Note: This article was written in 2016 for another blog I was moderator of.
Cuivre River State Park (CRSP) is, as I like to jokingly call it, Northeast Missouri’s best kept secret. It’s just not a destination people will say, “Hey, if you’re in the Saint Louis area, you should check this out”. They should.
CRSP is huge. It eats up a good chunk of Lincoln County, Missouri. It has a varying terrain (due to glacial activity) that makes for some scenic hikes. Some trails will lead you through prairie one minutes, and rocky crags the next. Having lived in Southern Missouri it kind of reminds me of that region of the Ozarks at times. That being said, CRSP is outside of the region traditionally known as the Ozarks, but because of their terrain they often use the tagline “A bit of the Ozarks outside of the Ozarks”.
There are lots of trails, everything from half mile trails to 11+ mile trails. Additionally, they interconnect in a way that you could potentially hike the entire park. Plus, there are a few primitive backpacking campsites strategically placed if you were to decide to do just that.
Otherwise there are your traditional state park campground(s) with basic, electric, family, group, etc. They also have areas for non-profits like Boy Scout troops. Additionally, they have organized group camps.
Now, these are cool. The Organized group camps are kinda like renting a Boy Scout camp. They have organized group campsites in varying sizes, but I personally viewed Cuivre Camp, which is the smallest.
Cuivre Camp has within its confines a large Dining Hall (which can serve approx. 150 people, 5 separate bunk houses (which can accommodate those same approx. 150 people), an “admin building”, a fire ring (with rows of benches ascending the hill), a baseball diamond (bring your own bases), and a field area that can be used for a number of activities.
Additionally, CRSP has a equestrian trails, as well as camping sites just for equestrian visitors.
There is a beach on the 55 acre Lincoln Lake (keep your dogs, alcohol, and glass off the beach). The lake is nice and boating is allowed (limited motor/no motor).
There is an onsite Missouri State Park Ranger. Keep in mind that Missouri State Park Rangers (unlike many states), are commissioned and ARMED law enforcement officers.They have the same, in some cases greater, authority as any other police officer you would run in to. With an active, onsite, Ranger about it keeps down a lot of the Shenanigans you might run into at other State Parks/Conservation Areas.
As I understand it, CRSP has a “newer” (as in new to the park) director. I’ve spoken with the man and he has some big plans for this park such as programs, physical improvements, and volunteer opportunities. All of the staff I’ve had contact with there are genuinely excited about their jobs and are willing to help.
As usual, being a State Park there are myriad rules and laws that are specific to the park system. Become, and be familiar with these.
https://mostateparks.com/park/cuivre-river-state-park
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