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National Recreational River · South Dakota and Nebraska

Missouri National Recreational River

National Recreational River in South Dakota and Nebraska. No entrance fee. 1 hikes listed.

By The Green Adventures · Updated · How we check

TypeNational Recreational River
StateSouth Dakota, Nebraska
Entrance feeNo entrance fee
Campgrounds3
Nearest national parkBadlands (256 mi)
Closest airportSUX (67 mi)
Aerial view of the Missouri River and surrounding landscape.
Aerial view of the Missouri River and surrounding landscape. Photo: NPS Photo

Missouri National Recreational River is a national recreational river run by the National Park Service in South Dakota and Nebraska.

In the park service’s words

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.

From the National Park Service (public domain).

Things to do

  • Hunting in the MNRR: Hunting & trapping is permitted in Bow Creek and Goat Island Recreation Areas in accordance with site-specific regulations.
  • 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.
  • Stargaze at Spirit Mound: stargaze
  • Fishing in the MNRR: Fishing is a main recreational activity in the Missouri National Recreational River.
  • 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.
  • Paddle the MNRR: Paddle the two free-flowing sections of the Missouri, North America's longest river, a vestige of the untamed American West.
  • Boating in the Missouri NRR: Whether you are fishing or enjoying the scenery and wildlife, boating is a great way to experience the river.
  • Biking in the MNRR: Various partners have different biking paths.

Fees and hours

Entrance fee: No entrance fee.

Hours: Open 24 hours, every day. The entire park includes the 39-Mile District and 59-Mile District. Both districts are open 24 hours, seven days a week.

Camping

Campground Sites Booking From RVs Amenities
Bow Creek Primitive Camping 5 First come n/a No cell signal
Green Island Primitive Camping 5 First come n/a No cell signal
Goat Island Primitive Camping 2 First come n/a No none listed

Getting there

The National Park Service headquarters is located at 508 East Second Street in Yankton, South Dakota.

Airport City Drive to the park Straight-line miles Type
Sioux Gateway Airport / Brigadier General Bud Day Field (SUX) Sioux City, IA No road route 67 Regional
Sioux Falls Regional Airport (FSD) Sioux Falls, SD No road route 70 Regional
Central Nebraska Regional Airport (GRI) Grand Island, NE No road route 131 Regional
Eppley Airfield (OMA) Omaha, NE No road route 135 Large hub

Drive times run from the airport to Zion Canyon Visitor Center, estimated with OSRM routing on OpenStreetMap roads at normal speeds; allow extra for traffic, stops and construction.

Miles are straight-line distances.

Visitor centers

  • [Missouri National Recreational River Headquarters](): Mon 8:00AM - 4:30PM; Tue 8:00AM - 4:30PM; Wed 8:00AM - 4:30PM; Thu 8:00AM - 4:30PM; Fri 8:00AM - 4:30PM; Sat Closed; Sun Closed. Missouri National Recreational River is open every day of the year. The National Park Service operates a Visitor Contact Station inside their Yankton, South Dakota park headquarters building located at 508 East Second Street. The headquarters is open 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on weekdays and closed on Saturdays, Sundays, and all federal holidays.

Weather

Rapid weather changes are common along the Missouri National Recreational River corridor. Variations from season to season and from year to year are great. Characteristics of the climate are hot summers and cold winters. Sunshine is abundant, particularly in the summer months. Average annual rainfall is 25 inches. Thunderstorms can be dangerous and visitors should be prepared for them, especially from June until late August. Winter snowfall averages 34 inches annually.

From the National Park Service (public domain).

Know before you go

Drones are banned at almost every park site, and you may not take rocks, plants or artifacts. Pets must be on a leash no longer than 6 feet where they are allowed. Bring no firewood from home.

Nearby

The nearest national park is Badlands, about 256 miles away in a straight line.

Sources

Last checked 1 November 2026.

Frequently asked questions

Is there an entrance fee at Missouri National Recreational River?

No entrance fee.

Where is Missouri National Recreational River?

In South Dakota, Nebraska. The closest airport with scheduled flights is Sioux Gateway Airport / Brigadier General Bud Day Field, about 67 miles away.

Can you camp at Missouri National Recreational River?

Yes, at 3 campgrounds the park service lists.

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