Coon Lake County Park
Rate this placeLast Updated: December 5, 2025
Coon Lake County Park is a beautiful recreational area located in Missouri's St.
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Summary
Francois County. There are several reasons why visitors should explore this picturesque park. The park offers a great place to relax, unwind, and enjoy nature. It is perfect for family picnics, hiking, and fishing. Visitors can also explore the park's many trails, which offer stunning views of the surrounding landscape.
One of the park's main attractions is its namesake lake, which is popular for fishing, boating, and swimming. The park's beaches are perfect for sunbathing and swimming during the summer months. Additionally, Coon Lake County Park features several playgrounds, a campground, and plenty of picnic areas with charcoal grills.
There are several interesting facts about the park that visitors may find fascinating. For instance, the park is home to several species of wildlife, including deer, turkey, beaver, and raccoons. The park also features a historic railroad tunnel that dates back to the early 1900s.
The best time to visit Coon Lake County Park is during the spring or fall months when the weather is mild, and the foliage is stunning. Visitors should note that the park has limited facilities during the winter months, so it may not be the best time to visit.
Overall, Coon Lake County Park is a must-visit destination for outdoor enthusiasts looking to explore Missouri's natural beauty. Its scenic trails, beautiful lake, and abundant wildlife make it an ideal spot for a day trip or an extended camping trip.
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Park & Land Designation Reference
Large protected natural areas managed by the federal government to preserve significant landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural resources; recreation is allowed but conservation is the priority.
State Park
Public natural or recreational areas managed by a state government, typically smaller than national parks and focused on regional natural features, recreation, and education.
Local Park
Community-level parks managed by cities or counties, emphasizing recreation, playgrounds, sports, and green space close to populated areas.
Wilderness Area
The highest level of land protection in the U.S.; designated areas where nature is left essentially untouched, with no roads, structures, or motorized access permitted.
National Recreation Area
Areas set aside primarily for outdoor recreation (boating, hiking, fishing), often around reservoirs, rivers, or scenic landscapes; may allow more development.
National Conservation Area (BLM)
BLM-managed areas with special ecological, cultural, or scientific value; more protection than typical BLM land but less strict than Wilderness Areas.
State Forest
State-managed forests focused on habitat, watershed, recreation, and sustainable timber harvest.
National Forest
Federally managed lands focused on multiple use—recreation, wildlife habitat, watershed protection, and resource extraction (like timber)—unlike the stricter protections of national parks.
Wilderness
A protected area set aside to conserve specific resources—such as wildlife, habitats, or scientific features—with regulations varying widely depending on the managing agency and purpose.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land
Vast federal lands managed for mixed use—recreation, grazing, mining, conservation—with fewer restrictions than national parks or forests.
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