Council Bluff Recreation Area
Open for the 2026 season from April 23 through October 26. The water system at Wild Boar Ridge Campground is currently out of service. Potable water and coin-operated showers are available at Chapel Hill Beach, which opens May 21. Some sites are reservable via Recreation.gov; others are first-come, first-served. Drinking water is not available in the campground from November 1 to April 1. Chapel Hill Beach is closed Mondays except holiday weekends.
Heat Advisory issued August 30 at 12:27PM CDT until September 4 at 8:00PM CDT by NWS St Louis MO
* WHAT...Heat index values of 100 to 105 expected, with morning low temperatures of 70 to 78 degrees, for several consecutive days. * WHERE...Portions of south central, southwest, and west central Illinois and central, east central, northeast, and southeast Missouri. * WHEN...From noon Monday to 8 PM CDT Friday. * IMPACTS...Hot temperatures and moderate humidity may cause heat illnesses.
Forest Order 09-05-21-26-03 National Forest System Road 566 Closure
This is a temporary closure for FS Road 566 up to Coy Bald Trailhead to avoid risk of entrapment from flooding waters during the peak rain season. Access to the Coy Bald Trailhead requires crossing U.S. Army Corps of Engineers land—and traversing the Cane Creek low‑water crossing, a…
Weather Conditions
Please check weather conditions prior to visiting. Forecasts can be found:National Weather Service - Springfield, MO Severe Weather Potential National Weather Service - Springfield, MO (Facebook) Safety Tips are available: Brave the Elements Ready.gov - Floods Severe Weather Tornadoes
About
Council Bluff Recreation Area is located beside Council Bluff Lake, a 440-acre impoundment created by damming Big River. At 87 feet deep in places, it's the largest lake on the Mark Twain National Forest. Wild Boar Ridge Campground offers a mix of single sites, double sites, walk-in tent sites, and large group sites that can accommodate up to 50 people. A picnic pavilion with a paved surface and roof can hold up to 75 people. Each campsite is equipped with a picnic table, fire ring or campfire circle with grill, and lantern post. Sites are screened by trees and brush for privacy. Most sites accommodate RVs up to 40 feet, though there are no electric hookups. Vault toilets and drinking water are provided at the campground, with flush toilets and coin-operated hot showers available at Chapel Hill Beach. The 12-mile Council Bluff Trail encircles the lake with spurs leading to the campground, offering scenic views of the lake and surrounding Mark Twain wilderness. The lake is popular for boating at no-wake speed, canoeing, swimming, and fishing for bass, bluegill, catfish, and crappie. Chapel Hill Beach provides 54,000 square feet of sandy beach. Waterfowl hunting is permitted on the lake.
Directions
From Potosi, drive south 10 miles on Highway 21. Turn right on C Highway and continue approximately 6 miles. Turn left on Highway DD and continue approximately 8 miles to the recreation area entrance.
Nearby Campgrounds
Location
Amenities
| Water | Yes |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | — |
| Wifi | — |
| Pets Allowed | Yes |
| Showers | Yes |
| Electric Hookups | — |
| Water Hookups | — |
| Sewer Hookups | — |
| Camp Store | — |
| Price | $11 - $25 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | 40ft |
| Max Trailer Length | 40ft |
| Big Rig Friendly | No |
| Pull Through Sites | No |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (573) 438-5427 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | Yes |
| Verizon | None |
| T-Mobile | None |
Availability
Photos
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