Mark Twain National Forest

Sutton Bluff Recreation Area

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

The Sutton Bluff Campground is set back off the West Fork of the Black River in a forested hardwood bottom. The campground is a popular site for those using the nearby designated Sutton Bluff Motorcycle and ATV Trails.  A small natural gravel beach is also popular for swimming and recreating along the river; however, there is no lifeguard on duty.  The Karkaghne Section of the Ozark Trail is accessed from a nearby trailhead.

Area Attractions

Campground: The campground area offers 34 sites, each with a table, lantern post, and fire ring.  Drinking water, trash service, flush and vault toilets and showers are available.  24 of the sites are available for reservations through www.recreation.gov, or by calling 877-444-6777. A $9 reservation fee is charged for this service in addition to the camping fees listed below.  The remaining 10 sites (and any non-reserved sites) are available on first come first serve basis.  Nightly fees are $8 for single sites and $16 for double sites. A campgrounds host is usually on duty from May through Septmenber. No horses permitted within the developed recreational area.

Boating/canoeing/swimming/fishing: Black River is popular for spring and fall floats. Many people enjoy tubing as well. No lifeguard on duty. The Forest Service does not provide lifeguards, post boundaries, test water quality, or measure water depth or current at this or other undeveloped swimming areas.  Any one wishing to swim in them needs to carefully consider the risks involved, and take steps to assure their own protection and that of other members of their party, particularly children. Even commonly used swimming areas may have strong currents during moderate to high waters, or rocks, drop-offs, or other unseen hazards beneath the surface of the water. The Black River features bass and sunfish.

Day Use/Picnic Area: The picnic and pavilion area has parking, 1 large and 1 small pedestal grill, trash receptacles, and 6 tables available for day use.  Drinking water and flush toilets are located nearby in the campground. The day use fee is $2 per vehicle, or $10 per bus.  The pavilion may be reserved for a $34 fee ($25 + $9 reservation fee) through www.recreation.gov as outlined above.

Accessibility: This recreation area has many accessible features (toilets, tables and pavilion), but not all features or paths are accessible. Contact the Salem District Office for more information (573-729-6656).

Trails: The nearby 23-mile Sutton Bluff Motorcycle and ATV Trails can be accessed via county and FS roads. A Forest Service permit is required for riding on these trails, and a Reynolds County ATV Permit is required for riding an ATV on these roads. The Ozark Trail is accessed from a nearby trailhead.  This long-distance trail is for hiking, equestrian, or mountain biking use only.

How to get here:

From Centerville, MO take Hwy 21 north 3 miles to Forest Service sign at Forest Road 2233; turn left onto gravel road and go 7 miles, then turn left on Forest Road 2236. The campground is another 3 miles further.

Open April 1 through October 30.