Area Status: Open

Lane Spring Recreation Area provides a nice setting along Little Piney Creek and a scenic patio overlooking beautiful Lane Spring. A large, accessible picnic area with two pavilions can be reserved, as well as individual campsites. All kinds of outdoor recreation opportunities are in the area.
The recreation area is situated along Little Piney Creek, with some waterfront campsites available. A beautiful hardwood forest covers the area, which lies in the northwestern portion of the Mark Twain National Forest.
An accessible shaded stone patio overlooks tranquil Lane Spring, a bubbling spring with watercress and native plant species. It is bordered by a variety of trees, including sycamore, cypress, oak and many others.
Trout fishing is popular along the portion of the creek nearest Lane Spring, as it is managed by a wild trout fishery. The fish population is self-sustained instead of being stocked. Only artificial lures and flies may be used, and a daily limit is applied of one trout measuring 18 inches or longer. Bass and sunfish are also plentiful.
The 1.25-mile Blossom Rock Trail and the 1.5-mile Cedar Bluff Trail traverse through lush bottomland vegetation with abundant wildflowers, before climbing to views of the river and rock outcroppings. Birding and wildlife viewing is popular along the trails.
The recreation area offers a picnic area with two group picnic pavilions, each equipped with tables, grills and electric outlets. Each can accommodate up to 100 people. If unreserved, the pavilions are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Additional individual picnic sites are available.
Eighteen campsites are available with 6 having electric. One group site is available in the main loop. The renovated B-Loop has 3 group sites, with 2 tables each.
Click on the Brochure or Guide for a printable copy.
Title: |
Overlook of Lane Spring |
Date: |
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Location: |
Lane Spring Recreation Area, Rolla Ranger District |
Credit: |
Charlie Gill |
Description: |
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Source: |
USDA, Mark Twain NF photo 3-02032006-0002.jpg |
Title: |
site # 1, Lane Spring Campground |
Date: |
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Location: |
Lane Spring Recreation Area, Rolla Ranger District |
Credit: |
Dave Hummingbird |
Description: |
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Source: |
USDA, Mark Twain NF photo 3-02102006-0001.jpg |
Title: |
Lane Spring Picnic Area |
Date: |
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Location: |
Lane Spring Recreation Area, Rolla Ranger District |
Credit: |
USDA, Forest Service |
Description: |
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Source: |
USDA, Mark Twain NF photo 3-06082005-0099.jpg |
Title: |
Lane Spring Pavilion |
Date: |
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Location: |
Lane Spring Recreation Area, Rolla Ranger District |
Credit: |
USDA, Forest Service |
Description: |
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Source: |
USDA, Mark Twain NF photo 3-06082005-0100.jpg |
Title: |
Watercrest growing in Lane Spring |
Date: |
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Location: |
Lane Spring Recreation Area, Rolla Ranger District |
Credit: |
Charlie Gill |
Description: |
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Source: |
USDA, Mark Twain NF photo 3-09122002-0001.jpg |
At a Glance
Operational Hours: |
Day Use Open March 1 through October 31; Campground Open April 1 - October 31. Quiet hours are from 10:00 pm to 6:00 am. If a date falls on a weekend, then the gate will be open the following Monday. |
Reservations: |
Reservations for the Group Picnic Area Pavilion can be made at Recreation.gov (877) 444-6777. Reservations must be made at least 4 days in advance of arrival and can be made up to 12 months in advance. |
Fees |
Group Picnic Area Pavilion: $25/day Day use fees are $2 per car; $10 per bus. Camp sites $8.00 and $16.00 for group sites. Electric sites $15. No day use fee for holders of Senior, Access, or Annual Interagency Passes. Annual MTNF day use passes are $20. |
Usage: |
Light |
Busiest Season: |
April to September |
Restrictions: |
Additional fees will be collected at the campground for extra vehicles and for parking in the day-use area |
Closest Towns: |
Rolla, MO |
Water: |
Drinking Water |
Restroom: |
Vault |
Operated By: |
Forest Service |
General Information
Directions: From Rolla, MO go 12 miles south on Hwy 63; turn west onto Forest Road 1892 (marked by entrance sign). Follow this road 1.5 miles to recreation area.
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