Sutton Bluff Recreation Area

Star4.05
177 reviews
PO BOX 460, Salem, MO, 65560, USA

Quick Facts

810 ft

Price

$10 - $40/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

32 campsites

Season

March 27 - October 3...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Check Policy

RV FriendlyElectricShowers

Opens U.S. Forest Service site

Official Website
Get Directions

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
Sutton Bluff Recreation Area
$10.00 - $40.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Fees range between $10 and $40 depending on the site type. Additional fees may apply for reservation changes or cancellations.
Standard Site Fee$20.00
Hookup Site Fee$30.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$40.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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Provider
573-729-6656
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What Campers Say

4.05

Satisfactory

Based on 177 reviews

115 Google reviews

Most mentioned

spaciouslocationwaterfriendly

"Reviews of Sutton Bluff Recreation Area vary widely, with some visitors praising the natural beauty, spacious sites, and family-friendly environment, while others criticize the lack of maintenance, unclean facilities, and absence of a camp host in some years. A recurring theme is the mixed quality of the restrooms and the need for onsite improvements."

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Campground Map

PO BOX 460, Salem, MO, 65560, USA

Sutton Bluff Recreation Area

PO BOX 460, Salem, MO, 65560, USA

Driving directionsFrom Centerville, Missouri, travel 3 miles northeast on Highway 21. Take County Road 907 northwest for 7 miles, then turn on County Road 849 and travel south for 3 miles to the campground.
The campground is accessible via paved roads, but Google Maps may direct users onto gravel roads that are unsuitable for most vehicles, especially those towing trailers. Visitors are advised to remain on paved roads as instructed in official directions. Some reviews indicate the roads leading into the campground can be narrow and challenging.
Nearby places
Centerville, MO (~6 miles), Lesterville, MO (~18 miles)
Nearby supplies
Centerville (~6 miles away) has basic supplies. Firewood and ice are available at the campground host (when present).

Best Time to Camp at Sutton Bluff Recreation Area

Nature's drama unfolds with seasonal changes at Sutton Bluff, where summer heat gives way to the perfect camping conditions of spring and fall. While the rainy season brings the spectacular power of flash floods that have carved this landscape for millennia, savvy campers know that autumn's crisp air and spring's wildflower blooms create ideal conditions for outdoor adventures. Plan your visit during these golden months to experience the Ozarks at their finest.

Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.0 / 5

Peak season for swimming, ATV use and camping; popular despite occasional maintenance issues.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.0 / 5

Fall offers perfect camping conditions and seasonal colors on Ozark trails.

Best
Spring(Mar-May)
4.0 / 5

Spring described as an ideal season; trails and river activities popular.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Campground is officially closed in winter (off-season Nov–Mar).

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: March 27 - October 30.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: March 27 - October 30 (reservable dates vary).

About Sutton Bluff Recreation Area

Discover your perfect basecamp at Sutton Bluff, where spacious campsites blend seamlessly with expansive open lawns and nature's own canopy of shade. This beloved destination draws adventure seekers from across the region, serving as a gateway for off-road enthusiasts eager to explore rugged terrain and hikers ready to conquer scenic trails that wind through the stunning Ozark wilderness.
The Sutton Bluff Recreation Area accommodates a variety of camping preferences, including RV and tent camping, as well as group camping facilities.
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Best Campsites

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Reserving a campsite

Check-in
11:00 AM
Check-out
12:00 PM
Stay Limit
14 nights maximum per visit.

Amenities available

Showers
Potable water
Electricity hookups
Flush toilets
Fire rings
Picnic tables

Activities you can enjoy

The campground offers a wide range of activities suitable for nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers. Visitors can engage in off-road vehicle trail riding, hiking, swimming, biking, fishing, and wildlife viewing. Access to the West Fork of the Black River provides opportunities for serene wading and fishing.
HikingThe Karkaghne section of the Ozark Trail, accessible within a mile of the campground, is popular with hikers, backpackers, and mountain bikers. User reviews suggest some trails are 'overgrown' and 'rough,' so preparation is recommended.
FishingAnglers can enjoy fishing in the West Fork of the Black River, with species such as bass and bluegill available.
SwimmingThe West Fork of the Black River offers serene waters for wading and swimming. A natural gravel beach enhances the experience, although the current is too slow for floating.
BikingMountain biking is popular, particularly on the Ozark Trail nearby. Some trails are accessible directly from the campground.
Wildlife viewingThe area is rich in natural scenery and songbirds, providing ample opportunities for wildlife observation.
Beach activitiesThe natural gravel beach along the West Fork of the Black River allows for sunbathing and relaxing by the water.
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsFlash floods can occur during rainy seasons. Visitors should avoid gravel roads as they may be impassable for trailers and vehicles.
No Cell ServiceCell phone service is not available at this campground. Plan accordingly for emergencies and download offline maps before arriving.

Weather at Sutton Bluff Recreation Area

Reviews

4.1
177 reviews
Satisfactory
Satisfactory
Sutton Bluff Recreation Area is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews
Reviews of Sutton Bluff Recreation Area vary widely, with some visitors praising the natural beauty, spacious sites, and family-friendly environment, while others criticize the lack of maintenance, unclean facilities, and absence of a camp host in some years. A recurring theme is the mixed quality of the restrooms and the need for onsite improvements.
Review Summaries
Based on 177 reviews

What Campers Love

Visitors frequently highlight the campground's natural beauty, its proximity to the river, and the spaciousness of campsites. One user noted, 'Great campground in a beautiful location with a very...
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Based on 177 reviews

Common Concerns

Common complaints include issues with unclean restrooms and showers, as well as the lack of a camp host during certain seasons. One reviewer commented, 'Restrooms were a mess...trash overflowing,'...
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Based on 177 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Visitors recommend booking electric sites well in advance and bringing cleaning supplies for the restrooms. One reviewer advised, 'Make sure to check the weather, the area is prone to flash floods!'
Based on 177 reviews

Seasonal Insights

The campground is most popular in the summer, with visitors enjoying swimming and ATV trails. However, some reviews note that maintenance declines during busy seasons, and the absence of a camp host...
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Based on 177 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'Steve, the camp host, is awesome!' 2. 'Bathrooms/Showers are TERRIBLE! Need to be bulldozed and rebuilt.' 3. 'Large campsites. Mostly vacant during the week.' 4. 'The West Fork of the Black River...
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Based on 177 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Sites #29, #32, and #33 are noted for having parking spaces too short for large RVs. Sites #4 and #6 are highlighted for their large size, but site #6 lacks shade.
Based on 177 reviews

Accessibility Features

Restrooms are noted to be far from some sites, which can be challenging for visitors with disabilities. One user commented, 'It makes it kinda hard for someone with a disability in the middle of the...
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Based on 177 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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