Lebanon
Missouri
Bennett Spring State Park
The valley that cradles Bennett Spring has created a place of peace and recreation that has welcomed generations of enthusiastic anglers. Bennett Spring State Park is one of Missouri’s earliest state parks and continues today to attract fishermen and nature lovers seeking to make new memories.
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. Fishing may be the main draw but the park also offers many other amenities such as a dining lodge, campgrounds, cabins and hiking trails. Whether you are a traditional fishing enthusiast or someone seeking a place to relax and refresh, Bennett Spring State Park has what you need to make every trip one to remember.
Fishing
Put on your waders and cast your line for trout! The thrill of filling your skillet with fresh-caught rainbow trout awaits you at Bennett Spring State Park.The spring branch is stocked daily during the regular fishing season, which is March 1 through Oct. 31.
Daily trout tags are required to fish on the spring branch and zones are set aside for different kinds of lures. Tags are available at the park store. The park store is also the place to inquire about fly-fishing lessons, including free general classes and private lessons. For more information, call 417-532-4307
Camping
Five campgrounds nestled in the wooded hills of the park offer a variety of camping options, from basic to sewer/electric/water sites. If you need some extra space, there are also family campsites available.
Stop by the park store to stock up on whatever you need for your camping experience. Campground hosts are available close by to assist and answer any questions.
To make a reservation or view campsite details, photos and availability, go to the reservation website by clicking the “Make a Reservation Now” link below. Reservations may also be made by calling toll free 877-ICampMO (877-422-6766).
Floating
Take a float trip on the Niangua River! Canoes and rafts are available for rent on an individual or group basis. Reservations can be made beginning in April for trips starting the second week in May at the earliest. The season typically runs from Memorial Day to the second weekend in September. Float trips are available daily. Beginning the first day of September, float trips are limited to Saturday and Sunday only. For more information or to make your reservations, call the number below.
Ho Hum is a nine-mile float trip lasting four to five hours. Weather permitting, the trip departs daily at 8:30 a.m., 9:30 a.m., 10:30 a.m. and 11:30 a.m.
Rafts depart at 8:30 a.m., 9:30 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. only.
Alcohol is not allowed in the canoes and rafts.
The motel, cabins, dining lodge, park store, swimming pool and canoe rental are operated by your concession hosts, Jim and Carmen Rogers. Let Jim and Carmen or a member of their staff make your visit to Bennett Spring State Park special. Ask about the fly fishing school or stop by the store for last minute items. For more information about the concession facilities at Bennett Spring State Park, please call 417-532-4307
Swimming Pool
The park offers an Olympic-size public swimming pool as well as a wading pool for the younger visitors to the park. The pool, which has lifeguards on duty, is available from Memorial Day Weekend through mid-August for a nominal fee
Picnic Areas
If you are looking for a great place for a family reunion or a gathering of your friends, Bennett Spring State Park can accommodate with two picnic shelters available.
Shelter A or the Spring Shelter is $35 per day. It has a capacity of 50 people. It is located at the head of the spring and features a fireplace, picnic tables and an outdoor barbecue grill. There is a vault toilet in this area.
Shelter B or the Whistle Bridge Shelter is $45 per day. It is located near Whistle Bridge in the park, offers electricity and accommodates 100 people. It has many picnic tables and a large indoor grill. The restroom facility is accessible with flush toilets.
PLAYGROUNDS
Playgrounds are conveniently located in the day-use area, at Shelter A, at Shelter B and in Campground 2.
Recent News
Connect with Nature Through Programs at Bennett Spring State Park
Connect with nature through programs at Bennett Spring State Park Jefferson City, MO - Join Bennett Spring State Park team members on the third Friday of each month to honor our connection with the natural world by participating in green therapy.…
Read More »Learn About Black Vultures at Bennett Spring State Park
Join park team members to learn more about Bennett Spring State Park’s black vulture population. The park naturalist will present a slideshow featuring information about the more than 200 birds living there and how anglers and other visitors…
Read More »Veterans Can Enjoy Free Fishing at Bennett Spring State Park on April 15, 2023
Jefferson City, MO - veterans can fish for free at Bennett Spring State Park on Saturday, April 15. Veterans can get their tags in the park store, and can fish all day, beginning and ending with the sirens at the park. The daily limit for trout is…
Read More »Travel Back in Time at Bennett Spring State Park on March 18, 2023
Jefferson City, MO – Join the team members at Bennett Spring State Park at 2:15 p.m., for a slideshow journey into the 1930s. Guests will learn about the Civilian Conservation Corps’ role in building Bennett Spring State Park and view…
Read More »Bennett Spring State Park Will Show ‘History of Bennett’ Video on Select Dates
Jefferson City, MO– In 1924, the state purchased Bennett Spring and part of the surrounding area near Lebanon to create one of the first state parks. Since then, Bennett Spring and its valley have continued to attract visitors. Following the…
Read More »Bennett Spring State Park News : Dive Into Spring Cleaning At Bennett Spring State Park
Jefferson City, MO, Feb. 9, 2023 – From 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 25, scuba divers and non-divers will be cleaning the Bennett Spring branch waterway and shore to help improve wildlife habitat. The event will organize conservation…
Read More »Bennett Spring State Park Announces Pawpaw Contest Winner
JEFFERSON CITY, MO – Bennett Spring State Park’s 4th annual pawpaw contest came to an end with Samuel Angst bringing in the largest pawpaw. Angst found the fruit in Pulaski County. For his efforts, Angst received a fly rod and case,…
Read More »Bennett Spring State Park Hosts Nature-Themed Bingo
JEFFERSON CITY, MO -- If you’re interested in learning more about nature through finding pictures of items as well as learning fun facts, join team members at Bennett State Park for a game of nature bingo. From 11 a.m. to noon Saturday,…
Read More »Stroll and Roll at Bennett Spring State Park
JEFFERSON CITY, MO -- To celebrate Halloween and in recognition of National “Ability” Month, Bennett Spring State Park is hosting a stroll and roll starting at 9 a.m. All adaptive strollers, wagons and other nonmotorized methods of…
Read More »Smokey Bear and Woodsy Owl Art Contest Opens October 13, 2022
JEFFERSON CITY, MO – The Lebanon Sunbonnet Federated Garden Club invites children in grades first through fifth to participate in the annual Smokey Bear and Woodsy Owl poster contest. Children may drop off entries Wednesdays through Sundays…
Read More »Bennett Spring State Park Hosts Nocturnal Bird Program
JEFFERSON CITY, MO – Whoooo stays up all night? Find out at 1 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 15 at the Bennett Spring State Park nature center. Visitors will see a live owl and learn about the “night life” adaptations of these nocturnal…
Read More »Celebrate Bats at Bennett Spring State Park
JEFFERSON CITY, MO -- Did you know October is Bat Appreciation Month? It’s fitting as they’re a commonly used symbol representing Halloween! Join park team members at Bennett Spring State Park to learn about these nocturnal…
Read More »Women Can Fish Free at Bennett Spring State Park on September 24, 2022
JEFFERSON CITY, MO – Woman are invited to fish for free Saturday, Sept. 24, at Bennett Spring State Park’s Women’s Free Fishing Day. From 7:30 a.m. to 7:15 p.m., there will be no license or daily tag fee for women or girls.…
Read More »Picking up Pawpaws Contest Starts September 14 in Bennett Spring State Park
JEFFERSON CITY, MO – Missouri’s largest edible fruit, the pawpaw, can grow up to 6 inches long, with peak ripening in September. Can you find the biggest one? Help celebrate this edible part of Missouri’s history by participating…
Read More »Sensory Experience Scheduled at Bennett Spring State Park
JEFFERSON CITY, MO – Join naturalists at Bennett Spring State Park as they read a book inside a tent while participants learn about nature through a sensory experience. The event will be held from 11 – 11:30 a.m. on three Saturdays:…
Read More »Learn About a Littered Landscape at Bennett Spring State Park on August 20, 2022
JEFFERSON CITY, MO – How long does it take for a plastic bottle or soda can to decompose? Learn the answer at “A Littered Landscape” program at 3 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 20, at Bennett Spring State Park. Guests will learn about…
Read More »Let Your Artistic Talents Shine at Bennett Spring State Park on August 18, 2022
JEFFERSON CITY, MO – It’s summer and it’s hot. You reach in the fridge for a cold, refreshing beverage, like a can of soda in an aluminum can. So, what do you do when you’re finished? Recycle, of course! But there are more…
Read More »Kids Fish Free at Bennett Spring State Park on Aug. 20
JEFFERSON CITY, MO – The Kids Free Fishing Day at Bennett Spring State Park, originally scheduled for May 7, is being held from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 20. Free youth tags will be available at the park store. For more…
Read More »Learn How to Build a Fly Rod at Bennett Spring State Park
JEFFERSON CITY, MO – Do you have an interest in fly fishing but don’t know where to start? Maybe you’ve received a fly rod as a gift and haven’t put it together yet, and need some guidance. If you’ve never made a fly…
Read More »Take a Historic Walking Tour at Bennett Spring State Park on July 14, 2022
JEFFERSON CITY, MO -- Join team members at Bennett Spring State Park on a walking tour of the park’s historic Civilian Conservation Corps structures. The two-hour tour starts at 10 a.m. Visitors will learn about familiar structures in…
Read More »Build a Bird Nest at Bennett Spring State Park on July 9, 2022
JEFFERSON CITY, MO -- Birds create their nests in all shapes and sizes using sticks, leaves, grass, rocks and even spider silk. These construction projects can be found high in trees or low on the ground and all are completed without the use of…
Read More »Learn to Tie at 12 Crazy Flies of Bennett on June 25, 2022
JEFFERSON CITY, MO -- Join fly-tying expert John Walther as he demonstrates how to create the 12 Crazy Flies of Bennett at 1 p.m. Saturday, June 25, in the nature center at Bennett Spring State Park. Bennett Spring State Park is located at…
Read More »Hiking for Beginners Scheduled at Bennett Spring State Park on June 2, 2022
JEFFERSON CITY, MO -- Join Missouri State Parks team members as they hike the Bennett Spring State Park’s Oak-Hickory Trail at 1 p.m. The 0.3-mile loop begins behind the nature center. This hike is great for those who are just learning…
Read More »Hiking for Beginners Scheduled at Bennett Spring State Park on May 21, 2022
JEFFERSON CITY, MO -- Join Missouri State Parks team members as they hike the Oak-Hickory Trail at Bennett Spring State Park at 10 a.m. The 0.3-mile loop begins behind the nature center. This hike is great for those who are just learning to go…
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