Missouri state parks to waive camping fees for Joplin tornado victims

 The following news release was issued this afternoon by the Missouri Department of Natural Resources:

Missouri State Parks will waive all camping fees in three state parks for families displaced by the recent tornado in Joplin area.    

            "We are doing what we can to assist these families and individuals who may have lost their homes. By waiving the camping fees, these individuals can camp free of charge in three state parks in southwest Missouri; it is one way we can help them,” said Bill Bryan, director of the Missouri Department of Natural Resources' Division of State Parks.

            Camping fees will be waived at Roaring River State Park near Cassville, Table Rock State Park near Branson and Stockton State Park near Stockton in southwest Missouri. The waiver applies to all Missouri residents who are victims of the tornado outbreak in state-declared disaster counties of Jasper and Newton counties. The waiver will apply for 30 days, after which time each situation will be re-evaluated to determine if the stay needs to be extended.

            Camping will be offered on available campsites on a first-come, first-served basis. Campers will need to bring their own camping equipment and other supplies. If necessary, free camping will be extended to additional state park campgrounds.

            People requesting the fee waiver should provide documentation from a governmental or charitable organization certifying that they have been displaced by the tornado.  

            Displaced individuals seeking a place to camp should contact the park superintendent at Roaring River State Park at (417-847-2539), Table Rock State Park (417-334-4704) or Stockton State Park (417-276-4259) to make arrangements for camping.

Camping waivers also remain in place for victims displaced by recent flooding along the Mississippi River. For southeast Missouri residents, camping waivers are available at Trail of Tears State Park near Jackson and Lake Wappapello State Park near Williamsville.

For more information about Missouri state park campgrounds, call 800-334-6946 (voice) or 800-379-2419 (Telecommunications Device for the Deaf) or visit mostateparks.com.