Roaring River State Park RV & Campground Guide
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Roaring River State Park is located in Cassville, Missouri. It encompasses 4,293 acres of the Ozark Hills with rugged landscaping surrounding a deep, narrow valley. This area was settled in the 1800s by people looking for a spot with streams to power their mills. Troops traveled through here during the Civil War, but it eventually became a resort community. Today, visitors come for the many outdoor activities, annual events like Bald Eagle Days, and nearby attractions like the Mark Twain National Forest.
Spring 45-70 F
Summer 69-88 F
Fall 36-53 F
Winter 27-44 F
RV Resorts & Campsites in Roaring River State Park
There are three campgrounds located within Roaring River State Park. Campground 1 is open year-round with 78 pet-friendly campsites. These sites include electricity and range in size from 43 to 68 feet. There are eight family campsites and three ADA-accessible sites. Amenities include vault toilets, water spigots, hot showers, laundry facilities, and a dump station. Campground 2 features 48 pet-friendly campsites that are open from March through November. Sites are 44 to 64 feet long and include electric, fire rings, and picnic tables. Two of the sites are family campsites, and two are ADA-accessible. Campground 3 is pet-friendly with 40 campsites. Most are basic, but one offers electric hookups, and one includes electric, sewer, and water hookups. Located near the Fire Tower Trail trailhead, campsites range from 37 to 64 feet in length. There are six family campsites and four ADA-accessible campsites. The park’s nature center is in this campground, and amenities include restrooms, a shower house, laundry facilities, and a dump station.
What to Do at
Roaring River State Park
Roaring River State Park offers plenty of opportunities for hiking and biking. There are several picnic areas throughout the park, and two picnic shelters provide space for up to 60 people. Families enjoy the park’s playground, and visitors of all ages will love the nature center with its interpretive displays.
Fishing
Roaring River State Park is known for its year-round rainbow trout fishing. The river is stocked with an abundance of this species, but you’ll also find catfish and bass here during the summer season. The park features a convenient cleaning and fillet station so that you can enjoy your catch for dinner.
Geocaching
Geocaching is a fun treasure-hunting activity. You can find information online that provides you with clues as to where you can find the hidden treasures within Roaring River State Park. Bring along your hiking gear, your favorite GPS device, and a small treasure of your own to replace any that you find.
Nature Watching
Roaring River State Park is a favorite among birdwatchers for its summer tanagers, wood thrushes, and black and white warblers. While hiking you may spot white-tailed deer, squirrels, and wild turkeys.
Flora and Fauna
Roaring River State Park features oak and hickory woodlands and dolomite glades. Here, you’ll find everything from rich oak and maple forests in the valley to oak and pine forests in the hills. The park is home to more than 600 plant species, including the rare Ozark chinquapin tree.
Hiking
There are trails for every skill level in Roaring River State Park. The Eagle Nest Trail is a 2.6-mile moderate loop. You’ll be hiking through the rugged terrain along the river, which includes roots, rocks, and vegetation that you’ll have to make your way through. An easier option is the Pibern Trail. This is a one-mile hike through the buffs. The park’s longest trail is the 4.2-mile Fire Tower Loop Trail. This one is rated as difficult. It goes through the dolomite glades, woodlands, hollows, and wildflower meadows.
Swimming
Swimming in Roaring River State Park is allowed in the river and the Olympic-size swimming pool. The pool is located near the campsites, the park office, and the Roaring River Inn and Conference Center. The pool is open from Memorial Day through mid-August and requires a small fee. The river has designated areas for swimming and wading, but there is no lifeguard on duty.
How to Get to
Roaring River State Park
Traveling to Roaring River State Park is a nice trip down I-44 to Missouri’s southeastern corner in the Ozark Mountains. Roads going into the park are hilly and curvy, but they will accommodate a large RV or trailer easily. Highway 112 has a few narrow spots to be aware of.
Entering Roaring River State Park
Once you enter the park, you can leave your RV at your campsite. Use a smaller vehicle or bicycle to get where you need to go. You can also walk because the beach, fishing areas, the restaurant, and the nature center are close to the campgrounds. Large parking lots can be found by the nature center, swimming pool, conference center, and river access areas.
Roaring River State Park Entry Fee : $0.0
Frequently Asked Questions About Roaring River State Park
The summer months are the best time to visit Roaring River State Park. The warmer temperatures make it an ideal time to enjoy fishing, hiking trails, and other outdoor activities.
While exploring Roaring River State Park, you’ll come across wildlife such as white-tailed deer, wild turkeys, and squirrels. Birdwatchers will appreciate species like summer tanagers, black and white warblers, and wood thrushes.
There are 166 designated campsites in Roaring River State Park. They range in size from 37 to 68 feet in length.
Reservations are recommended. Nightly rates range from $12 to $50, depending on the campsite location and amenities.
Pets are welcome in the park. They must be kept on a 6-foot or shorter leash at all times.