Pinewoods Lake Recreation Area
Next to the 31-acre Pinewoods Lake visitors can experience the quiet, calm of the Pinewoods Lake Recreation Area. Spend an afternoon exploring along the 1.3-mile walking trail around the lake, catching site of wood ducks and beavers.
Anglers can spend a quiet day on the lake looking for the perfect bass, sunfish or catfish. For those who prefer firm ground to boats, an accessible, floating fishing pier is available.
The dense woods that surround the lake and recreation area offer visitors a sense of seclusion and privacy amidst the oak, hickory and pine trees.
Reservations
Reservation Needed for Group Picnic Area Pavilion
- Reservations can be made up to 12 months in advance of visit.
- Reservations must be made at least 4 days in advance of visit
General Information
Tent and RV Camping
Each site has a table, lantern post, and fire ring. No hookups are available.
No. of Sites
- Single: 13
- Double: 2
Group Camping - No. of Sites
Group: 2 sites – up to 10 people at a site
January - December
- Campground Quiet Hours: 10 pm to 6 am
- Day Use Hours: 6 am to 10 pm
Day Use Fees
Day Use Fees can be paid on-site using the provided fee tubes.
- Fees must be paid using cash or check, no credit card machines are available at any sites.
- Annual and Lifetime passes can be purchased to cover day use fees at USDA Forest Service operated sites.
Camping Discount
- There is a 50% discount for camping for anyone with an Interagency Access or Senior Pass.
- The discount applies only to the fee for the campsite physically occupied by the pass holder, not to any additional fee or campsite(s) occupied by members of the pass holder's party.
When visiting, please remember:
- No OHVs/ATvs/UTVs are allowed to operate within this Recreation Area.
- Boats are allowed on the lake, electric motors only.
- Dogs must be on a 6 foot leash in the day use area
- Fireworks are prohibited.
- Fires allowed in provided pedestal grills or firerings only
- No camping in the day use area
- No trash containers; please pack out all your trash.
- No swimming from the fishing pier
- No swimming from the dam
Missouri Department of Conservation fishing regulations apply
Overnight Use:
Single Site: $15 per night
Single Site with electric hook-up: $25 per night
Day Use:
$2 per vehicle per day
$40 per annual
Camping
Dogs are allowed at campsites and developed recreation areas; however, they should not be allowed to run loose in recreation areas where they will disturb other forest visitors. Be mindful of the impact a barking dog can have on other forest visitors.
- Store dog food in bear-resistant containers and feed your pet away from the campsite.
- Pick up and bag your dog’s waste. Place it in a provided trash receptacle or pack it out.
- Do not leave your dog unattended at any time.
Trail Use
Dogs are allowed on hiking trails, as long as they are kept on a leash. Unleashed dogs can pose a danger to your pet, the natural resources of the area, and other forest visitors.
Boating
When boating with your dog, follow all Missouri State boating laws and only allow your animal on pet-friendly shorelines.
- Use care when getting your dog in and out of the boat to ensure their safety.
- Consider both you and your dog wearing a life jacket.
- Please remember that dogs are prohibited in designated swimming areas.
Address: 1420 Maud St. Poplar Bluff, MO 63901
Phone: 573-785-1475
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: 36.920688
Longitude: -90.773416
Directions
- go 7 miles north on U.S. Highway 67,
- Exit onto US Highway 60, on the right.
- Travel 16 miles west on U.S. Highway 60.
- The site is on the left side of the road on Highway 60
Parking
- Day Use: 75 vehicles
- Boat Ramp: two parking areas, one for single vehicles, and another for vehicles with trailers (10 spaces)
Facility and Amenity Information
Accessibility
The pavilion is accessible. There is a covered picnic table that is accessible. Concrete sidewalks in the day use area from the pavilion to the boat ramp. Sidewalk leads to the accessible fishing pier.
Tables at the campsites are accessible
Restrooms
Restrooms are available at this site.
Water
Potable water is not available at this site.
Picnic Tables
Picnic tables are available at this site.
Nearby Trails
Recreation Opportunities
Boating - Non-Motorized Info
The lake is 31-acres, and there are areas of the lake that are 10 – 12 feet.
Boating - Motorized Info
Electric motors only. The lake is 31-acres, and there are areas of the lake that are 10 – 12 feet.
There is a single lane, concrete boat launch.
Type of Craft
Fishing Boats, Dinghies, Electric Boats, Flat Boats, Jon Boats
Motor Type
electric
Fishing - Lake & Pond Info
31-acre "managed fishery lake" built in the late 1970s, featuring bass, sunfish, and catfish, that is commonly fished from shore or small boat, (electric motors only).
Missouri DOC stocks the fish with catfish.
Barrier-free pier can be accessed from the day use area.
Fish Species
Bass, sunfish, and catfish
Fishing Mode
Canoe, kayak, jon boat, shore/pier
Fishing Platform
Barrier-free pier
Water Temperature
warm
Fishing Method
Rod & Reel
Viewing Wildlife Info
Occasionally you may spot an eagle. Although you are more likely to spot a beaver.
The ultimate wildlife viewing experience is watching animals in their habitat. Here are some helpful tips to become a wildlife friendly viewer:
- Use the right tools - A field guide, a pair of binoculars and a camera. Wear clothing that is appropriate for the season and activity.
- Watch at dawn and dusk - This is the time when most wildlife species are active enough to view.
- Keep your distance - Maintain a distance that is comfortable for the wildlife.
- Stay quiet - Move slowly and quietly to increase your chances of viewing wildlife, and to avoid stressing the animals you wish to watch.
- Do not feed the wildlife - There is plenty of food available in the wild. Human food can cause digestive problems, provide improper nutrition, and even kill an animal.
An online version of the Missouri Wildlife Viewing Guide is available on their website.
Viewing Scenery Info
The dam is part of the trail, so you can take a walk and view the entire lake from the dam. The trail that goes around the lake is wide, with no slopes, and makes for a nice, easy walk with several pretty views of the lake.
Day Hikes Info
Trailheads
- Pinewoods Lake trailhead
Pinewoods Lake Trail - 1.3-miles
The Pinewoods Lake Trail starts in the Pinewoods Lake Recreation Area, and circles Pinewoods Lake. The trail starts by the boat launch.
1/2 of a mile of this easy 1.3-mile trail has a concrete surface; the rest of the trail is a wide dirt path. The entire trail is relatively flat with no difficult sections.
Picnicking - Groups Info
Pavilion has 2 large grills and is available for groups of up to 75 people.
No. of Sites
1 pavilion
Picnicking - Single Info
Picnic facilities are available near the trailhead for the Pinewoods Lake Trail.
Each picnic table area has a pedestal grill.
There is a horseshoe pit near the picnic pavilion – bring your own horseshoes.
No. of Sites
1 pavilion, 1 individual covered picnic table, and 4 picnic tables