How much does camping cost at Sutton Bluff Recreation Area?

Camping fees at Sutton Bluff Recreation Area are $10 - $40/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Sutton Bluff Recreation Area first-come first-served or reservation?

Sutton Bluff Recreation Area accepts online reservations. We recommend booking in advance, especially during peak season (typically summer weekends). Use campsite alerts to get notified when spots become available.

Can I see photos of campsites at Sutton Bluff Recreation Area before I book?

Yes! Sutton Bluff Recreation Area has 5 campsite photos on Outdoorithm, contributed by campers who've stayed there. Browse real photos of individual sites to see what to expect before you reserve. You can also add your own photos after your trip to help the next family plan theirs.

What is the best time to visit Sutton Bluff Recreation Area?

Sutton Bluff Recreation Area is open April 02 to October 30. 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 Sutton Bluff Recreation Area?

Yes, Sutton Bluff Recreation Area has shower facilities available for campers. Check the amenities section for details on hours and any fees.

How many campsites does Sutton Bluff Recreation Area have?

Sutton Bluff Recreation Area has 32 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Sutton Bluff Recreation Area?

Pets are not allowed at Sutton Bluff Recreation Area. This policy helps protect local wildlife and other campers. Consider nearby pet-friendly campgrounds if traveling with animals.

What amenities are available at Sutton Bluff Recreation Area?

Sutton Bluff Recreation Area offers: Restrooms, Showers, Potable Water, Electrical Hookups. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Sutton Bluff Recreation Area?

Popular activities at Sutton Bluff Recreation Area include Hiking, Fishing, Swimming, Biking, Boating, Wildlife Viewing. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Sutton Bluff Recreation Area

Q: Can I have a campfire at Sutton Bluff Recreation Area?

Fire policies at Sutton Bluff Recreation Area: Don't move firewood: To limit the spread of invasive tree-killing pests, firewood from outside the area is not permitted. Some states have quarantines and may confiscate your firewood. Please help protect our forests from invasive species by obtaining your firewood at or near your camping destination and burning it on-site. Visit dontmovefirewood.org for more information.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

4.27

273 reviews

PO BOX 460, Salem, MO, 65560, USA

Top 19% in MOSummer

C-Report Card

StargazingGreat for Groups

Featured in:Best Campgrounds Missouri

Quick Facts

810 ft

Price

$10 - $40/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

32 campsites

Season

March 27 - October 3...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Check Policy

ElectricShowers

Book on U.S. Forest Service Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

810 ft

Price

$10 - $40/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

32 campsites

Season

March 27 - October 3...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Check Policy

ElectricShowers

Book on U.S. Forest Service Official Website

Get Directions

Sutton Bluff Recreation Area

$10.00 - $40.00 / night

Campsite Fees

CAMP-STANDARD ELECTRIC: $20.00; GROUP SHELTER NONELECTRIC: $25.00; GROUP STANDARD NONELECTRIC: $40.00; STANDARD ELECTRIC-$30: $30.00; STANDARD...

Group Site Fee$40.00

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Provider

573-729-6656

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Campground Map

PO BOX 460, Salem, MO, 65560, USA

Sutton Bluff Recreation Area

PO BOX 460, Salem, MO, 65560, USA

Nearby places

Centerville, MO (~6 miles), Lesterville, MO (~18 miles)

Weather at Sutton Bluff Recreation Area

Current alerts(5)

Additional fees will be collected at the recreation area for extra vehicles
Click here for more information on the Mark Twain National Forest
Livestock, including horses, are not permitted at the recreation area
Permits are required for off-road vehicle use on Forest Service trails

Best Time to Camp at Sutton Bluff Recreation Area

Best season: summer. Summer offers the warmest water and fullest access to river-based recreation—expect daytime highs around 85–95°F (29–35°C) and nighttime lows in the mid-60s to low-70s (18–23°C), ideal for swimming, paddling, and evening campfires. Trails and ATV/ORV routes are fully passable and fishing for bass and catfish is at its peak, while long daylight hours let you fit more hiking and biking into the day. Weekends and holiday weeks are busiest, so visit midweek or early/late summer (June or September)if Peak months: June, July, September, May Avoid: November, December, January, February

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.5 / 5

Top 19% in MO

Best season for swimming and river recreation; summer is peak season per overview and reviews.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: April 02 to October 30. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: March 27 - October 30 (reservable dates vary).

About Sutton Bluff Recreation Area

Sutton Bluff Recreation Area sits along the Black River in Mark Twain National Forest near Centerville, Missouri, operated by the U.S. Forest Service. This mid-sized campground offers electric hookups, showers, and direct river access for swimming, fishing, and boating. Spacious sites accommodate tents, RVs, and groups, with trails and wildlife viewing opportunities throughout the surrounding forest.

The Sutton Bluff Recreation Area accommodates a variety of camping preferences, including RV and tent camping, as well as group camping facilities.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: summer. Summer offers the warmest water and fullest access to river-based recreation—expect daytime highs around 85–95°F (29–35°C) and nighttime lows in the mid-60s to low-70s (18–23°C), ideal for swimming, paddling, and evening campfires. Trails and ATV/ORV routes are fully passable and fishing for bass and catfish is at its peak, while long daylight hours let you fit more hiking and biking into the day. Weekends and holiday weeks are busiest, so visit midweek or early/late summer (June or September)if Peak months: June, July, September, May Avoid: November, December, January, February

Elevation810 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryShort-leaf pines rise from rocky soils above the West Fork of the Black River, which has carved scenic corridors through ancient rock formations. Native shrubs cover the forest floor. The river runs clear enough for swimming, and the terrain supports both hiking trails and ATV routes. Sites sit close enough to the water that you'll hear it from camp.

Lodging & AccommodationsNo hotel-style lodging is available, but the campground offers various camping accommodations including tent and RV sites.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

14 nights maximum per visit.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Varies by campsite type.

Groups

The group site accommodates up to 32 guests and includes amenities such as grills and tables.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made through Recreation.gov.

AccessibilityAccessible vault and flush toilets are provided. Some sites are near the river, and the group picnic pavilion is accessible.

Site SizeVaried campsite sizes, with some sites noted as 'large' by users. However, sites #29, #32, and #33 have short parking spaces unsuitable for large RVs.

PrivacyThe sites offer a mix of privacy levels. One user noted, 'Large sites,' while another highlighted issues with proximity by mentioning campers 'walking onto our site.

Total Campsites32 campsites

Recommended SitesChoose sites with electric hookups early as they book quickly. Avoid sites with short parking spaces if towing a trailer.

Best CampsitesSites are described as large, though spacing varies enough that some campers reported neighbors walking onto their sites. Avoid sites 29, 32, and 33 if you're towing a large RV or trailer. Their parking spaces run short.

Need help booking Sutton Bluff Recreation Area?

Reservation tips, booking windows, and free cancellation alerts.

Recreation.gov Guide

Booking tips & windows

When to Book

Find your booking window

Cancellation Alerts

Free alerts for this campground

Amenities available

The Sutton Bluff Recreation Area offers a variety of amenities catering to both tent campers and RV users. The campground features multiple single-family sites and a large group site which can accommodate up to 32 guests. Essential facilities include accessible vault and flush toilets, hot showers, and potable water. Each campsite is equipped with picnic tables and campfire rings, some of which include grills. Electric hookups are available for RVs. Firewood and ice can be purchased from the campground host when available. Additionally, the campground provides a group picnic pavilion equipped with about 10 tables and grills, ideal for family functions or reunions. However, some user reviews have noted issues such as unclean restrooms and showers, with one reviewer stating, 'Bathrooms/Showers are TERRIBLE! Need to be bulldozed and rebuilt.'

Showers

Potable water

Electricity hookups

Flush toilets

Fire rings

Picnic tables

I manage this campground

RV details

Things to do at Sutton Bluff Recreation Area

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.

Hiking4.0/5

Karkaghne section of the Ozark Trail accessible within a mile; trails and scenic rock corridors nearby.

Fishing4.0/5

Swimming4.0/5

West Fork runs clear enough for wading and swimming; natural gravel beach and summer is peak season.

Biking4.0/5Top 13% in Missouri

Mountain biking popular on the nearby Ozark Trail; some trails accessible directly from campground.

Wildlife viewing4.0/5

Water Sports3.5/5

River access supports non-motorized craft such as kayaks, though no launch facilities listed.

Not sure what to pack?Our complete camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

No Cell ServiceCell phone service is not available at this campground. Plan accordingly for emergencies and download offline maps before arriving.

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 PolicyDon't move firewood: To limit the spread of invasive tree-killing pests, firewood from outside the area is not permitted. Some states have quarantines and may confiscate your firewood. Please help protect our forests from invasive species by obtaining your firewood at or near your camping destination and burning it on-site. Visit dontmovefirewood.org for more information.

Trash & RecyclingTrash facilities are available, but user reviews have noted issues such as 'trash cans overflowing' and a lack of maintenance.

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

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From Booking Sources

4.3

273 reviews

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 273 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...

Based on 273 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,'...

Based on 273 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 273 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 273 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...

Based on 273 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...

Based on 273 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...

Based on 273 reviews

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Sutton Bluff Recreation Area

$10.00 - $40.00 / night

Campsite Fees

CAMP-STANDARD ELECTRIC: $20.00; GROUP SHELTER NONELECTRIC: $25.00; GROUP STANDARD NONELECTRIC: $40.00; STANDARD ELECTRIC-$30: $30.00; STANDARD...

Group Site Fee$40.00

Get Notified When Available

We'll monitor this campground and alert you the moment sites become available.

Free to start · paid plans add 2-min scans

263,000+ sites monitored · Email alerts to start; SMS and in-app with an account

Learn more about alerts →

Share this campground

Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

573-729-6656

Go if

You want river access with electric hookups and don't mind seasonal operation or occasional maintenance issues.

Skip if

You need consistently maintained facilities or a quieter atmosphere without generator or music noise.

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Loggers Lake Recreation Area sits on the southeast shore of a 22-acre spring-fed lake in Shannon County's Mark Twain National Forest. The campground has 14 sites for tents and small RVs (up to 30 feet), with vault toilets, potable water, and paved parking aprons. There's no cell service for miles. Sites run $10-20 per night.

Sutton Bluff Recreation Area

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