USDA Forest Service · Missouri
Lane Spring Recreation Area
USDA Forest Service · Missouri, United States
- Sites
- 25
- Hookups
- 10 electric, 11 no hookups
- Season
- April 1 to October 27
- Group sites
- Yes
- Drinking water
- Yes
- Restrooms
- Yes
- Pets
- Yes
- Elevation
- 830 ft
- Dark sky
- Bortle class 1
- Cell coverage
- T-Mobile good · AT&T good · Verizon good (carriers' 4G LTE filings to the FCC, 2025-12; not measured here)
- Access road
- LANE SPRINGS REC AREA SPUR A (NFSR 1892A) · asphalt · moderate degree of user comfort
- Lake
- Mark Twain National Forest
- Nearest town
- ROLLA
- Address
- 401 FAIRGROUNDS ROAD, ROLLA, MO, 65401
- Phone
- 417-967-4194
- Activities
- Camping, Fishing, Hiking, Tubing, Wildlife Viewing
2 numbered sites are mapped one by one - open the site map to pick yours.
About
Overview
Lane Spring Recreation Area provides a peaceful setting along Little Piney Creek and a scenic patio overlooking beautiful Lane Spring. A large, accessible picnic area with two pavilions can be reserved. The site has multiple first come first serve campsites if an overnight stay is desired. A variety of outdoor recreation opportunities are in the area.
Recreation
Trout fishing is popular along the portion of the creek nearest Lane Spring, as it is managed by a wild trout fishery. The fish population is self-sustained instead of being stocked. Only artificial lures and flies may be used, and a daily limit is applied of one trout measuring 18 inches or longer. Bass and sunfish are also plentiful.
The 1.25-mile Blossom Rock Trail and the 1.5-mile Cedar Bluff Trail traverse through lush bottomland vegetation with abundant wildflowers, before climbing to views of the river and rock outcroppings. Birding and wildlife viewing is popular along the trails.
Facilities
The recreation area offers a picnic area with two group picnic pavilions, each equipped with tables, grills and electric outlets. Each can accommodate up to 100 people. If unreserved, the pavilions are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Each pavillion has 10-20 parking spots with handicap accessible paths to pavillions. These parking spots are not reservable, however there are additional parking spaces that have access to the spring. Additional individual picnic sites are available near the spring. Several family campsites are available as well. Each site is equipped with a table, lantern post and campfire ring with grill. Vault toilets and drinking water are provided.
Natural Features
The recreation area is situated along Little Piney Creek, with some waterfront campsites available. A beautiful hardwood forest covers the area, which lies in the northwestern portion of the Mark Twain National Forest.
An accessible shaded stone patio overlooks tranquil Lane Spring, a bubbling spring with watercress and native plant species. It is bordered by a variety of trees, including sycamore, cypress, oak and many others.
Weather, month by month
| Month | Typical high | Typical low | Coldest night | Hottest day | Years with a night below 32°F |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 40° | 28° | 3° | 66° | 11 of 11 |
| February | 49° | 30° | -10° | 76° | 9 of 11 |
| March | 60° | 41° | 14° | 81° | 6 of 11 |
| April | 70° | 47° | 30° | 86° | 1 of 11 |
| May | 78° | 61° | 44° | 88° | 0 of 11 |
| June | 87° | 68° | 53° | 99° | 0 of 11 |
| July | 89° | 72° | 63° | 100° | 0 of 11 |
| August | 86° | 70° | 60° | 99° | 0 of 11 |
| September | 85° | 66° | 50° | 98° | 0 of 11 |
| October | 68° | 49° | 32° | 85° | 1 of 10 |
| November | 60° | 40° | 14° | 78° | 4 of 10 |
| December | 50° | 33° | 12° | 69° | 9 of 10 |
Mid-month figures from 2016–2026 of daily weather at this spot (ERA5 reanalysis via Open-Meteo, CC BY 4.0), in °F. Typical is the median; coldest and hottest are the extremes seen.
Nearby campgrounds
- City of St. Robert RV Park · City, County & Regional Parks · 17 mi · 20 sites
- Paddy Creek Campground · USDA Forest Service · 20 mi
- Roubidoux Spring Campground & RV Park · City, County & Regional Parks · 20 mi · 30 sites
- Montauk State Park · Missouri State Parks · 25 mi · 144 sites
- Akers · National Park Service · 32 mi · 4 sites
All public campgrounds in Missouri · Every state and province · Facts read from the operator 2026-05-22. Confirm fees, rules and current status with the operator before you go.