Lake Boutin Campground

About

Lake Boutin Campground occupies a heavily wooded section of Trail of Tears State Park, characterized by mature forests, sharp ridges, and steep ravines typical of the Missouri Ozark foothills. The campground offers basic sites without hookups, making it well-suited for tent campers and those seeking a more primitive experience. Each site is surrounded by dense tree cover providing natural shade and privacy. The campground's centerpiece is 15-acre Lake Boutin, stocked with bass, sunfish, channel catfish, and crappie. A swimming beach offers warm-weather recreation, while a concrete boat launch accommodates small watercraft with electric motors only. Facilities include modern restrooms with flush toilets, a shower house with hot water, vault toilets, and a dump station. A wood lot provides firewood for campers. Trail of Tears State Park encompasses over 3,000 acres along the Mississippi River bluffs, commemorating the forced relocation of Cherokee people in 1838-1839. The park's trail system includes the 10-mile Peewah Trail through the 1,300-acre Indian Creek Wild Area. Winter visitors may spot bald eagles roosting along the river bluffs.

Directions

From Jackson, Missouri, take MO-177 north approximately 10 miles to the park entrance at 429 Moccasin Springs Road.