Guidelines

Guest Guidelines for a Great Stay

At Jellystone Park™ Mark Twain Lake, families come to unplug, unwind, and make memories that get talked about for years. These friendly guidelines help keep our campground safe, clean, and joyfully family-focused for every guest—whether you’re popping in for a weekend or settling in for a longer adventure.

Wristbands

  • Every registered guest receives a wristband at check-in—please wear it throughout your stay.

  • Wristbands are your “access pass” to amenities, attractions, and all the good things happening in the park.

  • Guests without wristbands may be asked to return to the Ranger Station so we can verify registration.

Campfires Done Right

  • Campfires are welcome in the fire ring at your site.

  • Keep flames small and safe—no bonfires or tall log stacks.

  • Fire bans may be issued during dry conditions.

  • Please do not bring outside firewood; it helps protect our beautiful trees from invasive pests.

  • Firewood, fire starters, and color-flame packs are available at the Ranger Station.

Respecting Nature & Wildlife

  • Help us keep the forest healthy (and protect your snacks!) by storing food securely.

  • Please don’t leave food, trash, or pet bowls outside overnight.

  • Our team provides trash pickup during operating hours, or you may use the dumpsters provided throughout the park.

Enjoy Responsibly

  • Guests 21+ may enjoy alcoholic beverages at their campsite.

  • Please use a koozie or non-descript cup if walking around the park.

  • No glass containers in or near aquatic areas.

Visitors

  • Visitors are welcome and must check in at the Ranger Station.

  • Day-use fees may apply depending on arrival time and activities.

  • Visitors must wear a wristband and follow all guidelines.

  • All visitors must depart by 10:00 PM.

Keeping It Clean

  • Gray and black water must be emptied only at your site hookup.

  • All sewer hoses must have a tight seal per state law.

  • Please avoid leaving trash outside overnight.

  • Generators are not permitted.

Family First (Always!)

  • Little campers have the best time when a trusted adult is nearby.

  • Children under 16 must be supervised by an adult at the pool, lake, and Water Zone attractions.

  • Helmets are required for bikes and scooters.

  • No bike or scooter riding after dark.

  • Thank you for helping us keep things friendly, respectful, and fun for all families.

Pets

  • Limit two pets per site unless approved by management.

  • Pets must be leashed and attended at all times—no solo adventures.

  • Please pick up pet waste promptly.

  • Pets may not enter pools or food-service areas.

  • Temporary/portable fencing or pens are not permitted.

Cabins & Lodges

  • Pet-friendly units are available.

  • A $25 non-refundable cleaning fee per pet applies (limit 2).

  • Pets found in a non-pet unit will result in a $300 cleaning fee.

Aggressive Pets

  • For everyone’s safety: if your dog displays protective or aggressive behavior toward other guests, we may ask you to seek alternative accommodations.

Service Animals

  • Service animals are welcome throughout the park.

  • Only animals individually trained to perform tasks for a person with a disability qualify as service animals.

  • Service animals must remain under control at all times.

Sites & Parking

  • One RV or one tent is permitted per site.

  • Maximum of 8 guests per site.

  • Please park vehicles only on your gravel pad.

  • Do not park in empty sites, grassy areas, or neighboring sites.

  • Tents are allowed only in designated tent areas.

Not Permitted

  • Fireworks

  • Firearms (including BB, pellet, and Airsoft guns)

  • Metal detectors

  • Drones

  • Recreational vehicles such as personal golf carts, ATVs, UTVs, and side-by-sides

  • Vehicle or RV repairs

Management reserves the right to determine whether a vehicle qualifies as a recreational vehicle.

Arrival & Departure

  • Check-In: 4:00 PM

  • Check-Out: 11:00 AM

  • No check-ins after 10 PM; please call ahead to arrange late arrival.

  • Prompt departures help us prepare for the next family coming in.

Safety & Emergencies

  • During severe weather, head to a bathhouse or visit the Ranger Station for updates.

  • Download the Jellystone Park™ App for real-time alerts.

  • Please carry a flashlight after dark—helpful for safety and perfect for spotting fireflies.

Fishing & Flags

  • Fishing is welcome in our private lakes—no license required.

  • A Missouri fishing license is required for nearby public use areas.

  • Guests may display U.S., state, local, military, first-responder, or Jellystone Park™ flags.

Smoking

  • Smoking is not permitted inside any buildings, including cabins and lodges.

  • A $250 cleaning fee will apply for smoking inside a lodging unit.

Reservations & Payments

  • Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and cash accepted (no checks).

  • A 50% deposit is required at booking; remaining balance is due 30 days before arrival.

Minimum Stay Requirements

  • Peak Season: 2-night minimum

  • Spring Break & Holidays: 3-night minimum

Site Lock Fee

  • To choose a specific site or cabin, add a $30 Site Lock Fee (non-refundable).

Cancellation Guidelines

Campsites

  • Cancel 8+ days before arrival: refund minus $30 fee

  • Cancel 7 days or less: deposit forfeited

Lodging

  • Cancel 15+ days before arrival: refund minus $30 fee

  • Cancel 14 days or less: deposit forfeited

  • Lakeside Lodge: $50 service fee applies

Holidays

  • Cancel 30+ days before arrival: refund minus $30

  • Cancel 29 days or less: deposit forfeited

Refunds & Changes

  • No refunds for early departure.

  • Camping is an outdoor experience—weather-related refunds are not provided.

  • Reservation changes: $10 change fee per modification.

  • No-shows follow the same cancellation rules.

Website Disclaimer

While Jellystone Park™ Mark Twain Lake & The Water Zone Park seeks to provide accurate and timely information, there may be inadvertent technical or factual inaccuracies and typographical errors for which we apologize. The information provided on our website, other advertising media or email including information and materials contained in the text, graphics, software, links and other items are provided “as is,” “as available” and without warranties of any kind either expressed or implied.

We will not share or sell subscriber information with 3rd parties for their direct marketing purposes. No mobile information will be shared with third parties/affiliates for marketing/promotional purposes. All the above categories exclude text messaging originator opt-in data and consent; this information will not be shared with any third parties. By selecting the Check Box on The Bookings Check Out Page Guests Agree to Receive Marketing SMS. Guests may receive a SMS prior/during/after their stay with us. Reply STOP to Opt Out. Standard message and data rates may apply.

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