Missouri has 91 state park sand state historic sites, and one of our favorites thus far is Washington State Park in De Soto, Missouri. The park is about an hour southwest of St. Louis, making it a great getaway location to enjoy nature from the St. Louis area. The park is located on the outskirts of the Ozark region,diverse topography, great hiking opportunities, and nice views of the Ozark mountains. There is an assortment of facilities and natural areas, including rivers, cabins, camp sites, playgrounds, a pool, petroglyphs, a store, picnic spaces, trails, an amphitheater, and CCC structures. The assortment of facilities and natural areas offers opportunities to hike, camp, swim, bird watch, boat, picnic, participate in interpretive programs, fishing, floating, play on playgrounds, stay in cabins, and learn about Native Americans in the area.

Our most recent visit we camped in the park in the middle of the week and were able to enjoy some quiet as there were very few other visitors during the week. There was no one near our campsite, and we were greeted by a kitty visitor of sorts (we believe it was a bobcat based on the noises and the fact we thought we saw one earlier in the evening). The next day we drove throughout the park, and stopped off at an overlook that provided incredible views, the beach along the river, the lodge with its impressive masonry, and the petroglyphs. Our favorite part was definitely looking for the different images in the petroglyphs! We both thoroughly enjoyed our small getaway for the city with a night of camping, bonfires, kitty visits, and lovely mountain views.