Loop 2 sits in Montauk State Park where Montauk Springs pumps 42 million gallons daily into the headwaters of the Current River. The campground offers tent and RV sites with electric hookups, showers, and direct access to Missouri's premier trout fishing waters. Cell service varies sharply by carrier, and some amenities remain closed following November 2024 flooding.
Montauk offers a modern campground and also provides rental cabins and motel rooms; the camping section on the page references accommodations for 'tent' and 'an 80-foot camping trailer.'
Historical Significance
Montauk State Park is one of Missouri's four trout parks and features the 1896 Montauk gristmill, which offers tours interpreting Ozark history. The park operates a trout hatchery that raises and stocks rainbow and brown trout in the Current River, though the hatchery closed due to flood damage in November 2024 and remained closed as of March 2025.Weather and SeasonsSpring offers the best combination of trout fishing, comfortable weather, and Ozark green-up. Daytime highs run roughly 50–70°F from late March through May, with cold nights and cool, misty mornings as spring discharge keeps the river icy. Trout fishing peaks during this window, wildflowers bloom, and trails are pleasant before summer crowds arrive. The trout season officially opens February 25th when anglers arrive early. Summer stays cooler than the rest of Missouri thanks to the springs and shade canopy. Fall brings gold and crimson along the riverbanks. Expect moderate crowds with busy weekends during spring.
Natural Features and SceneryThe campground sits under a hardwood canopy where Pigeon Creek meets Montauk Springs. The constant 58-degree spring discharge keeps the newborn Current River crystal clear and cold even in August, creating pools where you can see stones twenty feet down. Mist rises from the springs at dawn. Rainbow and brown trout hold in the current just beyond the bank, and the rush of water over the spillway carries through the sites. The spring-fed microclimate stays cooler than the surrounding Ozarks, nurturing green corridors through summer.
Geological RegionOzark region
Scenic ViewsSpring pools and the headwaters of the Current River.