Slabtown Recreation Area
This is a small, quiet access and camping area along the Big Piney River.
Slabtown is downriver from Mason Bridge, about 8 miles. This stretch is more open and deeper.
Traveling downriver from Slabtown you can paddle or boat to Ross Bridge, a 10 mile trip. This section is faster and shallower. Between Ross Bridge and East Gate, a 12-mile float, you will be floating through Fort Leonard Wood. Ross Bridge will be the last take-out before you float through Fort Leonard Wood.
The 1-mile Slabtown Bluff Trail offers hiking along scenic bluffs overlooking the Big Piney River and surrounding bluffs and rock outcrops.
For Stream Flow and Flooding forecast visit the USGS website
General Information
Dispersed Camping
There are picnic tables and fire rings scattered around the opening of the trees and you can camp at those three sites. There is a parking area for people camping. This site is tent camping only.
Dispersed camping is the term used for free camping anywhere in the National Forest OUTSIDE of a designated campground.
Dispersed camping means there are no toilets, no structures, no trash cans, no treated water, and no fire grates.
There are extra responsibilities required for this type of camp. It's a must to educate yourself before you try it, but we hope the adventure of dispersed camping in the Mark Twain National Forest calls to you!
- Pick a Campsite and follow the Leave No Trace Principles
- Camp 100 feet away from trails and water sources.
- Treat any water found in the area before consuming it.
- Human waste (Feces) must be buried at least 6 inches deep and covered.
- Pack out all of your garbage.
January - December
Day Use Hours: 6 am to 10 pm
When visiting, please remember
- Fireworks are prohibited.
- Dogs must be on a 6 foot leash
- Follow the Leave No Trace Principles
- The river can rise rapidly, be aware of changing conditions.
- No trash containers; please pack out all your trash.
Tent camping only
- Only collect dead and downed wood for campfires.
No fees are required for this site
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.
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: 37.561549
Longitude: -92.03214279
Directions
From Roby, MO
- Take 17 North for 1.5 miles to Country Road 800
- Turn right onto County Road 800 and travel 7 miles; this is a gravel road
- When you pass the Big Piney Bridge, the road turns to asphalt here
- Slabtown will be on your right just after the bridge
From Licking, MO
- Take Highway 32 West for 3 miles to Highway N
- Turn right onto Highway N and travel 2 miles
- Turn left onto Highway AF and drive 4 miles
- Slabtown is on the left
Parking
- Boat Launch: 3 vehicles with trailers
- Picnic/Camping Area: 8 vehicles
Facility and Amenity Information
Accessibility
The vault toilet and picnic tables are accessible
Restrooms
Restrooms are available at this site.
Water
Potable water is not available at this site.
Picnic Tables
Picnic tables are available at this site.
Recreation Opportunities
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
Boating - Non-Motorized Info
This area has a single-lane concrete boat ramp, and is suitable for launching a motorboat or non-motorized watercraft.
When you come down the hill and go straight the boat launch is at the end of the road. Just before the boat launch, on the right is the parking for camping and picnicking.
Boaters beware that the draft at the bottom of the ramp is very shallow due to constant gravel pile-up.
The river at this launch can be swift moving. This river is good for smaller boats.
Boating - Motorized Info
This area has a single-lane concrete boat ramp, and is suitable for launching a motorboat or non-motorized watercraft.
When you come down the hill and go straight the boat launch is at the end of the road. Just before the boat launch, on the right is the parking for camping and picnicking.
Boaters beware that the draft at the bottom of the ramp is very shallow due to constant gravel pile-up.
The river at this launch can be swift moving. This river is good for smaller boats.
Day Hikes Info
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.
Preferred times to use the trail is fall to spring, as the summer vegetation will close out the vistas.
From the top of the ridge you will see the bluffs of the river and the river.
Picnicking - Single Info
Picnic tables at the campground are available for picnicking if no one is using the campsite. Each site has a table and fire ring.
No. of Sites
3 single sites
Recreation Groups
This is a great, family-friendly river for those looking for a leisurely trip with beautiful scenery.