Mastodon State Historic Site Shelters
Open for reservations. Nonprofit organizations and youth groups have priority, but the area is open to the general public when not reserved. Fee is $2 per person per night. Reserve by calling the park office.
Severe Thunderstorm Watch issued June 11 at 6:01PM CDT until June 11 at 9:00PM CDT by NWS St Louis MO
SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WATCH 314 REMAINS VALID UNTIL 9 PM CDT THIS EVENING FOR THE FOLLOWING AREAS IN ILLINOIS THIS WATCH INCLUDES 7 COUNTIES IN SOUTHWEST ILLINOIS CALHOUN GREENE JERSEY MACOUPIN MADISON MONROE SAINT CLAIR IN MISSOURI THIS WATCH INCLUDES 20 COUNTIES IN CENTRAL MISSOURI AUDRAIN BOONE CALLAWAY COLE MONITEAU OSAGE IN EAST CENTRAL MISSOURI CRAWFORD FRANKLIN GASCONADE JEFFERSON LINCOLN MONTGOMERY SAINT CHARLES SAINT LOUIS SAINT LOUIS CITY WARREN WASHINGTON IN NORTHEAST MISSOURI MONROE PIKE RALLS THIS INCLUDES THE CITIES OF ALTON, BELLEVILLE, BOWLING GREEN, CAHOKIA, COLUMBIA, EDWARDSVILLE, FULTON, JEFFERSON CITY, MEXICO, SAINT CHARLES, SAINT LOUIS, SULLIVAN, UNION, AND WASHINGTON.
About
Located in Jefferson County south of St. Louis, Mastodon State Historic Site Shelters provides a primitive group camping experience adjacent to one of North America's most significant archaeological sites. The special-use camping area prioritizes nonprofit organizations and youth groups, but when not reserved, it opens to the general public. Facilities include vault toilets, running water, picnic tables, and fire rings for campfires. The historic site itself features the Kimmswick Bone Bed, where in 1979 archaeologists discovered a stone spear point embedded among mastodon bones, providing the first definitive evidence that humans hunted mastodons in eastern North America during the Ice Age. Campers can explore three hiking trails, including one leading directly to the excavation site, and visit the on-site museum housing a mastodon skeleton replica and artifacts. A wildflower garden attracts birds and butterflies throughout the warmer months. Reservations are made directly through the park office rather than online. The camping area is tent-only with no electricity, making it ideal for groups seeking an unplugged outdoor experience near significant natural and human history.
Directions
From St. Louis, take I-55 south to exit 186 (Imperial Main Street). Turn west and follow signs to the park at 1050 Charles J. Becker Drive, Imperial, MO 63052.
Nearby Campgrounds
Amenities
| Water | Yes |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | Yes |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | — |
| Water Hookups | — |
| Sewer Hookups | — |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $45 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | — |
| Max Trailer Length | — |
| Big Rig Friendly | No |
| Pull Through Sites | No |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (636) 464-2976 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | Yes |
| Verizon | Yes |
| T-Mobile | Yes |
Availability
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