Sutton Bluff Recreation Area
Open for the 2026 season from April 2 through October 26. Reservations available through Recreation.gov up to 6 months in advance with a 5-day minimum. First-come, first-served sites also available. Day use hours 6 AM to 10 PM; quiet hours 10 PM to 6 AM.
Heat Advisory issued August 30 at 11:03PM CDT until September 4 at 8:00PM CDT by NWS St Louis MO
* WHAT...Heat index values up to 105 expected. * WHERE...Portions of south central, southwest, and west central Illinois and central, east central, northeast, and southeast Missouri. * WHEN...From noon Monday to 8 PM CDT Friday. * IMPACTS...Hot temperatures and high humidity may cause heat illnesses.
Forest Order 09-05-21-26-03 National Forest System Road 566 Closure
This is a temporary closure for FS Road 566 up to Coy Bald Trailhead to avoid risk of entrapment from flooding waters during the peak rain season. Access to the Coy Bald Trailhead requires crossing U.S. Army Corps of Engineers land—and traversing the Cane Creek low‑water crossing, a…
Weather Conditions
Please check weather conditions prior to visiting. Forecasts can be found:National Weather Service - Springfield, MO Severe Weather Potential National Weather Service - Springfield, MO (Facebook) Safety Tips are available: Brave the Elements Ready.gov - Floods Severe Weather Tornadoes
About
Sutton Bluff Recreation Area is nestled among short-leaf pines and hardwoods along the West Fork of the Black River, about 13 miles northeast of Centerville, Missouri. The campground offers 24 electric sites and 37 non-electric sites, plus a group site accommodating up to 50 people. Each site includes a picnic table, fire ring with grill, and lantern post. Facilities include both flush and vault toilets, hot showers, and pressurized potable water. The campground is a hub for off-road enthusiasts, providing direct access to the 45-mile Sutton Bluff ATV, UTV, and Motorcycle Trail System. Permits are required for OHV use. Hikers and mountain bikers can reach the Karkaghne section of the Ozark Trail from a trailhead less than a mile away. The West Fork of Black River offers a natural gravel beach for wading and fishing for bass and bluegill. The current is too gentle for floating but provides a peaceful setting. Most sites accommodate RV and trailer combinations up to 50 feet, though sites 29, 32, and 33 have shorter parking spurs.
Directions
From Centerville, Missouri, travel 3 miles northeast on Highway 21. Turn left onto County Road 907 and travel northwest for 7 miles, then turn left on County Road 849 and travel south for 3 miles to the campground.
Nearby Campgrounds
Amenities
| Water | Yes |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | — |
| Wifi | — |
| Pets Allowed | Yes |
| Showers | Yes |
| Electric Hookups | Yes |
| Water Hookups | No |
| Sewer Hookups | No |
| Camp Store | — |
| Price | $10 - $40 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | 76ft |
| Max Trailer Length | 76ft |
| Big Rig Friendly | Yes |
| Pull Through Sites | No |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (573) 648-9255 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | None |
| Verizon | None |
| T-Mobile | None |
Availability
Photos
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