Insult to Injury? Missouri Offers Flood Victims Free Campsites

Meet your new neighbor!

​Are you one of the unlucky souls who lost their home in the recent flooding?

The State of Missouri is really sorry about that. In fact, they'd like to do something for you. They'd like to give you a temporary new home! A place that real-estate agents might generously describe as "airy" with "tons of natural light" and the ultimate in "green living."

That's right. Missouri wants to give you a free campsite! In a Missouri state park. For 30 days. Void where prohibited and valid only for Missouri residents whose primary abodes are currently marooned in muck.

Check out the official invite below from the Department of Natural Resources. It's Daily RFT's "Press Release of the Day."

(For Immediate Release)
Missouri State Parks will waive camping fees for flood victims

JEFFERSON CITY, MO., MAY 12, 2011 - Missouri State Parks will waive all camping fees for families displaced by recent flooding along the Mississippi River in southeast Missouri.

"Our thoughts are with the families, businesses and communities going through this difficult situation," said Sara Parker Pauley director of the Missouri Department of Natural Resources. "The department and its Missouri State Parks system is happy to be able to extend this offer to displaced flood victims and hoping it can ease a few of their worries."

"Recent flooding has devastated many families and individuals and this is one way we can assist them until they can return to their homes," said Bill Bryan, director of Missouri State Parks.

The waiver applies to all Missouri residents who are victims of flooding along the Mississippi River in state-declared disaster counties. Camping fees will be waived at Trail of Tears State Park near Jackson and Lake Wappapello State Park near Williamsville, both in southeast Missouri. The waiver will apply for 30 days, after which time each situation will be re-evaluated to determine if the stay needs to be extended.

All campsites will be available on a first-come, first-served basis. Basic sites are available at Trail of Tears State Park and sites with electricity are available at Lake Wappapello State Park for those who have access to a camper. Campers will need to bring their own camping equipment and other supplies. If necessary, free camping will be extended to additional state park campgrounds.

People requesting the fee waiver should provide documentation from a governmental or charitable organization certifying that they have been displaced by flooding in a declared county in Missouri.

Displaced individuals seeking a place to camp should contact the park superintendent at either Trail of Tears State Park (573-290-5340) or Lake Wappapello State Park (573-297-3232) to make arrangements for camping. For more information about Missouri state park campgrounds, call 800-334-6946 (voice) or 800-379-2419 (Telecommunications Device for the Deaf) or visit mostateparks.com.