DNR
Home PageMark Twain Lake is an 18,000-acre man-made lake that offers excellent fishing for crappie, catfish, largemouth bass, bluegill, carp, walleye and perch. The lake has many quiet coves where anglers can spend peaceful days fishing and relaxing. Fishermen can take advantage of opportunities on Mark Twain Lake 24 hours a day, year-round (when lake conditions permit). Ice fishing on Mark Twain Lake is not advised due to fluctuating water levels under the ice, as well as variable ice thickness. Anglers are advised to be aware of length and possession limits for all fish.
If you don't have a boat, or you have small children that would like to fish from shore, four-acre Tom Sawyer Lake, near the junction of Highway 107 and Route U, offers opportunities to catch blue gill, largemouth bass and catfish. Fishing at Tom Sawyer Lake is available from sunrise to sunset year-round. Ice fishing is not permitted on Tom Sawyer Lake. Please observe length and possession limits posted at the lake.
Fishing Report (provided by Department of
Conservation)
--listed under Northeast Region: Lakes
There are two four-lane, concrete boat ramps located in the park. One is located off of Route U one-half mile west of the junction of Highway 107 and Route U. This ramp does not have a lighted parking lot. The second ramp is located off of Highway 107 about two miles north of the same junction. This ramp has a lighted parking lot. Both offer access to Mark Twain Lake and there is no charge for using these ramps.
A single-lane boat ramp is located in the campground for use by registered campers. It does not have a lighted parking area.
There are no horsepower or length limits for boats on Mark Twain Lake.
Other AmenitiesA seasonal naturalist is a regular part of the park staff from Memorial Day to mid-August each summer. Please contact the park office at 573-565-3440 for program information.
Picnic/PlaygroundPicnic Areas
There are two picnic areas located at Mark Twain State
Park:
Buzzard's Roost Picnic Area has about 30 individual picnic sites. The overlook in this area offers a panoramic view of Mark Twain Lake and is one of the most photographed locations on the lake.The Highway 107 Picnic Area has six picnic sites and is located near the boat ramp off of Highway 107. All picnic sites are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Picnic Shelters
There are two shelter houses located at Buzzard's Roost
Picnic Area. The open shelter built by the Civilian
Conservation Corps holds between 40 and 45 people.
It is available by reservation (rental fee is $30), or if not
reserved, is available at no charge to users on a first-come,
first-served basis. The building has picnic tables,
electrical outlets, a water hydrant and an outdoor cooking
grill.
An enclosed shelter known as Huck Hall is available by reservation only. The building holds up to 100 people and rents for $50. The building has folding tables and chairs, two flush-type restrooms, a small kitchen with a refrigerator and stove and two outdoor cooking grills. Groups larger than 100 need special permission from the facility manager to use Huck Hall.
Playground
The park currently has a modern playground located in
Buzzard's Roost Picnic Area. This playground was completed in
the summer of 2002.
