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Noblett Lake Picnic Pavilion provides a sheltered place among forests, streams and wildlife, for groups to picnic near Noblett Lake. It is a great location for birding, canoeing and boating.
The pavilion is set in a forest of oak and pine trees, on the Salem Plateau. It is near Noblett Lake and south of the town of Willow Springs.
Noblett Lake is a popular location for boating, canoeing and fishing. Only electric trolling motors or non-motorized boats are allowed on the lake.
Visitors enjoy the day-use picnic area and the Ridge Runner Trail, a 22-mile remote path that loops hikers through the scenic Ozark Mountains.
The pavilion offers seating for up to 75 people. If over 75 people, a special use permit is required; please contact Teresea Crowe at (417) 967-4194. It is equipped with electricity, tables and grills. Trash collection services are provided. There is no water available; visitors must bring their own. There is no overnight camping allowed in the area. A parking area for the pavilion and the adjacent trail is available.
West Plains, Willow Springs, Cabool and Mountain Grove are the closest towns.
From Willow Springs, at the junction of Highways 60/63 and 76, take Highway 76 west for about 7 miles. Turn south on Highway 181 for a little over a mile and turn left on Highway Ap for about 3 miles. Turn right on Forest Road 857 and continue about 1 mile to turnoff for the day-use area. The road continues to the Noblett Dam and Trailhead.
Beautiful spot for a dip in the lake to swim or fish. Great view of the lake from all areas around the dam and sweet little picnic area we used while we visited for the day.
Noblett will always get 5 stars from me. There was a time during covid that they actually closed nature. I really, really didn't appreciate that. I had to go other places. I missed my lake.
There are three offshoot roads in this area after the park sign. In order from the entrance they are:
1) Picnic
2) Camping
3) Boat ramp & dam
There is a hiking trail that can be accessed at different points.
There were several shanty-style homesteads on what appeared to be within the National Forest boundary, but I'm not certain.
1) Well maintained, shady picnic area by the lake with group pavilions and individual picnic tables on the lawn.
I agree with another reviewer, it felt "creepy". The area was off the beaten path. While I was there, I saw activity that could be deemed "nefarious" in the picnic area, but I have no proof. Would recommend using in groups, but would caution solo users.
2)The "Day use" area sign at the entrance was a little misleading, as there are campsites down the second road.
The primitive campsites are relatively flat and surrounded by a beautiful forest. I was the only camper in the campground that night (Sunday), which was understandable, so it was hundreds of frogs, bears & I in the woods, or so I hoped...
3) The boat ramp is natural and at a gradual slope.
Beautiful place, but questionable vibe. Should I return, would prefer to go with a group.
A beautiful & peaceful place, with a little history, nestled nicely within the Mark Twain National Forest.
The lake area features plentiful parking, bathroom facilities, picnic tables & simple grills, trails and pavilions. One of the pavilions was once a bathhouse that dates back to the 1940s.
Nearby trails take you to the hilltop for more picnic friendly spots, couple of horse friendly trails or to the Noblett Dam. The dam is accessed by short-ish trail or by vehicle. If you choose to drive, the dam area features several parking areas, picnic table and boat launch.
This whole area is definitely worth a visit and is an excellent scenic area for photos.
Recommended.
It's actually a beautiful lake until you look closer and see all the hair worms and leeches. I fished it and caught a couple bass but it was pretty difficult without a kayak and I'm nervous to even get on the water with all of the nastiness in the water...
