Long Branch State Park

Recreational Development at Long Branch Lake is offered through a cooperative agreement between the Corps of Engineers and the Missouri Department of Natural Resources, which operates and maintains Long Branch State Park.

The 1,834-acre park consists of three areas, with most development in the Bloomington area on the western shore of the lake. The campground features 83 campsites, with about half of them offering electrical hookups. Nine of the basic campsites are secluded walk-in sites, and several are designed to be accessible to persons with disabilities. The campground features modern restrooms with hot showers.

Campsite reservation can be made by calling (1-877-422-6766) between 7am and 10 pm or by visiting the Missouri State Parks and Historic Sites website.

Several boat launching facilities are offered for access to the lake for fishing and boating. For swimmers, the park provides a sand beach along the shoreline not far from the campground. Picnic tables are scattered near the lake and two open picnic shelters overlooking the lake can be reserved through the Long Branch State Park Office (660-773-5229).

The Bloomington Area of the State Park has 2 trails - the Little Chariton Prairie Trail and the Lakeview trail. The Lakeview trail is a linear trail originating at the west end of the dam. It is about 1/2 mile long from its origin to the trail's end which provides a panoramic view of the lake as well as many beautiful sunrises.

The Little Chariton Prairie Trail is just over 2 miles long and is accessible from the campground in many locations. It loops through a 160-acre remnant of native prairie that is being restored. From this trail visitors can see prairie grasses and plants such as big bluestem, Indian grass and wild indigo.

Although there is public land open to hunting on the Long Branch project, no hunting is permitted within the boundaries of Long Branch State Park.