Johnson's Shut-ins State Park
Johnson's Shut-ins State Park
4.5
About
Play in the shallows of the East Fork of the Black River. Shoot through Mother Nature’s hydraulics in the shut-ins. Hike a trail that will show you 1.4 billion years of geologic history. Take your horse on a pretty mountain trail. Johnson’s Shut-Ins State Park is a jewel of the system, a place with something for everyone: pretty picnic areas, Ozark landscapes, natural places to swim, great campsites.
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
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4.5
291 reviews
Excellent
198
Very good
72
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16
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4
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1
Radrev
Winter Park, FL481 contributions
Aug 2021
This was one of our best experiences. We had so much fun traversing the rocks through the water chutes and flows that we decided to change plans to come back another day. It is worth the visit and for a full day.
Written September 7, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
spiritwheels
Los Angeles, CA428 contributions
Jul 2020
This is a must see state park if you come to Missouri. The camp grounds were well maintained. But the real draw is swimming- wading area called the shut in . Locals often come here as a swimming hole. There is fishing too.
Written August 29, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kathy C
Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, United States45 contributions
Jul 2020
Saw some online photos but didn't really know what to expect. We were there on a very hot July day and had so much fun we didn't want to leave. Found this place while on a cross country trip and it was one of our top highlights for fun. Lots of people were there but it's so spread out we had our own fun.
Written August 26, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
James K
Kansas City, MO22 contributions
Jul 2020 • Family
Family and I visited July 2020 camping at Meramec State Park. Everything we heard about the Shut-ins, was spot on!! Very beautiful and awesome in one place! The hike was a good 2.5 miles, rugged terrain, but gorgeous scenery.
Black River and rocks were amazing for swimming and had a great time. May be next visit we’ll hike more and hike Mt Goggins.
Black River and rocks were amazing for swimming and had a great time. May be next visit we’ll hike more and hike Mt Goggins.
Written August 9, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Bernard W
Dallas, TX1,914 contributions
Oct 2021
The park offices were closed when we visited in October, but a map on the outside of the building provided information about where to go. At the entrance to the park are many huge boulders that were transported to their location by water—floods resulting from an upstream dam break. Pretty impressive demonstration of the power of water. At the end of the road is a large parking area. From there on foot, we followed the excellent wooden boardwalk with its substantial steel railing along a trail to where the river waters are trapped to flow and cascade amongst rocks. That was all good—beautiful and soothing scenery. Our only issue was the signage at that point. Where there appeared to be an almost dead end an extensive and mili-level wooden staircase took off to the right. Where did it go? We climbed it and followed it for some minutes before turning back not knowing to where it led. Also at the “almost dead end” of the walkway was small blue arrow pointing to a barely perceptible path over big rocks. Where did that lead? We have no idea—nor did other visitors there know either. Better signage would be advisable.
Written October 31, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
tmburns
Van Buren, AR7 contributions
May 2021
Make sure that you understand how to get there before you go. The GPS will take you to the wrong place. I did not have a lot of time and would probably have enjoyed it more if I had explored the area more. The area that we entered the shut-ins did not look like the website area with all the rocks. Perhaps we should have hiked further. Still it would be enjoyable with better planning.
Written June 4, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jim0001MontebelloCA
Los Angeles, CA50 contributions
Feb 2020 • Solo
I camped here in my RV (electricity only) 2 weeks ago. I really like the park, even in the winter, and i am sure it will be spectacular in the spring/summer months. The campground had heated bathrooms and showers (in February 2020) which was a real delight. The shut-ins are very beautiful and I plan to explore this park further in the warmer months. A beautiful park.
Written March 1, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jennifer D
44 contributions
Aug 2019 • Family
This place is absolutely gorgeous. My kids loved it. You def need water shoes with a good grip as the rocks can be slick to climb on. We went down past the cliff and explored the river a ways. We will be returning and camping for a few days. I went with my 6 year old son and 12 year old daughter.
Written May 4, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
xtalman11
31 contributions
Aug 2021
Looking to spend some time outdoors and with water, then this is for you. We had to go back a second day we enjoyed our time at this place so much. The park is beautiful! It was wiped out by a flood in 2005 so everything is pretty new. Lots of open spaces, picnic areas, the entrance to the pack was free, and lots of parking. We spent nearly all of our time in the water. Plan to bring water shoes, a decent suit, and a change of clothes (they have changing rooms and a gift shop). There is a risk with this fun that you should know about. The shoots, or shut-ins, are rock formations that you navigate. The water can be fast, the rocks can be slippery, and all of that can be dangerous. When you show up you will know what I mean. Is it worth it? Oh, yeah!! Lots of fun taking a different path each time. After the shut-ins there is a deaper section and then after that the cliffs for jumping and swimming. All very marvelous.
Written August 22, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
LoveToTravelMichele
West Des Moines, IA162 contributions
Jun 2020 • Couples
My husband and I walked the boardwalk trail along the Johnson's Shut-ins. Initially we just thought the area was a few rocks in a river but we continued to walk and then we saw the amazing shut-ins. The shut-ins are just so unique and beautiful. There were a lot of people enjoying the water also.
Written June 28, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
How crowded is the campground during the winter?
Written November 13, 2023
Can you get to swim at Johnson shutting if you walk with a cane without slippery rocks
Written June 27, 2023
How long is the walk from the parking lot to the river access? or shut-ins? some of the reviews say the walk is long but how long? if there a parking lot closer to the river?
Written May 26, 2020
About 5 to 10 minutes, depending on how fast you walk.
Written September 27, 2020
I understand dogs have limited access in this park. But in order to make it clearer: a) will i be able to see the waterfall/currents if I have my dog with me and b) will my dog be able to get near or in the water?
Written May 15, 2019
To be honest, I’m not sure that dogs are allowed at this park. I don’t remember seeing any here on any of my visits. I could be mistaken. Best bet is to call the park directly.
Sorry I couldn’t be more precise on your question.
Written May 15, 2019
If we come in to camp with a motorhome and no toad (loop 2), will we be able to walk to the various water features? We are not huge hikers, per se but we can walk a couple miles. Do we need to haul another vehicle to get around?
Written May 2, 2019
Yes, Walking will be no problem. Short walk to the shut-ins, longer hikes on trails if you choose to do so.
Written May 2, 2019
Any guess at the water temperature the first week of April? Wondering if it's swimmable even if a little chilly.
Written March 10, 2019
I’m not sure, but I’m going to say it will definitely be chilly, cold water. Swimmable, sure!
Written March 10, 2019
Is there any sort of a map or something that shows where to park and how to get to the shallow pools above the shut-ins? I have small children and do not want to take them to the actual shut-ins. Also, how crowded is it in late August?
Written July 21, 2018
No map that I know of but the first exit off the boardwalk is for one of the shallow pools. We always went at 4 pm so didn't have an issue with crowds, also didn't have to worry so much about sunscreen.
Written July 23, 2018
What’s the easiest way to access the water?
Written July 19, 2018
From the parking lots, take the paved path until you get to stairs. Ask the parking attendant which parking lot is closest to the water. There are two sets of stairs. The first set is to a water area for the younger and less agile. The second set of stairs goes to the more rocky and mossy area. This is for the more adventurous swimmer. There is a beach type area once you climb over all the rocks.
Written July 19, 2018
We are looking for a family friendly campsite near Johnson Shut-Ins for tent camping. The state park camp grounds are booked for when we want to go. Any suggestions?
Written June 25, 2018
We've never camped there but it looked like there were campsites there. I would call to see what they recommend.
Written June 25, 2018
You are allowed but only confined to few places. So if you cannot really enjoy the trail if you go with your pet.
Written June 14, 2018
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