Big Piney River
This is a great, family-friendly river for those looking for a leisurely trip with beautiful scenery. The river is fed by numerous springs and is usually floatable year-round, unless it’s been particularly dry. You will be able to view limestone bluffs topped with pine trees.
The stretches between accesses are longer in this section for visitors looking for a nice, long trip down the river.
The Big Piney River offers 21 miles of water to enjoy floating, fishing and swimming. There are several river accesses on National Forest lands and others on the Missouri Department of Conservation.
The first Forest Service access on the river is 39 miles from where you can start floating the river, there are multiple accesses between the start and Slabtown.
As you travel downriver from Slabtown the river is narrow and shallower, with multiple riffles. After Ross Bridge the river begins to get wider and deeper.
The Big Piney River is a tributary to the Gasconade River.
General Information
Camping
Slabtown Recreation Area - This is a small, quiet access and camping area along the Big Piney River. There are picnic tables and fire rings scattered around the opening of the trees and you can camp at those three sites.
Paddy Creek Recreation Area and Campground - This campground is near the Paddy Creek Wilderness Area. It is just a short drive or walk from the Paddy Creek Recreation Area's picnic and day use site. At the day-use site, there is a trailhead to enter into the Paddy Creek Wilderness Area. Paddy Creek Campground is nestled in a hollow along Paddy Creek, a major tributary to Big Piney River.
January - December
Campgrounds:
- Open 24 Hours a day to campers.
- Quiet Hours: 10:00 PM to 6:00 AM
Day Use Areas and Trailheads Hours:
- 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM
Permits
- No forest recreation permits are needed to access the Big Piney trail.
- Fishing permits are available from Missouri Department of Conservation
When visiting, please remember
- 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.
- Follow the Leave No Trace Principles
- The river can rise rapidly, be aware of changing conditions.
No fees at any Forest Service managed sites along the river.
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.
- Provide shade for your pet.
- Remember to bring their food and water as it may be unsafe for them to drink lake water.
- Occasionally, bring your dog to land so that they can relieve themselves.
There are no outfitters authorized to operate at this location. Check with the Missouri Canoe and Floaters Association for information on rentals.
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
Directions
Access Sites:
- Slabtown Recreation Area
- Bookers Bend
- Crossroads Access
- East Gate Access
Parking
Slabtown
- Boat Launch: 3 vehicles with trailers
- Picnic/Camping Area: 8 vehicles
East Gate
- 3 vehicles with trailers
Crossroads
- Circular parking for 5 vehicles
Bookers Bend
- 3 vehicles with trailers
Facility and Amenity Information
Restrooms
Restrooms are not available at this site.
Restroom available at
- Slabtown
- Bookers Bend
Water
Potable water is not available at this site.
Bring your own drinking water or be prepared to boil or treat water chemically.
Picnic Tables
Picnic tables are available at this site.
- Slabtown
Nearby Trails
Recreation Opportunities
Fishing - River/Stream Info
This river has variating runs and riffles with some pools. The bottom of the river is gravel, and can be a little murky when it rains.
State regulations apply.
Fish Species
smallmouth, largemouth, rock bass (or google-eye), panfish
Special Designations
portions of the river are Smallmouth Bass Special Management Area
Fishing Mode
boat, shore, wade
Fishing Platform
None
Water Temperature
Cold
Fishing Method
fly, pole/rod & reel
Boating - Non-Motorized Info
Boat Access locations
- Bookers Bend
- East Gate
- Slabtown Recreation Area
Boat launches are maintained and operated by the MTNF at Slabtown, East Gate, and Booker Bend off of Highway J. Several other accesses maintained by MDC, as well as private accesses.
This river has variating runs and riffles with some pools. The bottom is mostly gravel.
Boating - Motorized Info
Boat Access locations
- Bookers Bend
- East Gate
- Slabtown Recreation Area
Boat launches are maintained and operated by the MTNF at Slabtown, East Gate, and Booker Bend off of Highway J. Several other accesses maintained by MDC, as well as private accesses.
This river has variating runs and riffles with some pools. The bottom is mostly gravel.
Picnicking - Single Info
Slabtown
There are picnic tables and fire rings scattered around the opening of the trees and you can camp at those three sites. You can picnic at the campsites when they are not occupied.
Day Hikes Info
Slabtown Trail
The trailhead is located in the boat launch parking area. Hikers will find a 1 mile trail winds through a mixture of hardwoods leading up the ridge and overlooking the Big Piney River. The trail is an out and back, and dead ends at the ridge.
Recreation Groups
This is a great, family-friendly river for those looking for a leisurely trip with beautiful scenery.