Council Bluff Recreation Area

Star4.05
108 reviews
STATE HWY. DD, Belgrade, MO 63622, USA
Summer Destination

Quick Facts

1,345 ft

Price

$11 - $100/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

75 campsites

Season

Open from May 20 to ...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

RV FriendlyShowers

Opens Mark Twain National Forest site

Official Website
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Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026
Council Bluff Recreation Area
$11.00 - $100.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Group site rates range from $25-$100. Individual site fees are $15-$25 during peak season and $11-$22 during first-come, first-served season. Walk-to...
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Standard Site Fee$15.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$15.00
Group Site Fee$100.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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Provider
(573)766-5765
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What Campers Say

4.05

Satisfactory

Based on 108 reviews

68 Google reviews

Most mentioned

spacioushikinglakesites

Some mention

crowdedreservation

"Council Bluff Recreation Area receives mixed reviews. Many campers appreciate its scenic beauty, spacious campsites, and recreational opportunities, but issues with maintenance, wildlife management, and facility cleanliness are frequently highlighted."

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Campground Map

STATE HWY. DD, Belgrade, MO 63622, USA

Council Bluff Recreation Area

STATE HWY. DD, Belgrade, MO 63622, USA

Driving directionsFrom Potosi, take Highway P south for 10 miles to C Highway junction. Continue on C Highway for less than a mile to DD Highway junction. Turn left on DD Highway and continue for approximately 7 miles to the recreation area entrance.
Accessible via paved highways. Road access challenges are not mentioned, but directions indicate proximity to key highways.
Nearby places
Belgrade (0 miles), Potosi (approximately 17.6 miles)
Nearby supplies
Supplies can be accessed in nearby towns such as Potosi (approximately 17 miles). Specific stores for groceries, fuel, or camping supplies are not listed.

Best Time to Camp at Council Bluff Recreation Area

Council Bluff transforms with the seasons, offering distinct experiences throughout the year. From May through September, warm sunshine and gentle breezes create ideal conditions for camping under star-filled skies, with temperatures perfect for swimming and water activities. Spring arrives with wildflower blooms and migrating birds, while autumn paints the forest in brilliant golds and crimsons. Winter brings a quieter charm to the landscape, though cooler temperatures make it better suited for day visits than overnight camping—save those s'mores for the warmer months when the campground truly comes alive.

Summer(Jun-Aug)
3.5 / 5

Peak season for swimming/boating; reviewers note ticks, raccoons and maintenance issues in mid-summer.

Best
Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.5 / 5
Top 14% in MO

Fall described as quieter and more enjoyable with fewer insects — strong shoulder-season appeal.

Spring(Mar-May)
4.0 / 5

Spring offers warming conditions and open season start; good for early-season hiking and paddling.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Winter camping not viable per seasonal notes; facility primarily operates May–Oct for regular use.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: May 20, 2025 - September 26, 2025. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Open from May 20 to September 26 during reservable season, and September 27 to October 30 for first-come, first-served.
  • Current Alerts: Water spigots were reported as non-operational during certain visits, and some facilities were in poor repair. No current advisories are listed in the authoritative source.

About Council Bluff Recreation Area

Nestled in the heart of Mark Twain National Forest, Council Bluff Recreation Area beckons outdoor enthusiasts with its perfect blend of adventure and tranquility. Here, spacious campsites serve as your basecamp for endless exploration—cast a line into the shimmering waters of the forest's largest lake, paddle across its peaceful surface, or dive into refreshing swimming holes on warm summer days. Well-maintained hiking trails wind through the surrounding wilderness, while thoughtfully placed picnic areas invite you to savor meals with a view. Whether you're seeking heart-pumping water sports or quiet moments in nature, Council Bluff delivers the quintessential Missouri outdoor experience.
The campground provides various accommodation types, including single-family, large group, and walk-in sites. It caters to both tent and RV campers.
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Reserving a campsite

Check-in
Check-in times and policies are not explicitly stated in the authoritative content.
Check-out
Check-out policies are not explicitly mentioned.
Stay Limit
Maximum stay allowed is up to 14 consecutive nights.

Amenities available

Showers
Potable water
Flush toilets
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

The Council Bluff Recreation Area offers a wide range of recreational activities, including hiking, fishing, swimming, boating, and wildlife viewing. The 12-mile Council Bluff Trail provides scenic views and opportunities for hiking. The lake supports canoeing and fishing, with a variety of freshwater fish like bass, bluegills, and catfish.
HikingThe 12-mile Council Bluff Trail encircles the lake and offers additional spurs leading to the campground. Hikers can enjoy scenic views of the lake and the surrounding Mark Twain wilderness.
FishingFishing is a popular pastime, with anglers targeting species such as bass, bluegills, catfish, and crappies. A unique feature includes tagged catfish in the lake, offering prizes of $10 to $100 when caught.
SwimmingSwimming is available at Chapel Hill Beach, which features a 54,000 square-foot sandy area. However, some reviews noted that the beach may occasionally be closed.
BoatingBoating is popular on the lake, but all boats must adhere to a no-wake speed. There are two boat ramps for water access.
Wildlife viewingThe heavily wooded area is home to a variety of wildlife, including raccoons (which can be problematic at campsites), waterfowl, and other species.
Beach activitiesThe beach area offers sunbathing, swimming, and picnicking opportunities. It is described as scenic and a great hidden gem, although some reviews mention cleanliness issues.
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsRaccoon overpopulation and tick infestation are significant concerns, as noted in user reviews. Seasonal hazards include mosquitoes and wildlife disturbances.
Active AlertsWater spigots were reported as non-operational during certain visits, and some facilities were in poor repair. No current advisories are listed in the authoritative source.

Weather at Council Bluff Recreation Area

Reviews

4.1
108 reviews
Satisfactory
Satisfactory
Council Bluff Recreation Area is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews
Council Bluff Recreation Area receives mixed reviews. Many campers appreciate its scenic beauty, spacious campsites, and recreational opportunities, but issues with maintenance, wildlife management, and facility cleanliness are frequently highlighted.
Review Summaries
Based on 108 reviews

What Campers Love

Campers praise the spacious and secluded campsites, the scenic Council Bluff Lake, and the recreational opportunities such as hiking, fishing, and swimming. "Beautiful campground with a great 12-mile...
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Based on 108 reviews

Common Concerns

Criticisms include cleanliness issues with restrooms, raccoon overpopulation, and limited operational hours for showers at the beach. "The vault toilet by my campsite was littered" and complaints...
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Based on 108 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Visitors recommend bringing extra water, toilet paper, and insect repellent. They also advise securing food and belongings to avoid raccoon interference. One camper suggests, "Don't leave anything...
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Based on 108 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Mid-summer reviews often mention nuisances like ticks and raccoons, while fall visitors describe a quieter and more enjoyable experience with fewer insects. Winter camping is not viable due to...
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Based on 108 reviews

Camper Quotes

"My favorite type of tent-camping area - very secluded sites" and "Beautiful wooded area of the forest. Our camp site was walking distance to a large crystal-clear blue lake."
Based on 108 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Issues like double bookings and campsite cleanliness are highlighted in detailed reviews for specific sites, such as Site 025 being noisy and poorly maintained. Group Site B is described as crowded...
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Based on 108 reviews

Accessibility Features

Accessible vault toilets and picnic areas cater to visitors with disabilities, but some negative reviews mention maintenance lapses.
Based on 108 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

No specific reviews mention pet-related experiences, but pets are likely allowed as there are no explicit prohibitions mentioned.
Based on 108 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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