Johnsons Shut-ins State Park Shelter

Open — The shelter is currently open and available for reservation year-round.

About

Johnson's Shut-Ins State Park Shelter is a reservable picnic facility located within Johnson's Shut-Ins State Park in the rugged St. Francois Mountains of Missouri's Ozarks. The park is named for its distinctive shut-ins, where the Black River flows through narrow channels of billion-year-old volcanic rock, creating natural water slides, pools, and rapids that are popular for swimming and wading during warmer months. The shelter provides a covered gathering space ideal for group picnics, family reunions, and day-use activities. Visitors to the park can enjoy access to miles of hiking and mountain biking trails, fishing for smallmouth bass in the Black River, rock climbing and rappelling opportunities, and interpretive programs about the area's unique geology and ecology. The park spans over 8,780 acres and is recognized as Missouri's most botanically diverse state park. Johnson's Shut-Ins State Park has a rich history and was significantly impacted by a reservoir breach in 2005 that reshaped portions of the landscape. The park has since been restored and rebuilt, with the shut-ins reopening for water recreation in 2009. The park offers full camping facilities in separate areas, along with cabins, a visitor center, camp stores, and extensive trail systems for hiking, backpacking, and horseback riding.

Directions

From Ironton, MO, head east on Russell Street toward S Knob Street for 0.2 miles. Turn left onto MO-21 N and continue for 4.3 miles. Follow MO-21 N to the left for another half mile, then turn left onto State Highway N. Drive 12.8 miles; Johnson's Shut-Ins State Park will be on the right.

Nearby Campgrounds