Site Open

Pine Ridge Recreation Area - Day Use and Picnic Area

This campground and day use area is located in a pine forest. The short-leaf pine surrounding the area was planted by the CCC in the 1930’s.

A large field in the day use area is perfect for tossing around a frisbee.

This is popular spot for visitors using the 36-mile Cedar Creek Trail to stop for the night. The trailhead provides access to the Pine Ridge Section of the trail.

Pine Ridge Section

Length: 2.8 miles
Trail Markers: grey diamonds
Average Trail Grade: 10 - 12%
Difficulty: moderate, there are some slopes and stream crossings
Surface Type: unsurfaced, native material

The Pine Ridge Section is 2.8 miles and passes through Pine Ridge Recreation Area . It connects from Y Highway on the east side of the Southern Loop up to Smith Creek Loop. You can start this section at Pine Ridge Recreation Area and hike to Dry Fork Campground. From Y highway to southern loop connection the trail is a Y shape, one segment goes into the campground and is foot traffic only, the other segment is open to horses. This section is marked with grey diamonds.

General Information

Camping

Dispersed camping is allowed along the trail. There are no designated sites and no amenities.

Pine Ridge Recreation Area - This quiet campground in the pine forest has eight individual campsites, each with its own table, fire ring, lantern post and grill. There is a dumpster located in the campground.

Safety:

During temperate months, be prepared for biting insects, poison ivy and high temperatures.
A good map and compass , along with knowledge of utilizing these, are strongly suggested.
Be aware of hunting seasons.

For more safety tips visit the Safety section of the website.

Available Maps

Cedar Creek Trail System - PDF

Visit Visitor Maps and Guides for information on available Forest Visitor Maps, Topographic Maps, and Mobile App/Interactive Maps.

Campground

Open 24 Hours a day to campers.
Quiet Hours: 10:00 PM to 6:00 AM

Day Use Hours:

6:00 AM to 10:00 PM

Permits

No forest recreation permits are needed to access this trail.
No forest recreation permits are needed to access this trailhead.

When visiting, please remember

No more than 8 people are permitted at single sites.
Only collect dead and downed wood for campfires.

On the Trail

Trail is open to hiking, biking and equestrian use.
- The Pine Ridge Section is hike/bike only.
No motorized vehicles are allowed on the trail or past designated parking areas.
Dogs are allowed on hiking trails, please ensure they are under control.
- Leashing is encouraged. Unleashed dogs can pose a danger to other pets, the natural resources of the area, wildlife, and other forest visitors.
- Yield your leashed dog around other hikers and horses.
- Pack out your dogs waste or bury it 100 feet from water and trails.
Stock: never tie stock directly to trees.
Practice Leave No Trace outdoor ethics;

At the Trailheads

No overnight camping in day use areas at any time of year.
Dogs must be on a 6 foot leash in the day use area
No trash containers; please pack out all your trash.
Fireworks are prohibited.

No fees are required for this site

Address: 108 S. Sam Houston Blvd. Houston, MO 65483
Phone: 417-967-4194
Hours: 8:00 am - 4:30 pm, Monday to Friday; District Offices closed 1 - 1:30 for lunch (Closed on federal holidays)
Office Email: sm.fs.marktwainnf@usda.gov

Getting There

Latitude / Longitude

Latitude: 38.758736

Longitude: -92.142636

Directions

From New Bloomfield,

head west on Route J for 1 mile;
Where Route J splits with Route MM, turn right/north to stay on Route J towards Guthrie and travel for 2.7 miles;
Then turn left/west onto Route Y and travel for 2.6 miles.
The day use will be on your left.