Missouri’s diverse landscape allows for some seriously fun off-roading experiences. Whether you’re rushing through lush forests and ripping across open expanses of land, you’ll find something to suit your taste in the Show-Me State. Here are five great areas for ATV off-roading in Missouri!
Come take a ride in this national forest filled with different types of landscapes, offering both desert and forest terrain. Watch out for a variety of wildlife that includes bald eagles and white-tailed deer. With steep slopes and secluded pastures, you get a feeling of solitude and tranquility. There are nearly 80 miles of multi-use trails that will keep you busy riding all weekend long. If you need a place to rest, there are three areas close to the trails to park your RV or pitch a tent.
Located in Lewis County, this park is filled with wild trails and the unique scenery of Northeast Missouri. With 20 miles of ATV trails, there is plenty of mud and dirt to get messy all day long. Through the 680 acres of land, you can drive through timber, fields, and mud bogs. The owner, Don Grimwood, is best known for using his construction background to create multiple bridges to make the trails better for riders. If you need a place to stay, he has also built cabins and added RV hookups to the park. After a hard day’s ride, you can enjoy a beach with a hammock on the property as well.
Located in Southwest Missouri, this ranch is home to 55 miles of trails for you and your ATV to explore. Whether you want to go fast or want a vertical challenge, there is terrain for every rider. If you aren’t ready for the trails or just want some practice, try out the park’s gravel pit and play area. With multiple cabins and a bathroom/shower house, you can enjoy the weekend here with your friends or family.
Located less than 15 miles away from Columbia, Missouri, this park provides an open riding area with wooden landscape, a number of lakes, and mounds created by coal mining back in the 1960s. The 5.25-mile trail runs through dirt, mud, rocks, and steep inclines that riders will want to be careful of as Mother Nature can cause some hazardous conditions as times. If you are looking for a place to camp for the night, the park has several basic and electrical campsites for guests to reserve.
About an hour south of St. Louis, St. Joe State Park is home to the second off-road trail in the state park system. With 54 miles of premium trails, this park is well-known for the sandflats and challenging trails in the woods. Enjoy driving through mud, dirt, and gravel as you take your ATV through the lush woodlands. If you are planning on staying the weekend or longer, make a reservation for a spot at their campground for either basic or electric access areas. They also have family sites for those who need some extra room for everyone.
*Note: Age restrictions, special licenses, and other requirements for off highway vehicles vary from state to state. Before heading out on your OHV, please consult your local regulations.
