Our Favorite Missouri State Park! // Echo Bluff State Park // Eminence, MO [EP 41]

Ever since we stumbled across this beautiful property on the day it opened as Missouri's newest state park in July, 2016, we have loved Echo Bluff State Park. The lodge is expansive with beautifully appointed rooms and a quaint restaurant. The cabins are the perfect combination of rustic and modern. The campground is clean, paved, and has full hookups. The best part is that the gorgeous setting provides great views of Sinking Creek, the beautiful colorful bluff, and surrounding rolling hills. There are many adventures to be had within striking distance of the state park including Alley Mill, Rocky Falls, floating on the Current River, and countless hikes. These are the reasons that Echo Bluff State Park is our favorite! :)
▶︎ Video correction/update (January 14, 2020)
After uploading, we were informed by Echo Bluff State Park of a correction. Here is the note we received from Connie Weber, Interpretive Resource Specialist II, Current River Management Unit, Echo Bluff State Park: "We are 100% reservable, there are NO first come first serve camping unless they have not been reserved and you luck into an empty spot." Thanks, Connie, for the feedback.
▶︎ Echo Bluff State Park web link:
mostateparks.c...
▶︎ Social media links:
/ todayisanadventureday
/ todayisanadventureday
▶︎ Today Is An Adventure Day, All Rights Reserved:
This channel is for entertainment purposes only. We are not experts and the viewer should do his or her own research.
▶︎ Music credits:
Foxistance (instrumental) by DayFox -- artlist.io/son...
Circus Clown by Ian Post -- artlist.io/son...
Endless Smile by Rex Banner -- artlist.io/son...
Before You by Oliver Michael -- artlist.io/son...

[@samanthabusch750]

Wild to see it like this now boy I used to camp here every year I watched Pink Floyd's the Wall on the side of that bluff crazy how time changes everything here's to the old schwagstock at Camp Zoe thanks for the memories

[@colemankamryn]

It was a much cooler place before it was a state park. Camped there about 15 years ago as part of a caving convention.

[@karenhaak8572]

We're looking forward to visiting the park this week. Thanks for the preview!

[@TodayisanAdventureDay]

How did you like Echo Bluff? Glad that you were able to go!

[@SuperKelley87]

Wish it was still Schwag. Had great times there.

[@keithdailey7104]

You guys have really helped me decide to explore my state...thanks!

[@TodayisanAdventureDay]

That’s awesome! We absolutely love this part of the country. Stay tuned for more videos featuring awesome places to visit and things to do. 😊

[@lydan6018]

@Keith Dailey Good morning, how are you doing today? I hope you’re doing great

[@lorimadden9672]

Absolutely beautiful video thank you

[@TodayisanAdventureDay]

Glad you enjoyed it! Thanks for watching and leaving a comment.

[@michaelblack5912]

Shhhhhh..... you’re giving away the hidden gems and secrets in our beautiful state... it’s my favorite too though....

[@TodayisanAdventureDay]

Ha! True enough. 😜

[@ranpat86]

Definitely one of the best videos describing all the things to do there at Echo Bluff.

[@TodayisanAdventureDay]

Thank you so much! We absolutely love Echo Bluff, so it is easy to talk about. I hope you have a Happy New Year! 😊

[@johnmills837]

We were there Oct. 2016 shortly after the opening. Going back this Sept. for our anniversary trip. Jacks Fork river float and biking.

[@TodayisanAdventureDay]

Sounds like a blast! We absolutely love the area. Have fun!

[@KeyesGlamping]

Great video, thanks for sharing 👍🏼

[@TodayisanAdventureDay]

Thank you so much! 😎

[@Outdoors4adventure]

Beautiful area. Thanks for sharing. 🙂👍☕

[@laffilmfest3759]

I will have to check this park out......thanks for the info!

[@TodayisanAdventureDay]

You are so welcome! We are happy to share. It is truly one of our favorite places to go. The area is amazing.

[@buddhabunnee]

Crazy this is a state park, seems more like a resort. I can't wait to visit later this summer. Thanks for sharing!!

[@TodayisanAdventureDay]

You are very welcome! The area is incredible. Safe travels and happy camping!

[@coleyounger1985]

Great video guys! @5:20 you can see my entire family in that shot. In the bottom left corner my grandpa has on the big white cowboy hat. His dad, Painter Conway, actually ran camp Zoe for 33 years back when it was a summer camp for kids. The park named the trail heads as well as the road to the bluff top pavilion after him; Painter Ridge road and trail. My family was part of the opening ceremonies that day which was a huge honor! We love Echo Bluff! On a different note, I think I remember you guys when you came to the Dairy Shack this past summer! If you are the dame folks, I think I came out and asked you about your dog maybe??

[@TodayisanAdventureDay]

That is SUPER cool! Thank you for sharing the history and yes, that was us at the Dairy Shack. 😊 We really love Echo Bluff!

[@BlackberryHillHouse]

Nailed it. Great video on your favorite park (and ours too). This should be their official video!

[@TodayisanAdventureDay]

That’s super nice, thank you so much! We are definitely excited to get back there. I am dreaming about warmer temperatures and evening daylight! Spring cannot get here early enough.

[@veryhighspirits]

Thanks for sharing! It’s on our list to try echo bluffs. There are so many great places to explore in Missouri!

[@TodayisanAdventureDay]

No doubt about it! We hope you love Echo Bluff! Safe travels and happy camping.

[@Winnie122459]

Wow what a campground!

[@TodayisanAdventureDay]

We really do like it. It will get even better when the small trees that have been planted grow enough to provide some shade for the RVs. There are so many wonderful things to do in the area!

[@falcons5683]

Heading there soon. Going to try the walk in area. Thanks for the info!

[@TodayisanAdventureDay]

It’s great! We just love exploring the area. Be sure to eat at the restaurant while you are there - we’ve really enjoyed it.

[@MichaelShepherdJordan]

Very informative. Thank you for the video!

[@TodayisanAdventureDay]

Thank you, Michael! Safe travels and happy camping!

[@OutdoorsPodcast]

Super Super Super helpful video, and really well done. My fiance and I are heading out this summer in our 1992 Fleetwood Bounder! Thanks again for sharing and I'll be checking out a bunch of your other videos.

[@TodayisanAdventureDay]

Awesome! Thank you so much for the kind words. We love Echo Bluff! Hope you have a wonderful trip!

[@kurtledesma5993]

Looks nice ! Miss camping at The Sinks farther up the creek, also miss the old lodge at Round Spring

[@TodayisanAdventureDay]

We definitely love the area! Thank you for watching and leaving a comment.

[@TerryX2Explore]

We love tent camping but will be so glad to get in a trailer! ;-) Wild horses, how wonderful! ;-) I already love this park. ❤️Thanks guys for the great video! This one is going on my list. ✍🏻

[@TodayisanAdventureDay]

You won't be disappointed. So much to offer there. When you are in the area, be sure to check out Alley Mill and Rocky Falls. Happy camping!

[@TerryX2Explore]

@@TodayisanAdventureDay Will do! Thanks again!

[@jefflivingston952]

Lol this used to be called Camp Zoe. A greatful dead coverband named the Schwag used to own this land about 10 years ago. I went to Schwagstock every year. The land was taken from the lead singer of the band by the government because of the amount of drug use, and sales on this property. Look up Camp Zoe, or Shakedown documentary on KZbin.

[@doughutchison6382]

I just subscribed to your channel. My wife and I have been RV camping for about 20 years. We’ve had travel trailers and a fifth wheel and we just bought a new Lance truck camper. We live in Texas and are always looking for new places to explore. You guys do an awesome job with your videos and look forward to watching them. Have a great week!

[@TodayisanAdventureDay]

Thanks, Doug! We are thrilled to have you as a subscriber. I’d love to her more about your Lance camper…those look awesome. Safe travels and happy camping!

[@doughutchison6382]

@@TodayisanAdventureDay Thank you. In December 2021 we bought a new 2021 Lance 1172 which is the flagship of the Lance truck campers. We carry it on our 2020 Ford F-350 crew cab 4x4 dually with Power Stroke diesel. Though we were hesitant to sell our fifth wheel that we really liked, it was the ease of travel that sold us. Easier to get around during fuel stops or if we want to stop at a restaurant or store. We have solar on the roof and an onboard Cummins-Onan 2500 watt propane powered generator for boondocking. We recently spent a weekend on my cousin’s ranch, camped in a pasture deep in the woods. It’s quite comfortable inside with a small couch and recliner leg lifts. Though we spend the majority of our time doing outside activities, it’s nice to be able to sit and be comfortable on bad weather days or just watching TV at night. My wife and I really like it. I’ve seen your new F-350 and Montana fifth wheel in your videos. What a beautiful rig! May God bless y’all and stay safe on the road!

[@mitchellbiessenberger5770]

Great vid. Love the pooch!

[@TodayisanAdventureDay]

Thank you so much! We love him, too. :)

[@z7manjimmie]

great video, we will be camping there this june thanks for sharing Hope to see you guys there.

[@TodayisanAdventureDay]

Thank you so much! Happy camping!

[@4speedchevy]

Thank you so much for your video! But I have to say different strokes for different folks! So many of the things that you were loving we would hate. Not a tree in sight in the campground with all the paved areas that will be hotter than Hades in the summer.

[@TodayisanAdventureDay]

I totally understand your point. We love it so much because it is a great launching point for so many amazing things in the area. When we go there, we consider it more like staying in a mobile hotel room than camping. The amenities are certainly wonderful and it is a clean place to stay. Lots of beauty around for sure! Thank you for watching and leaving a comment. Happy travels!

[@JH-mt3pp]

We love to to float trips on the Current and Jacks fork rivers. Hopefully we can stay here next time.

[@TodayisanAdventureDay]

Sounds like a great plan! Thank you so much for watching the video and leaving a comment. Happy camping!

[@OzarkRiverBanks]

Great Video! Camped at Alley Spring before Scenic Rivers and after. Older now. Maybe we could try out the lodge.

[@TodayisanAdventureDay]

I think you would enjoy the lodge! It is such a nice park to visit for so many different reasons. Happy camping and safe travels!

[@angeleewarner9946]

So happy to find your channel? We just purchased our first camper. It's a new to us pop up. We are also from SWMO and enjoy motorcycling! Great campsite reviews!

[@TodayisanAdventureDay]

Awesome! We are thrilled to have you as a new subscriber. Thanks for watching and leaving a comment. Happy camping!

[@originalredneckgirl]

I live in Eminence, my cousin works at Echo .. rich folks campground, Anyway that's the locals opinion

[@bobelder18]

Great video

[@TodayisanAdventureDay]

Thanks! We really appreciate you watching and leaving a comment. Stay tuned! More content to come. :)

[@musicsavant1079]

We have plans to stay in the lodge for our 35th anniversary!

[@TodayisanAdventureDay]

That is a great plan! The lodge is beautiful and I hope you have a wonderful time. Happy anniversary!

[@musicsavant1079]

@@TodayisanAdventureDay thank you for your excellent video and response, I subscribed 💖

[@musicsavant1079]

@@TodayisanAdventureDay we are back, it was -1 when we got there bjt we still managed to see the wild horses and many deer! The lodge is fabulous and we love the employees there! Thanks again for the excellent video! Did you know they're expanding?

[@OzarkBrozark]

That RV area was just horse pasture originally. That might give insight to why there are so few trees. There weren't any. I see that they have planted some actually.

[@phillipmorris1334]

hello from the Ozarks!! ive camped and hunted that area for years. really a great place to enjoy along the creeks and bluffs until the state made it another tourist trap!

[@goldengalaxy3985]

On stolen land yet!

[@phillipmorris1334]

@@goldengalaxy3985 yep

[@karlhungus5436]

Was a million times better before all the concrete. What a tragedy.

[@alexhendrick8288]

Follow you on OAF as well. You put up good smallie info and you guys always kill it on meramec

[@TodayisanAdventureDay]

Thank you so much! We appreciate you leaving a comment.

[@cherryvoliva5458]

Oh my goodness! I want to go there so badly now! 😍 SO beautiful! I have really been enjoyed watching all your videos!

[@TodayisanAdventureDay]

Thank you so much! We are thrilled to have you as a subscriber and very happy to hear that you are enjoying the videos. We absolutely love Echo Bluff! Let us know if you get a chance to go! 😊

[@tonyreynolds5112]

I followed power lines across Missouri. Down in that area try Grand Gulf. And Mammoth Spring even though it's in Arkansas. 🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸

[@TodayisanAdventureDay]

Sounds good. Thanks!

[@kdhartman44]

Nice infomercial!! Prices? Love the puppy!!

[@TodayisanAdventureDay]

Thank you so much! The campground sites are in the mid-$30 per night range depending on whether you stay during the week or on the weekend. There are so many great things to do in the area, plus all of the amenities on site. It is worth it for sure!

[@ombrom.6040]

Fishing the creek is pretty good

[@TodayisanAdventureDay]

Glad to hear it. We've never fished there before, but enjoy the area so much.

[@painterbob1]

Great job of the video guys! We are headed down the end of July and was curious how the park looked and what it had to offer.

[@TodayisanAdventureDay]

It really is a special place. Whether you want all of the amenities of the lodge, or the beauty of the area, there is just so much to do. Some of the things in the area that you should check out are Alley Mill and Rocky Falls. We hope you enjoy your trip!

[@painterbob1]

@@TodayisanAdventureDay We have a 30 ft travel trailer and love to explore different places. (I also take video and drone shots of the fun times we have) Alley Spring is a beautiful place to camp. We go every year for Labor Day weekend. Haven't been to Rocky Falls though. Keep up posting those great videos and I'll share them with all the folks we camp with. We Follow Keep your Daydream and Less Junk More Journey. If you don't know them they are full timers that video blog and do a fantastic job. God Bless Eric and Cindy! ~Bob and Nora Imperial, MO

[@ScottAndrew]

Would you recommend this area for star gazing? It says the park opens at 4am.

[@TodayisanAdventureDay]

I would! In fact, we are heading there to view the upcoming eclipse. There aren't any major towns nearby, so not much light pollution. Of course, there are streetlights in the actual state park campground and lodge area, so you will need to get away from that. My suggestion is to head into the adjacent Rodger Pryor Backcountry where you can get away from everything. Have fun!

[@ScottAndrew]

Thank you for responding and for your information!​@@TodayisanAdventureDay

[@Bunnicula71]

Hey y'all liked the video, thanks!

[@wendygintz6123]

Curious on the tent site, how far did you have to walk to it? We tent camp, looks like a long trek. Lol

[@TodayisanAdventureDay]

It is a short walk in, but they provide wagons for your gear. My opinion is that the walk to get in is worth the seclusion.

[@buddhabunnee]

Do you guys know if the WiFi works out by the tent areas?

[@TodayisanAdventureDay]

That is a great question. Although we have not directly tested it, the tent area is close enough to the RV campground that I suspect it should work.

[@tranquility9325]

Very pretty. I am disabled, chronic pain so I can't do super long walks. The tent sites look pretty far away. Is it possible to drive to them?

[@TodayisanAdventureDay]

I’m sorry to hear of your chronic pain issues. You cannot drive to the tent sites. There is parking specifically for those sites, and there are small wagons available to pull your gear, but there is a fair amount of walking because the sites are set back into the woods. The pathway is paved, at least to access the handicapped accessible sites. I wish you the very best.

[@rebeccacarwell3337]

Which spot would you recommend for the most privacy? And the prettiest spot?

[@TodayisanAdventureDay]

Because most of the campground is wide open with very small trees, there is not a lot of difference from one spot to the next. There isn't much unique "personality" from site to site. We actually prefer staying somewhere in the middle because it is fun to meet people. This is especially true when we are there for Halloween camping. Good luck!

[@essentialjudge2279]

Did you know it was concert venue for hippie gatherings 10-20 years ago.

[@TodayisanAdventureDay]

Yes, sure did. Lots of history there as a venue and former camp.

[@jkxelor1295]

Awesomw

[@TodayisanAdventureDay]

Thanks!

[@KatieShaddrick1]

Do the tent sites have electric and or water?

[@TodayisanAdventureDay]

They do not have electric or water at the sites for the tents. There is a shower house very close by.

[@davidstaley3737]

Lovely park, but not as pretty as it was before the government stole it from Jimmy T. Might be good for a park, but terrible that they were able to steal property from a private citizen to get it done.

[@gilianrampart8514]

He gave it away!

[@techsavy5329]

Hello! Can you tell me the number of the first tent site you reviewed?

[@TodayisanAdventureDay]

So sorry, Emily. I do not remember which tent site we reviewed. All of them were fantastic, so I do not think you can make a bad choice. They are nicely tucked into the woods.

[@timhiginbotham2821]

@@TodayisanAdventureDay No problem! Thank you!

[@ombrom.6040]

The restaurant makes a really good pizza one sizes though and it is large I could only eat half of it

[@TodayisanAdventureDay]

We have enjoyed good experiences at the restaurant as well.

[@davejuergens294]

Be there in 2 weeks

[@TodayisanAdventureDay]

Nice! We were actually there today. We absolutely love the area. Enjoy your time there! 😊

[@jimmyjohnjames6397]

Damn shame my tax money goes to open that thing. Meanwhile Mo DNR cant (or wont) do basic maintenance at the older State Parks

[@TodayisanAdventureDay]

No doubt it created some controversy with Current River State Park very close by.

[@sixtyonescenic6121]

So true maintenance is lacking in many of our parks that used to be so beautiful. Cuiver River State Parks have some real issues with the electric posts sitting in water when it rains and there's not enough gravel at the sights to make them suitable. The handicap sites are either in the pure sun and back up to another campsite. Don't they think handicapped people like shade so leave a few trees!

[@joepereira4237]

we would like to add your video to our website, EchoBluffStatePark.com

[@TodayisanAdventureDay]

We would love that! Please let me know if you need any other information from me in order to proceed.

[@jtbuilds9176]

This park was stolen in the most corrupt and ignorant way. Echo bluff state park is a showboat sham.

[@soulcut5736]

So they are just naming state building after family members now ? That just don’t seem right.

[@TodayisanAdventureDay]

From what I understand, Betty Lea (Governor’s mom) was both a camper and a counselor back when that property was Camp Zoe.

[@KingSlimjeezy]

liked it better when it was camp zoe and host of Schwagstock Wasn't as polished, sure, but the open air drug market and naked chicks more than made up for it

[@buddhabunnee]

I knew this looked familiar!! lol I used to party at Zoe several times

[@emf729d]

Too bad it was destroyed when the feds stole it from the property owner who held peaceful festivals on the land when it was Camp Zoe. No thank you.

[@sixtyonescenic6121]

The toilets there are terrible especially for women

[@nems_girl3777]

Do you know if the tent sites are reservable or 1st come 1st serve?

[@TodayisanAdventureDay]

Thanks, Erica. That’s a great question. I’m actually not sure since we only reserve RV sites. The tent area is SO AWESOME because the sites are well spaced and in the woods. You’ll love it!