Nestled in the heart of the Missouri Ozarks, Echo Bluff State Park is our family's favorite destination for nature lovers and adventure seekers. Established in 2016, this 476-acre park offers a harmonious blend of natural splendor and contemporary amenities, making it a must-visit spot for families, solo travelers, and outdoor enthusiasts alike.
At the heart of the park lies its namesake, Echo Bluff—a towering Eminence dolomite formation sculpted by centuries of water erosion into a breathtaking concave shape. Below the bluff flows Sinking Creek, a crystal-clear stream that ranks as the second-largest tributary to the Current River. This pristine waterway provides excellent opportunities for swimming, fishing, canoeing, and kayaking, all of which our family enjoys together.
For those who prefer land-based activities, Echo Bluff State Park boasts a network of hiking and mountain biking trails that meander through diverse landscapes. These trails offer both leisurely walks and challenging treks, making it the perfect place for our family to explore and create lasting memories.
The BEST Place for Glamping in Missouri: Echo Bluff State Park
Echo Bluff State Park is our favorite place to enjoy glamping in Missouri. The state park offers ideal lodging to enjoy the wild horses, canoeing, and family fun!
Lodging at Echo Bluff State Park:
You can choose from tent camping, RV stays, hotel rooms in the scenic lodge, or fully equipped cabins with one to four bedrooms, catering to all needs whether accessible or not. Our family opts for a three-night stay in a three-bedroom cabin.
One of the perks of staying in a cabin is having a kitchen. We prefer cooking our meals in our cabin, and the girls enjoy bringing their own appetizers for a buffet night. If cooking isn't your preference, the restaurant at Betty Lea Lodge offers excellent choices for all meals, along with a complimentary continental breakfast. The lodge's gift shop provides basic camping groceries, where we buy ice cream, and simple items like s'mores, snacks, and hot dogs. Tim's Bestway Foods and Dollar General in Eminence are additional grocery sources, along with several locally owned restaurants available in town.
Activities at Echo Bluff State Park:
Betty Lea Lodge, the centerpiece of the park offers bike rentals, a library filled with board games and books, and a spacious lobby with a fireplace, tables, and furniture for gathering. The spacious deck on the back of the lodge features chairs and picnic tables that offer breathtaking views of the bluff—a perfect spot for morning coffee or evening chats under the stars.
As the sun sets, guests gather around the large firepit behind the lodge. Many choose to roast marshmallows, sing camp songs, share stories, or relax by the fire.
Seasonally, the park comes alive with festive holiday events. Our girls had a blast trick-or-treating in the park during Halloween, and participating in the cabin decorating contest. We’ve also enjoyed the fall craft fair. With Thanksgiving and Christmas specials, along with other seasonal events, Echo Bluff hosts special events and activities year-round. Below, are some fun photos from the cabin decorating contest we won during Halloween 2020:
Outdoor Activities to Enjoy at Echo Bluff State Park:
Plan a float trip!
If you love fall foliage and wildlife, a float trip on the Current River or Jack's Fork is the best way to enjoy the scenery. We love Carr's Canoe Rental for their service and care. We've tried other local outfitters over the years and the number one reason we choose Carr's is their friendly, safe transportation to and from our spot. Choose a route based on what you want to see. We have stopped at Welch Hospital Ruins, many springs, and caves. You may choose half to full day routes, or even longer routes if you want to camp along the way.
Bike and Hike.
Echo Bluff State Park offers both paved and rugged trails. We pack bicycles every year, but they offer rentals as well. The park even offers a mountain bike trail for adventure enthusiasts. For avid hikers, the Current River Trail connects Echo Bluff State Park and Current River State Park. We love the variety of options for all skill levels, interests, and both short and long excursions.
Watch the Wild Horses:
However, one of the most special surprises at Echo Bluff State Park is the herd of wild horses that live in the area and frequent the park. Shannon County's Wild Horses are well known in Southern Missouri as they roam Echo Bluff State Park, Round Spring, Broadfoot, and Shawnee Creek. Seeing the horses is not a guarantee on your visit to the park, but rangers will offer tips as they are able. Specifically, visitors are asked not to feed or pet them and to let them live wild.
There are approximately 35 horses in two herds. Over the years, we have seen the horses at Echo Bluff State Park and Round Spring. If you ask the rangers at the state park, they will give updates on the horses. We frequently find them in the early morning at the state park, and mid-afternoon around Round Spring, though their habits are not consistent.
Nearby Attractions:
Echo Bluff State Park is just a short distance from Alley Mill, a beautiful historic mill on the National Register of Historic Places, Rocky Falls one of Southern Missouri's prettiest waterfalls, and Peck Ranch an elk preserve. The area is home to wildlife and we have observed otters, beavers, raccoons, deer, snakes, turtles, coyotes, foxes, bats, owls, bald eagles, and more on our annual treks.
This historic red mill is one of the prettiest sites in the Ozarks in the fall. Visits to the mill are free and you may take a self-guided tour to learn how the mill was used to grind wheat to flour. There are hiking trails around the mill and an overlook. This is a favorite place for fall photos.
This location is especially scenic in the fall. It is just a short distance from Alley Mill, a beautiful historic mill on the National Register of Historic Places, Rocky Falls one of Southern Missouri's prettiest waterfalls, and Peck Ranch an elk preserve.
Bonus:
Start planning your Eminence, Missouri getaway:
Recommended Reading:
This book is my favorite reference for Missouri's State Parks. Written by four skilled writers and lifelong conservationists, this beautiful book showcases the captivating history, beauty, and recreational importance of Missouri's state park system, which is ranked among the top four nationwide. The book includes hundreds of photographs and provides details on all 88 state parks and historic sites, featuring the nation's longest developed rails-to-trail project, homes of notable Missourians, Civil War battlefields, and other historical landmarks such as mills and covered bridges. The authors narrate the complete story of the park system, from its beginning in 1917 to the newest state park established in 2015, covering much of Missouri's history and its scenic and diverse landscape.
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