Shell Knob
Shell Knob Recreation Site is situated along a bluff overlooking the White River arm of beautiful Table Rock Lake, on the outskirts of the town of Shell Knob. It is a great location to relax and enjoy being away from it all.
Table Rock Lake is a man-made 43,000 acre lake that has 800 miles of shoreline. For more information on Table Rock Lake visit the Army Corp of Engineers website.
This site is just off the highway going to the lake from the Shell Knob community. While it IS Forest Service property it has been slightly developed to look more like a rural park.
There is a tennis court, playground set, and pavilion on site. Other items like small flower gardens and a scenic trail greet the public when they pull into the site. The short walking trail leads to a scenic overlook of Table Rock Lake.
This recreation site was constructed through a partnership between the Forest Service and the Shell Knob Lions Club. It is maintained and operated by the Lions Club.
The pavilion was once the site of a Civilian Conservation Corps camp, which operated from 1936 to 1942. Several historic features are still visible within the site. It was one of the many CCC camps that were set up in Southern MO and you can still see the remains of the kid-sized club-shaped pool that was built while the camp was active.
The surrounding area is heavily wooded and provides scenic forest views.
Reservations
Reservation needed for Picnic Pavilion -
- Reservations can be made up to 12 months in advance of visit.
- Reservations must be made at least 5 days in advance of visit.
Notes
- When renting the pavilion, if you take picnic tables out of the pavilion area, please return them to the pavilion.
- Once you have made a reservation with recreation.gov, further instructions will be given to you about where to pick up the key for the gate and kitchen area.
Only the pavilion can be rented, not the entire site.
General Information
April - October
Quiet Hourse 10 pm to 6 am
Day Use Fees
- Annual and Lifetime passes can be purchased to cover day use fees at USDA Forest Service operated sites.
When visiting, please remember
- 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
- Fireworks are prohibited.
Day Use:
Group Site: $50per day
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.
- Keep dogs on a six-foot, or shorter, leash when they are not inside an enclosed vehicle or tent.
- 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.
- Do not leave your dog in the vehicle on a hot day.
- Keep your dog in your tent or vehicle at night.
- Ensure that there is ample water available for your pet.
Address: 1006 S. Jefferson Ava, MO 65608
Phone: 417-683-4428
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: 36.612489
Longitude: -93.595135
Directions
From Shell Knob
- take Highway 39 for 1 mile to Highway YY.
- Make a left onto Highway YY and travel about 1 mile to the entrance on the right (south) side of the road.
Parking
30 vehicles
Facility and Amenity Information
Accessibility
Picnic tables, grills, vault toilet, and pavilion. No paved walkways.
Restrooms
Restrooms are available at this site.
Water
Potable water is available at this site.
Picnic Tables
Picnic tables are available at this site.
Recreation Opportunities
Picnicking - Single Info
The site includes a lighted pavilion with kitchen facilities, numerous picnic tables and two parking areas. Accessible vault toilets are provided. Drinking water is available only during warm weather months.
Amenities include: picnic tables, grills, under pavilion and several picnic tables scattered around whole site. The site does have a sink with running water, accessed through reservation only.
No. of Sites
1 pavilion, 30 individual tables.
Picnicking - Groups Info
The site includes a lighted pavilion with kitchen facilities, numerous picnic tables and two parking areas. Accessible vault toilets are provided. Drinking water is available only during warm weather months.
Amenities include: picnic tables, grills, under pavilion and several picnic tables scattered around whole site. The site does have a sink with running water, accessed through reservation only.
No. of Sites
1 pavilion that can accommodate up to 75 people
Viewing Scenery Info
This site is along the 800 miles of shoreline on the man-made, 43,000 acre Table Rock Lake. Enjoy the view of the crystal clear waters while picnicking at the only Forest Service site at the lake. There is a vista view of Table Rock Lake from above on a Bluff.