Trail of Tears State Park - United States
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About Trail of Tears State Park
RV quick facts for Trail of Tears State Park
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Best time to visit Trail of Tears State Park
Late April through June and September into October are the most comfortable months for RV travel, with mild temperatures, active interpretive programming, and fewer biting insects than midsummer. July and August are hot and humid along the Mississippi, though swimming at Lake Boutin and the river beach is popular. Fall brings strong hardwood color on the ridges and lighter campground traffic on weekdays. Winter is quiet with cold snaps possible, so check conditions before towing.
Cold and quiet; check road conditions before towing.
Winter conditions; occasional ice or snow possible.
Variable spring weather; watch for severe storms.
Wildflowers emerge; thunderstorms common.
Interpretive programs begin around Memorial Day.
Warm and humid; swimming season.
Peak heat and humidity; reserve electric sites early.
Hot; insects active in forested areas.
Interpretive programs run through Labor Day.
Peak fall color on the bluffs.
Cool and quieter; some facilities reduce hours.
Cold with occasional freezes; verify water service status.
Things to do at Trail of Tears State Park
- Trail of Tears Visitor Center EasyRV parking available
The visitor center interprets the forced Cherokee removal and local natural history through exhibits and a 23-minute on-demand documentary. It is the recommended first stop for context before exploring the rest of the park. nps.gov/places/trail-of-tears-state-park.htm
- Lake Boutin Swimming and Fishing EasyRV parking available
Lake Boutin is a small park lake open for swimming, fishing, and non-motorized boating. The day-use area has picnic tables, a playground, and accessible facilities near the shore. nps.gov/places/trail-of-tears-state-park.htm
- Mississippi River Overlook and Beach EasyRV parking available
A riverside day-use area provides direct Mississippi River access for shoreline wading, fishing, and scenic photos from the bluffs. It marks the approximate area where Cherokee detachments crossed the frozen river during the forced removal. nps.gov/places/trail-of-tears-state-park.htm
- Peewah Trail ModerateRV parking available
The Peewah Trail is the park's primary backcountry hiking route, looping through hardwood ridges and ravines with a shorter yellow loop and a longer red loop. It offers quiet forest walking and seasonal wildflower displays.
- Sheppard Point Trail ModerateRV parking available
Sheppard Point Trail is a shorter ridge hike leading to overlooks of the Mississippi River valley. It provides a good introduction to the park's bluff terrain without committing to the longer Peewah loops.
- Boat Ramp and River Fishing EasyRV parking available
The park's boat ramp provides direct Mississippi River access for motorized boating and catfish fishing. Trailer parking is available on site. nps.gov/places/trail-of-tears-state-park.htm
- Summer Interpretive Programs EasyRV parking available
Ranger-led interpretive programs run throughout the summer from Memorial Day through Labor Day, covering the Cherokee removal story and park ecology. Programs are typically held at the amphitheater or visitor center. nps.gov/places/trail-of-tears-state-park.htm
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Trail of Tears State Park, MO, United States
How to get to Trail of Tears State Park
The park is reached via State Route 177, roughly a 15 to 20 minute drive north of Cape Girardeau, Missouri, and about 2 hours south of St. Louis on I-55. From the interstate, expect narrow two-lane rural roads with rolling grades and tight curves on the final approach to the river bluffs, which requires caution with long trailers and Class A rigs. The nearest commercial airport for fly-and-rent travelers is Cape Girardeau Regional Airport (CGI), with Memphis and St. Louis as larger alternatives about 2 to 2.5 hours away.
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