Roaring River State Park

About this park

Roaring River State Park, set within a deep, narrow valley surrounded by rugged southwestern Ozark terrain, ranks among Missouri's most popular state parks and is one of only three Missouri state parks stocked with rainbow trout. Eager anglers flock to the park year-round hoping to land a genuine lunker trout from the cold spring-fed waters that give the park its name, and a live hatchery cam lets prospective visitors check conditions remotely before making the trip. Seven hiking trails give visitors a genuinely extensive network to explore the park's striking valley scenery, while a dedicated nature center offers interpretive programming explaining the geology and ecology behind the park's unusual rugged landscape. Overnight options are genuinely broad: the campground offers basic, electric, and full sewer/electric/water sites, rustic cabins are scattered throughout the park, and visitors seeking more comfort can book a modern room at the historic CCC Lodge or the Emory Melton Inn and Conference Center, which also houses a full-service restaurant. Regular events, including fly-tying sessions over coffee, a Halloween celebration, and a Christmas candlelight stroll, keep Roaring River active throughout the year well beyond its peak trout season. The park's striking combination of reliable trout fishing, dramatic Ozark scenery, and a genuinely complete range of dining and lodging options has made it a consistent favorite across generations of Missouri outdoor enthusiasts.