Shell Knob Rec Site Pavilion
Open seasonally April through October. Day-use hours are 6 AM to 10 PM. No overnight camping is permitted at any time. Potable water is only available during warm weather months. The pavilion can be reserved through Recreation.gov.
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…
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…
Beaver Lake Temporary Closure
Beaver Lake, located within the Poplar Bluff Ranger District, will be temporarily closed to facilitate dam repair work.
About
Shell Knob Recreation Site occupies a scenic bluff overlooking the White River arm of Table Rock Lake near the unincorporated community of Shell Knob, Missouri. The site was once home to a Civilian Conservation Corps camp that operated from 1936 to 1942, and several historic features remain visible. The recreation area was developed through a partnership between the Forest Service and the Shell Knob Lions Club. The centerpiece is a lighted pavilion with kitchen facilities including a sink with hot and cold water, though no stove or refrigerator. Thirty picnic tables with grills are scattered throughout the heavily wooded grounds, along with two parking areas. Recreation facilities include a tennis court, sand volleyball court, double horseshoe pit, and playground. A short walking trail leads to a scenic overlook of Table Rock Lake. This is a day-use only facility. No overnight camping is permitted at any time of year. The pavilion can be reserved through Recreation.gov up to 12 months in advance, with reservations required at least 5 days before the visit date. A $25 key deposit is required when picking up the key at Harter House, refunded upon return.
Directions
From Shell Knob, take Highway 39 to Highway YY. Follow Highway YY 1 mile east to the entrance on the right (south) side of the road.
Amenities
| Water | Yes |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | — |
| Pets Allowed | — |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | — |
| Water Hookups | — |
| Sewer Hookups | — |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $50 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | — |
| Max Trailer Length | — |
| Big Rig Friendly | — |
| Pull Through Sites | No |
Contact
| sm.fs.marktwainnf@usda.gov | |
| Phone | +1 (417) 683-4428 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | Yes |
| Verizon | Yes |
| T-Mobile | Yes |
Availability
Photos
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