Ray Behrens Recreation Area

For dining near Ray Behrens Recreation Area, Rustic Oak Cabin Steakhouse is a popular choice, offering a cozy atmosphere with options for comfort food and steak. It is known for its great coffee and desserts, making it a perfect spot for both lunch and dinner.

Another option is The Junction Restaurant and Lounge, which provides a casual dining experience with a variety of American dishes and live music. For those looking for a more laid-back setting, Blackjack Marina offers dining options alongside its marina services.

Additionally, Rick's Place is a local bar known for its fast service and great beer selection, providing a casual spot to relax.

For accommodations near Ray Behrens Recreation Area, Timber Ridge Resort offers down-to-earth quarters with an outdoor pool, game room, and playground. It features simple rooms, suites, and cabins, many with kitchens, making it suitable for families and groups.

Another option is Country Inn Resort of MO LLC, which provides a roadside hotel experience with a fishing pond and picnic pavilion. It offers simple rooms, some with kitchenettes, and free Wi-Fi.

Both resorts are convenient for those exploring the Mark Twain Lake area.

Ray Behrens Recreation Area offers a range of amenities to enhance the camping experience. All campsites come with electric hookups, picnic tables, and fire rings, providing a comfortable setting for outdoor activities. Showers and accessible flush toilets are conveniently located near each site.

The area also features a marina, playgrounds, and hiking trails, making it ideal for families and nature enthusiasts. Additionally, picnic areas and shelters are available for group gatherings.

For those interested in water activities, boat ramps are accessible for easy entry into Mark Twain Lake.

Visitors to Ray Behrens Recreation Area can engage in a variety of outdoor activities. Boating and fishing are popular pastimes on Mark Twain Lake, with opportunities to catch species like crappie, bass, and catfish. Swimming areas are designated for those looking to cool off during warmer months.

Hiking trails offer scenic views of the lake and surrounding woodlands, perfect for nature walks and wildlife viewing. The area is also great for birdwatching, with a diverse array of bird species.

For families, playgrounds and picnic areas provide spaces for relaxation and recreation.

Ray Behrens Recreation Area offers accessible facilities to ensure that visitors with disabilities can enjoy the area. The campsites and restrooms are designed to be accessible, with wheelchair-accessible entrances and pathways. However, it is recommended to contact the park directly to confirm the availability of specific accessible amenities.

The marina and playgrounds also have accessible features, allowing all visitors to participate in activities.

Overall, the area strives to provide an inclusive environment for all campers and visitors.

Parking at Ray Behrens Recreation Area is generally accessible, with asphalt roads leading to campsites. While specific parking fees are not detailed, visitors typically find ample parking near their campsites or at designated parking lots. The area is designed to accommodate vehicles of various sizes, including RVs and trailers.

For those accessing the marina or playgrounds, parking is available nearby, ensuring easy access to all amenities within the recreation area.

It is advisable to check with park officials for any specific parking regulations or restrictions.

One of the most interesting facts about Ray Behrens Recreation Area is its connection to Mark Twain, the famous author. The area is situated near the village of Florida, where Twain was born, and close to Hannibal, where he grew up. This historical significance adds a unique cultural dimension to the natural beauty of the area.

The lake itself, formed by the damming of the Salt River, covers over 18,000 acres, providing a vast space for outdoor recreation.

The area's diverse wildlife and scenic trails make it a haven for nature lovers and photographers.

Ray Behrens Recreation Area is surrounded by historical and natural attractions. The village of Florida, where Mark Twain was born, is nearby, and Hannibal, 25 miles east, offers tours of his boyhood home. The Mark Twain Memorial Shrine is another notable site to visit.

For outdoor enthusiasts, Mark Twain Lake itself provides a beautiful backdrop for boating and fishing. The nearby Mark Twain State Park offers additional hiking trails and scenic views.

The Water Zone at Mark Twain Lake Jellystone Park is a fun destination for families, offering amusement park activities.