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Map showing campground location near Black, Missouri
Camper submitted image from Sutton Bluff Recreation AreaView 19 Photos
CampingMap showing campground location near Black, Missouri

Sutton Bluff Recreation Area

9 ReviewsAdd Review

Whether you're looking to fish the Black River or explore nearby ATV trails, Sutton Bluff Recreation Area sits within the Mark Twain National Forest along Missouri's Black River. This US Forest Service campground operates seasonally from late March through early November, offering both electric hookup sites and primitive camping options across forested terrain.

The campground features an inner loop with electric sites and accommodates RVs up to 76 feet, though several reviewers note the access road can be rough and better suited for smaller rigs. J K. mentions "this isn't a campground that you would want to bring a large RV into." The day-use area provides direct access to the Black River for swimming, and campers report finding rocky beaches along the water. ATV enthusiasts frequent the area for trail access, which can add noise levels beyond typical campground sounds.

Sites include picnic tables and fire rings, with drinking water, restrooms, showers, and a dump station available. The camp host typically stocks firewood and ice for purchase. Dispersed camping options exist for those willing to hike about a mile from the main road. For additional camping in the region, consider places to camp around Mark Twain National Forest, which offers numerous recreation areas throughout the Ozarks.

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Map & DirectionsSutton Bluff Recreation Area is located in Missouri near Black

Detail location of campground
Public Campground

Directions

From Centerville, Missouri, travel 3 miles northeast on Highway 21. Take County Road 907 northwest for 7 miles, then turn on County Road 849 and travel south for 3 miles to the campground.

Address

PO BOX 460
Salem, MO 65560

Coordinates

37.4763889 N
91.0069444 W

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Connectivity

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    T-Mobile
    No Coverage
    Verified by 2 users
    Last on 5/23/26
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    VerizonLTE
    Some Coverage
    Verified by 4 users
    Last on 5/23/26
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    AT&T
    No Coverage

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Presented byHershey's

Connectivity

Presented byT-MobileT-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoors
  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile
    No Coverage
    Verified by 2 users
    Last on 5/23/26
  • signal strength bars
    VerizonLTE
    Some Coverage
    Verified by 4 users
    Last on 5/23/26
  • signal strength bars
    AT&T
    No Coverage

Access

  • Drive-In
    Park next to your site
  • Walk-In
    Park in a lot, walk to your site.
  • Hike-In
    Backcountry sites.
  • Boat-In
    Sites accessible by watercraft.

Site Types

  • Tent Sites
  • RV Sites
  • Standard (Tent/RV)
  • Group

Features

For Campers

  • Trash
  • Picnic Table
  • Firewood Available
  • Phone Service
  • Reservable
  • Drinking Water
  • Electric Hookups
  • Toilets
  • Alcohol
  • Pets

For Vehicles

  • Sanitary Dump
  • 50 Amp Hookups
  • Big Rig Friendly

Contact

General Info

Reservations

Drive Time

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Reviews9 Camper Reviews - Sutton Bluff Recreation Area

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5 Stars

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3 Stars

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1 Star

67%
23%
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4.5

out of 5

9 Reviews

Numerous guests pointed out spacious, clean sites with good facilities and a helpful host. Multiple campers commented on beautiful Black River access and scenic bluff views, though some noted ATV noise during peak times.

Reviewed Sep. 12, 2021

Hidden gem

this campground is a little gem. has a great river access.  the sites are nice and spacious

Month of VisitAugust
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Reviewed Aug. 13, 2021

Beautiful scenery

I used to take groups of campers here and it was one of their favorite-!typically a quiet campground

Month of VisitJuly
Reviewed Aug. 5, 2019

Off the beaten path!

We’ve been going to the day use area at Suttons Bluff for over 20 years and only recently he actually used the campground. This campground is definitely off the beaten path so make sure that you have the majority of your necessities before setting up camp. The host usually has ice and firewood but other than that the nearest store is about a 30 minute drive The sites are nice and clean and the inside loop offers electric hookups. This isn’t a campground that you would want to bring a large RV into. It’s mostly suited for smaller campers or tents. And be aware that there will definitely be more noise in this campground than the average because a lot of people that stay here also bring ATVs to use on the nearby trails. The time we stayed there everyone was respectful as they drove them through the campground but it is still more noise than what most might be used to. Overall this is a nice little campground that has a easy to access
day use area for swimming on the black river

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Reviewed Aug. 5, 2018

Sutton’s Bluff

This is a beautiful camp ground with electric sites right on the crystal clear Black River. The host is awesome and takes good care of the campground. You can purchase ice, firewood and ice cream from the host. Fairly small and they have bathrooms and 2 showers. Trails are nearby to ride dirt bikes and four wheelers. Great place and you can hike the bluffs, very scenic.

SiteElectric site
Month of VisitMay
  • Review photo of Sutton Bluff Recreation Area by Debbie W., August 5, 2018
  • Review photo of Sutton Bluff Recreation Area by Debbie W., August 5, 2018
  • Review photo of Sutton Bluff Recreation Area by Debbie W., August 5, 2018
  • (5) View All
Reviewed May. 15, 2017

Bell Mountain

This is a rough hike for the views you get. Trails are a little overgrown but definitely gives the feeling of being in the wilderness.

  • Review photo of Sutton Bluff Recreation Area by Rylan B., May 15, 2017
  • Review photo of Sutton Bluff Recreation Area by Rylan B., May 15, 2017
  • Review photo of Sutton Bluff Recreation Area by Rylan B., May 15, 2017
  • (4) View All
Reviewed Jun. 19, 2016

Beautiful location along the Ozark Trail

The Sutton Bluff Recreation area is really beautiful, surrounded by bluffs and in a really great location. We showed up on a busy weekend while hiking the Ozark Trail and decided we would hike a mile down the road to a dispersed campsite. Once you pass the road, the trail turns to the left and you'll find a campsite with a picnic table, bench, and a couple of fire pits. This was a really awesome location to camp with lots of trees for rain coverage and access to a rocky beach alongside the water source. The area is surrounded by bluffs and if you walk up the road a little and cross, you'll find a big rocky beach with beautiful bluffs and wide open sky. It rained all night and into the morning and we stayed really dry thanks to the tree coverage in the area. There was a lot of trash when we got here, so remember to pack in/pack out and try to clean up whatever is previously left there. This is a really special spot!

  • Review photo of Sutton Bluff Recreation Area by Alexa S., June 19, 2016
  • Review photo of Sutton Bluff Recreation Area by Alexa S., June 19, 2016
Showing results 1-9 of 9 reviews

Frequently Asked Questions

What types of trails are available at Sutton Bluff Recreation Area?

Sutton Bluff Recreation Area offers trails for different activities. The area includes hiking paths that connect to the Ozark Trail, though some sections may be slightly overgrown, adding to the wilderness feel. The recreation area is particularly popular for ATV and UTV enthusiasts, with designated trails for off-road vehicles. Dirt bike trails are also available nearby. The terrain can be challenging in places, providing a genuine outdoor experience away from heavily trafficked areas.

What do visitors say about Sutton Bluff Recreation Area in their reviews?

Sutton Bluff Recreation Area is described as a beautiful campground surrounded by scenic bluffs. Campers appreciate the crystal clear Black River access, clean bathrooms, and friendly staff who maintain the grounds well. The campground offers electric sites, and the host sells ice, firewood, and ice cream. While somewhat off the beaten path, many find this adds to its charm as a quiet, calm getaway. The spacious sites receive positive mentions, and the location has been a favorite for both solo travelers and groups for many years.

Are there photos available of Sutton Bluff Recreation Area?

Yes, photos of Sutton Bluff Recreation Area are available online. One camper shared a YouTube video link showcasing the campground. For the most comprehensive collection of photos, check the official USDA Forest Service website, recreation.gov, or social media platforms where visitors often share their experiences. These visual resources can help you get a better sense of the campground's river access, site layouts, and natural surroundings before your visit.

Where can I find a map of Sutton Bluff Campground?

Maps of Sutton Bluff Campground are available through several sources. The primary resource is the USDA Forest Service website, which typically provides downloadable maps of recreation areas under their management. Additionally, the campground host on-site may have printed maps available. For the most detailed and up-to-date maps, contact the Mark Twain National Forest office that oversees this recreation area. Remember to download or print maps before arriving, as the remote location may limit cell service and internet access.

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