Lane Spring Recreation Area

Campground Camping

This campground has 18 accessible individual campsites. Six of these sites have electricity. Seventeen are single campsites, accommodating up to 2 vehicles and/or 8 persons. One site is a double or group site that can serve up to 16 people. Most of the sites are traditional back-in sites; one is a pull-through site. Each site has a table, lantern post and a fire ring. The vault toilets are accessible and water hydrants are centrally located.

RV Camping

Can accommodate up to 34' RVs. Electrical hookups available at this location. No water or sewer hookups available.

River and Stream Fishing

This portion of Little Piney Creek is managed by the Missouri Department of Conservation as a Blue Ribbon Trout Stream or Wild Trout Fishery. (Link to MDC http://www.mdc.mo.gov/fishing/places-fish/trout-areas) These are small streams that are not stocked, but depend on self-sustaining populations of Rainbow trout. Only artificial lures and flies may be used. Natural, soft plastic and scented baits are prohibited. The daily limit is one trout of 18 inches or greater length. Bass and sunfish are also found here.

Day Hiking

The 1.25 mile long Blossom Rock Trail and the 1.5 mile long Cedar Bluff Trail both climb from the lowlands to the rocky bluffs above this recreation area, and loop back to the parking lot.

Viewing Wildlife

NatureWatch Featured species include Songbirds/Perching Birds, Hoofed Mammals (deer), and Small Mammals 

Viewing Scenery

The recreation area features an accessible shaded stone patio overlooking tranquil Lane Spring, a bubbling spring with watercress and native plant species. It has a variety of trees, including huge sycamores, cypress, oaks, and many others. The trails traverse through lush bottomland vegetation with abundant wildflowers, climbing to views of the river and unique rock outcroppings.

Picnicking

Fifteen individual accessible picnic sites are dispersed throughout the large open picnic area. Most are in shaded areas, and some are located in small groups. Most sites have a picnic table and a pedestal grill. Accessible vault toilets and water hydrants are centrally located within the picnic area. The site also has a shredded tire surfaced playground and commercial playground equipment.

Group Picnicking

Two group picnic pavilions with tables, grills and electrical outlets are popular for hosting family reunions, church picnics and other large gatherings. The picnic pavilions can be reserved in advance through the National Recreation Reservation System; they are also available for use on a first-come, first-served basis if not reserved. The Dogwood and Redwood Pavilions are accessible and each accommodate up to 100 persons.

Swimming

The area is not managed for swimming: there are no lifeguards, depth or hazard markers, and the water is not tested. However, wading, tubing and water-play in the Little Piney Creek are popular activities at this recreation area.