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:
Location:
Lane Spring Recreation Area, Rolla Ranger District
Credit:
Charlie Gill
Description:
Source:
USDA, Mark Twain NF photo 3-02032006-0002.jpg
Title:
site # 1, Lane Spring Campground
Date:
Location:
Lane Spring Recreation Area, Rolla Ranger District
Credit:
Dave Hummingbird
Description:
Source:
USDA, Mark Twain NF photo 3-02102006-0001.jpg
Title:
Lane Spring Picnic Area
Date:
Location:
Lane Spring Recreation Area, Rolla Ranger District
Credit:
USDA, Forest Service
Description:
Source:
USDA, Mark Twain NF photo 3-06082005-0099.jpg
Title:
Lane Spring Pavilion
Date:
Location:
Lane Spring Recreation Area, Rolla Ranger District
Credit:
USDA, Forest Service
Description:
Source:
USDA, Mark Twain NF photo 3-06082005-0100.jpg
Title:
Watercrest growing in Lane Spring
Date:
Location:
Lane Spring Recreation Area, Rolla Ranger District
Credit:
Charlie Gill
Description:
Source:
USDA, Mark Twain NF photo 3-09122002-0001.jpg
At a Glance
Current Conditions:
Please be aware that the Lane Spring Pavilion reservations are still closed until further notice at this time.
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.
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.
Fishing
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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.
Hiking
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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.
Nature Viewing
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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
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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.
Water Activities
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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.
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