A-Frame Camping & Exploring at Montauk State Park

Montauk State Park is the first State Park that Kay visited when she moved to Missouri. Life was very different then and this park and its flowing waters were a refuge in a new time of life. Please subscribe to our channel if you enjoy exploring parks and public lands.
We camped in our A-frame in site 429 on a weekend in August 2020. To see our campground review, please click here: • Montauk State Park Cam...
During this weekend at Montauk State Park, we explored Montauk Spring and Pigeon Creek, Montauk Lake, the trout rearing pools, and each loop of the campground to see the fishing access along the Current River. We also stopped by the Old Mill and drove the roads just outside the park. We enjoyed watching people fish for trout in the river, creek and lake. Fly fishing is relaxing to watch.
Montauk Spring is the headwaters of the Current River. 40 million gallons of water flow out of the spring and into Pigeon Creek daily. This 57 degree water is clear and a perfect habitat for trout.
From the park's website: The park is located at the headwaters of the famed Current River. The park’s springs combine with tiny Pigeon Creek to supply more than 40 million gallons of water to the river each day. The cool spring water is perfect for rainbow trout and this makes the park popular with anglers.
Picnic areas and two picnic shelters provide the perfect place for a quiet lunch or a family reunion. Three trails provide hikers and bicyclists with an easy way to explore the park. Tours of the gristmill, built in 1896, give visitors a taste of the past and help them learn about the history of the Ozark region.
happytrailshiking.com
At Happy Trails Hiking, we encourage you to live the life you love and seek solace and adventure in America’s Parks and Public Lands. We strive to motivate and inspire people through travel.
Kay and Matt have been planning park travel and traveling to parks across the country for 20+ years. Kay has planned trips to National Parks for High School groups as well as couples over the last 5 years. Their personal tips and trail guides can be found on their various social media platforms as well as on their website.
Our Park Travel videos come out on Mondays and Thursdays.

[@HappyTrailsHiking]

Please subscribe to our channel if you enjoy exploring parks and public lands. We camped in our A-frame in site 429 on a weekend in August 2020. To see our campground review, please click here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/mmXSkImrdsxsqpo

[@colleend2977]

I really enjoy your videos. Thank you!

[@HappyTrailsHiking]

Happy to hear that. Thank you for letting me know. Kay

[@loribryant3647]

Such a sensory video. I enjoyed the sounds of the flowing water, sizzling eggs, crunching footsteps, chirping cicadas, and singing birds. The water is so clear, you see all the way to the bottom. I can almost taste and smell the eggs and bacon (yummmm) and feel the water flow over my fingers as I reach into the stream.

[@HappyTrailsHiking]

We had a fun time making this video. Happy the sounds, sights, and feelings of our weekend came through well. Thank you, Lori!

[@InspiredJJ]

I loved the way you both narrated this- it’s like a PBS special! Very cool! Love the springs! And I’d hang around lake spillaway if no one was there!

[@HappyTrailsHiking]

Thank you, JohnWe are trying to make things more cinematic and visual. That spillway was really nice early in the morning. Got to be a lot of people mid-afternoon.

[@Beerbelliedtravelers]

Wow!!!!! Breathtaking. I’d love to visit this place.

[@HappyTrailsHiking]

We would love to take you! You would enjoy this place! So much to take pictures of and explore!

[@Adventureswithbecky]

Me too!

[@thenaturemanadventures]

Loving the peacefulness and narration from you and Matt. Montauk spring with it's flowing waters were divine. A beautiful park with so many wonderful features. Nature at it's best. Thank you for sharing these moments, they truly are memorable ☺️🌲

[@HappyTrailsHiking]

So happy you like this one, Gilbert! It really was a great weekend! There are so many Springs in Missouri! I think that we may start exploring more of them!

[@janie2shoes537]

Thanks for sharing, just beautiful !!

[@HappyTrailsHiking]

Happy you enjoyed this, Janie! We are working on a new style!

[@JCharlesoutdoors]

Awesome park. I love the springs. Great camping set up. Nice relaxing trip and a beautiful video

[@HappyTrailsHiking]

Thank you, J Charles! We love springs too!! I am so happy you enjoyed this!

[@Adventureswithbecky]

Hey J Charles! Have you guys been here yet?

[@CarinSomers]

I missed the notification of your clip but I still found it. This is one of your better clips, love the b role bits and what a sentence to end the clip, taking a walk in the past is what we need, yes sometimes we do need this

[@HappyTrailsHiking]

Thank you for watching and for sharing your thoughts, Carin! We appreciate your compliments!

[@Adventureswithbecky]

One of the good things that has come from Covid is so many getting back to what matters most and living more simply.

[@KathysOutdoorAdventures]

What a beautiful park and place to visit. I loved the fisherman on the edge of the river! The water along the rivers edge was so clear. The campgrounds looked really nice.

[@HappyTrailsHiking]

We enjoyed watching the fly fishing this weekend. The spring water in Missouri is very cool and clean. Thanks for your kind comments! Kay

[@WithinHikingDistance]

What a lovely and relaxing time you had there, simple joys in life to sit back and seize the moment. Little Man would LOVE the hatchery :) The bubbly water of Montauk Spring was cool. Yummy brunch! I really liked this format Kay, it felt like I was with you and Matt. Hugs and have a wonderful weekend!

[@HappyTrailsHiking]

Thank you for your comments on the format. Happy your liked it, Alex. We would love to have you and your family along sometime. Thanks for coming along this way too! Kay

[@WithinHikingDistance]

@@HappyTrailsHiking We need to get together at some point Kay :)

[@dougwaggoner5599]

My favorite state park in Missouri. Try to get there 3-4 times a year. Late October is magical.

[@ATJHTRAVELS]

Wow this was so awesome great videography really enjoyed it sledgehammered that like button stay safe awesome and blessed

[@HappyTrailsHiking]

Thank you, Andy. A new style for us going forward. I appreciate your encouragement!

[@Adventureswithbecky]

Love the "sledgehammered that like button"

[@wendingourway]

What a fantastic State Park...looks like it is being well taken care of...and the fish look happy...thanks for sharing...

[@HappyTrailsHiking]

The park staff seem to be taking good care of things. We talked to a couple while we were there and they seem to really care about the park and the fish. Thanks watching and your comments!

[@CactusAtlas]

Ah, Montauk! My dad used to take me trout fishing and camping there as a child, back in the 1980’s. Some awesome memories! The mill looks exactly as I remember. Always used to be spooked by it as a child though lol!

[@HappyTrailsHiking]

Awwww...awesome to hear that this video brought back great memories! Thanks for sharing that with us! Ha. I can see why the mill would be spooky. Thanks for sharing that too. It made me smile.

[@TerryX2Explore]

Love those old grist mills - so cool! We love setting up camp in a new place and exploring! I am finding out by videos like yours how beautiful Missouri is - can't wait to explore there. 😃❤ Breakfast looks delish - nothing like camp cooked food! 🍳 Sometimes a leisurely nature walk is better than a challenging hike! Great video!

[@HappyTrailsHiking]

We love them too! Wish we could have taken a tour of the mill! Missouri is a beautiful state and not just a fly-over state. Lots to see here. We love leisurely breakfasts and walks sometimes. I appreciate your compliments! Kay

[@Adventureswithbecky]

I said the same thing. This is the fist spot after seeing this video in Missouri that I just added to our destinations map. So beautiful!

[@theidahonian5321]

♥️♥️♥️! 🙌

[@HappyTrailsHiking]

Thanks for the positive emojis, Kenny. Happy you liked it!

[@greening_kwetu_initiative]

I'm amazed by the beauty of this place. So scenic and peaceful. Thank you for filming this so beautifully. I just subscribed 🔔

[@HappyTrailsHiking]

It is a beautiful spot in rural Missouri. Thank you for your compliments! We hope to make more videos like this one from other places.

[@Adventureswithbecky]

This is one of those videos you could fall asleep too. Totally agree it is very peaceful!

[@backyardmetalcasting]

Beautiful video. Thanks for sharing. I miss summertime!

[@HappyTrailsHiking]

It is a beautiful place. Thank you for enjoying with us.

[@CowboyJojosAdventures]

Beautiful State Park Kay. The lushness is beautiful. No wonder you didn't do any hiking, you justed wanted to be present with your surroundings. I loved the presentation of your video and the narration. Thank you for taking us on your journey.

[@HappyTrailsHiking]

Thank you for coming along on our journey, Jojo! There are only two trails in the park and we really did just need to take this all in! I appreciate your kind words and encouragement!

[@CowboyJojosAdventures]

Happy Trails Hiking your welcome Kay.

[@KrizAkoni]

I remember feeding hatchery fish as a kid. It was great fun. The springs are amazing...I love how clear the water is. Those are some serious looking eggs! Nice edit on this one.

[@HappyTrailsHiking]

Feeding fish was the entertainment we had during grad school. 😄 These Springs are stunning and calming. Matt is serious about his eggs. Happy you liked it, John. Working on getting better.

[@timpekarek9159]

Awesome...I really liked the stills. I need to go back!

[@HappyTrailsHiking]

Thanks so much. It is a great park.

[@21Swayzee]

Looked like some good food, times, and a spot to unwind by a waterss edge...always cool to see some fish in a hatchery too!

[@HappyTrailsHiking]

It was a wonderful weekend! I am so glad we went. Thank you for your comment!

[@nuclearjupiter2388]

I LOVED THE INTRO SOOOOOOOO MUCH. What gorgeous clips and sounds. cool to go back and fourth between you two on the voiceover. The feel of this entire video is so calm and relaxing. GREAT video you two. Matts sentiment about the fly fishing was so poetic and relatable..the biggest fly fishing river in Michigan run through our area and we often feel the same as we watch...dana wants to give it a try himself. Cheers!

[@HappyTrailsHiking]

I will pass on your comments to Matt. Thank you for your compliments! We are trying to "up our storytelling". Maybe Matt and Dana should have a fly fishing lesson together. We can film it.

[@nuclearjupiter2388]

@@HappyTrailsHiking YESSSSSSS. I've been thinking of getting him lessons by us for years.

[@Adventureswithbecky]

I thought the same thing. Loved that they both did the commentary while doing the tour.

[@cloudyringtone9145]

Woww so beautiful

[@HappyTrailsHiking]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@Adventureswithbecky]

Smart idea about simple dinner the first night! This area looks beautiful and is the first Missouri destination on my map of destinations to visit. The campground looks really pretty. Loved the mill. Love seeing Historical buildings and architecture. Glad I found your channel😊

[@HappyTrailsHiking]

Happy you found us too! Welcome! Missouri has some great state parks and a few NPS sites that you will love too. Thanks for taking a look at this campground! It is a really nice park!

[@Adventureswithbecky]

@@HappyTrailsHiking it looks like it is!

[@deaconessfaithcommunitynur4745]

I remember being there as a kid too and feeding the fish

[@HappyTrailsHiking]

It is such a simple activity, but really fun. Thanks for your comment!

[@GimpyCamper]

Great adventure as usual!

[@HappyTrailsHiking]

Thanks. New style, so I hope that it's better. ;-)

[@hikewithmike4673]

awesome video!....I love the reflective element of this one....very much like reading Henry Thoreau's Walden .....good job!

[@HappyTrailsHiking]

Thank you, Mike. Happy you like our new style. Your compliments are so appreciated! Thank you so much!

[@semooutdooradventures2908]

I love Montauk, this was a wonderful video and I have passed it on to friends. I have gone recently aside from some small changes for covid, like the little diner bar or fish cleaning stations closed, it's a great getaway, awesome video, thank you

[@HappyTrailsHiking]

I bet you do love this park, Kev. The fishing seemed to be awesome. The camping was very nice. And the staff/hosts were friendly! Thank you for sharing our video with others! That means so much. Take care, Kay

[@potatothorn]

awesome video! the springs in particular are amazing but the whole video is really well put together, the lake is neat too/ nice catch of the snake and Love those breakfast biscuits! thanks for taking us with you

[@HappyTrailsHiking]

Thanks, Thorn. Still working on the new style. Happy you like it! That breakfast was tasty! Thanks for coming along. Tell Roxanna hi. Kay

[@WanderingWiley]

Awesome park, looked like you had a great weekend. Very cool to see the fish swimming

[@HappyTrailsHiking]

We had a great weekend.happy you enjoyed this one. Kay

[@DowntheWrabbitHole]

Our first camping meal is ALWAYS hot dogs roasted over the fire. So easy and also no clean up! ;) I feel you on keeping it simple1 The mill is cool, but I'd be all about that hatchery if I was there. I've been to a fish hatchery wayyyyyyyyyyy back in Grade 5, so I'd love to visit one today. The spring is BEAUTIFUL!

[@HappyTrailsHiking]

That is a good first meal too! We used to hang around the hatchery for hours feeding the fish. (I am easily entertained, I guess). Thank you for coming along on this trip, Marti. Have a grat weekend! Kay

[@Adventureswithbecky]

No better way to cook hotdogs or brats! Some of the best eats you can have while camping well besides smores of course 😉

[@MartysCrewOurFamilyAdventures]

Such a beautiful park! Sorry you didn't get to feed the fish😕. I love mornings at camp as well. Loved the reflection from both of you in this one. I think you really captured what there is to love about camping and the outdoors in general. Some of the best visuals I've seen in your videos. I am truly impressed! Nice job, Matt and Kay!

[@HappyTrailsHiking]

I will have to go back to feed those fish next year. 😄 I am happy you enjoyed this one, Tony. I know you have seen SO many of our videos, so I know you have a base for you opinion. I will pass along your comment to Matt.

[@Adventureswithbecky]

Poor fish they are probably missing their food from people😉

[@kj4unxpondosinatra937]

Great vid. We are going next year for sure.

[@HappyTrailsHiking]

It is a good one to pick.

[@CasualGirlAdventures]

What a beautiful state, look at all those trout, to bad you could not feed the fish I use to do that to here at my state, what a beautiful hike all that water is so clear, this is a cool way to experience what your day or trip was like, love this, new friend here, excited to join you on more adventures, take. care

[@HappyTrailsHiking]

This is a beautiful park! I am looking forward to going back when I can feed the fish again. Thank you for your kind words! Happy you came along with us and enjoyed it! Have a great day! Kay

[@Adventureswithbecky]

My thoughts too! Love how it was mesmerizing to just watch the water flow.

[@BackpackingWithJason]

What a beautiful park. I really enjoyed how you put the video together. Dot and I have been doing a lot of campgrounds this year. Really cool video Matt and Kay 👍👍

[@HappyTrailsHiking]

Thank you, Jason. We are really working to change our format and tone of videos. Your compliments are well received and I am thankful for you! Kay

[@DesmondsDonders]

LOL the fish are the only one losing weight during Covid. Thanks you for my breakfast and pre Donder TV. Will be back to catch up in September. Matt great sentiments about fly fishing you should give it a try, it is a great way to focus and clear the mind and as you say it's not always about catching supper.

[@HappyTrailsHiking]

Happy you are getting away for a bit! I will pass your comment along to Matt. Thank you, David!

[@AdventureRench]

First of all I want to tell you without offending you that I LOVE this new style video!!! Woot! I’d also like to shamelessly steal Lori’s comment “this video was so sensory I felt like all of my senses were engaged. And Eileen is an amazing cook but, that brunch looked incredible! I’d drive back to Missouri just to have a campfire breakfast like that. And lastly.... I think Matt is the only person in the entire world who could make “burning smell of sulphur” sound so poetic! Well done. Love it! P.S. ( do people do that anymore?) I was blown away with the fly fishing segment.

[@HappyTrailsHiking]

I love the P.S. (Yes. You do, but you didn’t sign this, so it’s just a “P”. Haha). Thank you so much, Dana. We are trying to change several things. I am happy that this one hit the mark. Can’t wait until we get together with you guys again.

[@Nerding4Nature]

I would like to plop myself down in that river and stay there all day.

[@HappyTrailsHiking]

We spent hours just walking past and staring into the water, Carley. It was a perfect weekend.

[@Adventureswithbecky]

Right! Love your channel name btw😊

[@CitrusMike]

there’s a downed tree in the montauk spring, been there for years. it’s well preserved because of how cold the water is

[@HappyTrailsHiking]

Did you se it in the video? Thanks for sharing fun facts.

[@ColoradoMartini]

What map program are you using in your videos? We do the same for our first night's dinner. No cooking. I love mornings in camp to. I am a very early raiser.

[@HappyTrailsHiking]

This is screen capture from Google Earth. I get up way eariler than Matt would like. HA! But that get the coffee made before he gets up. Thanks for your comment

[@ColoradoMartini]

Yeah both Mr M and I are early risers. Always have been. it's one of the reasons I don't go to a lot of lives in the evening. I could have been pretty early

[@MyCornerOnline]

You went not long after us! I posted a video too. It's fun to see the different perspectives of videographers. Some day I think I'll spot you out there.

[@HappyTrailsHiking]

Cool!! When you see on on the trail, make sure to say hi (even if we have to be socially distant). 😄 Thanks for commenting! This is a great park that brought back so many memories!!

[@Leafbinder]

i dont call a year a long time lol , prices on camesites motel rooms and cabins?

[@HappyTrailsHiking]

Hi there. Before last year, it had been 20 years. That’s a long time. 😄 I don’t know current prices. The cost this year for a campsite like ours would be $23 per night. The lodge doesn’t publish their rates, so I couldn’t find that with out a phone call. 😄

[@foto-podadventures4473]

Came across your video very nicely done, what audio system are you recording on your sound is beautiful? My wife and I also have a KZbin channel check it out tell me what you think. "Foto Pod Adventures"

[@HappyTrailsHiking]

Hello and nice to meet you! The nature sounds are all from our cameras (iPhone 11 and Panasonic Camcorder) the voiceovers are all done in editing with a dedicated Audio-technica microphone. I don't have a ton of time to do reviews, but I will take a look before I start my work day. Thanks for stopping in and your compliments! Kay

[@HappyTrailsHiking]

You shut off your comments to your videos. It is hard to leave comments to let you know about it, when I can't and there is no email listed to send you my thoughts. Looks like we travel in the same areas. Your R-pod is cute and so us your pup!