Big Oak Tree State Park Shelters

About

Big Oak Tree State Park protects a rare remnant of the vast bottomland hardwood forests that once covered southeast Missouri's floodplains. Towering hickory trees and oaks form a canopy averaging more than 120 feet in height, creating a landscape that transports visitors back to when the region was known as "Swampeast Missouri." The park's 1,029 acres include an 80-acre core of old-growth forest that was preserved in 1938 after local citizens raised funds to protect these champion trees. The park offers a reservable picnic shelter equipped with electricity, water, eight picnic tables, and two grills, accommodating up to 48 people. The shelter is shaded by centuries-old trees and located near a playground and vault toilets. A self-guided boardwalk trail allows visitors to explore the marshy terrain and observe the diverse wildlife that thrives in this protected habitat. The park serves as an important refuge for species dependent on southern coastal plain ecosystems, making it both a recreational destination and a significant natural area in Missouri's conservation landscape.

Directions

From East Prairie, Missouri, take Highway 80 east, then turn right onto Highway 102 south. The park is approximately 10 miles from the Highway 80/102 junction.