McCormack Lake Day Use Area
The day use area is an open area surrounded by shade trees with views of McCormack Lake.
From here you can access a 1.07 mile spur trail that will take you to the Lazy C Trail or the Eleven Point River Section of the Ozark Trail. The trail begins on the southside of the mowed area, right near the trees. There is a sign to help you locate the spur trail access.
General Information
Safety:
- No drinking water is available at parking areas or along the trail; bring what you will need, or be prepared to sterilize water you find.
- During temperate months, be prepared for biting insects, poison ivy and high temperatures.
- Be aware of hunting seasons.
For more safety tips visit the Safety section of the website.
For additional information on the Ozark Trail, including trail conditions and detailed maps, visit the Ozark Trail Association.
Camping
The campground is primitive with limited picnic tables, fire rings and lantern posts. A vault toilet is provided. No water is available.
January - December
Day Use 6 am to 10 pm
At the Day Use Area and Trailhead
- Horses will need to stage at Lazy C Trailhead. You can ride on the trail, but horses are not allowed in the day use area or the lake.
- 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.
On the Trail
- Leave No Trace: Avoid using the trail during wet conditions. Pack out what you pack in; be prepared, stay on the trail, dispose of waste properly, respect wildlife and other visitors, and minimize your impact.
- Hiking, Biking and Horseback riding is permitted.
- No motorized vehicles are permitted.
No fees are required for this site
There are no fees for the trail or the day use areas that serve as trailheads.
Trail Use
Dogs are allowed on hiking trails, as long as they are kept on a leash. Unleashed dogs can pose a danger to your pet, the natural resources of the area, and other forest visitors.
- Leashes must be six feet, or shorter, when in developed recreation sites, including trails within the boundaries (36 CFR 261.16(j)) when they are not inside an enclosed vehicle or tent.
- Yield your leashed dog around other hikers and horses.
- Pack out your dogs waste or bury it 100 feet from water and trails.
Camping
- Keep dogs on a six-foot, or shorter, leash when they are not inside a tent.
- Store dog food in bear-resistant containers and feed your pet away from the campsite.
- Pick up and bag your dog’s waste. Place it in a provided trash receptacle or pack it out.
- Do not leave your dog unattended at any time.
- Do not leave your dog in the vehicle on a hot day.
- Keep your dog in your tent or vehicle at night.
- Ensure that there is ample water available for your pet.
Wildlife
- Do not allow them to interact with wildlife
Address: #66 Confederate Ridge Road Doniphan, MO 63935
Phone: 573-996-2153
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: 36.822513
Longitude: -91.351175
Directions
From Winona, MO
- go south on Hwy 19 for 13 miles,
- then go right/west on Forest Road 3155
- The lake is about 1.5 miles down this road, on the left side.
Facility and Amenity Information
Accessibility
Tables and toilets are accessible
Restrooms
Restrooms are available at this site.
Water
Potable water is not available at this site.
Nearby Trails
Recreation Opportunities
Boating - Non-Motorized Info
You will need to carry your boat to the water, there is no boat launch at this lake. You can carry boats to the water at the day use or the campground.
Fishing - Lake & Pond Info
Small 12-acre lake for canoe and trolling motor fishing.
Fish Species
bass, panfish
Fishing Mode
boat, shore
Fishing Platform
no
Water Temperature
Cold
Fishing Method
pole
Biking - Mountain Info
The 1.07 mile McCormack Lake Spur Trail connects to the 1.5 mile long Lazy C Trail, ¼ mile from the day use area.
If you continue down the spur trail after the intersection with Lazy C for another ¾s of a mile you will connect with the Eleven Point River Section of the Ozark Trail.
Day Hikes Info
The 1.07 mile McCormack Lake Spur Trail connects to the 1.5 mile long Lazy C Trail, ¼ mile from the day use area.
If you continue down the spur trail after the intersection with Lazy C for another ¾s of a mile you will connect with the Eleven Point River Section of the Ozark Trail.
Horseback Riding Info
The 1.07 mile McCormack Lake Spur Trail connects to the 1.5 mile long Lazy C Trail, ¼ mile from the day use area.
If you continue down the spur trail after the intersection with Lazy C for another ¾s of a mile you will connect with the Eleven Point River Section of the Ozark Trail.
Horses will need to stage at Lazy C Trailhead. You can ride on the trail, but horses are not allowed in the day use area or the lake.
Recreation Groups
