Sitting just off Route 60 in Mark Twain National Forest, Pinewoods Lake Rec Area runs $15-$50 per night and gives drive-in campers direct access to a small fishing lake with a boat launch and floating dock. The 15 paved sites each include a picnic table, fire ring with cooking grate, and a lantern pole. Two vault toilets serve the campground, but there are no showers, no running water in the bathrooms, and no trash cans, so plan to pack out everything you bring in. A truck stop sits roughly a mile east for ice and basics, and a grocery store is available about 18 miles west.
The layout works in campers' favor. Sites are spaced far enough apart that neighboring campers rarely feel close, and the asphalt pulloffs make for easy setup on level ground. Several sites have direct sightlines to the lake, and Chenoa B. notes it is "very pretty in the fall with the colors along the lake." A handful of double-width sites can accommodate two rigs side by side. Crowd levels tend to stay low, with multiple reviewers arriving during summer weekends to find only a few other campers present.
Bugs are the most consistent complaint. Chiggers and ticks are a documented issue, particularly in warmer months, and reviewers recommend staying out of the vegetation and doing thorough tick checks after any time outside. Bring insect repellent. Free firewood is available throughout the campground, left by the management team after tree trimming. The 1.3-mile paved trail around the lake gives anglers and dog walkers a route that stays mostly on hard surface, which helps reduce tick exposure.
Kurt O. notes "no water or electricity that we seen," which is worth emphasizing for RV campers expecting hookups despite what listings may suggest. Some highway noise from Route 60 carries into the campground, though most reviewers find it minor. Nearby alternatives include Pinewoods Lake Rec Area and Campground and Lozark RV Park for campers who need electric service. Those planning a broader trip through the region can find places to camp around Mark Twain National Forest across a range of facility levels.
Fall visits tend to draw the least competition for sites and coincide with cooler temperatures that keep the bug pressure lower. Arrive with a full water supply, since no potable water is available on-site.
Description
Overview
Pinewoods Lake Recreation Area sits next to Pinewoods Lake in southeastern Missouri. It is an ideal location to enjoy lake fishing and scenic trails.
Recreation
A 1.3-mile walking trail surrounds the lake. Most of the trail has a concrete surface and is accessible. The entire trail is relatively flat, with no difficult sections. Circling the 32-acre lake, the trail provides views of the lake, songbirds and wildlife, and an abundance of wildflowers. The lake offers a floating fishing pier and a concrete boat ramp. Anglers can enjoy fishing for bass, sunfish and catfish.
Facilities
The day-use picnic shelter can accommodate up to 75 people. It is equipped with tables and large grills. Accessible vault toilets are provided. Trash collection service is not available; visitors must carry out all garbage.
Natural Features
The lake is located on the southeastern quadrant of the Mark Twain National Forest. The area is densely wooded.
Nearby Attractions
Ellsinore is the closest city to the campground, just 3 miles away, with a few dining options, a grocery store and fuel station.
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsPinewoods Lake Rec Area is located in Missouri near Ellsinore
Directions
From Poplar Bluff, Missouri, go 7 miles north on U.S. Highway 67, then travel 16 miles east on U.S. Highway 60.
Address
1420 MAUD ST
Poplar bluff, MO 63902
Coordinates
36.9191667 N
90.7838889 W
Connectivity
- T-Mobile5GGood CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 7/31/26
- VerizonLTESome Coverage
- AT&T5GExcellent Coverage
Connectivity
- T-Mobile5GGood CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 7/31/26
- VerizonLTESome Coverage
- AT&T5GExcellent Coverage
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Group
Features
For Campers
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Water Hookups
Drive Time
- 1 hr 27 min from Cape Girardeau, MO
- 1 hr 44 min from Jonesboro, AR
- 2 hrs 3 min from Paducah, KY
- 2 hrs 28 min from St. Louis, MO




































