There are 20 picnic areas scattered throughout the park available for day use. The park also features two picnic shelters equipped with electricity, picnic tables and an outdoor grill. The shelters are perfect for family gatherings or special outings and can be reserved for $40 per day, or if not reserved, the shelters are available on a first-come, first-serve basis at no charge.

Fifteen miles of trail traverse the park, leading visitors to spectacular scenery, natural wonders and the famous castle ruins. Trails vary from accessible, paved walkways to rugged, rocky trails providing a diverse experience for hikers.

Castle Trail - ¼ mile (one way)

Overlooks near the castle provide views of Ha Ha Tonka Spring and the Lake of the Ozarks. Mild terrain.

Quarry Trail - 2 miles

Starts by the castle and leads to open views of the lake and two old quarries. Moderate terrain.

Dell Rim Trail - ½ mile (one way)

This wooden boardwalk begins near the water tower and descends a series of steps to an overlook above the Whispering Dell Sinkhole. The step portion of this trail is strenuous. The steps continue to the spring below.

Colosseum Trail - ½ mile

Starts at the natural bridge parking lot. The trail winds under the natural bridge and through a large sinkhole (the Colosseum). Moderate terrain.

Spring Trail - 1 ½ miles

Starts at the spring/lake parking lot. One-way distance to the spring is one-half mile, mostly paved. Wooden stairs lead above the spring bluff to the old post office. The step portion of this trail is strenuous.

Island Trail - ¾ mile

Making a loop around the island and past the balanced rock, this trail starts at the millrace (on the Spring Trail). Rugged terrain.

Boulder Ridge Trail - 1 ½ miles

Begins at the Spring Trail trail head. The trail passes through an area of large lichen-covered boulders along a ridge. Moderate terrain.

Park at the lot east of Hwy. D, between the park's castle and spring entrances for the following trails.

Oak Savanna Interpretive Trail - 450 feet

This is an accessible trail with four interpretive stops.

Acorn Trail - ¾ mile

Prescribed burning helps maintain this open woodland. A brochure and eight interpretive stops tell more about this savanna landscape. Moderate terrain.

Devil’s Kitchen Trail - 1 mile

Visit unique geologic features, including Devil’s Promenade. Rugged terrain.

Turkey Pen Hollow Trail - 7 miles

Backpack camping is allowed on this trail that winds throughout the Ha Ha Tonka Savanna Natural Area. Rugged terrain.

The park offers regularly scheduled interpretive programs on Saturdays from June through early August. Special group tours of the castle and interpretive demonstrations of the area’s karst geology can be arranged with the park naturalist in advance anytime of year.