Bennett Spring State Park Campground

For those in Missouri seeking a quintessential outdoor experience, look no further than Bennett Spring State Park Campground. Nestled in the scenic Ozarks, this esteemed state park offers a remarkable blend of natural beauty, engaging activities, and comfortable amenities, making it a top choice for campers, anglers, and nature lovers across the Show-Me State. From the pristine waters of Bennett Spring to its extensive network of trails, the park provides an idyllic backdrop for creating cherished memories with family and friends. This comprehensive guide will highlight everything you need to know about the campground and the broader park, ensuring your next outdoor adventure is nothing short of spectacular.

Bennett Spring State Park is not just a campground; it's a vibrant hub of outdoor recreation, renowned particularly for its exceptional trout fishing. The park spans over 3,000 acres, encompassing diverse landscapes from lush riparian zones along the spring to rolling woodlands. This rich environment supports a wide array of plant and animal life, offering abundant opportunities for birdwatching, wildlife observation, and photography. The constant flow of the spring, which gushes over 100 million gallons of clear, cool water daily, creates a serene and refreshing atmosphere that perfectly complements the excitement of outdoor pursuits. It's a place where you can truly disconnect from the everyday and reconnect with the natural world, all within the beautiful confines of Missouri.

Bennett Spring State Park Campground is conveniently located at 1 BBSP12, Lebanon, MO 65536, USA. This prime location places it within easy reach for residents throughout Missouri. Lebanon, a welcoming community, acts as a primary access point to the park. The journey to the campground is straightforward, with clear signage guiding visitors from major highways. Interstate 44, a significant thoroughfare in Missouri, is within a reasonable driving distance, making the park readily accessible for those traveling from metropolitan areas like St. Louis, Kansas City, and Springfield. The well-maintained roads leading to and within the park ensure a smooth arrival for all types of vehicles, including RVs up to 65 feet in length.

Once inside the park, the campground's strategic positioning allows for excellent accessibility to the park's main attractions. Whether you're heading to the famed fishing zones along the spring, embarking on a scenic hike, or visiting the park store for supplies, everything is conveniently close. This ease of access minimizes travel time within the park, maximizing your enjoyment of the various recreational opportunities. The park's commitment to accessibility is further demonstrated by features like accessible campsites and pathways, ensuring that a wide range of visitors can experience the beauty of Bennett Spring.

The services offered at Bennett Spring State Park Campground are comprehensive, designed to cater to a variety of camping preferences and ensure a comfortable stay for all visitors.

• Diverse Campsite Options: The park boasts five separate campgrounds with nearly 200 campsites in total, providing options for basic tent camping, electric hookups, and full hookups (sewer, electric, water) for RVs. Campground 1, for example, features 48 full hookup sites, some on concrete pads.

• Clean Restrooms and Showers: Well-maintained restroom facilities with flush toilets and hot showers are available throughout the campgrounds, offering a refreshing experience after a day of outdoor activities.

• Potable Water: Accessible water hydrants with concrete pathways are available in all five campgrounds for convenient access to potable water.

• Dump Station: For RV campers, a readily available dump station within the park simplifies wastewater disposal.

• Laundry Facilities: Coin-operated laundries are provided, adding convenience for longer stays.

• Park Store: A fully stocked park store offers groceries, fishing supplies, camping essentials, and souvenirs, ensuring you have everything you need without leaving the park.

• Picnic Areas and Shelters: Numerous picnic sites with tables and grills are scattered throughout the park, including reservable shelters, some with accessible features.

• Cabins and Motel Rooms: For those seeking a more structured lodging experience, the park also offers a variety of cabins and motel rooms, some built by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) and others more modern.

Bennett Spring State Park Campground offers a wealth of features and highlights that contribute to its outstanding reputation, as evidenced by positive customer feedback.

• Exceptional Trout Fishing: The undisputed highlight is the world-class trout fishing in Bennett Spring itself. The spring branch is stocked daily with rainbow trout, drawing anglers from all over for a premier fishing experience. Daily trout tags and a Missouri fishing license are required.

• Extensive Hiking Trails: The park features over 12 miles of well-maintained hiking trails, ranging from easy strolls to more challenging routes. Notable trails include the Natural Tunnel Trail, which leads to a 100-yard-long natural tunnel, and the Savannah Ridge Trail, offering scenic views of the Ozark backcountry.

• Cozy and Natural Atmosphere: A customer review perfectly captures the essence: "This was a beautiful campground. I like how it has five separate campgrounds and none of them are very large. It makes for a more natural and cozy atmosphere and feeling." This design promotes a sense of tranquility and connection with nature.

• Newly Built Splash Pad and Playground: For families with younger children, the newly built splash pad designed for kids ages 5-12 is a fantastic addition, providing a fun and safe way to cool off. Nearby playground equipment offers additional entertainment.

• Niangua River Access: The park provides a good starting point for float trips on the nearby Niangua River, with canoe rentals often available, offering another avenue for water-based recreation.

• Well-Maintained and Clean Park: Consistent praise highlights the park's cleanliness and excellent maintenance. "It is a beautiful park that is very well maintained and kept clean," notes one visitor, ensuring a pleasant and hygienic environment for all.

• Friendly and Helpful Staff: While not explicitly mentioned in the provided reviews, state parks are generally known for their dedicated and helpful staff who contribute to a positive visitor experience.

• Year-Round Camping (Limited): While some campgrounds are seasonal, Campground 1 remains open year-round, offering a winter camping option for those who enjoy the quieter, serene beauty of the off-season.

For direct inquiries and to plan your visit to Bennett Spring State Park Campground, here is the essential contact information:

Address: 1 BBSP12, Lebanon, MO 65536, USA

Phone: (417) 532-4338 (Park Office)

Mobile Phone: +1 417-532-4338

It is always recommended to call ahead for the most current information regarding campsite availability, reservation policies, park hours, and any specific inquiries you may have. The Missouri State Parks website is also an excellent resource for detailed information and online reservations.

In conclusion, Bennett Spring State Park Campground offers an unparalleled outdoor experience for Missouri locals. It is far more than just a place to set up camp; it is a vibrant ecosystem teeming with recreational opportunities, all set against a backdrop of breathtaking Ozark beauty. The variety of camping options, from full RV hookups to cozy tent sites and even cabins, ensures there’s a perfect fit for every type of adventurer. The consistent positive feedback from visitors, highlighting the park's beauty, cleanliness, and the natural coziness of its campgrounds, underscores its appeal.

For Missourians, Bennett Spring State Park is a convenient and accessible escape that truly delivers on the promise of outdoor adventure and relaxation. Whether you're an avid angler drawn to the famous trout fishing, a family seeking a fun-filled getaway with a splash pad and playgrounds, or a nature enthusiast eager to explore miles of scenic trails and float the Niangua River, this park has something for everyone. It’s a place where generations can come together, create new traditions, and forge lasting memories amidst the serene beauty of our state. The well-maintained facilities and diverse activities make it an ideal destination for any local looking to embrace the natural wonders of Missouri. Pack your bags, Missouri, Bennett Spring State Park Campground is calling for your next unforgettable adventure!

Bennett Spring State Park Campground

1 BBSP12, Lebanon, MO 65536, USA