Recreation area

Stone Mill Spring

Mark Twain National Forest · Missouri — managed by USDA Forest Service

Open recreation area — no reservation needed

About this campground

Stone Mill Spring Branch is owned by the USDA Forest Service (USFS) and cooperatively managed by the USFS, Missouri Department of Conservation, and the Fort Leonard Wood Natural Resources Branch. Park and walk down a trail that is approximately .25 mile to the beautiful Stone Mill Spring. This is a day use recreation area along the Big Piney River, managed as a trout fishery. Picnic tables, benches and grills are available, as well as a 1-mile hiking trail that provides views of the Big Piney River. Stone Mill Spring is a very narrow spring that flows 18 million gallons a day, before it runs down and empties into the Big Piney River. That is enough water to fill 27 Olympic swimming pools each day. It is named after a historical mill that operated in the 1880’s. This site is only accessible and mostly used by those on the Fort Leonard Wood Base.

Getting there

From Rolla, take Interstate 44 and exit on Route J south. Follow Route J approximately 7 miles. Turn west to enter Fort Leonard Wood at East Gate. Follow signs to Stone Mill Spring.

Activities

  • PICNICKING

Nearby federal campgrounds

Explore more Missouri camping

Stone Mill Spring doesn't take campsite reservations — but plenty of nearby Missouri campgrounds do, and we'll alert you the moment a sold-out site opens up.

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Details from Recreation.gov's official RIDB catalog. Conditions change — confirm with the managing office before you go. Not affiliated with Recreation.gov or any federal agency.