Park Regulations

Know Before You Go!

Ozark National Scenic Riverways is a great park with many recreational opportunities, from paddling to hunting. Certain regulations and restrictions apply for the safety of visitors and precious park resources. As part of the National Park Service, Ozark National Scenic Riverways enforces both federal and state laws. Please educate yourself on our regulations before your visit.

 

General Regulations

Park regulations are in place for a number of reasons. There are countless natural and cultural resources in need of protection. Visitors depend on park standards for a family-friendly environment. Ultimately, these rules are in place to ensure everyone has a safe, rewarding experience while visiting Ozark National Scenic Riverways.

You can help us protect the park by following its regulations. To start, here's a good rule of thumb: If an activity is illegal elsewhere, it is probably illegal in a National Park. That being said, there are many things allowed in this park that are not allowed in other parks. For example, visitors can legally hunt and forage for mushrooms, berries, and nuts.

Here, some park-wide rules and laws are highlighted. This is not a comprehensive list; a full list of regulations and references can be found in the Superintendent's Compendium. It is your responsibility to understand and follow these rules while in the park.

Alcohol in the Park

While alcohol is allowed in the park, all state and federal alcohol laws are strictly enforced. Open Container, Driving Under the Influence (DUI), and Driving While Intoxicated (DWI) laws are enforced for all motor vehicles - including ATVs, UTVs, and the like. 

As always, visitors are expected to be of legal age, drink in moderation, and respect other visitors. Note that "drinking paraphernalia" like beer bongs are not allowed.

Otherwise, open containers or consumption of alcohol are prohibited in the following areas:

• Alley Mill
• Alley Store
• Storys Creek School
• Any park-owned or leased building, vehicle, or vessel. This does not include pavilions or housing units in the park. Concession operations at Alley Spring, Round Spring, Akers, Pulltite, and Two Rivers are permitted to sell alcohol, but alcohol should not be consumed on the premises.

Marijuana

Ozark National Scenic Riverways is on federal land, and Missouri state law forbids marijuana use in parks. As such, law enforcement rangers have a duty to enforce all marijuana laws, regardless of personal opinion.

Please leave all marijuana products at home. Disturbances to other visitors (such as neighboring campsites) will not be tolerated. Also, "Operating While Impaired" (OWI) laws apply to drivers under the influence of marijuana.

Archeological / Historical Artifacts

The riverways area has many sensitive archeological, cultural, and historical sites protected by the National Park Service. Removing archeological or historical objects from where they reside is prohibited by the Federal Archeological Resources Protection Act and the Antiquities Act.

In order to better understand the history of the riverways, artifacts must be studied by researchers in their natural setting and context. Please do not move archeological or historical objects that you find. If you see an artifact that you believe to be in danger of theft, please take a picture of its location and tell a ranger so the park’s archeologist can be notified. Digging or metal detecting for these objects is specifically prohibited by the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR).

Caves and Caving

All caves within park boundaries are closed to visitation at this time, with the exception of Round Spring Cave (tours only) and Cave Spring near Devils Well. Visitors and their pets are prohibited from entering caves.

This closure is necessary to protect vulnerable wildlife species, primarily bats. White Nose Syndrome is a deadly fungal disease that ravaged bat populations in the Ozarks. In affected colonies, fatality rates often reached 95 - 100% of all bats.

Humans can spread this disease via their clothing, hair, shoes, etc. In addition, survivors from our bat colonies are still recovering from white nose syndrome. Disturbing sleep/hibernation can prove fatal for bat colonies.

 

River Rules and Expectations

When visiting the riverways, everyone must show respect for other floaters and the environment. By following these rules, you can ensure a safe, fun floating experience.

Lashing / tying of tubes or vessels is prohibited.

Lashing tubes or vessels together is strictly prohibited. Clusters of vessels greatly increase the risk of drowning, as people can become tangled in ropes or get stuck underneath the group. This rule does not apply to unmanned tubes.

Jumping or diving from trees or rope swings is prohibited.

Each year, serious injuries are caused by people slipping, falling, or simply landing too hard. Trees and rope swings are common locations for these accidents. While jumping into the water from small heights is allowed, visitors are responsible for their own safety. Always search the water for rocks or roots beforehand, and never tie or use rope swings along the water.

One personal flotation device (PFD) must be on board for each person.

State and federal law require one Personal Flotation Device (PFD) on board per person, if the vessel is less than 16 feet in length. To prevention drowning or injury, the park encourages visitors to wear a PFD at all times.

Children under 7 must wear a PFD at all times.

By law, children under 7 years of age must wear a Personal Flotation Device (PFD) at all times while in a vessel.

Glass and polystyrene foam are prohibited on or around the river.

To prevent litter and injury, glass and polystyrene foam are not allowed in any vessel prone to capsizing. This includes kayaks, tubes, canoes, rafts, and most other non-motorized vessels. These items are also prohibited on trails, in caves, and within 50 feet of rivers.

Dogs may not be leashed / tethered while in a vessel on the water.

For the safety of pets, the park does not allow animals to be tied to vessels while on the water. Leashes / tethers pose a drowning risk for both pets and people. Consider bringing a life jacket for your dog instead.

With that in mind, owners are still expected to control their pets while on the water. Dogs are not allowed to chase wildlife or otherwise disrupt the river experience. As soon as the vessel is back on land, the dog must be on a 6-foot leash at all times. This also applies when pulling off to the side of the river, no matter the duration. Visit our Pets in the Park page for more information.

Follow all river closures.

When there is flooding, the park may temporarily close the river for non-motorized vessels. These closures are implemented for the safety of both floaters and rescue teams. For the latest closure information, visit the park's Facebook page.

 

Other Commonly-Referenced Regulations

These pages detail rules for UTVs, camping, boat horsepower, horses, hunting, fishing, and more. Be sure to check these pages for some of our frequently-asked questions.