Hawn State Park Missouri
Discover Hawn State Park's serene beauty, featuring unique granite formations, challenging trails, and a peaceful campground.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Ideal weather for hiking
Hawn State Park Missouri
Best Time
Ideal weather for hiking
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover Hawn State Park's serene beauty, featuring unique granite formations, challenging trails, and a peaceful campground.
"A must-see is the Pickle Creek Natural Area hike. It's two miles but lots to see and explore."
👟 Sturdy Footwear is Key
Trails are rocky and can have downed trees. Wear good hiking boots for a safer and more enjoyable experience .
📶 Cell Service is Limited
Expect 1 bar of service. Head to the park office for free WiFi if you need to connect .
Quick Facts
Rating
4.8 · 960 reviews
Type
State Park
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Pickle Creek Natural Area
Trailhead near campground
A 2-mile loop with stunning granite rock formations and a charming creek. A must-see for its unique beauty and exploration opportunities .
Whispering Pines Trail
Various access points
Experience the park's serene beauty with this trail, offering peaceful walks through the woods and along rocky streams.
Overlook Walkway
Near Park Office
Enjoy panoramic views of the park's landscape from this accessible walkway, perfect for a quick scenic stop.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Trails
Campground Comforts
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Final, chilly backpacking trip of the year to Hawn State Park, MO
Myself and 4 friends took a trip to Hawn State Park in Ste. Genevieve MO to hike the Whispering Pines Trail. We intended to take the east side of the north and south loops to campsite 3, but missed a fork and ended up taking the shortcut connector through the north loop which…
👟 Sturdy Footwear is Key
Trails are rocky and can have downed trees. Wear good hiking boots for a safer and more enjoyable experience.
📶 Cell Service is Limited
Expect 1 bar of service. Head to the park office for free WiFi if you need to connect.
Hawn state park, Mo
Yes! St. Louisian here. Hawn (and neighboring Pickle Springs) are probably my favorite places to hike and camp within a couple hours of St. Louis.
Hiking Whispering Pines Trail at Hawn State Park. Probably my favorite trail I've hiked so far, what's yours?
Ok, going to have to add Hawn SP to my list. Thanks for sharing! Have you been to Turkey Run SP in Indiana? Those were my favorite trails I hiked last year.
💧 Pack Plenty of Water
Especially important for longer hikes like Pickle Creek. Stay hydrated on the trails.
📸 Capture the Granite
The park's unique granite formations are a photographer's dream. Don't forget your camera!
Anything cool to see around Ste. Genevieve and Chester IL? Wanna find something else to visit during the Eclipse
I'm thinking about heading down to that area to watch the eclipse. Are there any sites/restaurants worth checking out? Still debating on if I want to be surrounded by a bunch of others watching or if I want to go out on a trail to watch by myself. I do see that [Ste. Gen is…
Tips
from all over the internet
👟 Sturdy Footwear is Key
Trails are rocky and can have downed trees. Wear good hiking boots for a safer and more enjoyable experience.
📶 Cell Service is Limited
Expect 1 bar of service. Head to the park office for free WiFi if you need to connect.
💧 Pack Plenty of Water
Especially important for longer hikes like Pickle Creek. Stay hydrated on the trails.
📸 Capture the Granite
The park's unique granite formations are a photographer's dream. Don't forget your camera!
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about Hawn State Park's stunning natural beauty, particularly the unique granite formations and the scenic Pickle Creek Natural Area. The campground is praised for its cleanliness and amenities like individual showers. However, some find the trails more challenging than expected due to rocky terrain and downed trees, and cell service is notoriously poor.
"Beautiful park. Really nice campground. Clean bathrooms and individual showers. Firewood and ice can be purchased from camground host. They have stickers, patches and walking stick medallions. Verizon cell service was 1 bar and not very good. If you go to the top of the hill its a better signal. They also have free WiFi at the park office. A must see is the pickle creek natural area hike. It's two miles but lots to see and explore."
Scott Lueck
"We did the Pickle Creek trail and had a lot of fun. Beautiful trail alongside the creek. Lots of rocks and roots to navigate but it just made it more interesting. There were restrooms with pit toilets in the parking lot, not terrible but not great either. Looked like there were nice picnic areas, but we didn't use them."
Brooke Gietman
"Visited the park for a look at the overlook walkway by the park office and then a hike on White Connector 3. Following that, I took a short drive along Park Drive (doesn't every MO State Park have a Park Drive?) and ran across a sight in a camping area that I've never seen before in any park. Check out the photos for Santa-fied skeleton buddies. On 23 July 2025. People do some amazing things........"
Debra A
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Hawn State Park is located near Ste. Genevieve, Missouri. From St. Louis, take I-55 South to exit 156 for MO-32 East. Continue on MO-32 East for approximately 15 miles, then turn right onto County Road 301. Follow signs for Hawn State Park. The park is approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes from St. Louis.
Public transportation options to Hawn State Park are very limited. It is best accessed by private vehicle. Consider carpooling if traveling from the St. Louis area.
The Pickle Creek Natural Area trailhead is located near the campground. Follow the main park road, and signs will direct you to the campground area where the trailhead is accessible.
Ste. Genevieve, Missouri, is the closest town and offers various amenities including restaurants, lodging, and a grocery store. It's a charming historic town worth exploring.
For a more scenic route, consider taking MO-32 East from I-55. This route winds through rolling hills and rural landscapes, offering a pleasant drive before reaching the park.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Hawn State Park does not typically charge an entrance fee for day use. However, camping fees apply for overnight stays. It's always a good idea to check the official Missouri State Parks website for any updates on fees or regulations.
Hawn State Park is generally open from 8:00 AM to sunset daily. The campground operates on a reservation system, and specific check-in/check-out times apply. Always verify current hours on the official park website.
Yes, reservations are highly recommended for camping at Hawn State Park, especially during peak seasons and weekends. You can make reservations through the Missouri State Parks reservation system online or by phone.
Yes, firewood and ice are available for purchase from the campground host. This is a convenient option for campers who don't want to bring their own.
As Hawn State Park typically does not have an entrance fee, a specific park pass for entry is not usually required. However, if you plan to visit multiple Missouri State Parks, inquire about any state-wide passes that might offer benefits for camping or other services.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The Pickle Creek Natural Area trail is a must-do for its unique granite formations and creek views. The Whispering Pines Trail offers a more serene experience. Many visitors also enjoy the White Connector trails for varied terrain.
The Pickle Creek Trail is considered moderately difficult due to its rocky and uneven terrain, with many rocks and downed trees to navigate. Sturdy hiking boots are essential.
Yes, the park has picnic areas with tables, offering pleasant spots for a meal amidst nature. These are often located near trailheads or scenic points.
Hawn State Park is a great place for bird-watching and observing various woodland creatures. Keep an eye out for deer, squirrels, and a variety of bird species in their natural habitat.
Yes, there is a park office where you can find information, maps, and free WiFi. It's also a good place to inquire about park conditions or ranger programs.
📸 📸 Photography
The Pickle Creek Natural Area is a prime spot for photography, with its unique granite formations and the creek itself. The overlook walkway near the park office also provides scenic vistas. Look for interesting rock formations and light filtering through the trees.
Early morning and late afternoon offer the best light for photography, creating softer shadows and warmer tones. Golden hour can be particularly magical for capturing the park's natural beauty.
Drone usage is typically restricted in Missouri State Parks to protect wildlife and ensure visitor safety. It's best to check the official Missouri State Parks regulations or contact the park directly for the most current drone policy.
A versatile lens, such as a 24-70mm, is useful for capturing both landscapes and details. A wide-angle lens can be great for the expansive vistas, while a macro lens can highlight the intricate textures of the granite and flora.
Keep an eye out for the 'Santa-fied skeleton buddies' that some visitors create in the camping areas – a quirky and unexpected photo opportunity! The varied rock textures and the way light plays on them also offer unique photographic subjects.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit