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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.
At a Glance
| Current Conditions: | For Stream Flow and Flooding forecast visit the USGS website |
|---|---|
| Operational Hours: | Day Use Hours: 6 am to 10 pm |
| Rentals & Guides: | There are no outfitters authorized to operate at this location. Check with the http://www.missouricanoe.org/ for information on rentals. |
| Area Amenities: | Accessible,Boat ramp,Tent camping,Picnic tables,Toilets,Parking |
| Fees: | No fees |
| Open Season: | January - December |
| Usage: | Light |
| Restrictions: |
|
| Closest Towns: | Roby, MO; Lickng, MO |
| Water: | None |
| Restroom: | Vault |
| Operated By: | USDA Forest Service |
| Information Center: | Houston/Rolla/Cedar Creek Ranger District Email | Phone and Address |
General Information
Accessibility:The vault toilet and picnic tables are accessible
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
Activities
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.
For more information on Dispersed Camping visit our dispersed camping page which has information on picking a campsite, how to protect water quality, and campfires!
River and Stream Fishing
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 |
Day Hiking
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 deadends 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
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 |
Boating - Motorized
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 - Non-Motorized
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.
The river at this launch can be swift moving. This river has variating runs and riffles with some pools as you travel downriver.
Amenities
| Picnic tables: | Yes |
|---|---|
| Tent camping: | Yes |
| Parking: | Boat Launch: 3 vehicles with trailers; Picnic/Camping Area: 8 vehicles |
| Toilets: | Yes |
| Accessible: | Some features and amenities are accessible |
| Boat ramp: | Yes |
Quick Links
Highlights
Location
