This feature column series by staff writers over the summer has been a way to find outdoor spaces to explore in our area of the Ozarks. We’ve mainly been looking at day trips, but some overnighters as well.

One landmark I’d been only for a few moments this summer as we put our kayaks into the Little Piney on our way to Newburg is Lane Spring Recreation Area in the Mark Twain National Forest.

It was so clean and nice, I thought to myself, I’d like to come back here soon and explore. And that is exactly what we did early Saturday morning, Aug. 16.

I live in Dixon, so it takes some time to make the journey from Pulaski County over to about 12 miles south of Rolla on U.S. 63 in Phelps County.

There’s a big “Lane Spring” forestry sign you cannot miss, so, if coming from Rolla, turn right at the sign and go about a mile west on the entrance road.

I had hoped to get there early before it was too hot, but at about 80 degrees by 9 a.m., it was already muggy as I stepped out of the Jeep and onto the pavement of the lot at the beginning of the park. I paid $5 first thing, as this small fee is what helps keep the park as nice as it is.

There is a lot to see, and it is definitely worth the short drive.

A billboard map on a large wooden sign shows the grounds and makes it easier to navigate depending on what you want to do for the day.

Camping to the left, fishing to the right, the spring straight ahead, and picnic areas all around. There are dozens of picnic tables and grills for cooking, and a very short sidewalk trail to Little Piney Creek if you want to get in the water.

There are nice, big pavilions for large groups to reserve ahead of time for parties and get-togethers.

The campsites are first-come first-served for overnight stays.

A stone-lined lookout point with benches marks the beginning of the spring.

Trout fishing is available along the creek near the spring, managed by a wild trout fishery. The fish population is self-sustained instead of being stocked. Bass and sunfish are also in these waters.

For more information about everything Lane Spring has to offer, visit

https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/232421?tab=seasons.