Places in the great outdoors to spend time with Dad

This Father's Day, get closer to dad by getting away from everything else.

If Dad (or Mom, for that matter) is the outdoorsy type, then consider reserving a spot at an area park or campground.

"Some of my best experiences with my father are from camping trips. They were always a blast, and I learned so many skills being out there," said Amanda Patrick, Shawnee National Forest public relations specialist. "Kids today think they can do everything on a phone or a game. Camping allows a kid to connect with dad and nature without these distractions."

It's in that vein we present to you the local camping hot spots, complete with information you need to get in touch with Mother Nature's wonders. As for pricing, camping fees for Missouri state parks range from $13 to $26; Shawnee National Forest fees are $10 to $36.

Johnson's Shut-ins State Park

Johnson’s Shut-ins State Park (Photo courtesy Missouri State Parks)

Johnson's Shut-ins State Park near Lesterville, Mo., has bounced back after being damaged by the collapse of the Taum Sauk reservoir. Campers can swim in the shallows of the East Fork of the Black River or explore the shut-ins themselves. Multiuse hiking and equestrian trails wind through the Ozark Mountains and expose millions of years of geological history. The park offers walk-in, basic, electric, sewer/electric/water and equestrian electric/water campsites. Services include a restroom and shower facilities, laundry and a woodlot. The campground store is near the center of the campground, and carries an assortment of items and free Wi-Fi. Go to mostateparks.com/park/johnsons-shut-ins-state-park or call 573-546-2450 for more park information.

Shawnee National Forest

Bob Myrick’s grandson Kyle stands on the huge rocks high above the ground below at Garden of the Gods near Harrisburg, Ill., in the Shawnee National Forest. (Bob Myrick ~ Submitted photo)

The Shawnee National Forest near Harrisburg, Ill., can be explored on horseback, or you can grab a backpack and hike the 160-mile River to River Trail. Rock climbing and rappelling are permitted in several designated areas. Camping is available at designated areas throughout the forest and is the site of a former Civilian Conservation Corps camp.

"Old foundations and fireplace chimneys are all that remain, and they give the campgrounds lots of character," Patrick said. "You have the aquatic activities and beauty here, but also our Garden of the Gods, Little Grand Canyon and caves to check out."

Go to fs.usda.gov/main/shawnee/home or call 618-253-7114 for more information on camping and other activities at Shawnee.

Trail of Tears State Park

Trail of Tears State Park (Southeast Missourian file photo)

Trail of Tears State Park in Cape Girardeau County is a 3,415-acre park and memorial to the Cherokee Indians who lost their lives in a forced relocation. It's also a place for campers to participate in a variety of outdoors adventures, including hiking, backpacking, fishing and picnicking.

"We have everything here that the other camping spots have, but we also have the history you can learn about," said visitors center representative Josh Trbovich. "Lake Boutin and the entertainment at the lodge are also unique to our park. And we have great campground hosts who are always ready to help and answer your questions. Just be sure to learn how to identify poison ivy before you camp. You don't want to end up leaving itchy."

The park offers basic, electric and sewer/electric/water campsites and a special-use camping area. Services include a dump station, showers and laundry. Campers are encouraged to buy firewood on-site. Go to mostateparks.com/park/trail-tears-state-park or call 290-5268 for more park and reservation information.

Taum Sauk Mountain State Park

Taum Sauk Mountain State Park (Photo courtesy Missouri State Parks)

Taum Sauk Mountain State Park, southwest of Ironton, Mo., provides campers 7,448 acres of solitude amid unspoiled land with a wilderness quality that is hard to find. Located in the St. Francois Mountains, Taum Sauk Mountain is the highest point in Missouri. Mina Saul Falls, within the park, is the tallest wet-weather waterfall in Missouri. The park is tent camping only, and offers basic walk-in campsites along with a special-use camping area. For more information about the mountain, call 573-546-2450 or go to mostateparks.com/park/taum-sauk-mountain-state-park.

Sam A. Baker State Park

The Schaper family, of Farmington, Mo., visits Sam A. Baker State Park. (Photo courtesy Missouri State Parks)

Sam A. Baker State Park near Patterson, Mo., is nestled among ancient mountains and towering trees, and the park features wooded hiking trails that range from easy to difficult. Campers can cool off in the waters of the St. Francois River and Big Creek, and a lodge at the park serves old-fashioned food favorites to satisfy even the biggest appetite.

"It's just a wonderful family atmosphere out here, and so peaceful and calm even when we get full," said Jody Pence, manager of the lodge and rentals. "Cellphones do not work here, and most people appreciate that when they come."

The park has rustic cabins, a campground and a separate campground for equestrians. Services include modern restrooms, laundry and shower houses. For more about the park, call 573-856-4411 or go to mostateparks.com/park/sam-baker-state-park.

Castor River Conservation Area

Castor River (Photo courtesy Missouri Department of Conservation)

Castor River Conservation Area, south of Marble Hill in Bollinger County, is home to Blue Pond, the deepest natural pond in Missouri. You can explore the area by foot, bike or even horseback on one of the six multiuse trails.

"The Castor River is always a popular place to camp during the summer, and for good reason. It makes for a fantastic backdrop to an outdoor vacation," said Missouri Department of Conservation media specialist Candice Davis. "One thing campers do need to be aware of is black bears. Take extra precautions to lock everything up in a vehicle, even lotions and soaps. Bears are generally afraid of humans, so you should be safe if you lock things up."

Primitive camping is also an option for expert campers and nature lovers. For more on the area and the river, call 290-5730 or go to mdc.mo.gov.

Clearwater Lake

Clearwater Lake in Piedmont, Mo., and its dam were built in 1942 for flood control. It's now one of the largest tourist attractions in Southeast Missouri, drawing more than a million people a year for camping, boating, fishing and swimming. It features cabins and public campgrounds with electricity, with camping fees ranging from $14 to $20 a night. For more information on the lake, go to clearwaterlake.org.

jsamons@semissourian.com

388-3641

Pertinent address:

429 Moccasin Springs, Jackson, MO

Route 1, Box 18150, Patterson, MO

375 Twin Rivers Road, Lesterville, MO

148 Taum Sauk Trail, Middlebrook, MO

Highway HH, Piedmont, MO

50 Hwy 145 South, Harrisburg, IL