Council Bluff Recreation Area
The Council Bluff Recreation Area, located next to the largest lake on the Mark Twain National Forest, is perfect for anyone looking to enjoy the outdoors. The area provides ample opportunities for camping, picnicking, hiking, fishing, swimming and more.
The site is large and spread out, the campground and beach are about a 1 mile hike apart, the hike/bike is downhill from the campground to the beach, but uphill coming back.
Located in southern Missouri, the Council Bluff Lake was created by a dam built across Big River. It is 440 acres in size and 87 feet deep in some places.
The Wild Boar Campground and sheltered picnic area are available for individual families or large groups.
The Chapel Hill Beach is at the eastern end of the campground and provides 1.25 acres of sandy beach. The beach is accessible via a short walkway from the parking area.
Boating and paddling is a popular pastime on the lake, but all boats on the lake must operate at a no-wake speed. Visitors can access the water via the two boat ramps located at the lake.
Fishing is also available. Anglers can expect a catch of a variety of freshwater fish, including bass, bluegills, catfish and crappies.
The 12-mile Council Bluff Trail encircles the lake, with spurs to the campground. Hikers can enjoy scenic views of the lake and a look at the Mark Twain wilderness. The Ozark Trail connects to the Council Bluff Trail at Trace Creek mile 15.
Waterfowl hunting is allowed on Council Bluff Lake and the nearby Enough Fields provide upland game opportunities. A variety of wildlife makes its home in the heavily wooded area.
Photos of Council Bluff Recreation Area
Active Alerts
Reservations
Picnic Pavilion Reservations
- Picnic area pavilions can be reserved by calling the concessionaire at 573-766-5765.
Reservation needed - Campsites
- Reservations can be made up to 6 months in advance of visit for single sites.
- Reservations can be made up to 12 months in advance of a visit for group sites.
- Reservations must be made at least 3 days in advance of visit.
General Information
Camping
Walk-in Sites – There are two sets of walk-in sites located back in the woods a little bit. One set is located on the north side of the campground, the other is on the south side. They offer a little more privacy than the sites on the campground loop road. There is a small parking area for these sites where you can park and hike in with your gear at each set of sites. Each site has a fire pit and a picnic table.
Campground Loop - There is one loop around the campground, with the group campsites located in the middle of the loop. The sites are screened with trees and brush to give a sense of privacy. Each site has a table, fire ring, lantern post and a parking spur.
Coin-operated hot showers available at Chapel Hill Beach. Some loops are one way traffic while others are two-way. Please be aware of traffic direction.
No. of Sites
- Single: 39
- Double: 7
- Walk-in: 9 (park your vehicle and hike into primitive sites for tent camping)
- Group: 4
RVs up to 40 feet will fit at most sites. Check recreation.gov for specific length restrictions.
4 group camp sites which can accommodate up to 50 people each. These sites can be busy on summer weekends.
There is one loop around the campground, with the group campsites located in the middle of the main loop.
- Loops A and D you pull directly off of the main loop road to park.
- Loops B and C have their own directional loops with parking.
The sites are screened with trees and brush to give a sense of privacy. Each site has a table, fire ring, lantern post and parking spurs.
Some loops are one way traffic while others are two-way. Please be aware of traffic direction.
Campground
Open April 23 to November 1, 2026
Day Use Area
Open year-round
Campground Quiet Hours - 10 pm - 6 pm
When visiting, please remember
Fireworks are prohibited.
On the Trail
- Hiking and Biking is permitted.
- Equestrian use is prohibited on Council Bluff Lake Trail
- No motorized vehicles are permitted.
- Leave No Trace: Be prepared and minimize your impact.
- Refrain from using the trail during wet conditions.
- Be aware of hunting seasons, and make sure you are visible to hunters.
At the Trailheads
- Dogs must be on a 6 foot leash in the day use area
- No trash containers; please pack out all your trash.
At the Campground
- Campsite parking allows for two vehicles per site. Park only in designated parking areas.
- No more than 8 people are permitted at single sites (16 for double sites).
- Dogs must be on a 6 foot leash in the campground.
- Only collect dead and downed wood for campfires.
At the Day Use Area and Lake
- No food, glass containers or pets on beach.
- Boat motors are limited to 10 horsepower or must be operated at a no wake speed if large
- Jet skis are prohibited
- No overnight camping in day use areas at any time of year.
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.
Concessionaire Day Use:
$5 per vehicle
$10 per bus
$25 per season
Group Site: $50 per day
Forest Service Overnight Fees:
Single Site: $15 per night
Double Site: $25 per night
Group Site: $50 per night for 0-50 people; $100 per night for 51-74 people;
Boating
When boating with your dog, follow all Minnesota State boating laws.
- 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.
Camping
- Keep dogs on a six-foot, or shorter, leash when they are not inside a 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.
- Keep your dog in your tent at night.
- Ensure that there is ample water available for your pet.
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.
Wildlife
- Do not allow them to interact with wildlife
Contact Name: Concessionaire (Wild Boar Boat Launch and Chapel Hill Beach and Picnic Area)
Contact Phone: 576-766-5765
Address: 10019 W. State Hwy. 8 Potosi, MO 63664
Phone: 573-438-5427
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: 37.72261
Longitude: -90.937792
Directions
Please note: Read the "directions" section below and before driving to the location enter "Council Bluff Campground" into your device as the destination; but do not just search for "Council Bluff". Searching for "Council Bluff" will bring up the lake and may cause your GPS to bring you in from the north, where the road is rough and you will need to turn around and re-route to the west side of the lake.
(Utilize this GPS coordinate to arrive at proper destination: 37.72261, -90.937792).
From Potosi,
- Go south 10 miles on Highway 21
- Turn right onto C Highway and go approximately 6 miles.
- Turn left on Highway DD for about 8 miles to the entrance, on the left, for Council Bluff Recreation Area.
Parking
- Beach: 75 vehicles
- Enough Boat Launch: 12 vehicles with trailers
- Wild Boar Hollow Boat Launch: 25 vehicles with trailers
Facility and Amenity Information
Accessibility
There are handicap parking spaces at the beach parking lot. The restrooms are handicap accessible at all locations.
The majority of the campsites are accessible, however, some sites have stairs down to them.
Restrooms
Vault toilet(s)Water
Potable water is available at this site.
Picnic Tables
Picnic tables are available at this site.
Recreation Opportunities
Swimming Info
There is a 1.25 acre sand beach in front of the concession stand, that can be busy on a hot weekend.
Kids can enjoy a small playground with a slide and climbing structures on the beach.
There is a paved sidewalk that winds around in front of the beach on a raised up embankment, and there are two sets of wide-stairs down to the beach area.
Amenities at the beach include a concession stand operated by the concessionaire, coin-operated private hot showers, flush toilets, water fountains and outdoor showers. There is one large and one small accessible picnic pavilions with tables and grills.
The area is not managed for swimming: there are no lifeguards, depth or hazard markers, and the water is not tested.
The swimming area is delineated by buoys and floating plastic pipe. Outside of this area you may encounter motorized boats.
Boating - Motorized Info
Boat Motors limited to 10 horsepower, or no wake.
Enough Boat Launch is a single-lane gravel launch. Over by the Enough boat launch there is an abundance of lily pads. Because this lake was built due to dam construction there are trees in the lake by this boat launch and around the perimeter of the lake. Once you are in the middle of the lake and by the beach there are few submerged trees from the flooding to create the lake.
Wild Boar Hollow Boat Launch is a single-lane concrete launch with a boat dock. If you are using a motorized watercraft it may be preferable to launch from Wild Boar Hollow.
Type of Craft
Jet skis are prohibited.
Size Restrictions
Recommended sizes is under 40 feet.
Motor Type
Electric or gas motors are allowed.
Water/Flow Level
87 feet at maximum depth, 440-acres
Boating - Non-Motorized Info
Visitors frequently come to canoe, kayak or paddle board on Council Bluff Lake.
Enough Boat Launch is a single-lane gravel launch. Over by the Enough boat launch there is an abundance of lily pads. Because this lake was built due to dam construction there are trees in the lake by this boat launch and around the perimeter of the lake. Once you are in the middle of the lake and by the beach there are few submerged trees from the flooding to create the lake.
Wild Boar Hollow Boat Launch is a single-lane concrete launch with a boat dock. If you are using a motorized watercraft it may be preferable to launch from Wild Boar Hollow.
Size Restrictions
Recommended sizes is under 40 feet.
Water/Flow Level
87 feet at maximum depth, 440-acres
Day Hikes Info
Council Bluff Lake Trail - 12-miles
The 12-mile long Council Bluff Trail encircles the lake, with spurs to the campground. There are some wet areas on the trail. There are a few places where trams have been installed in particularly wet areas.
Horses are prohibited from this section of the trail.
The trail can be accessed from the Wild Boar Hollow Boat Ramp Parking Lot and Enough Boat Launch, and there is a trailhead in the campground, look for it by the dumpster and horseshoe pit area.
Trace Creek Section of the Ozark Trail - 24-miles
The Trace Creek section of the Ozark Trail is located just west of the recreation area.
This section of the Ozark Trail is approximately 24 miles long and is open to foot, mountain bike, and equestrian traffic. From Hazel Creek in the north, it runs south crossing hollows, ridgetops, small streams, and several highways, ending at Hwy. A.
Fishing - Lake & PondFishing - Lake & Pond Info
There are 2 boat launches on Council Bluff Lake: Wild Boar Hollow and Enough.
Over by the Enough boat launch there is an abundance of lily pads. Because this lake was built due to dam construction there are trees in the lake by this boat launch and around the perimeter of the lake. Once you are in the middle of the lake and by the beach there are few submerged trees from the flooding to create the lake.
If you are using a motorized watercraft it may be preferable to launch from Wild Boar Hollow.
Fishing is permitted year round. Fishing regulations are established by Missouri Department of Conservation.
Fishing Mode
boat, shoreline
Fish Species
stocked with largemouth bass, red-ear, sunfish, bluegill, crappie and catfish
Fishing Platform
None
Water Temperature
cold
Fishing Method
Rod & Reel
Water/Flow Level
87 feet at maximum depth, 440-acres
Picnicking - Single Info
Near the beach is a large grassy area with shaded picnic tables. Each table has a trash can and a pedestal grill.
Several of the sites in the grassy area have accessible surfaces or deck. Several of the tables are located up on the wooded hill surrounding the grassy area.
No. of Sites
17 single-family picnic sites
Picnicking - Groups Info
Large Pavilion – This pavilion is down a paved road from the beach/grassy area. After you pass the concession stand you continue down the paved road and around the grassy area and will find this pavilion located on the bank of the lake, right next to the water. The pavilion has 8 tables and a group grill. It can accommodate a group of up to 74. There is an outdoor shower, water spigot, and restroom next to this pavilion.
Small Pavilion - This pavilion is down a paved road from the beach/grassy area. You can find it just as you enter the site, on the left. This site is in a wooded area above the paved road. This pavilion has 4 tables, a trashcan, and a group grill. It can accommodate a group of up to 25.
No. of Sites
2 pavilions
Biking - Mountain Info
Council Bluff Lake Trail - 12-miles
The 12-mile long Council Bluff Trail encircles the lake, with spurs to the campground. There are some wet areas on the trail. There are a few places where trams have been installed in particularly wet areas.
Horses are prohibited from this section of the trail.
The trail can be accessed from the Wild Boar Hollow Boat Ramp Parking Lot and Enough Boat Launch, and there is a trailhead in the campground, look for it by the dumpster and horseshoe pit area.
Trace Creek Section of the Ozark Trail - 24-miles
Trace Creek Section of the Ozark Trail is located just west of the recreation area.
This section of the Ozark Trail is approximately 24 miles long and is open to foot, mountain bike, and equestrian traffic. From Hazel Creek in the north, it runs south crossing hollows, ridgetops, small streams, and several highways, ending at Hwy. A.
HuntingHunting Info
Waterfowl hunting is permitted on Council Bluff Lake and the Enough Fields provide upland game opportunities.
Hunting regulations are established by Missouri Department of Conservation.
Recreation Groups
The areas listed below are not only easy to get to, but most are known locations for good birding.
These sites were selected because they have: