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Council Bluff Recreation Area

Mark Twain National Forest, Missouri

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As of October 2026, Council Bluff Recreation Area is a campground in Mark Twain National Forest, Missouri with 37 campsites. Council Bluff Recreation Area is booked through Recreation.gov.

PermitSnag checks Council Bluff Recreation Area for availability and tells alert holders when a site opens up.
Council Bluff Recreation Area is located at 37.7083° N, 90.9417° W.

people allowed on 28 of 37 sites: 8
people allowed on each of the 4 largest sites: 74

Council Bluff Recreation Area reservations and next available dates

October 2026

November 2026

open, tap to book on Recreation.govsold outin your alert

Stay and booking rules

Reservations close: 4 day(s) prior to arrival

Published by Recreation.gov for Council Bluff Recreation Area, read on September 30, 2026.

Campsites at Council Bluff Recreation Area

31317371579111539414345ABCD135791921232526272829303132D333435

Standard 33
Group 4

What an RV fits

30 ft27 sites
40 ft5 sites

Amenities

restrooms
showers
potable water

At a glance: Setting: Forest · Access: Paved road.

Things to do: fishing, boating, swimming, hiking, wildlife, climbing, photography.

All sites at Council Bluff Recreation Area, as listed by Recreation.gov

Site	Loop	Type	Sleeps	Max RV
003	COUN	Standard	13	30 ft
013	COUN	Standard	13	30 ft
017	COUN	Standard	13	30 ft
037	COUN	Standard	13	30 ft
001	GRPA	Standard	8	30 ft
005	GRPA	Standard	8	30 ft
007	GRPA	Standard	8	30 ft
009	GRPA	Standard	8	30 ft
011	GRPA	Standard	8	30 ft
015	GRPA	Standard	8	30 ft
039	GRPA	Standard	8	30 ft
041	GRPA	Standard	8	30 ft
043	GRPA	Standard	8	30 ft
045	GRPA	Standard	8	30 ft
A	GRPA	Group	74	30 ft
B	GRPA	Group	74	30 ft
C	GRPA	Group	74	30 ft
D	GRPA	Group	74	30 ft
001	L1WK	Standard	8	-

Site	Loop	Type	Sleeps	Max RV
003	L1WK	Standard	8	-
005	L1WK	Standard	8	-
007	L1WK	Standard	8	-
009	L1WK	Standard	8	-
019	L2SG	Standard	8	30 ft
021	L2SG	Standard	8	30 ft
023	L2SG	Standard	8	30 ft
025	L2SG	Standard	8	30 ft
026	L2SG	Standard	8	40 ft
027	L2SG	Standard	8	30 ft
028	L2SG	Standard	8	40 ft
029	L2SG	Standard	8	30 ft
030	L2SG	Standard	8	40 ft
031	L2SG	Standard	8	30 ft
032D	L2SG	Standard	13	40 ft
033	L2SG	Standard	8	30 ft
034	L2SG	Standard	8	40 ft
035	L2SG	Standard	8	30 ft

About Council Bluff Recreation Area

Overview

The Council Bluff Recreation Area is perfect for anyone looking to enjoy the outdoors. The Wild Boar Campground and sheltered picnic area, available for individual families or large groups, is next to the largest lake in the Mark Twain National Forest. The area provides ample opportunities for camping, picnicking, hiking, fishing, swimming and more.

Recreation

Boating 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.

Canoeing, swimming and fishing are 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.

Waterfowl hunting is permitted 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.

Facilities

The Wild Boar Ridge Campground offers multiple single-family, large group and walk-in sites, available for tent and RV camping. Each is equipped with tables, lantern posts and campfire rings or campfire circles, with grills.

The large group sites can accommodate up to 50 people and a nearby picnic pavilion can hold up to 75. The pavilion is paved, with a roof overhead and is equipped with multiple tables and grills.

Accessible vault toilets and drinking water are provided. Electricity is not available, but some sites will accommodate RVs up to 40 feet in length. Some sites are available on a first-come, first-served basis.

The beach provides accessible flush toilets, drinking water and coin-operated showers. A small play area with a slide and climbing structure is adjacent to the beach.

Natural Features

Located in southern Missouri, the Council Bluff Lake was created by a dam across Big River. It is 440 acres in size and 87 feet deep in some places.

The Chapel Hill Beach is at the eastern end of the campground and provides 54,000 square-feet of sandy beach. Visitors can either walk or drive to the lake.

Nearby Attractions

The Trace Creek section of the Ozark Trail is located just west of the recreation area.

Rules and notices at Council Bluff Recreation Area

Recreation.gov does not date these notices. We last read them on September 30, 2026. Check Council Bluff Recreation Area on Recreation.gov

Notices from Recreation.gov

Drinking water is not available in the campground from Nov. 1 to April 1.

Additional fees are collected for use of the boat ramp

Additional fees are charged for parking

Horses and off-road vehicles are prohibited in developed areas

Click Here for more information on the Mark Twain National Forest

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.

Recreation.gov permit and campground cancellations →

Council Bluff Recreation Area FAQ

How hard is it to get a campsite at Council Bluff Recreation Area?

Council Bluff Recreation Area is rated "Moderate to Book" based on historical demand. With 37 sites available, you have good chances of finding availability, especially on weekdays.

How do I find last-minute availability at Council Bluff Recreation Area?

Cancellations happen frequently at Council Bluff Recreation Area, especially 1-2 weeks before check-in dates. PermitSnag monitors availability 24/7 and sends instant alerts when sites open up due to cancellations. This is often the best way to snag popular campsites.

How many campsites does Council Bluff Recreation Area have?

Council Bluff Recreation Area has 37 campsites.