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Protected Recreation Area · MO

Maramec Spring Park

Maramec Spring Park is a historic public park in Missouri known for its large spring, scenic trout fishing, and family-friendly recreational opportunities.

Protected Recreation Area18604+ Trails

Designation

Protected Recreation Area

Total Wilderness Area

1860

Elevation / Terrain

Diverse Wilderness

Field Editorial Guide

About Maramec Spring Park

Maramec Spring Park is a historic public park in Missouri known for its large spring, scenic trout fishing, and family-friendly recreational opportunities.

Wilderness Landscape & Natural Heritage

Located near St. James, Missouri, Maramec Spring Park spans approximately 1,860 acres and is centered around Maramec Spring, one of the largest springs in the state with an average flow of 100 million gallons of water per day. The spring feeds the tranquil Maramec River, making the park a popular destination for trout fishing, a recreational activity the park supports with stocked rainbow and brown trout year-round. The park’s geography features gently rolling hills, hardwood forests dominated by oak and hickory, and diverse wildlife including white-tailed deer and various bird species. Founded in the mid-19th century by the Maramec Iron Works, the park carries historical importance with remnants of the old iron furnace and mill structures that reflect the region’s industrial heritage. Visitors enjoy over ten miles of maintained trails suited for hiking, mountain biking, and nature observation, as well as picnic areas, playgrounds, and campgrounds for extended stays. The scenic rock formations, clear spring waters, and well-maintained amenities create an inviting environment for families and outdoor enthusiasts alike, offering both educational and leisure experiences throughout the year.

Field Guide · Protected Recreation Area
Adventure Destinations

Notable Destinations Near Maramec Spring Park

Scenic viewpoints, outdoor landmarks, and notable points of interest within 30 miles.

Discover the Wonders of Onondaga Cave State Park⌖ 20 miCave Touring
Onondaga Cave State Park

Discover the Wonders of Onondaga Cave State Park

Explore Onondaga Cave in Leasburg, Missouri, with its stunning stalactites and stalagmites. Enjoy cave tours year-round, moderate hiking at Vilander Bluff Trail, and canoeing on the Meramec River. Perfect for a quiet visit with family.

Cave TouringView Details→
Canoeing the Gasconade River in Waynesville, Missouri★ 7.0⌖ 22 miCanoeing
County Road 529

Canoeing the Gasconade River in Waynesville, Missouri

Explore the Gasconade River in Waynesville, Missouri, ideal for canoeing and wildlife viewing. Accessible from County Road 529, this moderate-level river offers serene Ozark views. Best in spring and fall, it's quiet year-round. Enjoy sightings of bald eagles and river otters.

Discover Nature's Sanctuary: Mark Twain National Forest⌖ 29 miHiking
Mark Twain National Forest

Discover Nature's Sanctuary: Mark Twain National Forest

Explore Mark Twain National Forest in Missouri, featuring 750 miles of trails including the renowned Ozark Trail. Enjoy hiking, canoeing, and camping in this moderate difficulty, adventure-filled destination, perfect for spring and fall visits.

Majestic Meramec Caverns⌖ 34 miCave Exploration
Meramec Caverns

Majestic Meramec Caverns

Visit the Majestic Meramec Caverns in Sullivan, MO. Explore its easy guided cave tours featuring spectacular geological formations. Enjoy additional activities like canoeing the Meramec River and nearby camping, especially in spring and fall.

Cave ExplorationView Details→
Johnson's Shut-Ins State Park: Nature's Playground⌖ 43 miSwimming
Johnson's Shut-Ins State Park

Johnson's Shut-Ins State Park: Nature's Playground

Explore the striking rock formations and waterways at Johnson's Shut-Ins State Park near Middle Brook, MO. Enjoy swimming and hiking in a family-friendly atmosphere, best visited in summer. Accessible by a quick drive, the park is popular for its scenic and adventurous landscapes.

Enchanting Wonders in Eminence: Round Spring Cave⌖ 44 miGuided Cave Tours
Round Spring Cave

Enchanting Wonders in Eminence: Round Spring Cave

Explore Round Spring Cave in Eminence, MO, as part of the Ozark National Scenic Riverways. Enjoy guided tours through fascinating limestone formations, with nearby hiking and canoeing opportunities. Best visited in spring and fall for mild weather.

Guided Cave ToursView Details→

Key Wilderness Highlights

✦ Maramec Spring - one of Missouri’s largest natural springs with crystal-clear water✦ Trout fishing along the spring-fed Maramec River with year-round stocking✦ Historic iron furnace ruins from the 19th-century Maramec Iron Works✦ Extensive network of multi-use trails suitable for hiking and mountain biking
Wilderness Recreation

Outdoor Adventures in Maramec Spring Park

Explore curated guides for top outdoor sports, trail networks, and wilderness activities.

Park Recreation

Hiking

Available in Maramec Spring Park
Park Recreation

Camping

Available in Maramec Spring Park
Park Recreation

Wildlife Viewing

Available in Maramec Spring Park
Park Recreation

Mountain Biking

Available in Maramec Spring Park
Park Recreation

Fishing

Available in Maramec Spring Park
Park Recreation

Photography

Available in Maramec Spring Park
The Ranger Station

Visitor Logistics & Essential Planning

Everything you need to know about entrance passes, seasons, visitor centers, road transit, and wildlife safety in Maramec Spring Park.

Passes & Fees

Entrance Requirements & Interagency Passes

Entrance fee required per vehicle; fishing permits required for trout fishing.

Wilderness Checklist

Carry paper topographic map & compass in remote zones.
Store all food and scented items in approved bear canisters.
Check wildfire / smoke advisories before backcountry departure.
Pack out everything you pack in (Leave No Trace).
Wilderness Stays

Camping & Overnight Stays in Maramec Spring Park

Frontcountry developed campgrounds, backcountry wilderness permit guidelines, and starry-night camping advice.

Maramec Spring Park Campground

Campground with electrical and water hookups, restrooms, showers, located near the spring and river.

Adventure Basecamps

Gateway Towns Near Maramec Spring Park

Stay, dine, and gear up in these mountain towns and scenic basecamps surrounding the park.

Saint James
⌖ 7.68 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Saint James, Missouri

A welcoming small town blending outdoor adventure with Missouri’s wine country charm and the rugged beauty of the Ozark Highlands.

Spring through FallExplore Town
St. James
⌖ 7.68 miles
Gateway Basecamp

St. James, Missouri

A relaxed small town known for outdoor recreation, wine country, and access to scenic trails and waterways in the Ozark Highlands.

Spring through early FallExplore Town
Cuba
⌖ 12.90 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Cuba, Missouri

A small town gateway to diverse outdoor experiences, combining historic Route 66 charm with access to forests, trails, and waterways in central Missouri.

Spring through FallExplore Town
Rolla
⌖ 13.11 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Rolla, Missouri

A welcoming town in the Ozarks known for its accessible outdoor activities and proximity to natural wonders.

Salem
⌖ 18.00 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Salem, Missouri

A gateway town to the rugged beauty of the Ozarks with plentiful outdoor activities including hiking, paddling, and biking in largely untouched natural surroundings.

Spring through FallExplore Town
Leasburg
⌖ 18.38 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Leasburg, Missouri

A hidden gem offering serene outdoor experiences amidst rolling hills and clear waters.

Spring and FallExplore Town
Expert-Led Wilderness Expeditions

Guided Experiences in Maramec Spring Park

Explore scenic backcountry routes and epic wilderness adventures with certified local mountain guides, naturalists, and outfitters.

12 bookable experiences

Availability, pricing, meeting details, and fulfillment are provided by the applicable operator or booking partner.