Sutton Bluff Recreation Area
Roomy campsites surrounded by open lawn and natural shading, cool breezes, abundant songbirds, and scenic views all await visitors at the Sutton Bluff Recreation Area.
The Sutton Bluff Campground is set alongside the West Fork of the Black River in a forested hardwood bottom. Sutton Bluff is located 13 miles outside Centerville, Missouri. It is nestled among a variety of short-leaf pine trees and shrubs, and a number of campsites sit alongside the West Fork of the Black River.
This campground serves the nearby Sutton Bluff ATV and Motorcycle Trail System. A 45-mile off-road vehicle trail. Permits are required for off-road vehicle use in the area.
The Karkaghne section of the Ozark Trail, which is popular among backpackers, hikers and mountain bikers, is accessible from a trailhead less than a mile from the campground.
The West Fork of Black River provides access to a serene, slow-moving mountain stream and a natural gravel beach. Visitors enjoy wading in the waters, however the current is not strong enough to enable floating the river. Anglers can enjoy a variety of bass and bluegill.
Active Alerts
Reservations
There are some first come, first served single sites.
Reservation needed -
- 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 site and picnic pavilion.
- Reservations must be made at least 5 days in advance of visit.
General Information
Campground Camping
This is a loop campground adjacent to the West Fork of the Black River. Most sites are roomy, with a wide, flat-to-gently sloping paved parking spur. There is a lot of space between campsites.
Each of these has a picnic table, fire ring, and lantern post. Flush toilet and showers available.
No. of Sites
- Electric: 14
- Nonelectric: 19
- Group: Nonelectric: 1
RV Camping
Can accommodate RV/trailer combinations of up to 50’ in length. There are a few sites that cannot accommodate trailers or large RV’s, they are 29, 32, and 33.
Electrical hookups available at this location. No water or sewer hookups available.
This is a loop campground adjacent to the West Fork of the Black River. Most sites are roomy, with a wide, flat-to-gently sloping paved parking spur. There is a lot of space between campsites.
Each of these has a picnic table, fire ring, and lantern post. Flush toilet and showers available.
No. of Sites
- Electric: 10
- Nonelectric: 18
- Group: Nonelectric: 1
Size Restrictions
Can accommodate RV/trailer combinations of up to 50’ in length. There are a few sites that cannot accommodate trailers or large RV’s, they are 29, 32, and 33.
Vehicle Clearance
No restrictions
Pavement Type of Parking
Asphalt
Group Camping
1 group camp site which can accommodate up to 50 people.
No electric, water or sewer hookups available.
This is a loop campground adjacent to the West Fork of the Black River. Most sites are roomy, with a wide, flat-to-gently sloping paved parking spur. There is a lot of space between campsites.
There is a large grill and multiple picnic tables. There is a vault toilet near the group site.
This site is frequently busy.
No. of Sites
- Group: Nonelectric - 1
March 27, 2025
Quiet Hours 10PM and 6AM.
Permits are required for off-road vehicle use on Forest Service trails. Permit information can be found on the Passes and Permits page of the website.
Pass information can be found on the Passes and Permits page of the website.
When visiting, please remember:
- ATV use in the campground limited to ingress and egress to the trail
- Campground: Fees will be paid at the fee tube provided.
- 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.
- Fireworks prohibited
- ATV’s and UTVs must stay on road surfaces, and cannot be on grassy areas within the campground or in the river/on adjacent gravel bars.
- Livestock, including horses, are not permitted at the recreation area
No Fees are required for this site.
14 Electric sites:
- Single - $20,
- Double - $30
19 Non-electric sites:
- Single - $10,
- Double - $20
- Group non-electric campsite: $40
Day Use Fee
- Per Vehicle: $2
- Per Bus: $10
- Group picnic area pavilion: $25
There is a 50% discount for camping for anyone with an Interagency Access or Senior Pass. Interagency passes cover the full day use fees, excluding busses.
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.
Address: 1301 South Main Street Salem, MO 65560
Phone: 573-729-6656
Hours: 8:00 am - 4:30 pm, Monday to Friday (Closed on federal holidays)
Office Email: sm.fs.marktwainnf@usda.gov
Getting There
Latitude / Longitude
Latitude: 37.475744
Longitude: -91.006698
Directions
From Centerville, Missouri,
- travel 3 miles northeast on Highway 21.
- Turn left and take County Road 907 northwest for 7 miles,
- then turn left on County Road 849 and travel south for 3 miles to the campground.
Parking
Pavilion: 4 vehicles
Facility and Amenity Information
Accessibility
Campsites are all accessible. Lantern posts, grills, restrooms, tables, and fire rings are all accessible. The pavilion at this site is also accessible.
Restrooms
Restrooms are not available at this site.
Flush and separate Vault Toilet
Water
Potable water is available at this site.
Pressurized Drinking Water System - No hookups
Picnic Tables
Picnic tables are available at this site.
Recreation Opportunities
Hunting, Fishing and Shooting
Outdoor Science and Learning
Picnicking
Hiking
Off Highway Vehicles (OHV)
Water Activities
Fishing - River/Stream Info
This river is known for smallmouth bass and various species of sunfish. The West Fork of the Black River has crystal clear water and runs mostly shallow with a few deep holes. Common to the streams of the Missouri Ozark, the bottom of the river is a mixed rock aggregate.
Fishing Mode
boat, wade, shoreline
Fish Species
smallmouth bass, sunfish
Fishing Platform
None
Water Temperature
Warm
Fishing Method
Rod & Reel, Flyfish
Water/Flow Level
medium to fast
Viewing Scenery Info
When traveling down the river you will have stone bluffs on one side. From the tops of the bluffs you will have spectacular views of the West Fork of the Black River and adjacent pastoral setting of Ozark farmland nestled in the forest.
Picnicking - Groups Info
There is one large pedestal grill and tables under a pavilion in the recreation area. There are also individual tables scattered around. There is parking next to the pavilion.
No. of Sites
picnic pavilion with 10 tables
Picnicking - Single Info
There is one large pedestal grill and tables under a pavilion in the recreation area. There are also individual tables scattered around. There is parking next to the pavilion.
No. of Sites
Four individual picnic tables and a picnic pavilion with 10 tables
Backpacking Info
Karkaghne Section of the Ozark Trail
This 25 mile trail section originates at MO Hwy J just east of Oates. It meanders south across the forested watershed for the West Fork of the Black river to the Sutton Bluff campground, and beyond to the Blair Creek section at MO Hwy 32 and P.
Day Hikes Info
Karkaghne Section of the Ozark Trail
This 25 mile trail section originates at MO Hwy J just east of Oates. It meanders south across the forested watershed for the West Fork of the Black river to the Sutton Bluff campground, and beyond to the Blair Creek section at MO Hwy 32 and P.
OHV Camping Info
Many campsites are roomy enough to accommodate ATV's and trailers. From here, you must trailer any unlicensed vehicles to the trails, unless you also possess a county permit for that vehicle. ATV’s and UTVs must stay on road surfaces, and cannot be on grassy areas within the campground or in the river/on adjacent gravel bars.
Sites can accommodate RV/trailer combinations of up to 50’ in length. There are a few sites that cannot accommodate trailers or large RV’s, they are 29, 32, and 33.
Electrical hookups available at this location. No water or sewer hookups available.
This is a loop campground adjacent to the West Fork of the Black River. Most sites are roomy, with a wide, flat-to-gently sloping paved parking spur. There is a lot of space between campsites.
Each of these has a picnic table, fire ring, and lantern post. Flush toilet and showers available.
No. of Sites
- Electric: 10
- Nonelectric: 18
- Group: Nonelectric: 1
Size Restrictions
Can accommodate RV/trailer combinations of up to 50’ in length. There are a few sites that cannot accommodate trailers or large RV’s, they are 29, 32, and 33.
OHV Trail Riding Info
Sutton Bluff Trail
This is an almost 45-mile long trail system with multiple road crossings. The segmented trails are accessed via county roads and Forest Service system roads; trails cannot be accessed directly from the campground without riding along the road. Trail segments follow forested ridge tops and cross deep hollows.
Swimming Info
There is a day use area across the road, across the bridge, that is part of the recreation area. At this area is a gravel bar with a deep pool of water that is popular for swimming.
This part of the West Fork of the Black River is popular for water play and cooling off during the summer. The current can be strong, especially during periods of high water.
The area is not managed for swimming: there are no lifeguards, depth or hazard markers, and the water is not tested.
Recreation Groups
This is an almost 45-mile long trail system with multiple road crossings for ATVs/OHVs 50” or less in width.
