Free Wi-Fi Available at Many State Campgrounds

Although many people like to go camping to get away from it all, the Missouri State Parks division of the Department of Natural Resources fielded many requests for free wireless Internet access at Missouri's state park campgrounds. And it has complied. Eleven state parks currently offer free wi-fi at their campgrounds and more will be added throughout the summer, according to Bill Bryan , director of Missouri State Parks.

“We listened to our customers and are adding complimentary wi-fi to the many services we already provide in our state park campgrounds,” said Bryan, in a news release from the Missouri State Parks.

Campgrounds with wireless access are located in the following state parks: ; Bennett Spring State Park near Lebanon; Montauk State Park near Salem; Roaring River State Park near Cassville; Table Rock State Park near Branson; Meramec State Park near Sullivan; Sam. A. Baker State Park near Patterson; Johnson’s Shut-Ins State Park near Middlebrook; Onondaga Cave State Park near Leasburg; Long Branch State Park near Macon; and Finger Lakes State Park near Columbia.

Most parks have full coverage in the campgrounds while others have designated hotspots with coverage, according to Bryan. Signs will be posted in the campgrounds indicating where Internet access is located.

Results from a 2010 survey indicated campground visitors wanted to stay connected while camping. Survey participants responded that availability of an Internet connection would lead to camping more often and extending their stay.

WiFi availability is just one of the amenities offered in Missouri’s 40 state park campgrounds. Campgrounds are available for all types of users and range from secluded basic sites to campsites with sewer/electric/water sites. More than 70 percent of the campsites offer electricity. Many campgrounds include modern restrooms, hot showers, trailer dumping stations, coin-operated laundry and firewood.

For more information, go to mostateparks.com. Missouri State Parks is a division of the Missouri Department of Natural Resources.