John Spalding Rec Ar

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3 reviews
John Spalding Rec Ar

Quick Facts

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Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Not Allowed

ElectricShowers

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John Spalding Rec Ar
No fees available
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$0.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
Total Campsite Fees$0.00

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What Campers Say

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Limited Reviews

Based on 3 reviews

Most mentioned

quietclean

"Reviewers are split: one praises the area as clean and quiet, while another is frustrated by unreliable electric service and delayed gate access. Overall, the setting is appreciated, but some facility and management issues impact the experience."

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About John Spalding Rec Ar

Nestled along the shores of Mark Twain Lake, John Spalding Recreation Area welcomes day visitors with its inviting sandy beach and prime lakeside location. Whether you're looking to cool off with a swim, launch your boat into the sparkling waters, or simply enjoy a lakeside picnic, this recreation area serves as your gateway to both water adventures and the scenic Joanna Trail.
Described as a day-use area providing beach access and trail connections; the provided information does not specify overnight camping types or sites.
Historical SignificanceYou're stepping into the landscape that shaped one of America's greatest storytellers. This corner of north-central Missouri provided the backdrop for Mark Twain's imagination, and you're just a short drive from where Samuel Clemens was born in Florida, Missouri, and where he spent his boyhood years exploring the streets of Hannibal. The same rivers, hills, and small-town character that inspired Tom Sawyer and Huckleberry Finn still define this region today.
Natural Features and SceneryMark Twain Lake stretches across 18,000 acres of north-central Missouri, its waters fed by the meandering Salt River. At John Spalding, a genuine sandy beach meets the lake's edge—a rarity in Missouri that feels more like a coastal retreat than a Midwestern reservoir. The shoreline curves gently along the water, while the nearby Joanna Trail traces the lake's northern banks, offering hikers and nature enthusiasts miles of scenic pathways through the landscape. Whether you're wading into the clear water or gazing across the expansive lake, the views remind you why this area captured Mark Twain's imagination.
Geological RegionSalt River / north-central Missouri (Mark Twain Lake region)
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Campsite details

Total Campsitesnull campsites
Recommended CampsitesDay-use layout with a swimming beach, showers and picnic shelters; shelters have electric hookups. The Joanna Trail (32-mile multi-use trail) connects directly to the area for hiking, mountain biking and horseback riding.

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Reserving a campsite

Tents
Tents are not allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed

Site layoutDay-use area with designated swimming beach, picnic shelters (with electrical hookups), and showers. No campsites or overnight facilities described.

Amenities available

Showers
Electricity hookups

Activities you can enjoy

Recreation centered on Mark Twain Lake and the Joanna Trail: swimming and beach activities, boating including water skiing, fishing, and trail-based hiking and biking.
Hiking
Directly connected to the Joanna Trail, a 32-mile multi-purpose trail for hiking, mountain biking and horseback riding that lines the northern banks of the lake.
Fishing
Fishing on Mark Twain Lake (Salt River reservoir), the region's largest body of water.
Swimming
Swimming is available at the sandy public/swimming beach in the day-use area.
Biking
Mountain biking is supported on the Joanna Trail (multi-purpose, 32 miles).
Boating
Boating on Mark Twain Lake, including opportunities for water skiing.
Beach activities
Sandy public beach and designated swimming beach at the day-use area.
Water Sports
Water skiing
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Campground rules

  • Pets are not allowed

Hazards


Weather at John Spalding Rec Ar

30
°F
Dec 11
Thursday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Humidity: 75%
Wind: 10.7 mph
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Good to know

Proximity to water featuresLocated on Mark Twain Lake with direct access to a sandy public beach; the Salt River feeds the lake.

Campground Map

John Spalding Rec Ar
Driving directionsFrom Hannibal, MO, travel west on Highway 36 for 17 miles. Turn south on Route J, and travel 6 miles. Turn west on Oakland Drive and travel for 2 miles.
Accessible via Highway 36 (west from Hannibal), then south on Route J and west on Oakland Drive.
Nearby places
Hannibal, MO — 17 miles (as described in driving directions).

Reviews from booking and map sources

0.0
3 reviews
Limited Reviews
Limited Reviews
John Spalding Rec Ar has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews
Reviewers are split: one praises the area as clean and quiet, while another is frustrated by unreliable electric service and delayed gate access. Overall, the setting is appreciated, but some facility and management issues impact the experience.
Review Summaries
Based on 3 reviews

What Campers Love

Campers like the clean, quiet environment and find the shelter house a nice spot for picnics. At least one reviewer says they would return, indicating overall satisfaction with the setting despite...
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Based on 3 reviews

Common Concerns

The main complaints concern subpar electric service at the shelter (blown breakers at the service pole) and the access gate not opening at the posted time of 8 a.m. One reviewer also notes that the...
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Based on 3 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

If you plan to use the shelter house and its electricity, be prepared for possible breaker issues and consider bringing backup options for power. For early-morning events, allow extra time in case...
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Based on 3 reviews

Camper Quotes

"Clean and quiet area. Restrooms could have been cleaner but it's hard to keep the bugs out. Will do this again." "Nice Shelter House to have a picnic have used it twice now, however both times the...
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Based on 3 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site 1 in JOHN SPALDING REC AR is described as part of a clean and quiet area with a nice shelter house suitable for picnics. However, the electric service at this site’s shelter has repeatedly...
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Based on 3 reviews

Camper Reviews by Outdoorithm campers

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Last updated December 10, 2025
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