Hawn State Park

What a fantastic find. We had no information about it in advance, we just needed a spot to stop on our way from Virginia to California. Our site was right by a creek, and a short walk down a trail led to 100-foot high sandstone bluffs on the other side of the creek. There are many hiking trails, including a loop that goes up on the cliffs. But our favorite is the Pickle Creek Trail, a rocky trail that follows the banks of this cascading creek. Most of the creek has a sandy bottom and is deep enough for sitting in cool pools, dozens of potential swimming holes. Make sure you wear your bathing suit and water shoes when you hike it. The sites are nice. Many have electric, some are without. None with water. The bath house and laundry are nice as well.

With unseasonably high temps (60 in December), we headed south to Hawn State Park. At this time of the year there is almost no one in the campground; three last night, none nearby. We are parked next to a lovely bubbling spring and are enjoying the wind in the pines. Off season water is available at the end of site 5. Doable, but you need a long hose. Some sites have 30 amp electric; others are basic, with a paved pad and picnic table. There are also a few walk in sites that look great for tenters. The hiking is wonderful. Rocky sandstone bluffs over Pickle Creek. There is a steep grade to the campsites, but we just downshifted and did fine.

After visiting Elephant Rocks we weren't sure where we were going to camp but a local, who we met at Elephant's recommended Hawn. We arrived around 7:30 pm and they notified us that the gate closes at 9 pm so please make note, or contact them if you are going to arrive late. The campsites were dispersed among tall trees, it was really beautiful. Hardly anyone was there - maybe four other campers. There was a park in the middle for children, and the family showers with two shower heads were great! The campground was secluded and small, so we took advantage of that and taught our three year old how to ride his bike. By the end of the morning he was cruising around the entire campground on his own. Loved our time here!

A good little campground with some interesting scenery. In a wooded area with a small creek and some rocks. Dog friendly, sites are close together, fairly popular even in late October.

1st stop on trip heading west from Chicago. Campground was busy with a lot of kids having lots of fun. Trails are right there and awesome. Had sight 17 which backed up to Pickle Creek.

Level paved sites with electric only with moderate space between. Mostly tents. Two water stations on road and dump station at exit at ranger office. Many hiking trails lead from and around the campground valley. One of the best is directly behind the creek side sites on Pickle Creek. Cell was 1 bar and was erratic. H

We camped here two days after Labor Day. Morning after the night's stay we decided to take the cat for a walk and crossed pickle creek to a trail that followed the creek - beautiful place and nice hike. Later that day my wife and I started to itch and noticed an extreme amount of bites only to learn we had walked through a chigger nest. We started itching and this went on for at least two weeks. Even out cat had been bitten and spent the better part of two days chewing on his feet and body. We researched the problem and found a Missouri State Extension bulletin stating that that area of Missouri, and particularly around the Labor Day time period was the worst for chigger outbreaks. Our question to the staff at this park: Why was there no warning sign at the trailhead stating the presence of this pest? Caution to all who walk this trail, be real careful, use bug spray with DEET and tuck in your pant legs and be careful not to brush against vegetation. We have never experienced anything like this. I would have given this park a 5 star rating, but because of the lack of attention by park personnel 3 stars is all I can do.

We arrived later in the day, just about dark. We were surprised to find the camphost still in the office. They were super nice and patient as I know they were trying to close up and go to their own camp for the night.
Campground was very nice with spacious, paved, level sites. Nice playground area for kids. We didn't see the bathhouses, so I cannot comment on those.
We wish we could have spent more time there, but we were up with the chicken and had to hit the road. It's a bit of a detour for just an overnight stop, but that's on us for not planning better. There isn't much else in the area.
We took advantage of the dump station on the way out.
Electric only site for $25, and they offer senior, military, and first responder discounts on top of that.
Definitely would stay again if we are ever in the area.