How much does camping cost at Pine Ridge Recreation Area?

Camping fees at Pine Ridge 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.

Is Pine Ridge Recreation Area first-come first-served or reservation?

Pine Ridge Recreation Area operates on a first-come, first-served basis. All 8 campsites are first-come, first-serve. User reviews note that spots may fill early during peak seasons.

What is the best time to visit Pine Ridge Recreation Area?

Pine Ridge Recreation Area is open Peak season likely corresponds to warmer months (spring, summer) though not explicitly stated.. 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 Pine Ridge Recreation Area?

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

Can I have a campfire at Pine Ridge Recreation Area?

Fire policies at Pine Ridge Recreation Area: Campfires are allowed using dead and downed wood only. Fireworks are prohibited.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

How many campsites does Pine Ridge Recreation Area have?

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

Are dogs allowed at Pine Ridge Recreation Area?

Yes, pets are allowed at Pine Ridge 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 Pine Ridge Recreation Area?

Pine Ridge 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 Pine Ridge Recreation Area?

Popular activities at Pine Ridge Recreation Area include Hiking, Biking, Wildlife Viewing. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Pine Ridge Recreation Area

4.14

113 reviews

Pine Ridge Recreation Area, Mark Twain National Forest, Missouri

Stargazing

Featured in:Primitive Camping Missouri

Quick Facts

801 ft

Price

$15/night

Booking

First-Come

Sites

8 campsites

Season

Open April 15 - Dece...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Check Availability Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

801 ft

Price

$15/night

Booking

First-Come

Sites

8 campsites

Season

Open April 15 - Dece...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Check Availability Official Website

Get Directions

Pine Ridge Recreation Area

$15.00 - $15.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Camping Discount There is a 50% discount for camping for anyone with an Interagency Access or Senior Pass . The discount applies only to the fee for...

Standard Site Fee$15.00

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USFS

Provider

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

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Campground Map

Pine Ridge Recreation Area, Mark Twain National Forest, Missouri

Pine Ridge Recreation Area

Pine Ridge Recreation Area, Mark Twain National Forest, Missouri

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.

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.

Weather at Pine Ridge Recreation Area

Best Time to Camp at Pine Ridge Recreation Area

Fall delivers the best conditions. September through October brings daytime highs of 55–75°F, dropping to 40–55°F by November. The oak-hickory forest puts on a color show, and wildlife activity picks up. Hiking and biking are at their peak. Crowds stay moderate but increase on crisp weekend days. Summer is humid. Reviewers mention bugs. Winter offers solitude but colder, drier air. Spring brings wildflowers but also ticks, according to camper feedback.

Best

Spring(Mar-May)

4.0 / 5

Spring popular for hiking and camping; pleasant weather and active wildlife.

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 April 15 - December 1, 2026

About Pine Ridge Recreation Area

Pine Ridge Recreation Area sits within Mark Twain National Forest near New Bloomfield, offering eight campsites spread across a small loop. Sites include fire rings, picnic tables, and vault toilets. Fees run $15 per night. The campground accommodates tents and RVs up to 34 feet, with spacious gaps between sites. Over a hundred feet in some cases.

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 Significance

The Civilian Conservation Corps planted the short-leaf pines during the 1930s. The trees have since grown into a mature forest that shapes the campground's character today.

Weather and SeasonsFall delivers the best conditions. September through October brings daytime highs of 55–75°F, dropping to 40–55°F by November. The oak-hickory forest puts on a color show, and wildlife activity picks up. Hiking and biking are at their peak. Crowds stay moderate but increase on crisp weekend days. Summer is humid. Reviewers mention bugs. Winter offers solitude but colder, drier air. Spring brings wildflowers but also ticks, according to camper feedback.

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 SceneryThe campground blends planted short-leaf pine forests with native oak-hickory woodlands and scattered tallgrass prairie remnants. The pines, planted by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s, have matured into a tall canopy that defines much of the landscape. Oak-hickory stands fill the gaps, and prairie patches support seasonal wildflowers. Elevation sits at 801 feet. Deer and other wildlife move through the area, especially during fall. The mix of ecosystems creates varied scenery depending on where you camp. Some sites sit deep in the pines, others occupy more open, lawn-like settings with scattered trees.

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.

Scenic ViewsPicturesque views of the surrounding pine forest are a highlight. Some campsites are set back into the woods providing greater privacy and immersion into nature.

Lodging & AccommodationsThere are no hotel-style lodgings mentioned in the authoritative content or user reviews.

Programs & ActivitiesThere are no cultural or educational programs mentioned in authoritative content or user reviews.

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 camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are not allowed

Site layoutEight sites arranged in a small loop. Three sit back in the woods. The rest occupy a lawn area with scattered trees. Spacing is generous. One reviewer noted over a hundred feet between sites, which is unusual compared to more crowded campgrounds.

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.

AccessibilityTables, toilets, grills, and lantern posts are accessible.

Site 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.

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 SitesSelect campsites set back into the woods for greater privacy. User reviews recommend arriving early during peak season to secure the best spots.

Best CampsitesSites set back into the woods offer more privacy and forest immersion, according to reviews. These are quieter than the lawn-area sites with scattered trees.

Amenities available

RV Camping: No hookups available at this location.

Potable water

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

I manage this campground

RV details

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

Wildlife viewing

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsPotential hazards include ticks noted in user reviews, as well as occasional road noise and nearby farm noise (e.g., roosters).

No Flush ToiletsFlush toilets are not available at this site; reviews and authoritative content confirm the presence of vault toilets instead.

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.

No Dump StationThere is no dump station at this campground. Plan to use a dump station along your route or at a nearby facility before or after your stay.

Fire PolicyCampfires are allowed using dead and downed wood only. Fireworks are prohibited.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours are 10 PM to 6 AM

Emergency ServicesClosest emergency services are in New Bloomfield, Guthrie, and Ashland, which include ranger assistance, local police, and basic medical facilities.

Trash & 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.

Water FeaturesNo natural water features are immediately accessible without a long hike.

Camp HostA campground host is noted to be friendly and helpful in user reviews.

Trip Planning Tools

Set an AlertGet notified when sites open up Check WeatherHistorical weather data Gear for This TripMatched gear recommendations Packing ListCustomizable checklist

Questions & answers

Researching this campground? Ask anything — other campers and our team will weigh in. No visit required.

Tips from campers

Short heads-ups about the road in, gear quirks, timing, and more. You don't have to have been here to share what you know.

Reviews

From Booking Sources

4.1

113 reviews

Satisfactory

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 113 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 113 reviews

Common Concerns

Noise from nearby roads and neighboring farms; theft incidents reported; limited amenities like no showers; occasional high traffic and dumpster noise.

Based on 113 reviews

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 113 reviews

Pro 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 113 reviews

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 113 reviews

Camper 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 113 reviews

Accessibility Features

Accessibility features like accessible tables, toilets, grills, and lantern posts are available. No user reviews specifically address these features.

Based on 113 reviews

Pet-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 113 reviews

Outdoorithm Community

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Go if

Mountain bikers and hikers who want to camp at the trailhead: Cedar Creek's 36 miles of loops start here, the wooded sites sit over a hundred feet apart, and a friendly host keeps things clean. Seniors and Access Pass holders cut the already-cheap fee in half.

Skip if

Theft incidents in reviews mean anything left out is a risk. RVs needing hookups won't find them, there are no showers, and a few campers have reported feeling unwelcome from staff or neighbors, so if that kind of friction would ruin a trip, the wooded privacy may not be enough.

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Reservable

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Campgrounds

Mark Twain National Forest

Pine Ridge Recreation Area

From the U.S. Forest Service

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

Overview

This campground and day use area is located in a pine forest. The short-leaf pine surrounding the area was planted by the CCC in the 1930’s.This is popular spot for visitors using the 36-mile <a href="http://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/mtnf/recreation/recarea/?recid=21804">Cedar Creek Trail</a> to stop for the night.A large field in the day use area is perfect for tossing around a frisbee.

Open Season: Mid-April – December 1st