Logger’s Lake just outside Bunker is celebrating its 75th anniversary this year by offering one of the most pristine Ozarks settings in Missouri and by welcoming the first concessionaires in its history.
Regular visitors to Logger’s Lake refer to the secluded location as the best kept secret in the Ozarks. The site is a spring-fed 24 acre oasis between the piney foothills of the surrounding Mark Twain National Forest. It offers 14 campsites with opportunities for overnight camping, swimming, boating, fishing, hiking and extensive wildlife viewing.
Created in 1940 as a project of the Civilian Conservation Corps, the site was developed to help preserve the Ozarks’ environment while also providing jobs for the many locals struggling to find work during the Great Depression.
The campgrounds and lake dam were constructed by CCC Local 1730, which was made up mostly of residents from Dent and Reynolds counties.
Among those who have fallen in love with this recreational gem are Bill and Judi Aaron of Rolla. The Aarons’ first visited Logger’s Lake last spring and ended up returning six more times before the end of the year.
“I love the awe and the beauty of this place,” says Bill.
Judi agrees, “I especially like the peace and serenity.”
When they heard Salem District Ranger Thom Haines say during a radio interview that the forest service was looking for a concessionaire at Logger’s Lake, Bill and Judi jumped at the opportunity.
“We are very excited that Bill and Judi have taken up this opportunity,” says Haines. “It has only been four months, but I am already hearing good things. One proposal they put forward as the new concessionaires is to have rustic group camping at the Oak Knoll campground. That site has been closed since I have been a ranger here, but Bill has been working on it and sent me photos of their first group just the other day. So if you are a church group or Boy Scout troop, or anyone else looking for a secluded rustic campground, Oak Knoll is now open and ready for your stay.”
Among the other ideas the Aarons have is restoring a sandy beach for lake front swimming and lounging.
For visitors to Logger’s Lake, the Aarons offer a perfect welcoming accompaniment to the cozy atmosphere. They greet visitors with a warm smile and a pitcher of lemonade, while also offering to sell amenities such as ice, campfire wood and farm-fresh eggs.
Their homemade newsletter even offers campfire recipes for visitors, the latest weather and friendly tips for how to avoid mosquitos.
Bill recently retired after 30 years of employment at Aaron’s Boats and Motors in Rolla. Judi still works three days a week at Rolla’s Pregnancy Resource Center.
Far from simply acting as camp supervisors, however, the Aarons are truly making Logger’s Lake their new home.
“We have gone from living in a five-bedroom house to now living in a camper,” says Bill. “We have always been country people at heart.”
The Aarons are also adding new life to Logger’s Lake and have a snug vision for the property.
“One of the first things we did when we moved in this March was create the free library,” says Judi. “I bet we are one of the only campgrounds around which offer a library for their guests. We wouldn’t dream of hosting a place to relax without an assortment of good reading material at your disposal. The idea is to bring a book and take a book. But hey, if you don’t have one to leave, don’t worry about it, there’s plenty here.”
On a recent day with sunshine, The Salem News interviewed many of the visitors to Logger’s Lake to gain a firsthand knowledge of its recreational opportunities.
Among those found fishing the lake were Robert and Birdie Scott of Centerville with their poodle Stinky. The Scotts report that Logger’s Lake is excellent for bass fishing, and the couple visit as much as possible.
“This is one of the most beautiful places I’ve been to,” says Robert. “Part of me hopes your article isn’t too big because I try to keep this place a secret.”
Bill also reports Logger’s Lake is discretely frequented by fishermen hoping to hook its bass.
“There is one guy who comes down here often all the way from St. Louis,” says Bill. “He tells us he doesn’t even tell his best friends about this place.”
Athena Tivnan of Crossville was one of the hikers found trekking through a stand of pines on the trail surrounding the lake. Tivnan says among the sights the trail offers are wild strawberries, flowers and a plethora of birds, including a large eagle’s nest visible over the path.
“I had a lot of fun hiking,” Tivnan says. “You’ll never know what you might find on the path. The dam at the end of the lake, listening to the water flowing downwards, was tranquility. Logger’s Lake is very peaceful, relaxing and enjoyable.”
For those interested in visiting Logger’s Lake, there may be a perfect opportunity by the summer’s end.
“We are planning on celebrating the 75th anniversary with a special event,” Bill says. “We are hoping to have the high school band come over from Bunker and maybe do a few other things too. We plan to make an announcement once we have something concrete put together.”
Logger’s Lake is located eight miles south of Bunker on Forest Service Road 2193.
It is open seasonally from April 1 to Oct. 31.
For day use there is a $2 parking charge per day, or a seasonal sticker available for $20.
The camping rate is $8 per night. Reservations can also be made at the forest service’s website with a $9 surcharge. Otherwise, camping is on a first come first served basis.
For more information, Bill and Judi Aaron can be reached at (573) 561-5069 or billnjudiaaron@gmail.com. Logger’s Lake also has an active Facebook page.