Roaring River State Park
From a cave at the base of a limestone bluff, 20 million gallons of water gush forth every single day. This is the Roaring River Spring—one of Missouri’s largest—and it feeds a river so cold, so clear, and so perfectly oxygen-rich that rainbow and brown trout thrive in the heart of the Ozarks.
Roaring River State Park has been a trout fisher’s paradise since 1928. The hatchery stocks the river daily from March through October—more than 250,000 trout a year. But this isn’t just a fishing spot. It’s 4,000 acres of Ozark beauty with trails carved by the CCC, rustic stone cabins overlooking the valley, and a historic lodge where you can end the day with a riverside dinner. Whether you’re here to catch your limit, hike to a fire tower, or simply sit by crystal water and breathe, Roaring River delivers that rare thing: accessible wilderness with genuine heritage.
Park Fast Facts
| 📍 Location | 12716 Farm Road 2239, Cassville, MO 65625 |
| 🗺️ Region | Ozark Mountains / Barry County |
| 📐 Total Area | ~4,000 acres |
| 🌊 Spring Output | 20.4 million gallons/day (first-magnitude) |
| 🐟 Annual Trout Stocking | 250,000+ rainbow and brown trout |
| 📅 Established | 1928 (donated by Thomas Sayman) |
| ⏰ Office Hours | Year-round; check seasonal variations |
Trout Fishing
Roaring River is stocked daily from March 1 through October 31—making it one of Missouri’s most reliable trout destinations.
| Regulation | Details |
|---|---|
| 📅 Stocking Season | March 1 – October 31 (daily stocking) |
| ❄️ Winter Season | November – February (catch and release only) |
| 🐟 Daily Limit | 4 trout per day |
| 📦 Possession Limit | 8 trout |
| 📏 Brown Trout Minimum | 15 inches |
| 📏 Rainbow Trout | No minimum length |
| 🎟️ License Required | Missouri fishing license + daily trout tag (sold at park store) |
Fishing Zones
The river is divided into three zones with different regulations:
| Zone | Rules |
|---|---|
| 🔴 Zone 1 (Upper) | Flies and artificial lures only; most restricted |
| 🟡 Zone 2 (Middle) | Artificial lures; some bait restrictions |
| 🟢 Zone 3 (Lower) | All legal baits and lures permitted |
💡 Tip: Arrive early on weekends—the park gets crowded, especially during free fishing weekends.
The Spring & Hatchery
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| 💧 Roaring River Spring | First-magnitude; 20.4M gallons/day; emerges from cave at bluff base |
| 🐟 Hatchery | Missouri’s oldest; MDC-managed; 250,000+ trout/year |
| 🌡️ Water Temperature | ~58°F year-round (ideal for trout) |
| 👁️ Visitor Access | Spring pool and hatchery open to view |
Hiking Trails
Seven trails wind through the Ozark hills—many built by the CCC in the 1930s.
| Trail | Distance | Difficulty | Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|
| 🏔️ Fire Tower Trail | 3.5 mi | Strenuous | CCC fire tower (1930s); hardwoods; glades; best views |
| 🪨 Devil’s Kitchen Trail | 1.0 mi | Moderate | Rock outcrops; cave-like formations |
| 🦌 Deer Leap Trail | 0.8 mi | Easy-Moderate | Scenic overlooks; wildlife |
| 🦅 Eagle’s Nest Trail | 0.9 mi | Moderate | Valley views; bluff edge |
| 🌲 Pibern Trail | 1.1 mi | Easy | CCC-built; shaded forest walk |
| 🏞️ River Trail | 0.6 mi | Easy | CCC-built; follows the river |
| 💧 Springhouse Trail | Short | Easy | Access to spring pool |
Camping
| Area | Sites | Features |
|---|---|---|
| ⛺ 3 Campgrounds Total | 187 | Basic, electric, full hookups available |
| 🔌 Electric Sites | Various | 50/30/20 amp service |
| 🚿 Amenities | — | Flush toilets, hot showers, camp store |
| 👥 Group Camping | Available | Reservations required |
🐕 Pets: Allowed in campsites on leash (max 10 feet). 15-day limit per 30-day period.
Lodging
| Option | Details |
|---|---|
| 🏨 Emory Melton Inn | Stone & timber lodge; 26 rooms; private balconies; river valley views; full-service restaurant |
| 🏠 CCC Lodge | Historic lodge with modern rooms |
| 🏕️ Rustic Cabins | Stone cabins; kitchens; 2 bedrooms; Ozark character |
| 🏠 Duplex/Fourplex Units | Full kitchen; 2 BR; some dog-friendly (fee applies) |
📶 Note: Limited Wi-Fi in Inn lobby—the park encourages an “unplugged” experience.
CCC Heritage
The Civilian Conservation Corps and WPA transformed this park in the 1930s, building structures that still stand today.
- 🏛️ Fire Tower (1930s) – still climbable on Fire Tower Trail
- 🛤️ Pibern Trail & River Trail – CCC-built stone paths
- 🏠 Stone Cabins – rustic Ozark architecture
- 🐟 Hatchery Buildings – original structures still in use
- 🪑 Picnic Shelters – native stone construction
- 🗿 CCC Memorial Statue – honors the workers who built the park
Seasonal Guide
| Season | Experience | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 🌸 Spring (Mar-May) | Fishing season opens Mar 1; wildflowers; waterfalls | Opening day is packed—arrive very early |
| ☀️ Summer (Jun-Aug) | Peak fishing; swimming hole; trails; full facilities | Weekends crowded; book lodging early |
| 🍂 Fall (Sep-Oct) | Fishing continues; fall foliage; cooler hiking | Beautiful Ozark colors |
| ❄️ Winter (Nov-Feb) | Catch-and-release season; quiet trails; lodge open | Annual trout permit required |
Frequently Asked Questions
How often is the river stocked with trout?
The hatchery stocks the river daily from March 1 through October 31. Over 250,000 trout are released each year, making Roaring River one of Missouri’s most reliable trout fisheries.
Do I need a special license to fish here?
Yes—you need a Missouri fishing license plus a daily trout tag (sold at the park store). During catch-and-release season (November–February), an annual trout permit replaces the daily tag.
What are the fishing zones?
The river has three zones with different rules. Zone 1 (upper) is flies/artificial lures only. Zone 2 allows artificial lures. Zone 3 permits all legal baits. Check posted signs or ask at the park store.
Can I stay overnight without camping?
Absolutely! The Emory Melton Inn offers 26 rooms with river valley views and a full-service restaurant. The park also has rustic cabins and duplex units—some are dog-friendly.
Is swimming allowed?
There’s a designated swimming area in the park, though the spring-fed water is quite cold (~58°F). It’s refreshing on hot summer days but not for the faint of heart!
What did the CCC build here?
The Civilian Conservation Corps built many of the park’s iconic structures in the 1930s: the fire tower, stone trails (Pibern, River Trail), cabins, hatchery buildings, and picnic shelters. A bronze memorial statue honors their work.
Plan Your Visit to Roaring River State Park
Cast into Missouri’s premier trout stream, explore CCC-built trails, and stay in an Ozark lodge with nearly a century of heritage.
📍 Address: 12716 Farm Road 2239, Cassville, MO 65625
🌐 Official Website: Missouri State Parks – Roaring River
📞 Park Office: (417) 847-2539
🏨 Lodge Reservations: roaringriverstatepark.org
