Mark Twain Lake from M. W. Boudreaux Visitor Center

John Spalding Rec Ar

Open

Day-use area with reservable group shelters. The facility operates seasonally, typically April through November. High water boat ramp opens when lake elevation exceeds 625 msl.

About

John Spalding Recreation Area occupies 506 acres on the northeastern end of Mark Twain Lake, managed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. The area is divided into two primary zones: a boat ramp with parking and a day-use section featuring a sandy swimming beach, shower house, restrooms, playground, and picnic facilities. Three group shelters are available for reservation through Recreation.gov, each accommodating up to 100 people with 15-amp electric hookups. The shelters operate on a day-use basis with check-in at 8:00 AM and checkout at 10:00 PM. The third shelter includes an attached restroom. The recreation area serves as the trailhead for the Joanna Trail, a 32-mile multi-use path along the northern shore of Mark Twain Lake suitable for hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding. Nearby attractions include Mark Twain's birthplace in Florida, Missouri and the M.W. Boudreaux Visitor Center above Clarence Cannon Dam.

Directions

From Hannibal, MO, 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.

Amenities

Water
Fires Allowed
Toilets Yes
Dump Station
Wifi
Pets Allowed Yes
Showers Yes
Electric Hookups Yes
Water Hookups No
Sewer Hookups No
Camp Store
Price $30

Vehicle

Max RV Length
Max Trailer Length
Big Rig Friendly
Pull Through Sites No

Contact

Email marktwaininfo@usace.army.mil
Phone +1 (573) 735-4097

Cell Service

AT&T Yes
Verizon None
T-Mobile Yes

Availability

Photos

Mark Twain Lake from M. W. Boudreaux Visitor Center
Mark Twain Lake from M. W. Boudreaux Visitor Center

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