Bennett Spring State Park lies in the Ozark Mountains of Missouri at an elevation of about 900 feet. The park covers over 3,200 acres with the spring itself pumping an average of 100 million gallons of water daily into the Niangua River. Cabin accommodations near the park range from rustic bunkhouses to modern rental units with varied amenities and proximity to fishing opportunities.
What to do
Fish for trout: Bennett Spring State Park offers some of the best trout fishing in Missouri, with daily stockings during peak season. Hidden Valley Outfitters provides convenient access for anglers. "Close access to the river and Bennett Springs," notes Joe C. in his review.
Hike woodland trails: The park contains over 20 miles of trails through Ozark forests. Bennett Spring State Park Campground offers direct trail access. "The park has over twenty miles of hiking trails meandering through its 3,216 acres. Trails range from a leisurely walk along the stream to that of rigorous mountain trails that reward hikers with great picturesque views of the Ozark Mountains," according to Nancy W.
Float the Niangua River: Multiple outfitters provide canoe, kayak, and tube rentals for river trips. Floats range from 4 to 10 miles in length, depending on your preference. According to Kris S. from Niangua River Oasis, "Everyone was nice that worked there. Didn't have any problems with the people around us but we were in the family area."
What campers like
Concrete camping pads: Many campgrounds feature improved sites with concrete pads. Riverfront Campground and Canoe offers stable, level camping areas. Ken K. notes, "Level concrete pads on most sites. The sites are fairly large so you're not on top of your neighbor."
Shower facilities: Clean showers are available at most established campgrounds. At Mountain Creek Campground, "Showers were hot and the campground is clean and quiet. Perfect for families," according to Amanda M.
Water access: Direct river access is a major draw for many cabins. Fishing Tales Resort offers premium waterfront amenities. "Saltwater pool/hot tub is seasonal, but beyond amazing! A short distance from Bennett Spring State Park where the beauty and serenity of the area continues!" says Devin W.
What you should know
Seasonal availability: Many cabin rentals and campgrounds have limited winter operations. During Nathan P.'s winter visit to Bennett Spring, he noted, "We stayed in campground one because it is the only one open during the off season."
Cabin variations: Accommodations range from basic sleeping quarters to fully-equipped units. B Berry Farms & Co. offers modest but comfortable units. "We stayed in the quaint little bunkhouse with an air conditioner and all the amenities that we needed- a little frig, toaster oven, microwave, sink, coffee maker with pods, storage the we could use for our things we brought and the bunk beds that held 5 of us," reports Hannah B.
Reservation requirements: Cabins book quickly during peak fishing season. As Nathan P. mentions about Bennett Spring, "You can make reservations online before going to ensure you have the spot you want."
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly activities: Look for campgrounds with dedicated play areas. "It has a playground and a large area in the middle of the loop for playing. The river has a couple nice gravel bars for swimming," says Ken K. about Riverfront Campground.
Biking options: Paved roads in some campgrounds make biking easy for children. Amanda R. from Bennett Spring State Park Campground shares, "The roads are all paved so it made biking for our kids easy and enjoyable. The campsite was spacious and shaded. The kids loved playing in the creek and hiking the trails."
Swimming options: Some properties offer swimming pools in addition to river access. Wild Oaks Campground provides family-friendly recreation. Jeff H. notes, "This is a family oriented campground with lots of activities for everyone. The camp and shower houses were clean and everything was well maintained."
Tips from RVers
Site selection: Campground sections offer different amenities and environments. Nancy W. from Bennett Spring State Park Campground explains, "The park has 143 campsites comprised of five loops so there are a wide variety of camping options, from basic to sewer/electric/water sites with some being reserveable to first come, first serve."
Internet connectivity: Wi-Fi availability varies by location. Nathan P. was pleasantly surprised at Bennett Spring: "We were surprised when we found that there was Wi-Fi available for free at the campground."
Campground layout: Consider proximity to facilities when selecting a site. As Nathan P. noted about winter camping, "One negative is we only found one toilet for the entire campground. It wasn't a problem at this time because there was hardly anybody there, but I imagine if you wanted to use the toilet during the regular season you would find yourself with a line."
