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Missouri
60

Missouri State Parks

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USA Parks
Missouri
Southeast Region
Washington State Park Road
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Washington State Park Road Boat Launch Area © Jerald Schutjer
Big River boat launch.
Washington State Park Road The Overlook Area © Jerald Schutjer
A great view from the overlook area.
Washington State Park Road Fun for the younger crowd. © Jerald Schutjer
Play area located in the Day Use Area adjacent to the Big River.
Washington State Park Road Petroglyphs © Jerald Schutjer
Graphics in the viewing area help explain the meaning of the symbols.
Washington State Park Road The Day Use Area on the Big River © Jerald Schutjer
Wading in the river, sun bathing and paddling the canoe are common.
Washington State Park Road Entry to the Park North of De Soto © Jerald Schutjer
This way to the park.
Washington State Park Road Washington State Park spelled backwards © Jerald Schutjer
The back of your bbq grill always reminds you of where you are.
Washington State Park Road petroglyphs © Carol Cotter
Washington State Park Petroglyph Archaeological Site added 1970 - Site - 70000352 Also known as Archaeological Survey of Missouri Numbers 23-WA-1 23-WA-2 Address Restricted, Fertile Historic Significance Information Potential Area of Significance Art, Prehistoric Cultural Affiliation Mississippian Period of Significance 1499-1000 AD Owner State Historic Function Recreation And Culture Historic Sub-function Work Of Art Sculpture, Carving, Rock Art Current Function Landscape Current Sub-function Park
Washington State Park Road top ofthe hill near petroglyphs © Carol Cotter
exposed limestone near top of hill by the stone carvings
Washington State Park Road © Christy Martin
The tiny wildflowers bloomed along the trail.
Washington State Park Road © Christy Martin
Washington State Park Road © Christy Martin
This was from a stone structure built on the 1000 steps trail.
Washington State Park Road © Christy Martin
Trees budding with fresh spring growth.
Washington State Park Road Waterfall © Jeffrey Broussard
A frozen waterfall near the sport climbing and the old decommissioned bridge in Washington State Park Missouri.
Washington State Park Road © Christy Martin
Just a small portion of the 1000 steps trail.
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WASHINGTON STATE PARK ROAD
WASHINGTON STATE PARK ROAD
13041 State Hwy. 104
DeSoto, Missouri   63020
(lat:38.0867 lon:-90.6796) map location

Phone: 636-586-2995
Toll Free: 800-334-6946
Reservations: 877-422-6766
Email: park email button icon
Petroglyphs, quaint hiking shelters and incredible Ozark overlooks define the Washington State Park experience. Easy access to the Big River makes the park great for swimming or fishing. Hikers can choose from three rugged hiking trails. Buildings constructed by African American Civilian Conservation Corps stonemasons complement the park and add to its sense of history.
Cabins
Washington State Park offers one, two, and three-bedroom housekeeping cabins. The cabins have kitchens, full baths, heating, and air-conditioning. The cabins are also equipped with bedding/linens, towels and kitchen utensils. Exterior amenities include outside grills, fire pits and picnic tables. The cabins are open April through October.

Infants and children count as occupants. Specific cabins are designated as Cabins for Canines. Tents or other alternate lodging accommodations are not allowed in the rental area. Smoking is not allowed inside any lodging unit.

For reservations or more information about the concession facilities, please call 636-586-2995
Camping
Washington State Park offers basic and electric campsites and a special-use camping area. For a little extra space, try the park's family campsite. Two playgrounds and an amphitheater with accessible seating are also located in the campground area.

During the on-season, bundled firewood, bagged ice and other convenience and souvenir items are available for purchase at the park store.

You are now able to reserve your Missouri State Parks campsite up to 12 months in advance, expanding from the previous six-month window. Reservations may be made by calling toll free 877-ICampMO 877-422-6766.
Swimming
1. Washington State Park offers a designated swimming area at Big River.
2. Lifeguards are not provided, so swim at your own risk.
3. The park's river is popular for open water swimming and floating activities.
4. Swimming is free of charge but follows seasonal schedules based on weather conditions.
5. No diving or jumping from bridges within the park boundaries is allowed due to safety concerns.

Boating
Watercraft rentals are available. You can rent canoes, rafts, kayaks and tubes. Rentals include personal flotation devices PFD, paddles and transportation. Children 12 and under are free for canoe and raft rentals but do count as occupants. You must be 18 years of age or older to rent watercrafts. Short and long floats are available.
Fishing
Big River offers you opportunities to catch a wide variety of fish, from catfish and crappie to large and smallmouth bass. The portion of the Big River that extends from the Hwy. 21 bridge to the Meramec River has been designated by the Missouri Department of Conservation as a Smallmouth Bass Special Management Area. Special regulations of length and possession limits apply to smallmouth bass in this area. Regulations are posted at the boat launch and gravel bar in the Big River Day-Use Area.


Location
Washington State Park Road is located near Bonne Terre, De Soto and Festus

Picnicking
You will have the choice of several picnic areas to enjoy lunch. Picnic tables and grills can be found at the Veteran's Memorial picnic area on the northern end of the park in a large picnic area on the southern end of the park near the swimming pool in Big River Day-Use Area and near Thunderbird Lodge.

For larger groups, there are two open shelters available for use. Shelter 2/Big River Day-Use Area Shetler, with a capacity of 96 people, is located in the Big River Day-Use Area and is accessible to people with disabilities. Shelter 1/CCC RIdge Shelter, with capacity of 84 people, is located across from the petroglyph site.

If not reserved, the shelters are available at no charge on a first-come, first-served basis. Restrooms and potable water are available near the two open shelters from April through October. No electricity is available. Parking at the shelters is limited to the designated spaces. Please do not park on the grass. Alcohol consumption and/or possession is not allowed in the Big River Day-Use Area including the shelter and undesignated swimming area or at the scenic overlook including the gazebo.
Bicycling
There are several biking options available, but caution is advised due to varying terrain and potential wildlife encounters.

Mountain bike trails offer challenging routes for experienced riders.

Paved roads provide a safer option for casual cyclists or families with children.

The 1000 Steps Trail offers steep inclines that might be difficult without proper gear or conditioning.

Biking after dark isn't recommended because of limited visibility and park regulations.

Always wear protective equipment like helmets while cycling in the area.

Remember to respect nature by staying on designated paths only.

Visitor Comments, Memories and Reviews
October 3 Nice park but.... by Name
park review stars; one to five The park has nice looking camping spots and great trails, however the staff in the campground are less than desirable. If you're looking for a fun place to camp, go to one of the other parks nearby.
July 3 Close to St. Louis by CPS
park review stars; one to five Nice & clean. AC in cabins. Kids love the pool area and river for fishing. Close enough to St. Louis for a day trip.
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Missouri
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Missouri State Parks

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