Crane Lake Recreation Area
Crane Lake was originally created many years ago by impounding Crane Pond Creek. The dam is an earth fill dam at the upstream end of a “shut-ins” or narrow gorge cut in the granite bedrock. The lake is about 50 acres in size and approximately 20 feet deep at the dam. The site is popular for fishing and hiking.
This is a good area to see great blue herons, songbirds and a variety of waterfowl.
A temporary single-lane gravel boat launch has been installed to allow launching during low water level periods. Shoreline fishing, hunting and hiking at Crane Lake will continue to be permitted except immediately near the dam where the construction work will be occurring.
To learn more about the process of replacing the aged dam at Crane Lake, read this Crane Lake dam status update from Sep. 2024.
Photos of Crane Lake
General Information
January - December
Quiet Hours: 10 pm to 6 am
When visiting, please remember
- No overnight camping in day use areas at any time of year.
- Dogs must be on a 6 foot leash in the day use area
- No trash containers; please pack out all your trash.
- Fireworks are prohibited.
- Boats are allowed, only electric motors are permitted.
No fees are required for this site
No fees
When boating with your dog, follow all Missouri State boating laws and only allow your animal on pet-friendly shorelines.
- Use care when getting your dog in and out of the boat to ensure their safety.
- Consider both you and your dog wearing a life jacket.
- Provide shade for your pet.
- Remember to bring their food and water as it may be unsafe for them to drink lake water.
- Occasionally, bring your dog to land so that they can relieve themselves.
Please remember that dogs are prohibited in designated swimming areas.
Address: 10019 W. State Hwy. 8 Potosi, MO 63664
Phone: 573-438-5427
Hours: 8:00 am - 4:30 pm, Monday to Friday; District Offices closed 1 - 1:30 for lunch (Closed on federal holidays)
Office Email: sm.fs.marktwainnf@usda.gov
Getting There
Latitude / Longitude
Latitude: 37.425255
Longitude: -90.6262474
Directions
From Ironton, MO
- Take Highway 21 south for approximately 2 miles
- Turn left and take Highway E south for 9 miles
- Turn right on Iron County Road 124 for 2.5 miles
- Turn left on Iron County Road 131 for 2 miles
- The road ends at the site.
Parking
5 vehicles w/ trailers
Facility and Amenity Information
Restrooms
Restrooms are not available at this site.
Water
Potable water is not available at this site.
Horse/Pack Animal Information
Horse/Pack animals are allowed at this site.
Nearby Trails
Recreation Opportunities
Backpacking Info
Crane Lake National Recreation Trail is a five mile double loop trail, the south loop of which connects to the Marble Creek Section of the Ozark Trail. The trail is minimally marked. There are a few creek crossings. The north loop will take you to shut-ins below a dam and there are several scenic views.
To get on the trail you can start at the boat launch to park. Walk back up to Reader Hollow/Forest Road 2155. The trail curves around to the left, crossing County Road 131 before continuing west (left) along the western edge of the lake. You'll cross Crane Pond Creek before the trail loops south to hug the southern shore of the lake.
At the eastern side of the lake, right before Crane Pond Creek the trail veers to the left and parallels the creek for a while. You'll cross the creek again and continue parallel to the creek until you intersect with the Marble Creek section of the Ozark Trail. At the intersection you can either veer right and continue on the Ozark Trail or veer left and continue next to the creek, and then the lake, before ending up back at the boat launch.
Marble Creek Section of the Ozark Trail
This section of the Ozark Trail which eventually will total approximately 21 miles runs from Marble Creek Campground to Crane Lake Picnic Area, with the Crane Lake Trail circling the lake.
Day Hikes Info
Crane Lake National Recreation Trail is a five mile double loop trail, the south loop of which connects to the Marble Creek Section of the Ozark Trail. The trail is minimally marked. There are a few creek crossings. The north loop will take you to shut-ins below a dam and there are several scenic views.
To get on the trail you can start at the boat launch to park. Walk back up to Reader Hollow/Forest Road 2155. The trail curves around to the left, crossing County Road 131 before continuing west (left) along the western edge of the lake. You'll cross Crane Pond Creek before the trail loops south to hug the southern shore of the lake.
At the eastern side of the lake, right before Crane Pond Creek the trail veers to the left and parallels the creek for a while. You'll cross the creek again and continue parallel to the creek until you intersect with the Marble Creek section of the Ozark Trail. At the intersection you can either veer right and continue on the Ozark Trail or veer left and continue next to the creek, and then the lake, before ending up back at the boat launch.
Marble Creek Section of the Ozark Trail
This section of the Ozark Trail which eventually will total approximately 21 miles runs from Marble Creek Campground to Crane Lake Picnic Area, with the Crane Lake Trail circling the lake.
Horseback Riding Info
Crane Lake National Recreation Trail is a five mile double loop trail, the south loop of which connects to the Marble Creek Section of the Ozark Trail. The trail is minimally marked. There are a few creek crossings. The north loop will take you to shut-ins below a dam and there are several scenic views.
To get on the trail you can start at the boat launch to park. Walk back up to Reader Hollow/Forest Road 2155. The trail curves around to the left, crossing County Road 131 before continuing west (left) along the western edge of the lake. You'll cross Crane Pond Creek before the trail loops south to hug the southern shore of the lake.
At the eastern side of the lake, right before Crane Pond Creek the trail veers to the left and parallels the creek for a while. You'll cross the creek again and continue parallel to the creek until you intersect with the Marble Creek section of the Ozark Trail. At the intersection you can either veer right and continue on the Ozark Trail or veer left and continue next to the creek, and then the lake, before ending up back at the boat launch.
Marble Creek Section of the Ozark Trail
This section of the Ozark Trail which eventually will total approximately 21 miles runs from Marble Creek Campground to Crane Lake Picnic Area, with the Crane Lake Trail circling the lake.
Boating - Non-Motorized Info
Electric motors only. There is a single-lane, gravel boat ramp.
Fishing - Lake & Pond Info
Boat or bank fishing for largemouth bass, channel catfish and panfish. Electric motors only. There is a single-lane, gravel boat ramp.
Fish Species
largemouth bass, channel catfish, panfish
Fishing Mode
boat, shore
Fishing Platform
None
Water Temperature
Warm
Fishing Method
pole
Recreation Groups
