I've visited Bennett Springs many times over the years with family and friends, and have loved every trip. Flowers and sprouts in the spring, cool swims in the spring during summer, amazing autumn colors, tons of trout, plenty of picnic areas and restrooms, and miles of incredible hiking. Even if you're not an angler or a hiker, Bennett Springs is a wonderful place to get away for a day and reconnect with nature.
If you like to fish, this is the place. It's great for the seasoned fishermen and children. It's very safe too - a fun place to let your kids run and play. There's a fish hatchery that is interesting to visit as well.
One of the most beautiful parks I have been to. Something for everyone. Fish hatcheries are amazing.
I am a regular at Montauk State Park near Licking, MO, but we decided to give Bennett a try over the Labor Day weekend. We camped in a reserved spot, which was nice with concrete pads, full hook-ups, etc. However, the trees were small, so there was a lot of sun on the campground. The fishing was OK/good, but the fish were smaller than Montauk releases and the water was deeper and slower moving than parts of Montauk...which I guess could be a good thing if you don't care for faster, shallower water to fish in. It seemed to be a more crowded park than Montauk, but considering all the different campgrounds, motels, etc just outside the park, plus the campground inside the park, I guess this isn't surprising.
there are no fish cleaning stations. Also it is a smaller river than Montauk trout park, Nice store, nice people. Fun place. Very very pretty.
Gorgeous place just wish they would get the construction (destruction) done and over with. It really takes away from the beauty of the park
We went to fish but spent the day walking around the park and sitting on benchs to watch others fish....and they were catching alot!! We walked the 2/3 mile trail and there are so many different areas to fish or watch. Ate at the lodge and it was built by the CCC's and what history in the area!! Great day Lots of families enjoying........and they have cabins and a RV park too on site
This place used to be a good place to bring your kids and camp. I learned how to fish here back in the day but find it very hard to bring my kids here and teach them. The summer crowd is horrible. Most people that go to Bennett now are there to drink and party. I usually make a point to pick up beer cans when I move from place to place up and down the stream. People are always smoking in the stream and throwing their butts in the water. Conversation doesn't do anything to enforce the rules. The bathrooms here are nasty. Parking is bad. People will set their chairs up right on the water making it hard to fly fish with out hooking someone in your back cast. Snakes are everywhere. It kills me to have to fish other places because the new generation has ruined this place.
We camped in the lower campground. It was within walking distance of the fishing stream. And close to the pool. Very busy place, make reservations. Fun activities for kids, our favorite was the night hike. We also did a canoe trip - weekdays are more kid friendly on the river. We had kids ranging from 4 to 13 in our group and had lots of fun. Fishing was a blast. Fun for kids and adults. Lots of walking trails too. Just a beautiful place to visit.
I began going to Bennett Spring State Park to enjoy the park, camp and trout fish back in the 1950's, when I was a small child with my family. After I became an adult and had a family of my own, other things took precedence and I would return only occasionally.My wife and I returned this past week, and it was a wonderful experience. We stayed in one of the motel rooms, while not elaborate, was very acceptable. They also have cabins to stay in, in addition to camping and RV areas.Also, I love the crystal clear, 55 degree spring water that grows excellent Rainbow Trout. I thoroughly recommend this state park for just getting out in the wonderful outdoors, and if you love to catch rainbows, it's an even better experience.