Red Bluff Recreation Area
Red Bluff Campground is named for towering red bluffs along Huzzah Creek, carved by the elements over the past 10,000 years. The area used to be home to timber mills, but now provides a serene spot for camping and enjoying nature.
Early settlement of the area surrounded the Boyer Mill constructed around 1830. Railroads created a thriving timber industry till the supply was depleted. The land was purchased by the U.S. Forest Service in 1940 and has been used as a recreation area.
Large, red bluffs on the opposite side of Huzzah Creek, gravel bars along the creek, a mixture of pools and riffles and natural vegetation provide a backdrop for a very relaxing camping experience at the campground. Red Bluff is located in the Potosi-Fredericktown Ranger District of the Mark Twain National Forest. Most sites are within 100 yards of Huzzah Creek, where tubing and swimming are enjoyed by visitors. The water can be swift-moving at times and rocks and drop-offs are not marked. Fishing is also popular in the area and anglers can expect to find bass, perch and catfish.
The Red Bluff Trail lies within the boundaries of the campground. It is a 1.2-mile loop that winds through a pine plantation and big oak timber, into an adjoining hollow before returning to the campground. The short trail provides an opportunity for visitors to enjoy a variety of ecological communities, while reaping the benefits of a half-hour of hiking.
Reservations
- Group sites can be reserved up to 12 months in advance.
- Standard sites can be reserved up to 6 months in advance.
- Reservations must be made at least 5 days in advance of visit.
General Information
Camping
Red Bluff has 33 single and 8 double and 3 group campsites, each with table, fire ring, and lantern post.
- Six of the sites have electrical hook-ups.
- Some sites are located very close to Huzzah Creek, while others sit on higher ground; most sites are within 100 yards of Huzzah Creek.
- The group campsites accommodate up to 100 persons each.
- Can accommodate up to 45' RVs. Electrical hookups available at this location. No water or sewer hookups available.
Safety:
- During temperate months, be prepared for biting insects, poison ivy and high temperatures.
- Be aware of hunting seasons.
- The universal distress signal is three of anything: shots, shouts, smokes, whistles.
For more safety tips visit the Safety section of the website.
May to end of October
Campground
- Open 24 Hours a day to campers.
- Quiet Hours: 10:00 PM to 6:00 AM
Day Use Hours:
- 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM
When visiting, please remember:
- Flash flooding is possible in the area
- No OHVs/ATVs/UTVs are allowed to operate within this Recreation Area.
Campground
- No more than 8 people are permitted at single sites.
- Dogs must be on a 6 foot leash in the campground.
- Only collect dead and downed wood for campfires.
At the Trailhead/Day Use/Picnic Area
- No overnight camping in day use areas/trailheads at any time of year.
- 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.
- No Horses
On the Trail
- Dogs are allowed on hiking trails, please ensure they are under control.
- Leashing is encouraged. Unleashed dogs can pose a danger to other pets, the natural resources of the area, wildlife, and other forest visitors.
- Yield your leashed dog around other hikers and horses.
- Pack out your dogs waste or bury it 100 feet from water and trails.
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.
Fishing Permits
Fishing permits are available from Missouri Department of Conservation
Overnight Use:
Single Site: $15 per night
Single Site with electric hook-up: $25 per night
Double Site: $25 per night
Double Site with electric hook-up: $35 per night
Group Site: $50 per night (0-50 people); $100 per night (51-74 people)
Additional Vehicle Fee: $2 per vehicle per night
Day Use:
$5 per vehicle per day
$10 per bus per day
Group Site: $50 per day (up to 74 people)
$40 per season
Pavilion -
- $30.00 per day.
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.
- Leashes must be six feet, or shorter, when in developed recreation sites, including trails within the boundaries (36 CFR 261.16(j)) when they are not inside an enclosed vehicle or tent.
- Yield your leashed dog around other hikers and horses.
- Pack out your dogs waste or bury it 100 feet from water and trails.
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.
- 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.
Wildlife
- Do not allow them to interact with wildlife
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: 37.812939
Longitude: -91.16938145
Directions
From Potosi, MO:
- Take Hwy 8 west for 20 miles,
- Hwy Y south for 20 miles,
- Hwy V west for 6 miles,
- take paved Forest Road 2011 at the entrance sign.
From Steelville, MO:
- Travel south on MO Hwy 19 ten miles
- turn left onto MO Hwy 49 at Cherryville.
- Take MO Hwy 49 south approximately 7 miles,
- turn left onto Hwy V near Davisville,
- travel approximately 1 mile to Forest Road 2011 at campground
Parking
Campsites: At each single site you are allowed two vehicles and one towed vehicle (e.g. a pop-up, fifth-wheel, etc). Parking is only allowed in designated areas.
- Double campsites accommodate twice the number of vehicles.
- At Group Sites 1 and 2, you are allowed 6 cars and 3 towed vehicles.
- At Group Site 3, you are allowed 10 cars and 5 towed vehicles.
Facility and Amenity Information
Restrooms
Vault toilet(s)Water
Potable water is available at this site.
There is a pressurized Drinking Water System in the recreation area. There is no potable water along the trail.
Picnic Tables
Picnic tables are available at this site.
Horse/Pack Animal Information
Horse/Pack animals are not allowed at this site.
Nearby Trails
Recreation Opportunities
Day Hikes Info
The Red Bluff Trail is a 1.2 mile loop that lies within the boundaries of the Red Bluff Campground. The trail starts at the campground and winds up through a pine plantation and big oak timber into an adjoining hollow before returning to campground.
Viewing Wildlife Info
Bald Eagles can be occasionally seen flying overhead.
Viewing Scenery Info
Large, red bluffs on the opposite side of Huzzah Creek, gravel bars along the creek, a mixture of pools and riffles, and natural vegetation provide the scenic backdrop.
Picnicking - Single Info
There are six individual picnic sites, each with table and grill.
Picnicking - Groups Info
The area has a group pavilion that accommodates up to 75 people.
Fishing - River/StreamFishing - River/Stream Info
Features float, wade and bank fishing for bass and sunfish.
Swimming Info
There is no managed swimming in this area. However, Huzzah Creek is a popular place for cooling off during the summer, and relaxing on inner tubes. The water is not monitored or tested, rocks and drop-offs are not marked, and the current can be strong during periods of high water. Enter the stream at your own risk.