Missouri / Ralls County

John Spalding Rec Ar

Closed — Closed for the season. Typically reopens in spring, operating through fall. Reservations handled through Recreation.gov.

About

John Spalding Recreation Area sits on the shores of Mark Twain Lake, providing visitors with a premier day-use destination for swimming and beach activities. As the only facility on Mark Twain Lake with access to a sandy public beach, it is a popular summer destination for families and groups. The recreation area features Spalding Beach, a group shelter with electricity that can accommodate up to 100 people, and serves as a trailhead for the Joanna Trail, which stretches 32 miles along the northern banks of the lake. The Salt River of north-central Missouri feeds Mark Twain Lake, creating an 18,000-acre reservoir surrounded by recreation areas operated by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. The lake offers excellent opportunities for boating, water skiing, and fishing. The area is located in the heart of Mark Twain country, near the author's birthplace in Florida, Missouri, and his boyhood home in Hannibal. Managed by the St. Louis District of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, John Spalding Recreation Area operates seasonally, typically from spring through fall. The facility includes the beach area, boat ramp access, and connections to the extensive trail system that makes this region popular with hikers, mountain bikers, and equestrians.

Directions

From Hannibal, travel west on Highway 36 for 17 miles. Turn south on Route J and travel 6 miles. Turn west on Oakland Drive and travel 2 miles.

Nearby Campgrounds