National parks near St. Louis

Closest first

The list shows up to 10 closest parks within 500 miles; if none are within that range, it shows the 3 nearest overall. Distances are straight-line miles from the city center to approximate park coordinates. Drive times are rough estimates based on distance, not live routing; ferry, traffic, road closures, and seasonal access can change a trip. Confirm routes and current conditions with the National Park Service before you go. Open the app for parks near wherever you are right now.

• 1 Gateway Arch · Missouri · 3+ trails · Free1 mi · ~0.5 hr drive estimate
• 2 Mammoth Cave · Kentucky · 85+ trails · Free245 mi · ~5 hr drive estimate
• 3 Indiana Dunes · Indiana · 50+ trails · Free267 mi · ~5.5 hr drive estimate
• 4 Hot Springs · Arkansas · 26+ trails · $20 / vehicle326 mi · ~7 hr drive estimate
• 5 Great Smoky Mountains · Tennessee · 800+ trails · Free422 mi · ~9 hr drive estimate
• 6 Cuyahoga Valley · Ohio · 125+ trails · Free492 mi · ~10.5 hr drive estimate
• 7 New River Gorge · West Virginia · 112+ trails · Free497 mi · ~10.5 hr drive estimate

Planning a trip from St. Louis

By our rough distance-based estimate, Gateway Arch, Mammoth Cave, Indiana Dunes are within about six hours by road. Actual travel times vary; check a current route and reserve campsites or lodging ahead in peak season.

Each park page covers popular trails, camping, entrance fees, and the best time to visit. In ParkAtlas, the home screen shows unvisited parks within reach of your current location and lets you log the one you pick.