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Missouri
54

Missouri State Parks

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USA Parks
Missouri
Central Region
Lone Star Tract State Forest
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LONE STAR TRACT STATE FOREST
LONE STAR TRACT STATE FOREST
The Lone Star Tract State Forest is a scenic haven for nature enthusiasts and outdoor adventurers alike. Spanning a vast expanse of untouched wilderness, this forest boasts breathtaking landscapes, abundant biodiversity, and numerous recreational opportunities. Towering trees provide a majestic canopy, casting dappled sunlight on winding trails that beckon hikers, bikers, and horseback riders to explore the hidden treasures within. Capture the essence of tranquility as you stumble upon crystal-clear streams, trickling waterfalls, and serene lakes that invite fishing, boating, and picnicking. This sanctuary is not only a gateway to reconnecting with nature but also serves as a living museum, showcasing the importance of conservation and the delicate balance of ecosystems. Discover the magic of the Lone Star Tract State Forest, where the beauty of Missouri's natural wonders unfolds at every turn-the perfect escape for those seeking solace in the great outdoors.
History of the Area
In the late 1800s, the forested land was primarily used for agriculture and timber production. However, due to unsustainable logging practices and farming methods, the land began to degrade and lose its natural resources.

In the 1930s, during the Great Depression, the federal government implemented various conservation programs as part of the New Deal. One such program was the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC), which aimed to provide employment opportunities to young men while also conserving natural resources.

The CCC established a camp in Shelby County, Missouri, on the site that would become Lone Star Tract State Forest. The young men employed by the CCC worked on reforestation projects, building roads, and improving wildlife habitat. They planted thousands of trees and implemented sustainable farming techniques that helped restore the land.

After the CCC left the site, the land remained under state ownership and continued to be managed for conservation purposes. It was officially designated as Lone Star Tract State Forest in the 1950s.

Since then, the forest has been actively managed for both timber production and recreational use. Sustainable timber harvesting practices have been employed to maintain a healthy forest ecosystem while also providing a source of revenue. The forest is open to the public and offers opportunities for camping, hunting, fishing, hiking, and wildlife observation.
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Area Campgrounds
Lay Z Day Canoes & Camping LLC
23455 Teak Lane
St. Robert, MO
573-336-8639
Arlington River Resort
13003 Arlington Road
Newburg, MO
Boiling Spring Campground, LLC
18700 Cliff Road
Dixon, MO
573-759-7294

Directions
1. Start your journey from the nearest major city, such as Kansas City or St. Louis.
2. Take Interstate 70 if you are coming from either of those cities.
3. If starting from Kansas City, head east on I:70; if starting from St. Louis, go west on I-70.
4. Continue driving along I:70 until you reach Exit 175 for Kingdom City/US Highway 54/MO Route J.
5. Take this exit and merge onto US Highway 54 South towards Jefferson City/Fulton/Kingdom City Airport.

6a.If traveling during weekdays (Monday:Friday), continue southbound on US Highway 54 for approximately.
- From Monday to Friday: Drive about
a) Afternoon hours between noon to evening rush hour traffic:
i) About an hour drive time,
ii) Approximately around ~60 miles distance covered;
iii) Arriving at Fulton area after passing through Auxvasse town & crossing over Middle River Bridge

b). Morning Hours before Noon Time Rush Hour Traffic:
i.) Around one-hour fifteen minutes drive-time,
ii.) Roughly covering nearly ~75 miles total travel-distance;

7b.On weekends (Saturday-Sunday):.
- Follow step #6 but take note that there might be less congestion due to reduced weekday commuter traffic volume.

8. Continue heading southward on US Hwy 54 past Fulton till reaching Holts Summit/Jefferson Street intersection near McDonald's restaurant location nearby Walmart Supercenter store complex vicinity within Holt Summit community limits boundaries' region areas situated alongside highway route corridor stretch section segment portion part division sector passage tract zone beltway strip line path road lane way thoroughfare boulevard avenue street course direction pathway track trail roadway artery turnpike expressway freeway motorway toll:road pike.

9. Turn right onto Jefferson Street at the intersection mentioned in step #8.
10. Continue driving on Jefferson Street until you reach West Simon Boulevard, where you will make a left turn.
11. Follow West Simon Boulevard for approximately 1 mile until it intersects with South Summit Drive.
12. Make a right turn onto South Summit Drive and continue straight for about half a mile.

13a.If traveling during weekdays (Monday-Friday), follow these directions:.
- Afternoon hours between noon to evening rush hour traffic:
i) About fifteen minutes drive-time,
ii) Roughly covering nearly ~5 miles total travel-distance;

b). Morning Hours before Noon Time Rush Hour Traffic:
i.) Around twenty-five minutes of drive time,
ii.) Approximately passing through roughly ~7-8 miles distance covered;

14b.On weekends (Saturday-Sunday):.
- Proceed as per instructions given in Step#13 but take note that there might be less congestion due to reduced weekday commuter traffic volume.

15. Continue along this road until you see signs indicating the entrance or parking area of Lone Star Tract State Forest on your left:hand side.
16. Once inside the forest, follow any additional signage or maps provided by park authorities to navigate within its boundaries effectively.

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Missouri
54

Missouri State Parks

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