Big Marine Park Reserve
Rate this placeNearby: Pine Point Park Square Lake Park
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Big Marine Park Reserve is a state park located in Washington County, Missouri.
°F
°F
mph
Wind
%
Humidity
Summary
The park covers over 1,800 acres and is known for its picturesque views, diverse wildlife, and recreational opportunities.
One of the main reasons to visit Big Marine Park Reserve is to enjoy outdoor activities such as hiking, fishing, and camping. The park has several hiking trails of varying lengths and difficulties, with views of forests, wetlands, and wildlife. Fishing is available in the park's many ponds, lakes, and streams. Visitors can also camp in the park's designated campsites, which have access to amenities such as showers and electricity.
The park is home to a variety of flora and fauna, including white-tailed deer, wild turkey, and red fox. The wetlands in the park are home to many wetland bird species, including great egrets, great blue herons, and wood ducks.
Interesting facts about Big Marine Park Reserve include that it was once a bombing range for the U.S. Army during World War II, and that it was named after a French soldier named Marine who was part of the Lewis and Clark expedition.
The best time of year to visit Big Marine Park Reserve is in the spring or fall, when the weather is mild and the foliage is changing. However, each season offers its own unique experiences, from summer camping to winter ice fishing.
Overall, Big Marine Park Reserve is a beautiful and diverse state park with something to offer for everyone who loves the outdoors.
Weather Forecast
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.
Related References
Area Campgrounds
| Location | Reservations | Toilets |
|---|---|---|
Veterans Campground - Big Marine Lake
|
||
Wedge Hill Group Camp
|
||
Savanna Campground
|
||
William OBrien State Park
|
||
Wm Obrien State Park
|
||
Riverway Campground
|
Pine Point Park
Square Lake Park
William O'Brien State Park
City of Hugo Lions Park
Leonard Wojtowicz Skating Park