Pine Ridge Recreation Area
4.2143 reviewsPine Ridge Recreation Area, Mark Twain National Forest, Missouri
Quick Facts
Price
$15/night
Booking
First-Come
Sites
8 campsites
Season
Year-round
Cell
Unknown
Pets
Allowed
RV Friendly
Get DirectionsQuick Facts
Price
$15/night
Booking
First-Come
Sites
8 campsites
Season
Year-round
Cell
Unknown
Pets
Allowed
RV Friendly
Get DirectionsPine Ridge Recreation Area
$15.00 - $15.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Camping fee is $15 per night. No additional fees were noted, and some user reviews mentioned an honor-based donation system.
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
4.21
Satisfactory
Based on 43 reviews
96 Google reviews
Most mentioned
cleanspaciouswaterfriendly
Some mention
noiseroad noise
"Users generally rate Pine Ridge Recreation Area positively, highlighting its peaceful atmosphere, cleanliness, and proximity to hiking trails. However, some reviewers raised concerns about privacy at campsites, occasional noise, and theft incidents."
Fees & Passes at Pine Ridge Recreation Area
$15/night
Campsite fees
Standard Site
Basic tent/RV spot
Stay Limit: 14 days max for continuous stay; honor-based system
Cancellation: Not applicable as reservations cannot be made in advance.
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 Pine Ridge Recreation Area
Experience the full spectrum of Missouri's seasons at Pine Ridge, where each time of year paints the forest in different hues. Winter brings crisp, dry air and peaceful solitude, while summer transforms the campground into a lush, green sanctuary (though pack that bug spray for those humid evenings!). For the ultimate camping experience, visit during spring when wildflowers carpet the forest floor, or in fall when the oaks blaze with color and cool, clear nights are perfect for stargazing around the campfire.
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: Peak season likely corresponds to warmer months (spring, summer) though not explicitly stated.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
- Operating Season: Open year-round with certain seasonal closures noted in reviews for winter months.
About Pine Ridge Recreation Area
Nestled within the sprawling Mark Twain National Forest, Pine Ridge Recreation Area offers an intimate escape into nature with just eight thoughtfully spaced campsites. Each site comes fully equipped with everything you need for a comfortable outdoor experience—sturdy tables for family meals under the stars, fire rings for evening storytelling, convenient lantern posts to light your way, and grills for cooking up your catch of the day. This hidden gem provides the perfect balance of amenities and wilderness, where the whisper of wind through towering pines creates nature's own symphony.
Pine Ridge Recreation Area provides options for tent camping, RV camping, and group camping. The campground is described as primitive, with vault toilets and potable water available.
Historical SignificanceStep back in time at Pine Ridge, where every pine tree tells a story of American resilience. During the Great Depression, young men of the Civilian Conservation Corps arrived here with shovels and hope, planting the short-leaf pines that now tower overhead. Their legacy lives on in this living monument—a forest born from hard work and vision that continues to provide shelter and beauty for generations of campers.
Weather and SeasonsExperience the full spectrum of Missouri's seasons at Pine Ridge, where each time of year paints the forest in different hues. Winter brings crisp, dry air and peaceful solitude, while summer transforms the campground into a lush, green sanctuary (though pack that bug spray for those humid evenings!). For the ultimate camping experience, visit during spring when wildflowers carpet the forest floor, or in fall when the oaks blaze with color and cool, clear nights are perfect for stargazing around the campfire.
ElevationWhile specific elevation details await discovery, Pine Ridge sits comfortably within Missouri's rolling hill country, offering gentle terrain that's accessible to campers of all abilities.
Natural Features and SceneryPine Ridge showcases Missouri's diverse ecosystems in one stunning location. The campground's centerpiece—a majestic short-leaf pine forest planted by CCC workers in the 1930s—creates a cathedral-like canopy overhead. Beyond the pines, discover pockets of native oak-hickory forest where squirrels chatter and songbirds nest. Remnants of tallgrass prairie bloom with seasonal wildflowers, attracting clouds of butterflies and providing glimpses of cottontail rabbits at dawn and dusk. It's a living tapestry where forest meets prairie, creating endless opportunities for nature watching and photography.
Geological RegionPine Ridge Recreation Area sits within the legendary Mark Twain National Forest, Missouri's crown jewel of public lands. This unique landscape blends planted pine forests with native oak-hickory woodlands and rare patches of tallgrass prairie—a testament to both natural beauty and human conservation efforts. The historic pines, planted by the Civilian Conservation Corps during the 1930s, have matured into a magnificent forest that defines the character of this special place, creating a multi-layered ecosystem where different habitats converge.
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Campsite details
AccessibilityTables, toilets, grills, and lantern posts are accessible.
Sites SizeThe sites vary in size, accommodating tents, smaller campers, and RVs up to 34 feet. Two sites specifically accommodate RVs of 34 feet, while six sites accommodate smaller RVs.
Sites PrivacyMixed privacy levels. Some campsites are described as 'set back a little in the woods,' while others are in lawn settings with scattered trees. User reviews highlight spaciousness between sites, such as Michael Rader's note: 'Unlike a lot of other campgrounds, these sites are packed in right next to each other. There is well over a hundred feet between this campsite and the next.'
Total Campsites8 campsites
Recommended CampsitesSelect campsites set back into the woods for greater privacy. User reviews recommend arriving early during peak season to secure the best spots.
Best Campsites
Curated by campers, for campers
Reveal picks
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
After 10:00 AM
Check-out
Before 6:00 AM
Stay Limit
- 14 days max for continuous stay
- honor-based system
Guests Allowed Per Site
8guests allowed per site
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Site layoutEight campsites are arranged in a small loop. Three campsites are set back into the woods, and others are in a lawned area with scattered trees.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen year-round with certain seasonal closures noted in reviews for winter months.
Reservation PlatformsSites are first-come, first-serve; no online reservation system or third-party platforms are available.
Walk-in AvailabilityAll 8 campsites are first-come, first-serve. User reviews note that spots may fill early during peak seasons.
Cancellation PolicyNot applicable as reservations cannot be made in advance.
Amenities available
Potable water
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Campers at Pine Ridge Recreation Area can engage in hiking, mountain biking, picnicking, and other outdoor activities. The Cedar Creek Trail is a major attraction, offering 36 miles of trails for hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding. Picnicking is supported with four picnic sites featuring tables and grills. User reviews often highlight the beauty of the trails and opportunities for family-friendly activities in the field.
Hiking
The Cedar Creek Trail, spanning 36 miles, has four loops suitable for hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding. Specific loops include the Southern Loop (22 miles), Smith Creek Loop (5 miles), Pine Ridge section (1 mile), and Moon Loop (7 miles). User reviews praise the trail system, such as Curtis Marr affirming, 'Great campground vast trail system,' and Daniel Hickey recommending, 'Trails, Geocaching, and camping.'Biking
Mountain biking is popular on the Cedar Creek Trail, with loops open for biking. The Pine Ridge section is explicitly managed for foot and mountain bike use. User reviews favorably mention biking, such as Adrianna Villanueva noting, 'Camp for the cedar ridge trail, the trailhead is located here.'Wildlife viewing
Wildlife viewing is accessible, as noted by Steven Hughes: 'There were rabbits and butterflies.' User reviews emphasize the peaceful natural environment and its suitability for observing wildlife.Winter Activities
The campground is closed during the winter months, as noted in user reviews like Rachel Delcau stating, 'Campground closed for winter.'Water Sports
Water sports are not mentioned, as no natural water bodies are located near the campground.Advertisement
Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Campfires are allowed using dead and downed wood only. Fireworks are prohibited.
- Quiet hours are 10 PM to 6 AM
Hazards
General hazardsPotential hazards include ticks noted in user reviews, as well as occasional road noise and nearby farm noise (e.g., roosters).
Weather at Pine Ridge Recreation Area
30
°F
Dec 7
Sunday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Strong wind, exercise caution
Humidity: 86%
High humidity, may feel muggy
Wind: 10.4 mph
Strong wind, exercise caution
Overcast
Weather History
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Detailed 7-Day Forecast
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Reveal forecast
Emergency Services
Closest emergency services are in New Bloomfield, Guthrie, and Ashland, which include ranger assistance, local police, and basic medical facilities.
Good to know
Peak season datesPeak season likely corresponds to warmer months (spring, summer) though not explicitly stated.
Trash and recyclingTrash facilities include a dumpster located within the campground. User reviews emphasize keeping the area clean, such as Matt W stating, 'Please pick up your trash and don't be afraid to pick up from other's. Lets keep the land clean!' No specific recycling facilities are mentioned.
Proximity to water featuresNo natural water features are immediately accessible without a long hike.
Common complaintsComplaints from reviews include minor road noise from motorcycles, lack of trail maps, occasional theft, and generator usage by campers.
HostA campground host is noted to be friendly and helpful in user reviews.
Campground Map
Pine Ridge Recreation Area, Mark Twain National Forest, Missouri
Driving directionsFrom New Bloomfield, head west on Route J for 1 mile; Where Route J splits with Route MM, turn right/north to stay on Route J towards Guthrie and travel for 2.7 miles; Then turn left/west onto Route Y and travel for 2.6 miles. The campground will be on your right.
The roads leading to the campground and campsite parking are asphalt-paved with no vehicle clearance restrictions noted. Accessibility is straightforward and suitable for standard vehicles and RVs.Nearby places
New Bloomfield (approx. 4 miles, 10 minutes)
Guthrie (approx. 3 miles, 8 minutes)
Ashland (approx. 15 miles, 15 minutes)
Columbia (approx. 20 miles, 20 minutes)
Nearby supplies
Closest supplies such as groceries and fuel can be found in Ashland, approximately 15 minutes away.
Reviews from booking and map sources
4.2
43 reviews
Pine Ridge Recreation Area is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews
Users generally rate Pine Ridge Recreation Area positively, highlighting its peaceful atmosphere, cleanliness, and proximity to hiking trails. However, some reviewers raised concerns about privacy at campsites, occasional noise, and theft incidents.
Review Summaries
Based on 43 reviews
What Campers Love
Well-maintained campsite amenities; clean vault toilets and water sources; scenic trails; spacious campsites; friendly camp host; proximity to nature and wildlife.
Based on 43 reviewsCommon Concerns
Noise from nearby roads and neighboring farms; theft incidents reported; limited amenities like no showers; occasional high traffic and dumpster noise.
Based on 43 reviewsPro Tips & Recommendations
Users recommend arriving early to secure a site, keeping belongings secure to avoid theft, and bringing extra supplies for primitive camping conditions. Additionally, they advise exploring the trails...
Based on 43 reviewsShow more
Seasonal Insights
Winter closure limits accessibility during colder months. Spring and fall are popular for hiking and camping; summer may bring ticks and higher temperatures.
Based on 43 reviewsCamper Quotes
'Overall great tent camping experience! Set in a picturesque pine forest, clean restroom, and multiple water spouts.' - Josh Albarelli
'Nice secluded campground that's only a twenty-minute drive from...
Based on 43 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Site-specific details include privacy variations, with some sites set back into the woods and others more exposed. Users recommend sites further from the road for quieter experiences.
Based on 43 reviewsAccessibility Features
Accessibility features like accessible tables, toilets, grills, and lantern posts are available. No user reviews specifically address these features.
Based on 43 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Numerous reviews confirm the campground's pet-friendly policies. Dogs are allowed but must be leashed. User recommendations include keeping pet waste and food stored securely. For example,...
Based on 43 reviewsShow more
Camper Reviews by Outdoorithm campers
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Last updated August 10, 2025
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