Missouri State Parks

[HammerNoMore]

I'm looking for information on diving in a couple of local Missouri state parks. I know, how could I possibly want more information than what is provided on their websites?

St. Joe State Park:

[font=Times New Roman, Times, serif]Scuba diving is permitted in Monsanto and Pim lakes. Participants must be certified and must be accompanied by another certified diver. They are required to display a marker indicating their location. Divers must check in and out at the park office.[/font]

Finger Lakes State Park:

For visitors looking for the more typical state park experience, the numerous finger-shaped lakes allow activities such as swimming, fishing, canoeing and scuba diving.

Johnson Shut-Ins State Park:

Restrictions apply for scuba diving. Obtain a permit and instructions from the park office.

Anyone been diving in any of these locations and want to share info about conditions, rules, things to see, etc?

James

 

[Tabasco1955]

I haven't been diving in any of these, however, I am a frequent visitor to Johnson Shut-Ins and Finger Lakes. John Shut-Ins only has one hole I know of that you can dive in and it is at the bottom end of the Shut-Ins, you'll have to be pretty desperate, and carry your equipment probably about 1/2 mile over some rough terrain to get to it. Since I haven't been diving there I don't know how deep it is but I would "guess" at no more than 15-20, visibility should be okay unless the swimmers have it stirred up. Personally, I would not recommend it.

Finger Lakes? There are different lakes (small & large) scattered throughout the park. Again, I haven't been diving there myself even though I am a frequent visitor, but I have talked with other divers who have, and they say the visibility is really bad (feet ?) and the water is really cold, they did not recommend it when I asked.

St. Joe? I've been to the park but know nothing about diving there.

Hope this has been (somewhat) helpful.

Good Diving,
Mike

 

[Jmaserati]

I think there are a few Columbia guys that have dived Finger Lakes before... lemme give them a call and get a dive report for ya.

 

[Jmaserati]

whoops