Hiking and biking, as well as, horseback riding and swimming are all available at the park. Wearing from wind and water carved the harder igneous rock. A walkway leads to an observation deck overlooking the scenic pothole shut-ins and gives great views of the shut-in and valley. Johnson’s Shut-Ins State Park features a geological formation made of softer sedimentary rock eroding away around igneous rock pockets. It is one of Missouri’s most outstanding examples of a shut-in and is the principal feature of the 180-acre Johnson’s Shut-Ins Natural Area.

The signature feature of the park is the shut-ins with its spectacular chutes and waterfalls confined within the canyonlike gorges of the East Fork of the Black River. Together, the Goggins Mountain Wild Area and the Bell Mountain Wilderness makeup the largest tract of wilderness in Missouri. Johnsons Shut-Ins State Park is a state-owned, public recreation area covering 8,647 acres (3,499 ha) on the East Fork Black River in Reynolds County. A trail in the Goggins Mountain Wild Area leads to Mark Twain National Forest’s 9,000 acre Bell Mountain Wilderness. Most of the park’s geologic and biologic diversity is protected in these areas. Covering more than 6,000 acres, the East Fork Wild Area and Goggins Mountain Wild Area have no road access, paved trails or park amenities, making them an outstanding opportunity for experienced backcountry hikers and campers. The park supports two outstanding areas designated as Missouri wild areas because of their wilderness qualities. These account for 40 percent of the plant species of Missouri. The park itself has 17 different natural communities and supports more than 850 plant species. These include woodlands, as well as, glades and rivers. Francois Mountains and Johnson’s Shut-Ins State Park is home to many natural landscapes. The rocks have potholes and plunge pools below small waterfalls, as well as, chutes that form wild, natural waterslides that delight visitors. The cabins have electricity, heating and air. Guests must bring their own linens and sleeping bags. Each cabin has a maximum occupancy of six people and features a dining table, ceiling fan, compact refrigerator, microwave, queen-sized bed and sofa. The park is named after the “shut-ins” where the rushing waters of the East Fork of the Black River are “shut-in” by hard volcanic rock. Johnson’s Shut-Ins State Park offers six camper cabins located off of Loop 2 in the campground. This park is a unique place to visit today with a mix of ancient geology and recent influences with modern amenities. Get directions, find nearby businesses and places, and much more. The park officially opened as a park in 1955. Discover campgrounds like Johnsons Shut-Ins State Park Campground Missouri, find information like reviews, photos, number of RV and tent sites, open seasons, rates, facilities, and activities. Francois Mountains are a special place to visit. Johnson’s Shut-Ins State Park and the surrounding St. ** To keep up to date with any park changes, alerts and to plan your MISSOURI STATE PARK GETAWAY go to the official Missouri State Park website by clicking HERE.**

Johnsons shut in