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Missouri
66

Missouri State Parks

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USA Parks
Missouri
Central Region
Ha Ha Tonka State Park
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Ha Ha Tonka State Park © Lanna Golliglee
Castle at Ha Ha Tonka State Park
Ha Ha Tonka State Park Ha Ha Tonka Spring © Somdatta Das Mishra
Ha Ha Tonka State Park Abandoned castle © Somdatta Das Mishra
The place is so beautiful and relaxing. The trail to the Ha Ha Tonka Spring was icy however we covered it from the lake side.
Ha Ha Tonka State Park View from top © Somdatta Das Mishra
Ha Ha Tonka State Park Lake © Somdatta Das Mishra
Ha Ha Tonka State Park View From Castle © Ken Fasl
Ha Ha Tonka State Park Bluff below Castle © Ken Fasl
Ha Ha Tonka State Park Old pump for castle © Ken Fasl
Ha Ha Tonka State Park © Ken Fasl
Ha Ha Tonka State Park © Ken Fasl
Ha Ha Tonka State Park © Ken Fasl
Ha Ha Tonka State Park © Joe Thill
Clear water flowing from the underground spring
Ha Ha Tonka State Park © Matthew Morris
Ha Ha Tonka State Park © Matthew Morris
Ha Ha Tonka State Park © Matthew Morris
Ha Ha Tonka State Park © Matthew Morris
Ha Ha Tonka State Park © Matthew Morris
Ha Ha Tonka State Park © Matthew Morris
Ha Ha Tonka State Park © Matthew Morris
Ha Ha Tonka State Park © Matthew Morris
Ha Ha Tonka State Park © Matthew Morris
Ha Ha Tonka State Park © Matthew Morris
Ha Ha Tonka State Park © Matthew Morris
Ha Ha Tonka State Park © Matthew Morris
Ha Ha Tonka State Park © Matthew Morris
Ha Ha Tonka State Park © Matthew Morris
Ha Ha Tonka State Park © Matthew Morris
Ha Ha Tonka State Park The Castle © Kandace Eck
I took this photo and edited it on my phone.
Ha Ha Tonka State Park © Lanna Golliglee
Eagle at Ha Ha Tonka State Park
Ha Ha Tonka State Park overlook © Kevin Devine
A view from the castle
Ha Ha Tonka State Park © Jan Richison
Ha Ha Tonka State Park © Jan Richison
Ha Ha Tonka State Park © Jan Richison
Ha Ha Tonka State Park © Jan Richison
Ha Ha Tonka State Park © Jan Richison
Ha Ha Tonka State Park © Jan Richison
Ha Ha Tonka State Park © Patty Erdman
Ha Ha Tonka State Park © Patty Erdman
Ha Ha Tonka State Park © Joe Thill
Underground spring flowing into the Lake of the Ozarks
Ha Ha Tonka State Park © Joe Thill
Scenic view from the castle area, overlooking Lake of the Ozarks
Ha Ha Tonka State Park © Joe Thill
Ha Ha Tonka State Park © Matthew Morris
Ha Ha Tonka State Park From across the way © Ryan Payne
The tree in the foreground is in focus. The castle is out of focus yet attention is still drawn to it.
Ha Ha Tonka State Park © Matthew Morris
Ha Ha Tonka State Park © Matthew Morris
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HA HA TONKA STATE PARK
HA HA TONKA STATE PARK
1491 State Road D
Camdenton, Missouri   65020

Phone: 573-346-2986
Toll Free: 800-334-6946
Email: park email button icon
Nature of the Area
From dark caves to back-country hiking trails to castle ruins perched on a cliff, Ha Ha Tonka State Park is the ideal place for the adventurous. Ha Ha Tonka is a geological wonderland: sinkholes, caves, a huge natural bridge, soaring bluffs, and Missouri's twelfth largest spring.

Fifteen miles of trail traverse the park, leading visitors to spectacular scenery, natural wonders and the famous castle ruins. Accessible, paved walkways and rugged, rocky trails provide every hiking experience, from a casual boardwalk stroll to an overnight backpack trip.

Looming over all is the ruin of the turn-of-the-century stone castle built by a wealthy businessman. The empty shell of this great mansion overlooks Ha Ha Tonka Spring and Lake of the Ozarks from atop a 250-foot bluff.

The Ha Ha Tonka Savanna preserves an excellent example of pre-settlement landscape. Scattered oaks, prairie grasses and wildflowers, open rocky glades and valley woodlands form a savanna mosaic. A seven-mile backpack trail winds through much of this area so visitors can easily explore the savanna.

Rugged terrain, beautiful bluffs, dark caves and a castle on a cliff -- bring your camera because Ha Ha Tonka State Park has it all.
Boating
Boaters can access the park via the Big Niangua arm of the Lake of the Ozarks at the 14-? mile marker. There are docks on both the castle ruins and spring side of the cove. The boat length limit for docking at the park is 24 feet. There are no fees.
Fishing
Fishing:

Fishing is permitted under statewide regulations at the Lake of the Ozarks access points of the park. Fishing is not permitted in Ha Ha Tonka Spring.



Picnicking
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.
Trails
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 - ? 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 - ? 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 - ? 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 ? 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 - ? 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 ? 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 - ? 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.
Nature Programs
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.
Birding
Birdwatchers can enjoy a variety of species in the park, including woodpeckers, warblers and hawks. The diverse habitats such as forests, glades and streams attract different bird types. There are several trails offering excellent opportunities for spotting birds throughout the year.
Things To Do in the Area
businesss listing main photo
Redbeard's Ranch - Lebanon, MO
Horseback Riding
Redbeard's Ranch is a peaceful, scenic, 295-acre, family-oriented campground in Missouri Ozark hill country with approximately 1 mile of Niangua River frontage. Shaded campsites line the riverfront while the wooded hills and open meadows are ideal for other activities such as horseback riding, hiking, bird-watching, and hunting.
13.9 miles from park*

Visitor Comments, Memories and Reviews
February 23 Ha Ha Tonka State Park by Somdatta_D_M
park review stars; one to five So relaxing and beautiful state park The view from the top is awesome.
May 2 Best Autum Park to see by Ragged Mouse
park review stars; one to five I love this park in the Autumn my son took his other dad and I here when he was 15 years old and started working there when in high school. When in college he work there and now is the naturalist here. Still the greatest autumn park ever.
December 15 My Son and Me by Mama Cat
park review stars; one to five My Son took me here a few years ago and I loved it. Now I find out that he takes ALL of his new girlfriends here for there FIRST date. How cute. He just loves it. Me too.
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Area Campgrounds
Redbeard's Ranch
30075 Marigold Drive
Lebanon, MO
417-533-7337
Ozark Trails Family Campground
4171 East US Highway 54
Linn Creek, MO
573-346-5490
Nearby Hotels
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Missouri
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Missouri State Parks

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