Bottomless Lakes State Park
"Dexter residents and visitors can reach the park easily for a short outdoor escape. The lakes offer a refreshing break from the surrounding agricultural landscape."
Bottomless Lakes State Park is New Mexico’s first state park and one of its most distinctive, with nine emerald lakes nestled in a gypsum canyon. The park offers day-use recreation, water activities, and sweeping views of the Pecos Valley.
Peaks-Kenny State Park
"Dexter visitors are drawn to the park for swimming and boating on Sebec Lake. It offers a classic Maine summer experience within an easy drive."
Peaks-Kenny State Park is one of central Maine’s best-loved lakefront parks, offering a sandy swimming beach, boat access, and shaded picnic grounds. Its setting on Sebec Lake makes it a popular destination for families, anglers, and visitors looking for a relaxed day outdoors.
Lake Wappapello State Park
"Visitors from Dexter often come for weekend boating, fishing, and camping on the lake’s quieter shoreline."
Lake Wappapello State Park is centered on a 7,000-acre reservoir created by the damming of the St. Francis River. Visitors come for lake recreation, shaded campsites, and easy access to one of the region’s most popular outdoor destinations.
Sam A. Baker State Park
"Dexter visitors can reach the park quickly for fishing, picnicking, and river access. It is a convenient destination for a short outdoor getaway."
Sam A. Baker State Park is a classic southeast Missouri getaway with wooded hills, river access, and family-friendly recreation. Its natural setting makes it especially popular for camping, fishing, and cooling off in the St. Francis River.
Brantley Lake State Park
"Dexter families and anglers visit for easy access to water-based recreation. The park is a straightforward day trip for fishing and picnicking."
Brantley Lake State Park centers on a large reservoir that attracts anglers, boaters, and birders year-round. Its broad shoreline, picnic areas, and campgrounds make it a popular stop for outdoor recreation near Carlsbad.
Big Oak Tree State Park
"Dexter residents often visit for a quiet, low-key outdoor experience. The park’s boardwalks and shaded forest setting provide a refreshing break from everyday routines."
Big Oak Tree State Park showcases some of the largest trees in Missouri and a unique floodplain forest ecosystem along the Mississippi River lowlands. Its boardwalks and interpretive areas make it a standout destination for nature observation, photography, and peaceful walks.
Lily Bay State Park
"Dexter residents often visit for swimming, picnicking, and camping in a more remote state park setting. Lily Bay provides a classic Moosehead Lake experience within a manageable drive."
Lily Bay State Park features a sandy beach, picnic areas, boat access, and a campground set among spruce and pine on Moosehead Lake. It is a popular base for exploring the Moosehead region, with opportunities for fishing, paddling, wildlife viewing, and enjoying the lakefront scenery.
Mount Kineo State Park
"Dexter is a regional town with easy access to central Maine and a strong base for outdoor recreation. Travelers from Dexter visit Mount Kineo for hiking, boating, and a memorable day on Moosehead Lake."
Mount Kineo State Park is a remote, scenic destination on a peninsula in Moosehead Lake, offering rugged hiking, cliffside vistas, and a historic fire tower. It is especially popular with boaters, photographers, and visitors seeking classic North Woods scenery.