Noblett Lake Rec Area

The Basics

Noblett Lake Recreation Area
State Hwy AP
Willow Springs, MO

Phone: (417) 683-4428 (Ava/Cassville/Willow Springs District Office)

Closest Towns: Willow Springs

Directions: From the intersection of Hwy 60/63 and Hwy 76 in Willow Springs, head West on Hwy 76 for approx. 7.1 miles to Hwy 181. Turn Left/South onto Hwy 181, and go approx. 1.4 miles to Hwy AP, and turn Left. Follow Hwy AP approx. 3.1 miles to FR# 857. Turn Right and go about 1 mile to the entrance.

About Noblett Lake


**In August of 2011, an unauthorized opening of the spillway water release gate was discovered, leaving Noblett Lake completely drained. The lake and camping area below the dam were closed shortly thereafter, and remained closed for much of 2012. The Forest Service has recently announced that the area has since been re-opened, including the lake itself.**


Noblett Lake Recreation Area is a secluded and very scenic area that offers picnicing, fishing, wildlife watching, photography opportunities, canoeing and electric motor boating. Constructed by the Civliian Conservation Corps (CCC), Noblett Lake Dam spans Noblett Creek, creating the 26-acre lake. An historic picnic pavilion also constructed by the CCC is available for reservations, or on a first-come, first-serve basis.

The day-use area contains the large pavilion, and offers access to the lake's shoreline for fishing and swimming. Small boats with electric-only motors, as well as canoes and kayaks, are allowed out on the lake.

Below the dam's spillway, there is a primitive dispersed camping area.

Noblett Lake also serves as one of two main trailheads for the Ridge Runner Trail. This trail offers a 6-mile loop around Noblett Lake, another 6-mile loop near the North Fork Recreation Area, and a 21-mile segment in-between. The trail is open to hikers, mountain bikers and equestrian riders. The terrain varies from gently rolling to very steep in places. A portion of the Ridge Runner Trail runs concurrently with the Ozark Trail.

Horses are not allowed in the day-use area, around the lake, nor in the dispersed camping area below the dam.

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