Pinewoods Lake Rec Area, near Poplar Bluff, Missouri, is a solid choice for those looking to unwind in nature. This campground offers a laid-back atmosphere with spacious sites that come equipped with picnic tables and fire pits, perfect for evening gatherings and s'mores.

Visitors often rave about the stunning views of the lake, especially from sites like #10, which some have described as "beautiful." While there are no showers or water hookups, the clean restrooms and the abundance of firewood make it a comfortable spot for a rustic camping experience. One camper noted, “Each site was paved with a picnic table and fire pit,” which adds to the convenience.

For outdoor enthusiasts, there’s a paved trail around the lake that’s great for a leisurely stroll or a quick walk with your dog. The boat launch and floating dock are just a short walk away, making it easy to enjoy some time on the water. Just a heads up, though—bugs can be a bit of a nuisance, so don’t forget your bug spray!

If you need supplies, there’s a truck stop just a mile east for ice and snacks, and a small grocery store about 18 miles west. Pinewoods Lake Rec Area is a peaceful retreat that’s perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer stay, offering a chance to connect with nature and enjoy some quality time by the water.

## 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.
## 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.

Pinewoods Lake Rec Area — Mark Twain National Forest

Searching for the best camping near Ellsinore, MO? Ellsinore is an adventure-filled destination for those who love the outdoorsy camper lifestyle. But it's also great for those who prefer to spend time near the city, exploring and sightseeing. You're sure to find the perfect campground for your Ellsinore camping trip.

Ellsinore

The Best Camping Near Ellsinore, Missouri

nice little free campground with paved pretty level sites near water, stayed one night, nearby gas station, 2nd time we have stayed here,, enjoyed it both times!!

dark, quiet, near water!!

Just off highway, it is dispersed camping in a park that no longer charges, blacktop pad, lantern hook, picnic table, fire ring w cooking grate at ea site, vault toilets.

  

There was a fire a few years ago so some burned out areas, lots of firewood, small lake for fishing no motorized boats, great hike/walk around lake.  There is a gas station/truck stop near.   Great stop to regroup on a long road trip.

Peaceful

Pretty lakefront camp sites

Not big but definitely good for a stopover on a cross country trip. Only here one night but seems quiet and cozy. 

Cozy little campground

This is an amazing campground it is paved throughout, there is a lake view, bathrooms, nice wooded  area and we have a 30 foot motorhome that is 13 feet tall and had no problem coming in and finding a spot!!

Amazing and free!!

It was beautiful, very calm and perfect for relaxing. The view of the stars is absolutely gorgeous. Saw a meteor during our stay. Would definitely recommend. There was trash in the fire pit and they will probably need to be dug out, plenty of wood around to gather, 

Quiet and isolated

the camping lots are clear of weeds yet surrounded by trees which made it feel cozy. there were a few campers when we went but the campsites are far enough away to have your own privacy. the lake view is absolutely gorgeous as well. i highly recommend it!

Great Campsite!!

There are 15 paved sites, each with a picnic table, fire ring and a pole to hang a lantern. Some sites are double width. There are two (nice &amp; clean) vault toilets, one in the campground near the entrance and the other at the day use/boat launch site, no electric, water, dumpster or garbage. Pack it in and pack it out. There's a 1.3 mile paved trail along the lake and a dock. There is some noise from 60 but it's hardly noticeable. My time here has been quiet except for some drunken yahoos one night.

The only negative is there are a lot of ticks! They are easy to spot on my white dog but I have to do a tick check every time he goes outside, and I always find some. Avoid the vegetation and you'll see less. Make sure you check yourself.

Dry camping dispersed NF campground

Stopped here while passing through Missouri on a Saturday on 4th of July weekend and there were only 3 other campers when we arrived late afternoon. The sites are nice and big with picnic tables and fire rings, even a few “doubles” that would fit two big rigs side by side. The trail around the lake makes for a nice short walk with the dogs and it was surprisingly not terribly buggy for July. No hook-ups, which was the only downside since it was so hot and my Husky demands AC in the summer! 

Easy access, private sites

We stopped at a dollar general in town and picked up all the supplies and food we’d need. Camp was 3 minutes down the road. We found a spot right the water - nice and level - and got set up really quick. Good view of the water and plenty of walking trails. Sites have nice metal fire pits and nice metal picnic tables. There are no showers or running water in the bathrooms, nor any trash cans. A really good primitive place to camp right off of route 60. 

Quiet off the road stay 

I pulled in after dark. Found it quite easy to navigate the park &amp; find a spot for the night. Woke to a beautiful view of the lake. Very easy access off the road and still quiet, fire pits &amp; picnic tables. A very lovely place.

Beautiful Surprise

Stayed 1 night and enjoyed clean restrooms and showers. Would have loved more time to hike, park is huge! Price was ok for the spot but looked like it could get muddy really easy after rain. 

Nice Spot!

Does have restroom and fire rings with a grill 

Plenty of wood there for accessible burning 

This was a great stay! Nice and peaceful, great company with total strangers on the next site over. Campsites are spaced out nicely. There are only a handful of sites that are suitable for tents as each site varies on cleared area. No water or electricity that we seen. Boat launch and floating dock are just a short walk from any camp site. We stayed at campsite #5 and it was spacious for our tent. Dumpster for trash is next to the bathrooms across from site #3 &amp; 4. Asphalt road through the camping area and Asphalt pulloffs at each site. Chiggers and bugs are an issue here so bring plenty of Off. We stayed 10 nights and we will definitely mark this one down on our list. Truck Stop 1 mile east for ice, food and drinks. There is a small grocery store about 18 miles west with a great selection. Picnic table and fire pit at each site. Free wood laying all over the place, when the management team cut trees down they leave them there for campers to use. 

Quiet and nice

It was a great stay! Site 10 had a beautiful view of the lake. Multiple restrooms but no showers. Each site was paved with a picnic table and fire pit. The only complaint would be the enormous amount of bugs. 

Photos of Pinewoods Lake Rec Area — Mark Twain National Forest

Real photos from real campers