Lane Spring Recreation Area sits about 30 miles west of Dixon, Missouri in the heart of the Mark Twain National Forest. The campground is positioned along a large creek that flows around the perimeter, creating natural swimming areas during summer months. While premium glamping options near Dixon have expanded in recent years, several campgrounds offer more rustic experiences with varying levels of amenities depending on the season.
What to do
Creek swimming spots: Lane Spring Recreation Area features multiple natural swimming holes where the creek deepens. According to Jesse C., it's a "great little spot for 'on your honor' camping with some electric sites for RVs, but mostly primitive sites." The creek offers relief during hot summer months.
Trout fishing opportunities: Bennett Spring State Park Campground is known for its exceptional fishing. Amanda R. notes, "Great place to take the family. 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. It's a good spot to go trout fishing as well!"
Hiking trail access: Several marked trails range from easy to moderate difficulty near Dixon. As Erin from Lane Spring describes, "I didn't have a lot of time to explore Lane Springs Recreation Area, but it looked nice. About a thirty minute drive from Rolla, where there are plenty of places to get food or supplies."
River floating excursions: Garrison Canoe Rental and Campground offers affordable float trips on the Meramec River. Richard C. shares, "Showed up late for a float trip. They were very accommodating for our group. We rented the new tubes they carry. They were very comfortable with back support and pillow when you're leaning back. 20 bucks for a 4-hour float, ya can't beat it!"
What campers like
Spacious, private sites: Many campers appreciate the roominess of sites at Indian Springs Resort and Campground. Taryn S. recommends, "We tent camped in sites 61-64 (now one huge site, but at one time they were three individual), which directly overlooks the river and sits on a very private corner. The sites on this end are a bit of a walk to the bathrooms/showers and camp store, but also extremely spacious and private."
Riverside camping locations: Several campgrounds offer direct access to waterways. D'Ann D. describes Lane Spring Recreation Area as a place where you can "Love it here it is quiet and peaceful but not too far away from the main road." The sound of flowing water adds to the camping experience.
Weekend activities: Many campgrounds organize events for guests. A reviewer notes that Indian Springs "is VERY family-oriented (probably not for you if you want to party), with tons of games like volleyball and horseshoes, plus onsite programs and activities including scavenger hunts, movie nights, pancake breakfasts, etc."
Natural features: The Mark Twain National Forest surroundings provide scenic backdrops for glamping near Dixon. As Erin describes Lane Spring: "It was springtime and everything was so green, there were wildflowers popping up all over the place. The sound of the creek running right behind my camp site felt so soothing."
What you should know
Seasonal availability: Some campgrounds close during winter. Lane Spring Recreation Area typically operates from "early May to late October," while Montauk State Park Campground remains open year-round. Check before planning winter camping trips.
Booking requirements: Most campgrounds near Dixon require advance reservations, especially for weekend stays and during summer months. Kyle H. advises about Montauk: "Sites do go quickly so you will need to book months in advance."
Limited cell service: Coverage varies significantly across the region. Erin notes about Lane Spring, "Cell Service: Verizon worked fine," but other carriers may have spotty service in more remote areas.
Facility variations: Amenities differ widely between locations. Some offer modern shower houses while others provide only vault toilets. Nathan P. cautions about Bennett Spring: "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."
Tips for camping with families
Paved biking areas: Look for campgrounds with paved roads for younger cyclists. Amanda R. recommends Bennett Spring State Park: "The roads are all paved so it made biking for our kids easy and enjoyable. The campsite was spacious and shaded."
Kid-friendly activities: Garrison Canoe Rental and Campground offers organized events. Gina L. explains, "On season they offer a variety of float and eat packages that are tasty and nicely priced." These scheduled activities keep children engaged.
Swimming accessibility: Look for gradual water entry points for younger swimmers. Robert M. notes that Indian Springs has a "beach area" that's "clean," making water access easier for families with small children.
Proximity to bathrooms: When glamping with kids near Dixon, Missouri, choose sites close to facilities. As Taryn S. mentions about Indian Springs, some sites are "a bit of a walk to the bathrooms/showers and camp store," which might be challenging with young children.
Tips from RVers
Pull-through availability: Doolittle Acres RV Park and Campground offers convenient access for larger rigs. Roxanna L. notes, "We had a great spot, for our 42' motorhome and truck. It was a pull through and easy to get into."
Hookup options: Electric, water, and sometimes sewer connections are available at varying price points. Kelsey S. reports about Doolittle Acres: "Water, sewer, and electric hook ups. Fire pit and picnic table at site. Since it's close the highway it was a little loud with traffic. 57$ a night for premium spots, 42$ a night for non premium."
Level site selection: Most RV sites in the area require minimal leveling. Trevor S. mentions about Montauk State Park, "My site (206) was very level and was surrounded in trees like basically ever other site which made it comfortable to sit outside all day."
Highway noise considerations: Some RV parks trade easy access for quieter surroundings. Kelsey S. notes that Doolittle Acres is "only a mile off the highway so it made a great night stopping point" but "it was a little loud with traffic."
