Free camping in the Cedar Creek District of Mark Twain National Forest draws a steady stream of weekend campers to Pine Ridge Recreation Area, a forested spot in Callaway County with numbered sites, vault toilets, and two potable water stations on-site. The access road is partly gravel and can coat vehicles in a chalky dust, so campers arriving in clean cars should plan accordingly. RVs up to 34 feet can back in on blacktop pads, and sites come equipped with fire pits, pedestal grills, and picnic tables, some with covered prep areas. All sites are first-come, first-served.
The campground sits within a wooded stretch near a creek, with sites spaced far enough apart to feel reasonably private. Site 3 gets consistent mentions for its size and seclusion, while site 4 has an open strip that works well for kids or dogs with room to run. Shell S. notes that the campground "fills up on the weekends," and that's an understatement in warmer months. Arriving midweek or in the off-season is the most reliable way to secure a site.
A hiking trailhead sits at the campground entrance, with routes leading into meadows and forested terrain. The trails are a consistent draw, and Jenn L. calls Pine Ridge one of her favorites "close to home to hike." No hookups are available. Campers needing power should bring a generator.
A few practical notes: neighboring properties are audible in the early morning, with lawn equipment and gunshots reported by multiple reviewers. Litter occasionally appears in fire rings, though the sites themselves tend to stay clean. A recent 2025 review noted a locked gate and $15 per night fee signage, which conflicts with the listed free status, so confirming current conditions before arrival is worth the effort. Cell service is listed as available.
For campers wanting a different setup, Dry Fork Recreation Area is a few miles northeast and provides another option within the same national forest.
Description
This area is located in a pine forest and provides a campground and picnic area while serving as a trailhead to the 36-mile Cedar Creek Trail. Four picnic sites and 8 campsites are provided. Larger grassy area can provide small groups such as scouts.
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsPine Ridge Recreation Area is located in Missouri near New Bloomfield
Dispersed CampingDirections
From New Bloomfield, head west on Route MM 1 mile; Turn north on Route J to Guthrie; Then turn west on Route Y for 2 miles. From Ashland, go east on Route Y, 7 miles.
Coordinates
38.7580086 N
92.1423314 W
Connectivity
T-MobilePossible CoverageVerified by 13 usersLast on 8/14/26
Verizon5GGood CoverageVerified by 5 usersLast on 8/14/26
AT&TLTESome CoverageVerified by 1 userLast on 3/4/26
Connectivity
- T-MobilePossible CoverageVerified by 13 usersLast on 8/14/26
- Verizon5GGood CoverageVerified by 5 usersLast on 8/14/26
- AT&TLTESome CoverageVerified by 1 userLast on 3/4/26
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
Site Types
- Dispersed
Features
For Campers
- ADA Access
- Trash
- Picnic Table
- Phone Service
- Drinking Water
- Toilets
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
DISPERSED CAMPING
Enjoy dispersed camping on government land and leave no trace. Pack in and pack out. No (or limited) services at this camping area. Permit may be required.
PERMIT might be REQUIRED
We curate permit requirements across the US for our PRO members. Try PRO to see if Pine Ridge Recreation Area needs a permit.
Drive Time
- 21 min from Jefferson City, MO
- 23 min from Columbia, MO
- 1 hr 49 min from St. Louis, MO
- 2 hrs 25 min from Springfield, MO
