Lane Spring Recreation Area

About

Lane Spring Recreation Area is situated in a beautiful hardwood forest along Little Piney Creek in the northwestern portion of Mark Twain National Forest, about 12 miles south of Rolla, Missouri. The campground offers 17 individual campsites spread across two loops, with six sites featuring electric hookups and six positioned directly along the creek. Most sites are back-in style with two pull-through options available. Each site includes a picnic table, fire ring with grill, and lantern post. The centerpiece of the recreation area is Lane Spring itself, a bubbling spring surrounded by watercress and native plant species, viewable from an accessible shaded stone patio. Little Piney Creek parallels the entire recreation area and is managed as a Blue-Ribbon Wild Trout stream where the rainbow trout population is self-sustaining rather than stocked. Anglers must use artificial lures and flies only, with a daily limit of one trout measuring 18 inches or longer. Two trails offer hiking opportunities through the area. The 1.25-mile Blossom Rock Trail and 1.5-mile Cedar Bluff Trail traverse lush bottomland vegetation with abundant wildflowers before climbing to views of the creek and rock outcroppings. The campground serves as a popular venue for weddings, family reunions, and nature observation.

Directions

From Rolla, Missouri, travel 12 miles south on Highway 63. Turn right (west) onto Forest Road 1892, marked by an entrance sign. Follow this road 1.5 miles to the recreation area where the road dead ends.