St. Francois State Park sits along the Big River in the rugged hills of St. Francois County, offering nearly 2,735 acres of Ozark wilderness that feels worlds away from everyday life. The park’s defining feature is Coonville Creek, a spring-fed stream that carved the stunning Coonville Creek Wild Area — one of Missouri’s designated wild areas where rocky shut-ins, bluffs, and old-growth timber create a landscape unlike anything else in the region.

Hikers will find two well-maintained trails worth the visit. The 2.7-mile Mooner’s Hollow Trail loops through dense hardwood forest and along creek bottoms, while the more demanding 11-mile Pike Run Trail pushes deeper into the wild area with rewarding views of exposed igneous rock formations — some of the oldest exposed rock in North America, dating back over a billion years.

The park’s campground offers 110 sites, a mix of basic and electric, nestled under a canopy of oak and hickory. Sites along the Big River are the most sought-after, so book ahead for weekend stays during peak season. A separate equestrian camp serves riders exploring the Pike Run Trail.

Spring brings wildflower displays and the Big River running full — ideal for fishing smallmouth bass and goggle-eye. Fall transforms the hardwood canopy into one of the best leaf-peeping spots in eastern Missouri without the crowds of more popular parks.

Come prepared for uneven terrain and creek crossings, especially on Pike Run. Cell service is spotty, which is part of the charm.

Explore Nearby

• Mark Twain National Forest — National Forest in Missouri
• Mary’s River Covered Bridge — Covered Bridge in Illinois
• Meeting of the Great Rivers Scenic Route — Scenic Byway in Illinois
• Shawnee National Forest — National Forest in Illinois
• Gillespie Lake — Public Land in Alaska