Mo. Code Regs. tit. 10 § 90-2.030

Current through Register Vol. 49, No. 23, December 2, 2024

Section 10 CSR 90-2.030 - Camping and Recreational Activities

PURPOSE: This amendment updates the changes made to the reservation system. This amendment also includes what is prohibited.

(1) Any violation of the general rules, regulations, division policies, and state statutes occurring in a campground in any state park or historic site shall also be a violation of our campground management rules.

(2) Camping Fee. A separate camping fee shall be charged for each camping day a designated campsite, overflow or other camping area is occupied. The fee is charged on the basis of available utilities, whether used or not. Methods of collection (site to site, office, fee booth, etc.) for each campground shall be posted as public information. Camping permits once issued and paid for are nontransferable.

(3) Camping Areas. Camping areas are for overnight camping only. Camping is permitted only on designated campsites, overflow camping areas, and other camping areas, unless otherwise authorized by the director or his designee.

(4) Campsite Capacities.

(A) The allowable and acceptable occupancy on one campsite is as follows: Two sleeping units, only one of which can be wheeled, and one additional non-sleeping mode of transportation vehicle; or two tents and two non-sleeping modes of transportation vehicles. The facility manager must approve this and any other exceptions to the campsite capacity limits.

(B) Six people is the maximum number allowed per campsite, unless the group is defined as indivisible.

1. Indivisible. A group of persons, campers, tents and vehicles that cannot be reasonably divided to occupy more than one site. Examples: Parent(s) or guardian(s) with minor children or dependents; or a single motorized camper with its occupants.

(C) Vehicles and Trailer Wheels. All wheeled vehicles and trailers (boat, etc.) must be confined to the campsite parking pads or other designated parking areas. Unless otherwise provided under the special management regulations, no wheeled vehicles or trailers shall be allowed to park on the grass or along campground roads.

(D) Capacities may be limited by campsite design.

(E) Only one electric plug-in is allowed at each campsite.

(5) Campsite Availability. Reservations are accepted for most campsites during a certain portion of the year. Unreserved and nonreservable campsites are available on a walk-up registration basis. A valid camping permit documents reservation and takes priority as evidence and first right of occupancy for the standard camping day in the event the campsite is inadvertently occupied by anyone other than the original holder of the camping reservation.

(6) Quiet Hours. Campground quiet hours are between 10:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m. All non-campers must leave the campground by 10:00 p.m. This regulation prohibits any excessive or disruptive noises that are defined as noise emanating from radios, stereo systems, televisions, electric generators, loud conversations, etc., which can be heard by other persons not on the same campsite or same general area. The use of excessive or disruptive noises applies elsewhere and is not permitted between the hours of 6:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m. also, unless otherwise allowed by the facility manager.

(7) Camping Limits. Camping is limited to any 15 days within a 30 consecutive day period at one park, unless otherwise provided by special management regulations. This limit applies to any individual, group and/or camping unit.

(8) Unattended Property. Campers shall not be allowed to leave personal property unattended on a campsite for more than 24 hours without written permission from the facility manager or his/her designee. Such permission shall be given only in special circumstances such as medical emergencies or equipment failure.

(9) Holding or Reserving a Campsite.

(A) In addition to a camper's own campsite, one additional campsite may be held for another camper anticipated to arrive later that same day, providing substantial personal property is placed on the campsite. The fee for the additional campsite must be paid and the permit posted.

(B) Reservable campsites shall not be occupied without a reservation, or directions from the park staff. A camping reservation may be forfeited if the camper has not arrived and has not made contact with park staff to arrange for late arrival by 3 p.m. on the day after the camper's scheduled arrival date.

(10) Camping Services. The facility manager will post in plain view of arriving campers an enumerated list of camping services and the inclusive dates and times those services are offered.

(11) Campsites Designated for Persons with Disabilities. Campsites designed for persons with disabilities may only be reserved by a party that includes at least one (1) person with a disability. Same-day camping permits for these sites may be issued to parties that do not include a person with a disability when all other campsites of the same type (basic, electric, sewer/electric, sewer/electric/water) have been sold. Such permits will allow the party to occupy the campsite designated for persons with disabilities for the duration of their stay.

(12) Campsites Designated for Persons with Disabilities. A campsite designed for persons with disabilities may be sold to campers without disabilities when all of the particular types (basic, electric, sewer/electric) of campsite have been sold. A camper without disabilities may occupy the campsite for persons with disabilities for the duration of his/her camping stay on a day-by-day basis if a similar campsite is not available. Should a camper with disabilities arrive prior to 6:00 p.m., the camper without disabilities shall be required to move to a similar campsite if available.

(13) Special Use Camp Areas.

(A) Special use camp areas may be reserved up to twelve (12) months in advance online or by contacting the applicable facility. Priority shall be given to nonprofit, youth organizations, and/or applications based on date of submission if more than one (1) request is received simultaneously.

(14) Special Use Camp Areas.

(A) Special use camp areas are assigned on a "first-come first-served" basis or may be reserved by phone or mail.

(B) Camping fees shall be determined by the director.

(15) Equestrian Camping.

(A) Equestrian campers must camp in designated equestrian camping areas.

(B) Animals are the responsibility of their owners and must comply with all health and safety laws and regulations.

(16) General Camping Rules.

(A) The following are prohibited:

1. Occupying a campsite without a valid camping permit;

2. Discharging of sewage or treated water, commonly referred to as "grey water," from tents, campers, or recreational vehicles, except at designated locations;

3. Fires outside of the fire pits, barbecue grills (where provided), and other locations approved by the facility manager;

4. Leaving a fire unattended;

5. Hanging of lanterns on trees or shrubs;

6. Trenching around tent camps for protection against water or wind damage; and

7. Using electronic insect killing devices.

(17) General Camping Rules.

(A) No sewage or treated water, commonly referred to as "grey water," shall be discharged from tents, campers or recreational vehicles except at designated locations.

(B) Fires shall be attended to at all times and restricted to fire pits, barbecue grills, where provided, or at locations approved by the facility manager. Fires may be prohibited throughout the park by special order of the facility manager when fire conditions warrant.

(C) Lanterns shall not be hung on trees or shrubs.

(D) Trenching around tent camps for protection against water or wind damage shall not be permitted.

(E) At Finger Lakes State Park intoxicating liquor and/or non-intoxicating beer may be possessed only in designated camping areas and only by persons who have paid the appropriate camping fee.

(18) Swimming.

(A) No person shall swim, bathe or otherwise enter any waters owned by, leased to, or under the control of the division, including designated swimming areas, unless otherwise posted or as directed by the facility manager or designee. Special warnings and restrictions may apply.

(B) No person shall dress or undress on any beach, state building, or other place in any state park area, except in bath houses, personal camping units, or structures provided and maintained for that purpose. Swimmers and bathers shall be dressed at all times in proper attire that conforms to commonly accepted social standards.

(C) No person shall throw, cast, lay or deposit any glass, crockery, or any part thereof, or any metallic substance in any swimming area in any state park or historic site.

(D) No person, dogs or pets shall wash or be washed with or without soap or other cleansers in swimming areas or any waters under the control of the director. Dogs and pets are not allowed in designated swimming beaches, or as otherwise posted.

(E) Swimming beaches and pools may be closed to the public and bathing therein be prohibited at any time when, in the opinion of the facility manager or concessionaire, bathing is dangerous or otherwise inadvisable.

(F) Possession of intoxicating liquor and/or non-intoxicating beer is prohibited in any designated swimming area or adjacent parking lots, or other areas as posted.

(G) Every person shall comply with posted rules at designated swim areas.

(H) Fishing and boating are permitted only outside designated swim areas.

(19) Picnic Areas and Use. Areas are designated for picnicking to include such amenities as parking, picnic tables, fire grills, and restrooms. Picnicking is permitted in any state park or historic site in areas set apart and designated for that purpose. No fires are permitted except in personal campstoves or grills provided by the park or site for outdoor cooking. Picnicking is not permitted in designated campgrounds, except with permission of the facility manager or designee.

(A) Use of grills, tables and benches generally follows the rule of first-come first-served, but no person or group shall use any picnic area, shelter or facility to the exclusion of other persons for an unreasonable time if facilities are crowded, except as allowed by 10 CSR 90-2.030(28). Determination of what is unreasonable shall be at the discretion of the facility manager.

(B) To maintain cleanliness and reduce fire hazard, each picnic party shall see that its fire is completely extinguished before the area is vacated, unless it is to be used by others and that all trash, such as boxes, cans, papers, bottles, garbage and other refuse is placed in receptacles provided for that purpose.

(20) Horses, donkeys and mules are permitted only in designated areas within state parks and historic sites and are not permitted in camping areas, picnic areas, or other public use areas. Horses, donkeys and mules shall have a rider on them or they shall be tied in a designated area. Horses, donkeys and mules shall not be ridden on foot trails, through streams, off designated trails, or tied to trees without the permission of the facility manager. In those facilities that require a rider's permit or that seasonally close riding trails or areas, it is the responsibility of the rider to obtain the proper permit.

(A) Equestrian owners or riders must show proof of current negative Coggins test (equine infectious anemia) upon request by appropriate park personnel and can be denied access to the facilities if such proof cannot be provided.

(B) In those undeveloped areas where horseback riding is permitted at random, horses, donkeys and mules shall be properly restrained, ridden with due care and shall not be permitted to graze unattended.

(21) Hunting. Rules relating to hunting in Missouri state parks and historic sites are governed by Chapter 252 and 253.200, RSMo and the Wildlife Code of Missouri, as hereafter amended. Hunting, trapping or the pursuit of wildlife is forbidden at all times in all parks and historic sites. Spotlighting wildlife by flashlight, floodlight, or vehicle headlights is prohibited unless under the guidance of a park employee. No individual shall use or discharge weapons of any type in any state park or historic site, without written permission of the director with the following exception:

(A) Hunting shall be permitted in designated areas of Missouri's state parks only during periods of special hunts, which shall be sponsored jointly by the Department of Natural Resources' Division of State Parks and the Department of Conservation to control or prevent animal overpopulation or to control or prevent problems related to overpopulation such as damage to natural resources, property damage or public health hazards. Due to the changing locations of these hunts and conditions for hunting, the policies governing them shall be developed and announced jointly by the division and the Missouri Department of Conservation prior to the designated hunts.

(22) Fishing. Fishing shall be permitted in waters of state parks and historic sites under applicable provisions of the Missouri Wildlife Code.

(A) All state fishing laws and boating laws shall be obeyed; commercial fishing or the buying or selling of fish caught in park waters is forbidden.

(B) Fishing may be prohibited in certain areas as designated by the director and upon the proper posting of these areas.

(C) In addition to applicable provisions of the Missouri Wildlife Code, the director may establish special fishing regulations for waters owned or under the jurisdiction of the Department of Natural Resources.

(23) Shelter Houses. Open shelters and/or enclosed shelters may be provided in the day use areas of Missouri's state parks and state historic sites.

(A) Open and enclosed shelters may be reserved up to twelve (12) months in advance online or by contacting the applicable facility or contracted concessionaire, with full payment being made at time of reservation.

(B) No watercraft shall be launched into or removed from any park waters, tied to trees or land objects, except at places that are designated for this use. No privately owned boat or watercraft of any kind shall be left by its owner in park waters (waters totally owned by the Department of Natural Resources) in excess of 24 hours without written permission of the facility manager or designee.

(C) No person other than a concessionaire or employee of the division shall be permitted to rent, hire, or operate for charge any kind of boat or watercraft, whether powered or not, on any park waters.

(D) The director may establish limits for the horsepower of outboard motors that may be operated in park waters.

(E) On waters managed under agreement with the Department of Conservation, special regulations specified in 3 CSR 10-4.116 also apply and may be enforced by park staff.

(F) Those sections in Chapter 306, RSMo, as may hereafter be amended, not inconsistent with this code are hereby adopted by reference for Missouri state parks and historic sites and may be enforced by park staff.

(24) State Park and Historic Site Concessions.

(A) Cabins and Other Lodgings. The normal operating season, days, and times for state park cabins, motels, and other lodgings shall be established by the director when the division operates as the concessionaire or by contract between the department and a facility's concessionaire.

(B) Reservations. Requests for lodging reservations shall be made with the park concessionaire. Reservations shall be confirmed upon payment of a deposit in the amount of the first night's lodging. The lodging policy for concessions operating motels, cabins, duplexes, suites, or any type of lodging, meeting, conference space, shall be reviewed by the division director or his/her representative for approval on an annual basis at the same time price changes are reviewed.

(C) Cabins, motels, and other lodgings shall not be guaranteed for occupancy before 3:00 p.m. and check-out time is 11:00 a.m.

(D) Dining Lodges. The normal operating season for state park dining lodges is established by the director when the division operates as the concessionaire or by contract between the department and a facility's concessionaire.

(E) Marinas. The normal operating days and seasons for state park marinas are established by the director when the division operates as the concessionaire or by contract between the department and a facility's concessionaire.

(F) Swimming Pools and Beaches. The normal operating days and seasons for state park swimming pools and beaches are established by the director when the division operates as the concessionaire or by contract between the department and a facility's concessionaire. Swimming pools and beaches may be closed due to hazardous conditions or in the event of inclement weather.

(G) Other concessions shall be open as approved by the director.

(H) Concessionaires shall provide the director with an annual pricing review, comparing concession prices with those of direct competitors for equivalent goods and services, i.e., for lodging, watercraft slips and rentals, etc.

(25) Shelter Houses. Open shelters and/or enclosed shelters may be provided in the day use areas of Missouri's state parks and historic sites. These shelters may be reserved for guarantee of use by contacting the facility manager of the park or historic site concerned. Requests for reservations shall be accompanied by a cashier's check, money order, personal check, cash, or credit card equal in amount to the fee for use of the facility. Reservations canceled less than seven days prior to the day of the reservation will cause forfeiture of the reservation fee.

(A) The open shelters, when not reserved, shall be available for free use on a first-come first-served basis.

(B) Fees for the guarantee of use of the open and enclosed shelters shall be established by the division and posted within the park or historic site.

(C) Open and enclosed shelters must be vacated by 10:00 p.m. daily or earlier if the shelter is located in an area that closes before 10:00 p.m.

(D) An individual from the reserving group of an enclosed shelter shall contact the park or historic site personnel to arrange that the building is unlocked prior to the agreed upon time of use and locked after the use of the building.

(26) Historic Structures. Fees charged for entrance to historic sites, their associated structures, museums or features shall be established by the director of the Department of Natural Resources and shall be posted at the historic sites alongside the hours of operations. The following rules shall apply to all state historic sites or buildings:

(A) Smoking is not permitted in any state historic building, structure or museum except in areas so designated for the public or upon permission of the facility manager or director; and

(B) Consumption or introduction of foods or drinks in any state historic building is prohibited unless in areas so designated for the public or upon permission of the facility manager or the director.

(27) Off-Road Vehicle (ORV) Areas.

(A) ORV areas are located in Finger Lakes and St. Joe state parks.

(B) Only ATVs and motorcycles may be operated in ORV areas, except that the operation of other vehicles be permitted with the proper authorization. Other motorized vehicles are specifically prohibited on wooded trails at St. Joe State Park, except for maintenance and rescue operations.

(C) Passengers are not permitted on ATVs or motorcycles. Where permitted, other motorized vehicles may carry as many passengers as there are seat positions provided that all passengers are seatbelted.

(D) Operators of ATVs and motorcycles must wear protective helmets that meet United States Department of Transportation or ANSI Z90.1 certification. Operators and passengers of other motorized vehicles without fully enclosed metal cabs must also wear such protective helmets.

(E) Motorized vehicles, except motorcycles, must be equipped with a flexible mast, minimum of 72 inches in length, with a day-glow orange or yellow flag measuring at least 72 square inches displayed at the top of the mast.

(F) All ATVs and motorcycles must be equipped with a spark arrestor, functioning brakes and muffler designed so that the noise level does not exceed 86 dbA.

(G) Before entering the off-road vehicle (ORV) area, each off-road vehicle may be inspected by park staff for compliance with the safety equipment requirements.

(H) The speed limit within the staging area or the entrance road to the ORV area shall be five miles per hour. No exhibition driving will be allowed within these areas. The speed limit in the designated buffer area between the staging area and the ORV riding area shall be 20 miles per hour.

(I) Operators under 16 years of age and/or unlicensed operators must have direct supervision of a licensed adult while operating a motorcycle or ATV. Persons under 12 years of age may not operate three-wheeled ATVs.

(J) Use of or being under the influence of alcohol or drugs while operating an ATV or motorcycle is prohibited.

(K) Persons under 16 years of age should not operate any ATV that the manufacturer recommends be operated only by an adult.

(L) Access to the lakes in the ORV area at St. Joe State Park shall be provided to persons for the purpose of fishing only. Vehicle access requires a pass to be obtained from park staff. The pass may be revoked for unauthorized conduct.

(M) Open or closed containers of intoxicating liquor and/or non-intoxicating beer are prohibited in ORV areas, staging areas, entrance roads, and other areas designated for ORV operation.

(N) At St. Joe and Finger Lakes state parks, a use permit will be required for each ORV operated in the ORV area. The director shall establish the types of permits and the permit fee.

(O) ATVs and motorcycles shall be unloaded and loaded only on designated locations within the ORV areas. ATVs and motorcycles are prohibited on the beaches, beach access trails and paved roads.

(P) Areas within the ORV area may be posted as closed to vehicle traffic for emergencies or due to other management practices.

(28) Use of Pedal-Powered or Electric-Assisted Vehicles. To facilitate accessibility to the public, the use of pedal-powered and electrically assisted pedal-powered vehicles is permitted on all trails designated for bicycle use. Powered-mobility vehicles are permitted on all trails designated for pedestrians. Permitted use does not infer that trails meet standards in accordance with the Americans With Disabilities Act unless they are so designated. Pedacycles or other vehicles which use gasoline or other hydrocarbon fuels are specifically prohibited from operation on such trails, unless being used by park staff or emergency response personnel for maintenance or public safety concerns.

(29) Other Recreational Activities.

(A) State parks and historic sites provide opportunities for our visitors to engage in varied recreational activities. However, the division maintains the right to prohibit or otherwise restrict recreational activities that are not in keeping with the mission and objectives of the Department of Natural Resources, that may damage property, that require special safety measures, or that conflict with other uses of an area. Such prohibitions or restrictions shall be determined by the director, who may establish policy or procedures to regulate conduct.

(B) Specific recreational activities that are restricted by policy include using metal detectors, caving, rock climbing and rappelling, diving, and conducting special events and activities.

(C) Additional recreational activities may be restricted by policies established after the effective date of this provision and/or by signage.

10 CSR 90-2.030

AUTHORITY: section 253.035, RSMo 2000.* This version of rule filed Dec. 31, 1975, effective 1/10/1976. Amended: Filed Jan. 16, 1978, effective 5/11/1978. Amended: Filed May 29, 1981, effective 9/11/1981. Amended: Filed June 10, 1981, effective 9/11/1981. Amended: Filed March 31, 1982, effective 8/12/1982. Amended: Filed Dec. 14, 1983, effective 3/12/1984. Amended: Filed Jan. 11, 1984, effective 5/11/1984. Amended: Filed April 5, 1985, effective 6/27/1985. Amended: Filed March 18, 1987, effective 7/23/1987. Emergency amendment filed April 10, 1987, effective 4/20/1987, expired 7/15/1987. Rescinded and readopted: Filed Oct. 26, 2000, effective 6/30/2001.

Amended by Missouri Register January 17, 2023/Volume 48, Number 2, effective 2/28/2023

*Original authority: 253.035, RSMo 1961, amended 1967, 1983, 1993, 1995.