Parks / Missouri National Recreational River
Missouri National Recreational River
National Recreational River · SD,NE
Imagine a 100-mile stretch of North America's longest river, a vestige of the untamed American West. The Missouri National Recreational River is where imagination meets reality. Two free flowing stretches of the Missouri make up the National Park. Relive the past by exploring the wild, untamed and mighty river that continues to flow as nature intended.
Official NPS page →Entrance Fees
This park is fee-free.
Campgrounds (3)
Bow Creek Primitive Camping
Primitive, Leave No Trace camping is allowed and free. Camp only in designated sites marked with brown camping signs and metal fire rings. Please call us at 605-665-0209 and leave your basic itinerary for your safety. Located along Bow Creek and the Missouri River in Cedar County about 2 miles northeast of Wynot, Nebraska. A series of gravel roads wind you to the location by car. Follow the brown Bow Creek Recreational Area directional signs to the gravel parking lot and trailhead.
Details →Goat Island Primitive Camping
Two designated tent camping only areas. The first (southern) campground area is in the process of being established. The second (northern) is targeted to be established in 2022. Primitive camping is allowed anywhere on the Island, with the exception of the established hunting season after Labor Day to January when camping is restricted to the two designated camping areas. Please email or call (605-665-0209) for a back country use permit issued by the Park's HQ Office.
Details →Green Island Primitive Camping
Green Island has five primitive tent campsites with fire rings. Two isolated tent sites on the east side of the island & three adjacent sites on the west side. Fires allowed only in designated fire rings. Island access is by boat only. Please visit the Camping page for rules and regulations. Primitive, Leave No Trace camping is allowed and free. Camp only in designated sites marked with brown camping signs and metal fire rings. Please call us at 605-665-0209 and leave your basic itinerary for your safety.
Details →Upcoming Events
Fishing Clinic
Sep 5, 2026 · Chief White Crane Recreation Area Fishing Pier
Things to Do
Backcountry Camping in the MNRR
Missouri National Recreational River offers primitive, Leave-No-Trace camping available at Bow Creek, Green Island, and Goat Island Recreation Areas.
Become a MNRR Junior Ranger
Do you care about exploring, learning about, and protecting the Missouri River? If yes, become a Junior Ranger! There are many ways to earn a Junior Ranger badge at Missouri National Recreational River, and this fun activity book is a great place to start. This booklet includes activities like crosswords, drawings, matching activities, maps, and more to help you learn about the Missouri River.
Biking in the MNRR
Various partners have different biking paths.
Boating in the Missouri NRR
Whether you are fishing or enjoying the scenery and wildlife, boating is a great way to experience the river.
Fishing in the MNRR
Fishing is a main recreational activity in the Missouri National Recreational River.
Hunting in the MNRR
Hunting & trapping is permitted in Bow Creek and Goat Island Recreation Areas in accordance with site-specific regulations.
Paddle the MNRR
Paddle the two free-flowing sections of the Missouri, North America's longest river, a vestige of the untamed American West.
Tour the Mobile Ranger Station
The Mobile Ranger Station travels to schools, special events and programs and is often set up in various sites along the MNRR. If you're interested in its schedule contact Park Ranger Dugan Smith at 605-665-0209 Ext 28 or visit our park calendar on our webpage or the NPS app to see where it is headed next!
Visit Mulberry Bend Overlook
Great view of the river and sandbars from the overlooks. A paved trail takes visitors from the parking lot to several interpretive wayside exhibits that define the natural and cultural history of the river. Continue your journey by exploring a bur oak forest on the Nature Trail. Average visit time: 30 minutes. Nature Trail may take 60 minutes.
Walk the Historic Meridian Bridge
The bridge allows you to cross from South Dakota to Nebraska while offering splendid views of the Missouri National Recreational River. The bridge also connects to the City of Yankton Forest Tract with hiking trails that lead to the river. Parking is available near the intersection of Walnut and Second Street in Yankton, SD. Average visit time: 30 minutes.
Watch "River of Change"
This 18-minute film tells the story of Missouri National Recreational River. Learn about the park's wildlife as well as the history of the river, explorers, and people who lived along the river.
Wildlife Watching in the MNRR
Missouri National Recreational River is a great place to go to observe mammals in their native and wild habitat. Wild animals are an important and vital part of our natural ecosystem. We humans can learn a great deal by carefully observing animals.
Visitor Centers
- Missouri National Recreational River Headquarters
Source: National Park Service.