We have been to Wallace State Park in Cameron, MO before but we wanted to explore it more in depth. We first went to Wallace State Park when we rented an RV (you can read more about it in the "Thanksgiving RV Camping in Missouri" post) and we thought the park was nice and wished we had more time to explore. Our schedule was packed for that trip and we were there for an overnight stay. This time we are going to explore it to our heart's content!
Wallace State Park turned out to be a hidden gem, perfect for dog lovers who enjoy camping and hiking. We’re a couple without kids, but we do have one very energetic fur baby, Georgia! For us, every trip is a family trip, and that means finding destinations that are just as enjoyable for Georgia as they are for us. In this guide, I'll share our experiences and tips to help you plan your adventure to this fantastic park. So, leash up your four-legged friend, and let’s dive into why Wallace State Park should be on your travel radar.
Why Wallace State Park is Perfect for You and Your Dog
From the moment we set foot in Wallace State Park, it was clear that this place was designed with nature enthusiasts and their canine companions in mind. The park, spanning 502 acres, offers a serene escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. It's a haven of lush forests, tranquil lakes, and well-maintained trails, perfect for exploring with your furry friend.
Almost all Missouri State Parks are pet-friendly. There might be some restricted indoor areas but all trails in Wallace State Park welcomes leashed dogs! This made our adventure much more enjoyable so Georgia could join us in exploring every nook and cranny of this beautiful location.
Preparing for Camping and Hiking with your Dog
Before you set off on your adventure, a little preparation can go a long way. Here's a must bring packing list to ensure you and your dog have everything you need for a fun and safe trip.
Essentials for Humans:
Food and snacks
Water bottles and hydration system
Clothing appropriate for the weather
First aid kit
Navigation tools (maps, compass, GPS) - we use our phones
BUG SPRAY! It is summer after all
Essentials for Dogs:
Get your dog a good harness. Sometimes you would have to suitcase carry your dog because the trail might hurt their paws or whatever else they cannot put all four paws on the ground. We like the Ruffwear Harness
Bring plenty of water and a portable dog bowl to keep your pup hydrated.
Take breaks in shaded areas to prevent overheating, especially during the warmer parts of the day.
Check your dog’s paws regularly for any signs of wear or injury, particularly after hiking on rocky or uneven terrain.
Treat your dog's paws with Musher's Secret Dog Paw Wax to prevent her paws from cracking since you will be hiking every day
Carry a pet first aid kit for any minor injuries or emergencies.
We also like putting Georgia on a biothane long lead that we can easily wipe and gives her a little bit of freedom without actually letting her off-leash
Gearing up to leave for our trip
It was a hot day but Georgia was patiently waiting while we got our truck hooked up to the travel trailer.
We had recently moved our travel trailer to a new storage lot so the travel time took a bit longer than usual. It took us about 6 hours to get to the park. As usual, we had to stop by a couple of times to stretch our legs and eat lunch
While we were filling up our freshwater tanks, I went to get us checked in with the camp host and possibly extend our stay. When I checked Missouri's camp reservation system a couple of nights before it showed that our camp had Sunday-Monday available then booked Tuesday onwards and I thought "Well no one is gonna wanna book just a day of camping after all the work you gotta put in...right?!"
Ummm WRONG, now comes the lesson
Lesson #10: Do not wait until the last minute to book or extend your campsite, especially in the summer
Camping at Wallace State Park
We then drove to our campsite after our fresh water tank was filled and behold... no shade campsite
Lesson #11: Check the shade indicator when making reservations. Our site indicated shade but maybe I could have checked RV Life reviews to see if it does have shade.
REALITY... zero shade
Since it was already "almost" summer the camp was busy but at least we did not get attacked by unleashed dogs this time.
Oh well still determined to have a good time, we proceeded to set up camp! Georgia and I are in charge of the inside set and Kevin is outside duty.
After we had our camp all set up and ready we had a bit of time to go for a walk after dinner so went to the lake area to check out the scene
Best Trails in Wallace State Park for You and Your Dog
The park had a total of 6 trails all under 2 miles so we decided that for the next day we would hike all of them and still be back in camp around noon for breakfast (yes we eat breakfast for lunch... we are adults and we have the power to chose!)
Wallace State Park boasts several trails that are perfect for hiking with your dog. Here are our top picks:
Deer Run Trail
Length: 1.5 miles
Difficulty: Easy
Description: This loop trail is great for a leisurely walk. It's mostly shaded, making it ideal for warmer days. Max loved sniffing around the trees and we enjoyed the peaceful atmosphere.
Lakeview Trail
Length: 1.75 miles
Difficulty: Moderate
Description: As the name suggests, this trail offers beautiful views of the park's lake. The terrain is a bit more challenging, but the views are worth it. We paused frequently to let Max cool off by the water's edge.
Old Quarry Trail
Length: 2 miles
Difficulty: Moderate
Description: This trail winds through forest and past old quarry sites, providing a mix of historical and natural sights. Max had a great time exploring the various scents along the way.
Skunk Hollow Trail
Length: 1 mile
Difficulty: Easy
Description: A short, easy trail that's perfect for a quick morning hike. It’s a nice option if you’re looking for a less strenuous walk to start your day. We enjoyed the quiet and Max loved the open spaces to run around.
Most of the trails wind through creeks which was Georgia's favorite way to cool down
Also, are you even having fun if your dog isn't?
Attractions near Wallace State Park
After lunch, we drove to downtown Cameron to check out the Cameron Depot Museum, but unfortunately, it was closed. We tried calling before to make a reservation but did not get an answer.
We also visited Adam-Ondi-Ahman, a Latter Day Saints historic site. It was supposed to be a place of quiet contemplation so I felt it might be disrespectful to take pictures.
Then we headed back to our campsite... only after our lake picture
Since there is not much to do at night once the sun goes down that is when we get caught up in watching movies. Being in a site that is not shaded means that your air-conditioner works all the time. The thing is loud! We had to rely on subtitles so that we could understand movies we were watching. Still a good experience overall
Far West Temple
Sunday was our last day and had planned to hike a nearby trail but a thunderstorm rolled in overnight and dashed those plans.
We instead visited another Latter Day Saints historic site the Far West Temple
Then we got back to camp, ate lunch, and started our drive back home...
There you have it!
Wallace State Park offers a fantastic blend of natural beauty, dog-friendly amenities, and plenty of opportunities for adventure. Whether you’re hiking the trails, camping under the stars, or enjoying a swim in the lake, this park is a perfect destination for couples and their canine companions.
Have you camped or hiked Wallace State Park? Did you like it? Let us know how your experience went!
TTYL!
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