Mark Twain National Forest

Council Bluff Recreation Area

Click here or on the image to view the site photo gallery

This 440 acre lake is the largest of the lakes in the Mark Twain National Forest. The recreation area serves anglers, campers, picnickers, hikers, bicyclists, and swimmers. Drinking water and vault toilets are conveniently located. (Click here to open the document, 270k, pdf format).

Area Attractions:

Trail: 13-mile trail circles the lake along the shore, linking Wild Boar Hollow Boat Launch and Chapel Hill.

Use: Foot travel, mountain bike
Distance: 13 miles
Rating: Moderate

Campgrounds: 39 single sites, 7 double sites, 9 walk-in sites, and 4 group sites, each with table, fire ring, lantern post and (except for walk-in sites) a parking spur. Some sites will accommodate RVs up to 40 feet. No electric or water hookups, showers available from May 26 to Septmeber 10, or dump station facilities. Nightly fees for single sites are $8; double sites are $16; group sites are $25.

Picnic Area: 14 single sites, 2 double (one is barrier-free) each with table and grill. Day use fee: $3 per standard vehicle; $12 per bus. Season pass $20. Pavilion can be reserved through recreation.gov for $34.00 per day.

Swimming/water play: Chapel Hill Beach. Open May 26 - September 10.
Changing rooms, flush toilets, water fountains, body showers, and a sand beach are provided. A small play area with slide and climbing structure is adjacent to the beach. No lifeguard on duty.

Hunting: During the official season, wildfowl hunting is permitted on Council Bluff Lake; blinds and decoys must be removed daily. The Enough Fields at the south end of the lake provide upland game.

Fishing: Lake is stocked with largemouth bass, catfish, bluegill, crappie, and redear sunfish.

Boating: A "no-wake" policy is in effect. Canoes and paddle boats are available for rent, when the beach is open. There are two boat launches on Council Bluff Lake. Wild Boar Hollow Boat Launch which is on the northern end of the lake and accessible from Hwy DD, has a paved circle drive, an 18-foot-wide concrete ramp, and a 60-foot floating dock. There is a $3 charge for launching. Enough Boat Launch is a gravel ramp on the south end of the lake and is accessible from Hwy 32.

How to get here:

From Potosi, MO, go south 13 miles on Hwy P. Turn right on Hwy C, go 1/4 mile; turn left on Hwy DD. It's about 7 miles to the entrance. Turn at the sign and follow the paved access road.

From Steelville, MO, Hwy 19 south to Hwy 49 at Cherryville, turn left to Hwy 32 at Bixby, left to County Hwy 16, left to Enough Boat Launch.

On-site host will assist you. Open May 1 through October 15. Reserve through recreation.gov