much quicker growing pine species; part of the reason for this was to demonstrate how pine trees are much more commercially successful. As a result, many nearby landowners have followed suit and created pine tree farms that have achieved similar results.The forest's headquarters area is home to a fire tower, a prominent landmark in the area, and an operational structure during peak fire …

Whether you are coming for a few days or a few hours, a visit to Cuivre River State Park will certainly not disappoint. As one of the most rugged state parks in Missouri, is it packed with potential for outdoor adventure and is easily accessible near the towns of Troy and Winfield, and the city of St. Louis just a short drive away. Lake Lincoln offers opportunities for boating, fishing, and swimming, while the hiking trails take you through fields of wildflowers in fall, and towering prairie grasses in the fall.The park contains three natural areas that are noted for their high-quality ecosystems, and Big Sugar Creek, which winds its way through the woodland, is one of the …

Located in central Iowa on the southern shore of Lake Red Rock is Elk Rock State Park. With 50,000 acres of forested hills right next to Iowa’s largest lake, Elk Rock State Park offers the best opportunities to fish and boat in the state. The park’s namesake "elk rock" is located in the southern region of the park. The name of the lake derives from the red rock found in the area.Some nearby parks open for exploring include Stephen’s State Forest, Lake Ahquabi State Park, and Whitebreast Park. There's also Cordova Park, which is located directly across Red Rock Lake. Nearby are several towns, and Des Moines, the capital city of Iowa, is just under an hour's …

Iowa is packed with scenic state parks. In southeastern Iowa, you’ll find a unique gem of a park. Geode State Park is located 20 minutes west of Burlington, 25 minutes south of Mount Pleasant, and a stone’s throw north of West Point. This 1,640-acre park attracts hikers, water enthusiasts, and wildlife viewers from all over.In 1937, Geode State Park became part of the Iowa State Park system. The area had always been a beautiful picnicking spot for locals. Then, after a group of citizens raised some money and purchased the land, they donated it to the state park system. The Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) built the park to be what it is today. It took 14 …

If your RV camping trip takes you to the Midwest, consider traveling through Iowa. Southwest Iowa is rich with grasslands and wide-open spaces. Green Valley State Park is located 35 minutes north of Lenox, 50 minutes west of Osceola, and 30 minutes south of Casey.Built around Green Valley Lake, Green Valley State Park has become a go-to place for outdoor enthusiasts who enjoy water activities. The entire lake fits inside the boundaries of the park, so Green Valley State Park campers have full access to the water. Anglers love the lake as it’s one of four major fishing lakes in the region.Green Valley State Park is the place you go when you want to get …

Herbert Hoover National Historic Site, located near West Branch, is a monument to one of the most renowned American presidents to hold the office. The monument is located near the center of West Branch, the small town where Hoover spent his early childhood until being orphaned at the young age of 9. Hoover left the town soon after and would not return until his retirement when he chose to celebrate his many accomplishments in his place of birth. There are a large number of attractions for you to see, including his simple birthplace cottage and his burial site, marked with a Vermont white marble headstone.Camping with an RV near Herbert Hoover National Historic Site is your best bet …

Chariton River Valley is a sprawling landscape of green hills along the southeastern portion of Iowa. If you’re looking for an open grassland with a few trees scattered around for good measure at which to do some RV camping, Island View Park is the place for you. Just 20 minutes north of Centerville, 30 minutes south of Albia, and 45 minutes from Ottumwa, this lovely park is located on Rathbun Lake. Due to the lake's enormous size, it draws big winds, which makes it one of the best places in Iowa for sailing.The biggest draw to Island View Park is, very clearly, Rathbun Lake, which measures 11,000 acres. Island View has a marina, a boat dock, …

Covering 3,934 acres, Knob Noster State Park in Missouri has enough room for everyone to enjoy this outdoor escape. The park gets its name from the nearby town of Knob Noster, which is then named after one of the small hills in the area. The hills are particularly notable as they rise up dramatically in what is otherwise a flat section of the state.The park offers visitors the opportunity to take part in a range of recreational activities throughout the year, including fishing, hiking, and camping, all of which encourage people to rent a camper in Johnson County. The area of land is often dubbed 'where the forest and the prairies meet,' as the large stretches of prairie in …

Lacey-Keosauqua State Park enjoys a picturesque setting on the Des Moines River and is a fantastic place to reconnect with nature. With a footprint of more than 1,650 acres, it's the largest state park in Iowa and features a diverse landscape of rolling hills, rugged bluffs, and lush valleys. The park has been welcoming visitors since the 1920s and offers excellent outdoor recreation opportunities, including fishing, hiking, and camping. History buffs love the park's connection to the Mormon Trail, the area's Woodland Culture tribes, and the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC).Planning a Midwest road trip? Book an RV in Van Buren County and you can sleep under the stars in Lacey-Keosauqua State Park. With the freedom of a home on …

Camping with an RV is a great way to reconnect with your family and make memories that will last a lifetime. Lake Ahquabi State Park, near Indianola, Iowa has fun activities for all ages to enjoy. Don't worry if you don't own a motorhome — book an RV in Warren County and spend some time exploring Iowa. One of the biggest draws of Lake Ahquabi State Park is the 115-acre reservoir where visitors can enjoy boating, fishing, and swimming.You can camp with your RV at Lake Ahquabi State Park and then head to Des Moines, less than 45 minutes to the north, for shopping and sightseeing. Spend an afternoon in Pleasantville wandering through quaint shops and stocking up …

If you're searching for somewhere to enjoy a quintessential Iowa camping experience, look no further than Lake Darling State Park. Located five miles east of Richland in the state's southeast, this 1,417-acre park is a haven for watersports and outdoor enthusiasts.Lake Darling itself covers 302 acres, so campers can enjoy excellent swimming, boating, and fishing in the park. Several miles of hiking trails make Lake Darling a favorite with hikers. A modern campground is also available on-site, so there are plenty of good reasons why Lake Darling State Park should be the venue for your next RV camping vacation.

Lake Keomah State Park is a 366-acre wilderness in the heart of South Central Iowa. The park was dedicated in 1934 and quickly emerged as one of the most popular outdoor recreation destinations in Mahaska County. At the center of the park, Keomah provides a scenic backdrop for swimming, boating, and fishing. History buffs will love checking out the buildings constructed by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC), many of which are still in use.Planning a Midwest road trip? Book an RV in Mahaska County and you can sleep under the stars at Lake Keomah State Park. You'll find a huge selection of campervan rentals for every occasion, ranging from petite trailers to family-sized rigs. With a home on wheels, …

One of the best ways to explore eastern central Iowa is to search for an RV in Johnson County, which encompasses Iowa City, just south of Cedar Rapids. In this county is Lake Macbride State Park, is a top tier camping location when you are renting an RV to check out the area. This state park was opened to the public in June of 1937 after the Iowa City Chamber of Commerce was able to raise funds to create it.Construction on the park began in the 1930s after Thomas Macbride, for whom the park is named, spoke to members of the Iowa Academy of Science on the importance to establish a statewide system of parks. After …

In Taylor County, around ten minutes north of the town of Bedford, is a beautiful 85-acre lake within a 691-acre recreation area characterized by lush oak and hickory woodlands. Lake of Three Fires State Park beckons visitors from all over Iowa and Missouri with hiking and equestrian trails and two well-equipped campgrounds. You can expect to find both Hopkins and New Market campers relaxing here, as both of these towns are within 20 minutes of the state park.The Potawatomi tribe, also referred to as the “Fire Nation,” farmed, lived, and traveled through this part of Iowa. The legend goes that three of the region's indigenous tribes formed an alliance called “Three Fires”, and three flames were kept alive …

Deriving the name Nauvoo from a Hebrew word meaning, “beautiful place,” this little West Central Illinois gem truly lives up to its name. The park is located in Nauvoo, one of Illinois’ largest cities. Nearby cities include the deeply historic Carthage and rural Hamilton. Have fun exploring nearby museums, historical sites, and more, without having to drive very far, as each town is under a half-hour drive from the park.Nauvoo campers can benefit from boating, hiking, fishing, and family picnicking all within the lovely park perimeters. With the park featuring the sparkling 13-acre Horton Lake, it's only fitting that the lake brims with a variety of aquatic vertebrates such as rainbow trout, channel catfish, and largemouth bass. …

Nine Eagles State Park is set in the rolling hills and sun-dappled woodlands of Decatur County. You'll find plenty of opportunities to enjoy the Midwest sunshine here, from swimming and boating in the lake to hiking woodland trails and relaxing at shady picnic spots. The fishing is excellent, with the chance to reel in bass, pike, bluegill, and other freshwater species.Planning a getaway to the Hawkeye State? Book an RV in Decatur County and you can enjoy a lakeside escape to Nine Eagles State Park. Venture further afield and you can discover Iowa jewels like the Effigy Mounds National Monument, where prehistoric sculptures recall the legacy of local Native American tribes.

Red Haw State Park is a woodland oasis in the heart of America’s farm country. It's set around placid Red Haw Lake, which provides a scenic backdrop for swimming, boating, hiking, and picnicking. The lake is also one of the top pan-fishing destinations in Iowa, making Red Haw State Park a rewarding destination for anglers. An RV-friendly campground set under a sun-dappled canopy of oak, pine, maple, and hawthorn trees makes it easy to enjoy an extended motorhome camping trip at Red Haw State Park.Planning an escape to the Hawkeye State? Book an RV in Lucas County and you can combine the creature comforts of a self-contained camper with the novelty of sleeping under the stars. An RV rental …

Just minutes from the city of Columbia, MO, is a unique piece of land. Rock Bridge Memorial State Park gives its many visitors the chance to hike, scramble and explore the scenic landscape while also getting the chance to take a glimpse into Missouri's fascinating underworld. The state park is home to a large cave system, and it is these unique geological features that encourage people to rent an RV in Boone County.The park covers 2273 acres, with plenty of trails and accessible routes that allow visitors to see the sights with ease. There are plenty of different camping options nearby, and urban life is not too far away with other nearby towns, including Ashland, Rocheport, and …