A large creek wraps around the campground loop at Lane Spring Recreation Area, close enough that campers in back sites can hear the water from their picnic tables. Set within Mark Twain National Forest, this US Forest Service site runs from early May through late October and accommodates both tent campers and RVs up to 34 feet, with electric hookups available. The paved interior road and pull-in parking spaces make arrival straightforward, though the access road leading in has a rough stretch, and low creek crossings over the road can become an issue after heavy rain.
Sites are spread out along the loop, and even when the campground is more than half full, the layout tends to absorb noise well. Vault toilets are clean, drinking water is on-site, and Verizon cell service has been confirmed to work here. The day-use area includes a well-maintained path to a spring and river access just beyond it, making the spot useful for more than an overnight stop.
Campers who have visited during holiday weekends report the campground was not full, which suggests it draws less pressure than comparable Forest Service sites in the region. Erin notes it felt "very quiet" even with over half the sites occupied. Nearby alternatives include Misfit Acres to the east and Three Springs RV Park & Campground to the south. Reservations are available, and booking ahead is worth considering for summer weekends even if crowds have historically been light.
Description
Lane Spring Recreation Area provides a nice setting along Little Piney Creek and a scenic patio overlooking beautiful Lane Spring. A large, accessible picnic area with two pavilions can be reserved, as well as individual campsites. All kinds of outdoor recreation opportunities are in the area. 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. 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. Additional individual picnic sites are available. 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.
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsLane Spring Recreation Area is located in Missouri near Edgar Springs
Public CampgroundDirections
From Rolla, Missouri, travel 12 miles south on U.S. Highway 63, then continue 1 mile west on Entrance Road.
Coordinates
37.79746484 N
91.83649267 W
Connectivity
T-Mobile5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 6 usersLast on 8/22/26
VerizonLTESome CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 8/22/26- AT&TLTESome CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 8/22/26
Connectivity
- T-Mobile5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 6 usersLast on 8/22/26
- VerizonLTESome CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 8/22/26
- AT&TLTESome CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 8/22/26
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Boat-InSites accessible by watercraft.
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Dispersed
- Group
- Tent Cabin
Features
For Campers
- ADA Access
- Trash
- Picnic Table
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- Drinking Water
- Electric Hookups
- Toilets
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Pull-Through Sites
- 30 Amp Hookups
Drive Time
- 1 hr 15 min from Jefferson City, MO
- 1 hr 45 min from St. Louis, MO
- 1 hr 45 min from Columbia, MO
- 1 hr 50 min from Springfield, MO
