Noblett Lake

About

Located on the Salem Plateau in the Missouri Ozarks, Noblett Lake Recreation Area centers on a scenic 26-acre lake built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the late 1930s. Primitive camping is available at the old Sugar Hill loop on the hill across from the Noblett Trailhead, where dispersed camping with no amenities is permitted. The lake is popular for fishing and canoeing, with only electric trolling motors or non-motorized boats allowed. The day-use area features a picnic pavilion with electricity that seats up to 75 people, vault toilets, and grills, though no potable water is available on site. A 0.31-mile walking trail connects the picnic area to the dam, and the 7.2-mile Short Loop trail circles the lake. The area also serves as a trailhead for the 22-mile Ridge Runner National Recreation Trail through the Ozark Mountains. Dispersed campers must make camp at least 100 feet from trails, streams, ponds, bluffs, and caves. All trash must be packed out. The nearest towns are Willow Springs, West Plains, Cabool, and Mountain Grove.

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.