How much does camping cost at Dry Fork Recreation Area?

Camping fees at Dry Fork Recreation Area range from $15/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Fees are typically paid at the campground entrance.

What is the best time to visit Dry Fork Recreation Area?

Dry Fork Recreation Area is open No specific dates are provided for peak season, though the campground is likely busiest during summer and equestrian trail-riding seasons based on user reviews.. The best time to visit depends on your preferences—summer offers the warmest weather and most activities, while spring and fall provide fewer crowds and milder temperatures. Check current conditions before your trip.

Are there showers at Dry Fork Recreation Area?

Dry Fork Recreation Area does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

Can I have a campfire at Dry Fork Recreation Area?

Fire policies at Dry Fork Recreation Area: Fireworks are prohibited, and campers should only collect firewood that is dead and downed.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

How many campsites does Dry Fork Recreation Area have?

Dry Fork Recreation Area has 8 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Arrive early for the best site selection.

Are dogs allowed at Dry Fork Recreation Area?

Yes, pets are allowed at Dry Fork Recreation Area. Dogs must typically be kept on a leash (usually 6 feet or shorter) and under control at all times. Be sure to clean up after your pet and check for any breed or size restrictions.

What amenities are available at Dry Fork Recreation Area?

Dry Fork Recreation Area offers: Restrooms, Potable Water, Pets Allowed. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Dry Fork Recreation Area?

Popular activities at Dry Fork Recreation Area include Hiking, Biking. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Dry Fork Recreation Area

Q: Is Dry Fork Recreation Area first-come first-served or reservation?

Dry Fork Recreation Area operates on a first-come, first-served basis. The campground operates exclusively on a first-come, first-served basis. Multiple users mention the lack of reservation options.

3.71

21 reviews

County Road 356 and County Road 361, near Fulton, MO

Featured in:Best Campgrounds Missouri

Quick Facts

774 ft

Price

$15/night

Booking

First-Come

Sites

8 campsites

Season

Open April 15 to Dec...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Check Availability Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

774 ft

Price

$15/night

Booking

First-Come

Sites

8 campsites

Season

Open April 15 to Dec...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Check Availability Official Website

Get Directions

Dry Fork Recreation Area

$15.00 - $15.00 / night

Campsite Fees

The standard camping fee is $15 per night, and no additional fees are required for entrance. Donations are encouraged to maintain facilities.

Standard Site Fee$15.00

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USFS

Provider

417-967-4194sm.fs.marktwainnf@usda.gov

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Campground Map

County Road 356 and County Road 361, near Fulton, MO

Dry Fork Recreation Area

County Road 356 and County Road 361, near Fulton, MO

Nearby places

Fulton, MO (7 miles, approximately 15 minutes)

Nearby supplies

Fulton, MO, approximately 7 miles away, is the nearest location for groceries, camping supplies, and fuel. Specific stores are not mentioned in the source.

Driving directionsFrom Fulton, MO, take Highway 54 south to Route H; turn right to go west on Route H to Route J; turn right to go north on Route J to County Road 356; turn left to go west on County Road 356 to County Road 361; turn left to go south for 1 mile.

The campground is accessible by paved and gravel roads. Directions include turning onto smaller county roads (356 and 361), which may require careful attention to signage as noted by a user review: 'Write directions from website down.' Users have also mentioned that the entrance sign has been stolen, making navigation slightly challenging.

Weather at Dry Fork Recreation Area

Current alert: No active alerts are detailed, though user reviews highlight recurring issues like trash and poor bathroom maintenance.

Best Time to Camp at Dry Fork Recreation Area

Late April through June offers the most reliable conditions, with daytime highs in the mid-50s to mid-70s°F. The campground reopens around April 15, making late April and May ideal for accessing maintained facilities while enjoying mild temperatures and green woodland scenery. Summer brings Midwestern heat and humidity. Fall delivers comfortable temperatures and changing oak foliage. Winter closes the campground but transforms the forest into stark, frost-covered terrain. Ticks are common enough in warmer months that multiple reviewers recommend avoiding trails during peak tick season.

Best

Spring(Mar-May)

4.0 / 5

Reopens ~April 15; late April–June offer most reliable conditions and peaceful visits.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: No specific dates are provided for peak season, though the campground is likely busiest during summer and equestrian trail-riding seasons based on user reviews.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open April 15 to December 1, 2026

About Dry Fork Recreation Area

Dry Fork Recreation Area sits in central Missouri's Mark Twain National Forest with 8 primitive sites for tents and RVs up to 30 feet. Sites run $15 per night and include picnic tables, fire rings, and hitching rails for equestrian campers using the Cedar Creek Trail. AT&T cell service works here; T-Mobile doesn't. Reviews praise the privacy and affordability but note enforcement issues with long-term residents and occasional noise from generators.

This campground offers primitive camping options and is equestrian-friendly, accommodating both tent and RV camping.

Weather and SeasonsLate April through June offers the most reliable conditions, with daytime highs in the mid-50s to mid-70s°F. The campground reopens around April 15, making late April and May ideal for accessing maintained facilities while enjoying mild temperatures and green woodland scenery. Summer brings Midwestern heat and humidity. Fall delivers comfortable temperatures and changing oak foliage. Winter closes the campground but transforms the forest into stark, frost-covered terrain. Ticks are common enough in warmer months that multiple reviewers recommend avoiding trails during peak tick season.

ElevationNestled within Missouri's gently rolling landscape, the campground sits at a comfortable elevation that characterizes the region's distinctive topography, offering easy access and pleasant camping conditions throughout the camping season.

Natural Features and SceneryThe campground occupies a transitional oak-cedar forest at 774 feet elevation, where hardy cedars grow alongside oaks in limestone-influenced soils. This creates dense canopy cover and what visitors describe as a peaceful, secluded atmosphere. The Cedar Creek corridor runs near the campground, adding riparian habitat to the woodland setting. Spring brings wildflowers and active bird life under the forest canopy.

Geological RegionSet within the distinctive landscape of central Missouri, Dry Fork Recreation Area showcases the region's characteristic oak-cedar forest ecosystem. This geological setting represents the transitional zone between Missouri's various ecological regions, where hardy cedars thrive alongside majestic oaks, creating a diverse and resilient forest environment that has adapted to the area's limestone-influenced soils and varied terrain.

Scenic ViewsCampsites are surrounded by forested scenery. Some trail sections offer views of Cedar Creek from the bluffs, though these vistas are not directly accessible from the campground.

Lodging & Accommodations"No cabins at this location," according to the official description.

Programs & ActivitiesNo cultural or educational programs are described.

Best Campsites

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Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

No information about a maximum consecutive stay limit is provided.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Maximum of 8 guests per single site and 16 guests per double site.

Groups

Group camping is mentioned across the road, but specific details are not provided.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are not allowed

Site layoutEight single sites spread through the oak-cedar forest with picnic tables, fire rings, and hitching rails at each. A group site sits across the road. Vault toilets and a central water station serve the campground. Sites accommodate RVs up to 30 feet, though several reviews note the primitive layout and describe spacing as private.

Reservation PlatformsReservations are not available. The campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis.

Walk-in AvailabilityThe campground operates exclusively on a first-come, first-served basis. Multiple users mention the lack of reservation options.

Cancellation PolicyNo information about reservation cancellations is provided.

Site SizeSites can accommodate RVs up to 30 feet in length.

PrivacySites are described as private by a user: "Decent, private camp sites.

Total Campsites8 campsites

Recommended SitesSelect sites away from long-term residents and noisy campers, as noted in user reviews.

Best CampsitesNo specific site numbers stand out in the reviews, but campers suggest choosing sites away from areas where long-term residents settle in and avoiding spots near noisy neighbors running generators.

Amenities available

Dry Fork Recreation Area is situated in a peaceful oak/cedar forest and caters to both equestrian and non-equestrian visitors. The campground consists of 8 single primitive campsites, each equipped with picnic tables, fire rings, hitching rails, and lantern posts. Vault toilets and a centralized pressurized drinking water system are available onsite. There is a picnic area across the road with tables and grills for small groups. "Restrooms are available at this site" and "Potable water is available at this site," according to official information.

Potable water

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

I manage this campground

RV details

Activities you can enjoy

Dry Fork Recreation Area provides recreational opportunities for equestrian activities, mountain biking, hiking, and picnicking. The 36-mile Cedar Creek Trail offers diverse sections marked with different colored diamonds, catering to a variety of experiences.

Hiking

Biking

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsPotential hazards include wildlife such as raccoons and birds (e.g., a cardinal that damages vehicles, as reported in user reviews) and the presence of ticks along trails during summer. The vault toilets have been noted for poor maintenance in some reviews.

No Flush ToiletsFlush toilets are not available; only vault toilets are provided.

No Electric HookupsElectric hookups are not available at this campground. RV campers should arrive with a full battery and plan for off-grid power (generator hours/quiet rules permitting).

No Water HookupsSite-level water hookups are not available. RV campers should fill freshwater tanks before arrival; check the No Potable Water note above if applicable for drinking water.

Fire PolicyFireworks are prohibited, and campers should only collect firewood that is dead and downed.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours are 10 PM to 6 AM

Emergency ServicesThe nearest emergency services are located in Fulton, MO, approximately 7 miles away. Specific facilities are not detailed in the source.

Trash & RecyclingTrash bins are present onsite, but littering has been reported by users: "There was not even room for horse trailer due to so much trash and non-equine users." One camper observed that garbage collection could improve: "Need to enforce rules so people can actually enjoy this park for its intended purpose."

Water FeaturesThe campground is near Cedar Creek, which is noted for its scenic trail views but not directly accessible from the campground.

Camp HostNo campground host is present, though users have suggested the need for one to enforce rules.

Cell CoverageAT&T reportedly works well in the area, while T-Mobile does not, according to user reviews. "AT&T worked fine. My friend's T-Mobile didn't," noted one camper.

Trip Planning Tools

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Questions & answers

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Reviews

From Booking Sources

3.7

21 reviews

Mixed Reviews

Dry Fork Recreation Area has mixed reviews, placing it in the bottom 85% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews for Dry Fork Recreation Area highlight its peaceful setting, accessibility for equestrian users, and rustic amenities. Mixed sentiments are expressed regarding maintenance and enforcement of rules.

Review Summaries

Based on 21 reviews

What Campers Love

Users appreciate the campground's secluded atmosphere, equestrian-friendly amenities, and affordability. "Large sites, water, pit toilet just as expected" and "Love camping here! Campers respect each...

Based on 21 reviews

Common Concerns

Complaints include poor vault toilet maintenance, long-term residents occupying sites, litter issues, and disruptive behavior such as excessive noise from generators. One user reported, "Couldn't...

Based on 21 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Specific concerns were raised about long-term residents occupying some campsites, and complaints about litter affecting equestrian use. One camper noted: "A couple sites look like long-term residents...

Based on 21 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Recommendations include bringing extra trash bags, avoiding trails during tick season, and dropping donations to support maintenance. "Donations run the place so be sure to drop a $5 in to keep it...

Based on 21 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer months often see tick problems and noise complaints, while spring and fall are described as more peaceful. Winter closures limit accessibility.

Based on 21 reviews

Camper Quotes

"Love this National forest campground, there are not many equestrian camping places available with great trails to ride your horse." "Awesome place to get away...nice peaceful stuff." "If the dates...

Based on 21 reviews

Accessibility Features

Accessibility for equestrian users is praised, but no specific reviews address facilities for campers with disabilities.

Based on 21 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Dogs are permitted but must remain leashed. Some reviews emphasize the importance of cleaning up after pets and ensuring their safety during hot weather.

Based on 21 reviews

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Go if

Horse campers and mountain bikers who want a cheap, uncrowded base for Cedar Creek Trail. Spring is the sweet spot: wildflowers, mild temps, and no summer tick gauntlet. Sites are genuinely private, and AT&T holds signal.

Skip if

Long-term squatters have been reported occupying sites at a first-come campground with no host, you might show up and find it full or trashed. The vault toilets have drawn serious complaints, and summer heat plus ticks make the trails a slog.

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Campgrounds

Mark Twain National Forest

Dry Fork Recreation Area

From the U.S. Forest Service

Reference information about Dry Fork Recreation Area sourced from official USFS records and forestcamping.com. View official recreation.gov page →

Overview

Dry Fork Recreation Area, a campground and picnic area located at the equestrian trailhead of the 36-mile <a href="http://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/mtnf/recreation/recarea/?recid=21804&actid=64">Cedar Creek Trail</a>.  This area, located in central Missouri near Fulton serves recreationists with or without horses.  This campground is situated in a quiet mostly oak/cedar forest. It is comprised of 8 single primitive campsites that can accommodate RVs up to 30 feet in length, each with table, fire ring, and lantern post.  Other amenities include drinking water, vault toilet<strike>s</strike>, and hitching rails.   There is a picnic area across the road with picnic tables that can accommodate small groups. A printable <a href="http://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/stelprdb5207845.pdf">brochure</a> is available.