Imagine a 100-mile stretch of North America's longest river, a vestige of the untamed American West. The Missouri National Recreational River is where imagination meets reality. Two free flowing stretches of the Missouri make up the National Park. Relive the past by exploring the wild, untamed and mighty river that con
Free — you won’t need your pass here.
Free entry — there is no entrance fee here, so you won’t need your pass to get in.
- Fee type No fee — No fee is charged here.
- HoursThe entire park includes the 39-Mile District and 59-Mile District. Both districts are open 24 hours, seven days a week.
- Source National Park Service ↗
- Last verifiedJuly 6, 2026 · Confirmed
- Official pagewww.nps.gov ↗
- Contact 605-665-0209 · mnrr_visitorinfo@nps.gov
The National Park Service headquarters is located at 508 East Second Street in Yankton, South Dakota.
Common questions
Quick Yes / No / Depends answers for Missouri National Recreational River — always confirm with the managing site before you go.
No Is there a fee at Missouri National Recreational River?
No — it’s free to enter, so you won’t need your pass to get in.
Yes Can you kayak, paddle, or boat here?
Yes — there’s water for boating and paddling at Missouri National Recreational River. Hand-launched craft usually need no permit; motorized boats may need registration or a launch fee.
Yes Can you camp at Missouri National Recreational River?
Yes — camping is available. Reserve ahead where required; you can check availability on Recreation.gov.
Depends Can you have a campfire?
Sometimes — campfires are subject to seasonal fire restrictions and bans. Always check current fire conditions first.
Yes Are there hiking trails?
Yes — trails here include Bigley's Ravine Trail, Bloodroot Trail, Corps of Discovery Trail, and more. Check length and difficulty before you go.
Yes Can you bike here?
Yes — biking is available at Missouri National Recreational River. Confirm which roads or trails allow it.
Depends Can you ride OHVs or ATVs here?
Yes — off-highway vehicle use is among the activities here. Stay on designated routes and check any permit or registration rules.
Depends Can you bring a dog?
Usually only leashed and in developed areas, campgrounds, and paved paths — not on most trails or in buildings. Pet rules vary by park, so check first.
No Are drones allowed?
No — launching, landing, or operating drones is prohibited on National Park Service land.
Nearby sites
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers / Public domain · Wikimedia Commons U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Lewis and Clark Lake
CheckArmy Corps site — the pass gives 50% off day-use fees only and never covers camping. Confirm at the gate.
Gary Zahm / Public domain · Wikimedia Commons U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service Lake Andes National Wildlife Refuge
CheckThis U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service site may charge a fee your pass covers — confirm before you go.
