JEFFERSON CITY, MO., JUNE 22, 2011 -- The Fourth of July weekend is a good time to celebrate our nation's freedom, enjoy fishing or boating on one of Missouri's many lakes, and go camping with friends and family in a Missouri state park.
This year's three-day weekend should provide lots of time for fishing, boating, swimming, relaxing and enjoying nature and Missouri's 85 state parks and historic sites provide lots of opportunities to do them all.
"The Fourth of July is all about remembering our past and making new memories with family and friends. Missouri state parks are the perfect place to do both," said Bill Bryan, Missouri State Parks director, division of the Missouri Department of Natural Resources.
Remember the reason for the celebration and you can do so with a visit to one of many state historic sites. You may visit a Civil War site such as Battle of Lexington State Historic Site in Lexington or learn about all of our state's history with a tour through theMissouri State Museum exhibits within the State Capitol in Jefferson City.
Long weekends and hot summer sun make boating on one of Missouri's lakes the perfect solution. In southwestern Missouri, you can choose from a variety of lakes, including Stockton, Pomme de Terre, Truman, Table Rock and Lake of the Ozarks. All have state parks located on the lakes for easy access to the water. Bring your own boat or rent whatever you need at one of the full-service marinas.
At Stockton State Park, try your hand at sailing with the lake's steady breeze, or fishing in the lake's remarkably clear water. At Table Rock State Park, take a cruise on the Spirit of America catamaran or try your hand at mountain biking on the new award-winning White River Valley Trail. There are plenty of coves at both Pomme de Terre and Truman lakes for a relaxing day of fishing for bass, walleye, catfish and crappie. At Lake of the Ozarks State Park, check out the services of the marina and try a mini vacation on a houseboat.
The Fourth of July weekend would not be complete without camping under the stars. Forty state parks across the state have campgrounds with facilities to fit everyone's needs, from secluded walk-in sites to campsites with full hookups for today's modern campers. For a campsite with easy access to a lake, try camping at Pomme de Terre State Park near Hermitage, Harry S Truman State Park near Warsaw, Stockton State Park nearStockton, Lake of the Ozarks State Park near Kasier, and Table Rock State Park near Branson.
For another type of camping adventure, try camping at Knob Noster State Parknear Knob Noster. Camp in the shady campground with both basic and electric sites and enjoy a family storytelling session around the campfire with s'mores. Before you camp under the stars, learn all about the stars above you at the park's interpretive program on astronomy.
There is still time to reserve your campsite for the Fourth of July weekend at many state parks. You can make reservations up to two days in advance by calling toll free at 877-ICampMO (877-422-6766) from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. CT seven days a week or visitmostateparks.com 24 hours a day.
By making your camping reservation now, you can be sure your perfect camping spot is waiting for you for a perfect Fourth of July weekend. For more information on state parks, call the Missouri Department of Natural Resources at 800-334-6946 (voice) or800-379-2419 (Telecommunications Device for the Deaf) or visit mostateparks.com.
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