Pinewoods Lake Rec Area

Star4.36
85 reviews
Pinewoods Lake Rec Area

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Year-round

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Unknown

Pets

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Pinewoods Lake Rec Area
No fees available
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$0.00
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$0.00

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What Campers Say

4.36

Recommended

Based on 85 reviews

94 Google reviews

Most mentioned

quietpeacefulcleanrestrooms

"Reviewers are overwhelmingly positive about Pinewoods Lake Rec Area, consistently giving 5-star ratings and calling it a quiet, beautiful, and clean place to camp or take a break. People appreciate that it’s (currently) free, scenic, and peaceful, with a small lake, walking trail, and basic facilities like pit toilets. Several comments emphasize that it’s a great stop for a night or a short stay rather than a full-service campground."

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About Pinewoods Lake Rec Area

Tucked into the heart of Mark Twain National Forest, Pinewoods Lake Recreation Area welcomes day visitors to explore 32 acres of pristine lake waters surrounded by dense woodland. Whether you're casting a line from the accessible shoreline, meandering along shaded trails, or gathering your family for a lakeside picnic, this peaceful retreat offers an intimate escape into Missouri's natural beauty.
The provided information describes day-use recreation facilities (trail, picnic shelter, fishing and boat ramp) and does not specify camping types or on-site accommodations.
Natural Features and SceneryThe crystalline waters of the 32-acre lake mirror the canopy of towering trees that embrace its shoreline, creating a secluded sanctuary for nature lovers. As you wander the trails or settle in along the water's edge, you'll be serenaded by songbirds flitting through the branches overhead. Spring and summer bring waves of wildflowers that paint the forest floor in brilliant colors, while patient observers are often rewarded with glimpses of deer, wild turkey, and other woodland creatures moving quietly through their natural habitat.
Geological RegionThis recreation area lies within the southeastern quadrant of Mark Twain National Forest in southeastern Missouri, where the ancient Ozark highlands begin their gentle descent toward the Mississippi River valley. The landscape here reflects millions of years of geological history, characterized by rolling hills, dense hardwood forests, and spring-fed waterways that have shaped this corner of the Show-Me State into a haven for outdoor recreation.
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Campsite details

AccessibilityMost of the 1.3-mile walking trail has a concrete surface and is accessible; vault toilets are accessible.
Total Campsitesnull campsites

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Reserving a campsite

Tents
Tents are not allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed

Site layoutDay-use picnic shelter (capacity up to 75 people) with tables and large grills; accessible vault toilets; 1.3-mile mostly concrete accessible walking trail around the lake; floating fishing pier and concrete boat ramp.

Amenities available

Picnic tables
Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

Primary activities are walking/hiking on an accessible 1.3-mile loop around the 32-acre lake, fishing from a floating pier or from boats launched at a concrete ramp, and wildlife viewing along the trail and lakeshore.
Hiking
A 1.3-mile loop trail circles the lake; most of the trail is concrete, relatively flat and accessible, providing lake views and wildflowers.
Fishing
A floating fishing pier and a concrete boat ramp are available; anglers can fish for bass, sunfish and catfish.
Boating
Concrete boat ramp available for launching boats; floating pier present (primarily noted for fishing).
Wildlife viewing
Trail and lake provide views of songbirds, other wildlife and an abundance of wildflowers.
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Campground rules

  • Pets are not allowed

Hazards


Weather at Pinewoods Lake Rec Area

32
°F
Dec 11
Thursday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Humidity: 69%
Wind: 6.1 mph
Clear sky

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Good to know

Trash and recyclingNo trash collection service; visitors must carry out all garbage.
Proximity to water featuresAdjacent to Pinewoods Lake (32-acre). A 1.3-mile trail circles the lake; facilities include a floating fishing pier and a concrete boat ramp.

Campground Map

Pinewoods Lake Rec Area
Driving directionsFrom Poplar Bluff, Missouri, go 7 miles north on U.S. Highway 67, then travel 16 miles east on U.S. Highway 60.
Access described via U.S. Highway 67 and U.S. Highway 60 (directions given from Poplar Bluff).
Nearby places
Ellsinore — 3 miles
Poplar Bluff — directions provided (7 miles north on US-67, then 16 miles east on US-60).
Nearby supplies
Ellsinore (3 miles) has a few dining options, a grocery store and a fuel station.

Reviews from booking and map sources

4.4
85 reviews
Recommended
Recommended
Pinewoods Lake Rec Area is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews
Reviewers are overwhelmingly positive about Pinewoods Lake Rec Area, consistently giving 5-star ratings and calling it a quiet, beautiful, and clean place to camp or take a break. People appreciate that it’s (currently) free, scenic, and peaceful, with a small lake, walking trail, and basic facilities like pit toilets. Several comments emphasize that it’s a great stop for a night or a short stay rather than a full-service campground.
Review Summaries
Based on 85 reviews

What Campers Love

Campers love that this is a free or low-cost national forest campground with large, semi-level sites that can accommodate tents and RVs. The setting around the small lake is repeatedly described as...
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Based on 85 reviews

Common Concerns

The most commonly mentioned drawbacks are the lack of water and showers on-site; multiple reviewers explicitly note there is “no water or showers” or “No Water.” One reviewer mentions some trash...
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Based on 85 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Reviewers advise bringing all your own supplies, especially water, since there is no water or showers available. Several comments stress packing out trash and keeping sites clean so the area remains...
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Based on 85 reviews

Camper Quotes

“BEST FREE CAMP 14 DAYS FREE no water or showers but has large spaces for any rigs and tents.” “Nice small national forest campground. There are pit toilets. All sites had spots for RVs, only a few...
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Based on 85 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

One reviewer notes that all sites can accommodate RVs, but only a few have good, flat spots suitable for tents, implying some sites are more level than others. Another mentions “Parking spot 2 and...
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Based on 85 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

One reviewer mentions stopping to “walk our pugs,” indicating that dogs are allowed and people do bring pets for walks around the lake and campground. No additional details about pet-specific rules...
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Based on 85 reviews

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Last updated December 10, 2025
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