Bennett Springs State Park-A Trout Fisherman's Dream!

How do you feel about rainbow trout? Their shimmery rainbow colors and their habitat of clear North American rivers and streams alone give them a higher status in my book among the freshwater fish hierarchy! Plus they make some serious good eating!

Nestled in the heart of the Ozarks is one of the Missouri's oldest State Parks-Bennett Springs, I get a peaceful easy feeling just thinking about this special place! The sloping valley that cradles Bennett Spring has created a site of peace and recreation that has welcomed generations of enthusiastic anglers. More than 100 million gallons of clear, cool water gush from Bennett Spring each day and form a spring branch stocked daily with rainbow trout waiting for lucky fishermen. It's angler's oasis, a home away from home to clear your mind of troubles and focus on the good ole sport of fishing!

For our stay at Bennett Springs we sprung (couldn't help that) for the nearby KOA. They are such good parks and family/pet friendly which is usually a comfort to book if the State Park does not have available sites. I love how the owners of KOA's put their own personal touch to their parks and try to continually improve. It usually shows! This KOA has just obtained new owners and they we're bustling around the park, making sure everything was just right and everyone was comfortable. I love that feeling camping; when the owners or neighbors strike up a conversation and everyone feels at home!

Jack loved the place!

The park has nice large pull through and back in sites with full hookups! Bonus! There is a jumping pad, wheely KOA Carts and track, a fun little dog area, a nice pool, tire swings, a zip-line and hammocks strung among the trees. Cooper was little reluctant on the zip line at first and then you know how that goes...we couldn't get him off of it. I loved the hammocks and as much as I wanted to relax in them; I was nominated as spotter for the zipline so there was a lot of settling in and getting back up!

If you are not a sporting fisherman the park still boasts so many fun things to do! The hatchery is so interesting to walk through and watch the fish clamoring all over each other. The kids love it and adults do too! The park spans 3216 acres with hiking trails, guided nature walks and swimming, there is also a swimming pool too! It's most special gift I think though is just watching the trout fisherman in their waders casting their lines and reading the mill history of the park.

There is a great dining spot right in the park! So if you catch no fish or you are just a spectator this historic 1930's dining lodge will fill hungry bellies with freshly cooked trout and homestyle meals! It's really darn good! Stop by the store on your way out too for specialty fishing lures and gear, souvenirs and camping necessities. My favorite camping mug came here; so I am a bit partial :)

Bennett Springs is a special place for sure. One that truly embodies that feeling we are all seeking in nature. Whether you come to fish or just to take in it's beauty and surroundings; I just know in my heart you will enjoy!