🌤 Weather at Montauk State Park by season
| Spring | Summer | Fall | Winter |
|---|---|---|---|
| 32–75 °F | 60–87 °F | 32–80 °F | 21–47 °F |
Each range runs from the coldest monthly average low to the warmest monthly average high in that season (1991-2020 climate normals), measured at Salem 10 W, 12 mi away, elevation 1,198 ft. Conditions at the park can differ from the station, especially where elevation differs — check a forecast before you go.
At the headwaters of the famed Current River, Montauk State Park is an angler’s holy grail. Located in the heart of the Ozarks near Salem, Missouri, this park combines the history of a 19th-century gristmill with some of the finest trout fishing in the Midwest.
Trout Fishing
Stocked daily during the season, the cold, spring-fed waters make this one of Missouri’s premier trout parks.
Montauk Springs
Seven clear springs merge to form the headwaters of the Current River, releasing over 50 million gallons of cool water daily.
Historic Mill
Tour the Montauk Gristmill, built in 1896, and see original machinery that powered this community over a century ago.
The Trout Fishing Experience
Fishing is the main draw here. The park is divided into three fishing zones, catering to fly fishers (catch-and-release) and bait anglers alike. The trout season runs from March 1st to October 31st, heralded daily by a siren that signals the start and end of fishing time—a beloved local tradition.
Montauk Lodge
Stay in comfort at the historic stone lodge, featuring a renowned dining room that serves home-cooked meals to hungry anglers after a day on the river.
Camping and Hiking
The park offers a large, modern campground shaded by trees, perfect for families. Hikers can explore the Pine Ridge Trail to see a mature pine-oak forest or take a gentle stroll around Montauk Lake. Wildlife is abundant, with frequent sightings of bald eagles, mink, and great blue herons along the waterways.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a fishing license required?
Yes, a Missouri fishing license and a daily trout tag are required for all anglers.
Can I float the river here?
Floating is not allowed within the park boundaries to protect the fishing zones, but access to the Current River for floating is available just downstream at Tan Vat or Baptist Camp accesses.
Are tours of the mill available?
Yes, seasonal tours of the historic Montauk Mill are offered, providing a glimpse into the region’s agricultural past.
Explore More Missouri State Parks
Montauk State Park is one of many outstanding state parks in Missouri. Discover more parks in our Best State Parks in Missouri guide, or use our Park Finder to search by activity, location, or features.
Keep exploring: The closest neighbors are Current River State Park (a short drive away) and Echo Bluff State Park (within about an hour’s drive).
Camping reservations: Book campsites and cabins for Missouri state parks online at icampmo1.usedirect.com.
⛺ Camping at Montauk State Park: Campgrounds & Cabins
| Campsites | Four loops: Loop 1 (Basic, Family, year-round), Loop 2 (Electric*, Family*, year-round), Loop 3 (Electric*, Family*, year-round), Loop 4 (Electric*, Family*, year-round). *50-amp electric available. Showers/water available Feb 25-Oct 31; electricity and frost-free water spigots are available in the campground year-round. |
|---|---|
| Pets | Recommended no more than two dogs per campsite; leashes no longer than 10 feet at all times; portable fences, shock collars and similar devices do not meet requirements; pets barred from buildings (except Cabins for Canines), swimming areas and fishing waters. |
| Reservations | Reserve up to 12 months in advance online or by phone, 877-ICampMO (877-422-6766). Walk-up registration available if a reservable site is unreserved. Camping limited to any 15 days within a 30-consecutive-day period. |
| Special sites | Campground guests may purchase firewood from the campground woodlot. Three RV dump stations and two showerhouses noted in lodging/general park materials. |
| Season notes | All four loops open year-round with electricity and frost-free water spigots available year-round; showers/water specifically available Feb 25-Oct 31. |
Camping questions about Montauk State Park
Can you camp at Montauk State Park?
Four loops: Loop 1 (Basic, Family, year-round), Loop 2 (Electric*, Family*, year-round), Loop 3 (Electric*, Family*, year-round), Loop 4 (Electric*, Family*, year-round). *50-amp electric available. Showers/water available Feb 25-Oct 31; electricity and frost-free water spigots are available in the campground year-round.
How do you reserve a campsite at Montauk State Park?
Reserve up to 12 months in advance online or by phone, 877-ICampMO (877-422-6766). Walk-up registration available if a reservable site is unreserved. Camping limited to any 15 days within a 30-consecutive-day period.
Are pets allowed at the Montauk State Park campground?
Recommended no more than two dogs per campsite; leashes no longer than 10 feet at all times; portable fences, shock collars and similar devices do not meet requirements; pets barred from buildings (except Cabins for Canines), swimming areas and fishing waters.
Source: mostateparks.com (verified July 2026). Details change seasonally — confirm when booking.
🐾 Dogs & Pets at Montauk State Park
- Pets allowed? statewide rule
- Responsible pet owners and their pets are welcome in Missouri state parks and historic sites, with pets leashed and under control.
- Leash rule statewide rule
- Leash not longer than 10 feet required at all times; portable fences and shock collars do not satisfy the requirement.
- Beaches & swim areas statewide rule
- Pets are not allowed in public swimming areas or on beaches.
- Cabins & lodging statewide rule
- The 'Cabins for Canines' program opens about 30% of lodging units to dogs (max two dogs per unit) at roughly 15 participating parks including Lake of the Ozarks, Bennett Spring, Echo Bluff and Roaring River; per-dog per-night fee varies by unit type.
- Pet fees statewide rule
- No day-use pet fee; Cabins for Canines charges a per-dog, per-night lodging fee (varies by unit).
- Statewide exceptions statewide rule
- Maximum two dogs per campsite; pets not allowed inside any park building.
Are dogs allowed at Montauk State Park?
Responsible pet owners and their pets are welcome in Missouri state parks and historic sites, with pets leashed and under control. Individual parks can post stricter rules — check signage on arrival.
Rules verified July 2026 via mostateparks.com. More: Missouri state parks guide · Dog rules in all 50 states compared
Park Location
Plan your gear for Montauk State Park
From our editorial guides, matched to this park’s activities:
