Council Bluff Recreation Area
The numbers that decide it
- Longest rig
- 40 ft
- Sites
- 57
- Electric hookups
- Not published
- Pull-through sites
- No
- Paved access
- Yes
- Accessible sites
- Not published
- Driveway grade
- Slight
- Bear boxes
- Not published
- Campfires
- No
- Shade
- Yes
- Group sites
- 11
Site-level detail from Recreation.gov, checked 2026-08-05. Where a field says “not published”, the agency has not published it — it does not mean zero. See it on Recreation.gov
Council Bluff Recreation Area
The Council Bluff Recreation Area, located next to the largest lake on the Mark Twain National Forest, is perfect for anyone looking to enjoy the outdoors. The area provides ample opportunities for camping, picnicking, hiking, fishing, swimming and more. The site is large and spread out, the campground and beach are about a 1 mile hike apart, the hike/bike is downhill from the campground to the beach, but uphill coming back. Located in southern Missouri, the Council Bluff Lake was created by a dam built across Big River. It is 440 acres in size and 87 feet deep in some places. The Wild Boar Campground and sheltered picnic area are available for individual families or large groups. The Chapel Hill Beach is at the eastern end of the campground and provides 1.25 acres of sandy beach. The beach is accessible via a short walkway from the parking area. Boating and paddling is a popular pastime on the lake, but all boats on the lake must operate at a no-wake speed. Visitors can access the water via the two boat ramps located at the lake. Fishing is also available. Anglers can expect a catch of a variety of freshwater fish, including bass, bluegills, catfish and crappies. The 12-mile Council Bluff Trail encircles the lake, with spurs to the campground. Hikers can enjoy scenic views of the lake and a look at the Mark Twain wilderness. The Ozark Trail connects to the Council Bluff Trail at Trace Creek mile 15. Waterfowl hunting is allowed on Council Bluff Lake and the nearby Enough Fields provide upland game opportunities. A variety of wildlife makes its home in the heavily wooded area. A Printable Brochure and map is available.
Before you go
Season
April 24, 2025
Reservations
Reservations accepted
Fees
Day Use • $5/day • 20 people - $10/day • 74 people - $50/day Campsite (Non-Electric): • Single - $15/night • Double - $25/night • Group Campsite • 1 - 50 people: $50/night • 51 - 74 people: $100/night
Hours
Campground Quiet Hours - 10 pm - 6 pm
Restrictions
No food, glass containers or pets on beach. • Boat motors are limited to 10 horsepower or must be operated at a no wake speed if larger than 10 horsepower. • Horses and off-road vehicles are prohibited in developed areas. • Equestrian use is prohibited on Council Bluff Lake Trail • Fireworks are prohibited. • Campsite parking allows for two vehicles per site. Park only in designated parking areas. • No more than 8 people are permitted at single sites (16 for double sites). • Dogs must be on a 6 foot leash in the campground. • Only collect dead and downed wood for campfires. • Jet skis are prohibited on the lake
Accessibility
There are handicap parking spaces at the beach parking lot. The restrooms are handicap accessible at all locations. The majority of the campsites are accessible, however, some sites have stairs down to them.
Scenic drives that pass close
Make it a night on a better road
Byway plans the drive in — real stops, real weather, nothing invented.