Dry Fork Recreation Area
4.1320 reviewsCounty Road 356 and County Road 361, near Fulton, MO
Quick Facts
Price
$15/night
Booking
First-Come
Sites
8 campsites
Season
The campground's gat...
Cell
Unknown
Pets
Allowed
RV Friendly
Get DirectionsQuick Facts
Price
$15/night
Booking
First-Come
Sites
8 campsites
Season
The campground's gat...
Cell
Unknown
Pets
Allowed
RV Friendly
Get DirectionsDry 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
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
Total Campsite Fees$15.00
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USFS
Provider417-967-4194sm.fs.marktwainnf@usda.gov
What Campers Say
4.13
Satisfactory
Based on 20 reviews
52 Google reviews
Most mentioned
waterfriendlysites
Some mention
noise
"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."
Fees & Passes at Dry Fork Recreation Area
$15/night
Campsite fees
Standard Site
Basic tent/RV spot
Stay Limit: No information about a maximum consecutive stay limit is provided.
Cancellation: No information about reservation cancellations is provided.
Prices verified August 10, 2025
Prices may vary by season and site type. Always confirm current rates on the official Houston/Rolla/Cedar Creek Ranger District website.
Best Time to Camp at Dry Fork Recreation Area
Missouri's diverse climate paints Dry Fork Recreation Area in different colors throughout the year. Summer arrives with characteristic Midwestern warmth and humidity, creating lush green canopies and the symphony of cicadas. When winter settles in, the campground transforms into a stark but beautiful landscape, with temperatures dropping to create frosty mornings and crystalline air. Many seasoned visitors recommend planning your stay during the magical transition seasons: spring brings wildflowers and perfect hiking weather, while autumn wraps the oak and cedar forest in brilliant golds and russets, offering some of the year's most comfortable camping conditions.
Spring (Mar-May)
Wildflowers bloom, mild temperatures, fewer crowds. Great for hiking and photography.
Best
Summer (Jun-Aug)
Peak season with warm days. Most facilities open. Reserve ahead.
Fall (Sep-Nov)
Beautiful fall colors, cooler temps, quieter campgrounds. Ideal for peaceful trips.
Winter (Dec-Feb)
Snow activities available. Some facilities may close. Check conditions.
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: The campground's gates and services start back up on April 15th if the date falls on a weekend. No additional seasonal details are provided.
- Current Alerts: No active alerts are detailed, though user reviews highlight recurring issues like trash and poor bathroom maintenance.
About Dry Fork Recreation Area
Tucked away in the heart of central Missouri, Dry Fork Recreation Area offers an authentic back-to-nature experience for those seeking simplicity and tranquility. This intimate campground serves as the gateway to the Cedar Creek Trail's equestrian adventures, with eight thoughtfully spaced primitive sites that welcome both tent campers and RV travelers (up to 30 feet). Each site comes equipped with the essentials for a memorable outdoor stay: sturdy picnic tables for family meals under the stars, fire rings for evening storytelling sessions, convenient lantern hooks, and hitching rails for your four-legged companions. While the campground embraces a rustic atmosphere with vault toilets and centralized water stations, modern conveniences haven't been forgotten. Just across the road, a welcoming picnic area complete with tables and grills provides the perfect spot for larger gatherings or afternoon cookouts.
This campground offers primitive camping options and is equestrian-friendly, accommodating both tent and RV camping.
Historical SignificanceWhile Dry Fork Recreation Area may not boast grand historical monuments, its significance lies in preserving Missouri's natural heritage and providing a gateway to the timeless tradition of trail riding and outdoor recreation that has shaped this region for generations.
Weather and SeasonsMissouri's diverse climate paints Dry Fork Recreation Area in different colors throughout the year. Summer arrives with characteristic Midwestern warmth and humidity, creating lush green canopies and the symphony of cicadas. When winter settles in, the campground transforms into a stark but beautiful landscape, with temperatures dropping to create frosty mornings and crystalline air. Many seasoned visitors recommend planning your stay during the magical transition seasons: spring brings wildflowers and perfect hiking weather, while autumn wraps the oak and cedar forest in brilliant golds and russets, offering some of the year's most comfortable camping conditions.
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 SceneryDry Fork Recreation Area is a hidden gem embraced by a peaceful forest of native oaks and aromatic cedars, creating a natural cathedral of green. Visitors consistently praise the campground's remarkable beauty and the profound sense of tranquility that settles over you from the moment you arrive. The interplay of dappled sunlight through the canopy, the gentle rustling of leaves, and the earthy scent of the forest floor combine to create an immersive natural experience. This rustic sanctuary offers the perfect backdrop for disconnecting from daily life and reconnecting with the simple pleasures of outdoor living.
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.
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Campsite details
AccessibilityNo specific details about accessibility features are provided.
Sites SizeSites can accommodate RVs up to 30 feet in length.
Sites PrivacySites are described as private by a user: "Decent, private camp sites."
Total Campsites8 campsites
Recommended CampsitesSelect sites away from long-term residents and noisy campers, as noted in user reviews.
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 are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Site layoutThe campground layout includes 8 single primitive campsites equipped with picnic tables, fire rings, and hitching rails. A group site is available across the road.
Open and Closed SeasonThe campground's gates and services start back up on April 15th if the date falls on a weekend. No additional seasonal details are provided.
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.
Amenities available
Potable water
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
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
Hiking trails are part of the Cedar Creek Trail system, including sections such as the Southern Loop (22 miles), Smith Creek Section (5 miles), Pine Ridge Section (restricted to foot travel and mountain bikes), and Moon Loop (7 miles). These trails range from scenic routes to rugged landscapes.Biking
Mountain biking is permitted on the Cedar Creek Trail, with notable segments including Southern Loop and Moon Loop.Winter Activities
No winter activities are described.Water Sports
Non-motorized water sports are not mentioned.Advertisement
Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Fireworks are prohibited, and campers should only collect firewood that is dead and downed.
- Quiet hours are 10 PM to 6 AM
Hazards
General hazardsPotential 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.
Active alertsNo active alerts are detailed, though user reviews highlight recurring issues like trash and poor bathroom maintenance.
Weather at Dry Fork Recreation Area
30
°F
Dec 7
Sunday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Strong wind, exercise caution
Humidity: 82%
High humidity, may feel muggy
Wind: 9.3 mph
Strong wind, exercise caution
Overcast
Weather History
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Reveal forecast
Emergency Services
The nearest emergency services are located in Fulton, MO, approximately 7 miles away. Specific facilities are not detailed in the source.
Good to know
Peak season datesNo specific dates are provided for peak season, though the campground is likely busiest during summer and equestrian trail-riding seasons based on user reviews.
Trash and 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."
Proximity to water featuresThe campground is near Cedar Creek, which is noted for its scenic trail views but not directly accessible from the campground.
Common complaintsCommon complaints include lack of rule enforcement (e.g., long-term residents, trash accumulation), noise disturbances from generators, and poorly maintained toilets. Some users reported challenges with wildlife and signage.
HostNo campground host is present, though users have suggested the need for one to enforce rules.
Campground Map
County Road 356 and County Road 361, near Fulton, MO
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.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.
Reviews from booking and map sources
4.1
20 reviews
Dry Fork Recreation Area is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% 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 20 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 20 reviewsShow more
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 20 reviewsShow more
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 20 reviewsShow more
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 20 reviewsCamper 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 20 reviewsShow more
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 20 reviewsShow more
Accessibility Features
Accessibility for equestrian users is praised, but no specific reviews address facilities for campers with disabilities.
Based on 20 reviewsPet-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 20 reviewsCamper Reviews by Outdoorithm campers
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Last updated August 10, 2025
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