Castor River Shut-Ins

+1 573-290-5730

Fredericktown, MO 63645 United States of America

Open Today: -

Quick Facts About Castor River Shut-Ins

with a sandy bottom. It's a peaceful and serene spot to spend the day.

Strengths:

1. Natural Beauty: One of the main strengths of Castor River Shut-Ins is its natural beauty. Visitors consistently mention how gorgeous and breathtaking the location is. The pink rocks that line the river add a unique touch and make it a visually stunning place to visit.

2. Relaxed Atmosphere: Unlike its more popular counterpart, Johnson's Shut-Ins, Castor River Shut-Ins is described as being less crowded and more relaxing. The lack of amenities and limited parking helps maintain a quiet and peaceful atmosphere, allowing visitors to truly relax and escape from the stress of everyday life.

3. Pet-Friendly: Another strength mentioned by visitors is that the park is pet-friendly. Dogs are allowed as long as they are kept on leashes, making it a great place to enjoy with furry friends.

4. Easy River Access: Access to the river is described as being easier at Castor River Shut-Ins compared to Johnson's Shut-Ins. Visitors mention a tree-shaded trail that provides a comfortable walk to the river, making it more accessible for people of all ages and fitness levels.

5. Suitable for Families: Families appreciate the family-friendly nature of the park. Several comments mentioned bringing children of different ages, with one parent even mentioning feeling comfortable bringing their 2-year-old. The shallow depth of the water, typically around 4 to 5 feet with a sandy bottom, is seen as a positive for families.

Weaknesses:

1. Lack of Amenities: The most significant weakness of Castor River Shut-Ins is the lack of amenities. Visitors comment that there are no bathrooms, changing areas, concession stands, lifeguards, or park rangers. This means visitors must pack all the necessary supplies, including drinking water, sunscreen, wet wipes, food, and towels. The absence of basic amenities can be inconvenient and may discourage some visitors.

2. Safety Concerns: Some comments mentioned safety concerns related to slippery rocks when wet. Visitors advise wearing water shoes and suggest bringing kneepads to mitigate the risk of falling. There is also a mention of a negative experience with an unleashed dog attacking another visitor and their dog. These safety concerns highlight the importance of being cautious and responsible when visiting the park.

3. Limited Parking: Another weakness mentioned in the comments is the limited parking available. This can be an issue, especially when the park becomes more crowded, as it could lead to visitors having difficulty finding parking spots.

4. Lack of Variety: Although visitors enjoy the overall experience at Castor River Shut-Ins, some mention the lack of variety in activities. Unlike Johnson's Shut-Ins, there are no high jump cliffs or extensive areas for jumping into the water. While this may not be a concern for everyone, those looking for more adrenaline-filled activities may feel limited.

In conclusion, Castor River Shut-Ins receives praise for its natural beauty, relaxed atmosphere, pet-friendliness, and suitability for families. However, the lack of amenities, safety concerns, limited parking, and less variety in activities are weaknesses that potential visitors should be aware of. Despite these weaknesses, many visitors still enjoy their time at Castor River Shut-Ins and consider it a hidden gem worth revisiting.

Best TL Reviews

Results may vary depending upon river level. When the river is medium to high, the rocks are a fun slide. When wet, they are like walking on round ice. Expect to fall. Wear water shoes and bring some kneepads if you have some. This is a park with no amenities. I'm not complaining. Just letting you know. There is no bathroom, changing area, concession stand, life guard, or park ranger. You are at the mercy of nature and the people you came with. Pack the stuff you will need. Drinking water, sunscreen, wet wipes, food, towels. These Shut-Ins don't have the high jump cliffs of Johnson's Shut-Ins, but they go on longer than Johnson's Shut-Ins. There was just one spot at Castor River Shut-In with the depth necessary for jumping in. I recommend it. It's free.

Gorgeous hidden gem! Not crowded like Johnsons. Perfect place to relax and escape! Benches along path. Pet friendly. Keep your Dog on leashes though. A guy driving had a dog unleashed that attacked me and my dog, while walking through parking lot. Wasn't happy..

Me and the family enjoyed it! Second time out here and this time was the best it wasn't packed like last time and it was very clean.. and the swimming was great... We're making this our family yearly spot

Such a cool place! I loved swimming here. It was beautiful and a fun experience. I would recommend wearing water shoes, as the rocks can be a little hard on your feet.

Pretty incredible place to visit. Can’t wait to go again. Much more relaxing than Johnson Shut-Ins and incredibly clean. Beautiful place to have spend a day in the sun with family and friends.

Very beautiful place. We were the only people out there, enjoyed the place to ourselves :) Love the pink rocks.

Great swimming spot a few minutes from Fredericktown. Very similar to Johnson Shut Ins, but the rocks are pink and the access to the river is way easier thru the tree shaded trail. Water is clean and full of fish, parking is limited and no public restroom.

I love this gem hidden in the woods. I feel comfortable bringing my 2yr old and the water is usually between 4 and 5 ft deep