Council Bluff Campground

About

Council Bluff Recreation Area sits alongside the largest lake in Mark Twain National Forest, about 80 miles southwest of St. Louis. The 440-acre Council Bluff Lake, created by a dam across Big River and reaching depths of 87 feet, anchors this developed recreation area. Wild Boar Ridge Campground offers 39 single sites, 7 double sites, 9 walk-in primitive sites, and 4 group sites that accommodate up to 50 people each. Sites accommodate RVs up to 40 feet and feature picnic tables, lantern posts, and campfire rings with grills. The 12-mile Council Bluff Trail encircles the lake with connector spurs to the campground, offering scenic views of the water and surrounding Mark Twain wilderness. The Ozark Trail connects at Trace Creek mile 15. Chapel Hill Beach provides 54,000 square feet of sandy swimming area about a mile downhill from the campground, along with flush toilets, drinking water, and coin-operated showers. Boating is limited to no-wake speeds, with two boat ramps available. Anglers target bass, bluegill, catfish, and crappie. Waterfowl hunting is permitted on the lake, and the Enough Fields offer upland game opportunities.

Directions

From Potosi, go south 10 miles on Highway 21. Turn right onto C Highway and go approximately 6 miles. Turn left on Highway DD for about 8 miles to the entrance on the left. GPS: 37.72261, -90.937792. Do not search GPS for just 'Council Bluff' as it may route you to the north side where roads are rough.