Missouri / Douglas County / Mark Twain National Forest

Noblett Lake

Closed — Open year-round for dispersed camping at the old Oak Hill area across from the trailhead and the Sycamore Loop area below the dam. No water available on-site; campers must bring their own.

About

Noblett Lake Recreation Area features dispersed camping at two primitive sites near a 26-acre lake built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s. The Sugar Hill camping area sits across from the Noblett Trailhead, while the Sycamore Loop area is located below the dam along Noblett Creek. Both areas offer year-round primitive camping with no developed amenities. The recreation area is set in oak and pine forests on the Salem Plateau, south of Willow Springs. The lake allows only electric trolling motors or non-motorized boats, making it ideal for peaceful fishing and canoeing. The Ridge Runner National Recreation Trail, a 22-mile remote loop, begins at the trailhead and winds through scenic Ozark terrain with limestone karst topography, rock outcrops, and bluffs. A day-use picnic area and pavilion are also available but overnight camping is not allowed in the day-use area. Campers must bring all necessary supplies including water, as none is available on-site. Vault toilets are provided at the day-use area and trailhead. The area is popular with hikers, anglers, and those seeking a rustic camping experience in the Missouri Ozarks.

Directions

From Willow Springs, at the junction of Highways 60/63 and 76, take Highway 76 west for about 7 miles. Turn south on Highway 181 for a little over a mile and turn left on Highway AP for about 3 miles. Turn right on Forest Road 857 and continue about 1 mile to the turnoff for the day-use area. The road continues to the Noblett Dam and Trailhead where dispersed camping areas are located.

Nearby Campgrounds