Bookers Bend
Bookers Bend Access is a small gravel boat/canoe access for the Big Piney River.
Upriver you can start from East Gate or Crossroads River Access. From East Gate to Bookers Bend is 11 miles, from Crossroads to Bookers Bend is 8 miles.
If you are leaving from Bookers Bend you can travel downriver for 8 miles to the Gasconade River. You can take out on the Gasconade River at one of the public accesses. Most of the land along this stretch of the Big Piney is private, so please be aware of where you are if you plan to stop.
General Information
Camping
There is camping at Slabtown Recreation Area.
January - December
Day Use Hours: 6 am to 10 pm
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 overnight camping in day use areas at any time of year.
No fees are required for this site
No fees
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 http://www.missouricanoe.org/ 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
Latitude / Longitude
Latitude: 37.80746153
Longitude: -92.0702596
Directions
From Rolla,
- From I-44 go 16 miles to Highway J, exit 169
- Follow State Hwy J for 4.5 miles
- turn right onto Thistle Road for 2.8 miles.
- Stay left for another 2 miles to Thomas Lane
- Thomas Lane dead ends at Bookers Bend.
Parking
3 vehicles with trailers
Facility and Amenity Information
Restrooms
Restrooms are available at this site.
Water
Potable water is not available at this site.
Recreation Opportunities
Boating - Non-Motorized Info
This area has a gravel boat ramp, and is suitable for launching a motorboat or non- motorized watercraft.
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.
The river at this launch is deep and slower moving and wider than in previous sections.
Boating - Motorized Info
This area has a gravel boat ramp, and is suitable for launching a motorboat or non- motorized watercraft.
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.
The river at this launch is deep and slower moving and wider than in previous sections.
Motor Type
Gas, Electric
Fishing - River/Stream Info
This river has variating runs and riffles with some pools. The bottom is mostly gravel.
The boat launch is single-lane gravel launch.
The bottom of the river is gravel, and can be a little murky when it rains. This is a smallmouth bass special management area with M-DOC and is stocked with bluegill, catfish and largemouth bass
Fish Species
smallmouth, largemouth, rock bass (or google-eye), panfish
Special Designations
Smallmouth Bass Special Management Area
Fishing Mode
boat, shore, wade
Fishing Platform
None
Water Temperature
Cold
Fishing Method
Fly, Pole/Rod & Reel
Recreation Groups
This is a great, family-friendly river for those looking for a leisurely trip with beautiful scenery.