Missouri / Reynolds County / Mark Twain National Forest

Sutton Bluff Recreation Area

Closed — Closed for the season. Reopens March 27, 2025. Reservations can be made up to 6 months in advance and must be made at least 5 days prior. Some first-come, first-served sites are available.

About

Sutton Bluff Recreation Area is nestled among shortleaf pines and hardwoods alongside the West Fork of Black River, 13 miles from Centerville, Missouri. This popular Forest Service campground offers 33 sites including 14 with electric hookups, 19 non-electric sites, and one group site accommodating up to 50 people. Most sites are roomy with flat-to-gently sloping paved parking spurs and generous spacing between neighbors, accommodating RV/trailer combinations up to 50 feet. The campground serves as the primary base camp for the Sutton Bluff ATV, UTV, and Motorcycle Trail System, a nearly 45-mile segmented trail network that winds through forested ridgetops and deep hollows. Trail permits are required for off-road vehicle use. Less than a mile away, the Karkaghne section of the Ozark Trail offers 25 miles of backpacking, hiking, and mountain biking opportunities. The West Fork of Black River provides a scenic mountain stream setting with crystal-clear water flowing over mixed rock aggregate. A natural gravel beach and swimming hole attract visitors during summer months, while anglers pursue smallmouth bass and sunfish. The river is too shallow for floating but ideal for wading and water play. Modern amenities include flush toilets, showers, pressurized drinking water, a pavilion with tables, and accessible facilities throughout.

Directions

From Centerville, Missouri, travel 3 miles northeast on Highway 21. Turn left and take County Road 907 northwest for 7 miles, then turn left on County Road 849 and travel south for 3 miles to the campground.

Nearby Campgrounds