Having fun at the beach.

Council Bluff Recreation Area

Open

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.

Mark Twain National Forest

Forest Closure - Bridge Replacement at Paddy Creek

Paddy Creek Recreation Area, National Forest System Road 211, Big Piney Trailhead Spur Trail (03-016-D), Paddy Creek Trail Loop (Trail 03-016-C), and a section of the Big Piney Trail (03-016-A) will be closed from December 1, 2026 until December 31, 2027 while a bank on the creek is restabilized…

Mark Twain National Forest

Forest Order - Trail 119 Closure Extended (Chadwick Motorized Trail System)

The closure of Trail 119 of the Chadwick Motorized Trail System has been extended due to delays with the culvert replacement. This order supersedes the previous order. The closure of Trail 119 begins on Trail 101 about halfway between KC Pavilion Trailhead and Cobb Ridge Campground and extends…

Mark Twain National Forest

Beaver Lake Temporary Closure

Beaver Lake, located within the Poplar Bluff Ranger District, will be temporarily closed to facilitate dam repair work.

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.

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

Having fun at the beach.
Great day for a swim.
LARGE SANDY BEACH WITH PLAY AREA
Great day for a swim.
Recently remodeled bathhouse.
Council Bluff Chapel Hill Beach
Excellent launching and docking facilities for boats.
GROUP SHELTER AT BEACH
Great day for a swim.
Recently remodeled bathhouse.
Typical campsite.

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