Montauk State Park sits along the headwaters of the Current River in Dent County, Missouri, where one of the state’s largest springs pumps roughly 53 million gallons of cold, clear water daily. That spring-fed flow makes Montauk one of Missouri’s premier trout fishing destinations — the park operates its own trout hatchery on-site, and the opening day of catch-and-keep trout season each March 1st draws anglers from across the Midwest.

Spanning nearly 1,400 acres of Ozark forest, Montauk offers more than fishing. Hikers can explore several miles of trails winding through dense hardwoods and along limestone bluffs, while the spring branch and river provide excellent wading spots on warm days. Birdwatchers will find the riparian corridors productive, particularly during spring and fall migrations.

The park’s campground includes both basic and electric sites tucked among the trees, along with a handful of cabins and a lodge with a dining room — a rarity among Missouri state parks. Reservations fill quickly for spring and fall weekends, so book early.

Summer brings warm days ideal for floating the Current River downstream, while autumn transforms the surrounding hills into a canopy of red and gold. Winter visits are quieter but rewarding, especially for catch-and-release trout fishing when the crowds thin out.

Come for the trout, stay for the Ozark scenery. Montauk rewards visitors who slow down and let the spring do the talking.

Explore Nearby

• Mark Twain National Forest — National Forest in Missouri
• Union Covered Bridge — Covered Bridge in Missouri
• Sandy Creek Covered Bridge — Covered Bridge in Missouri
• Thousand Hills State Park — Dark Sky Site in Missouri
• Stacy Park — Dark Sky Site in Missouri