The Sutton Bluff Campground is set alongside the West Fork of the Black River in a forested hardwood bottom. Roomy campsites surrounded by open lawn and natural shading, cool breezes, abundant songbirds and scenic views all await visitors at the Sutton Bluff Recreation Area. The campground is a popular site for those using the nearby designated Sutton Bluff off-road vehicle trails.
Sutton Bluff is located 13 miles outside Centerville, Missouri, on the Black River. It is nestled among a variety of short-leaf pine trees and shrubs, and a number of campsites sit alongside the West Fork of the Black River.
A 20 mile off-road vehicle trail can be accessed from the campground. Permits are required for off-road vehicle use in the area.
The Karkaghne section of the Ozark Trail, which is popular among backpackers, hikers and mountain bikers, is accessible from a trailhead less than a mile from the campground.
The West Fork of Black River provides access to a serene, slow-moving mountain stream and a natural gravel beach. Visitors enjoy wading in the waters, however the current is not strong enough to enable floating the river. Anglers can enjoy a variety of bass and bluegill.
The campground offers multiple single-family sites and a large group site that can accommodate up to 32 guests. Each site is equipped with tables and campfire rings with grills, and electric hookups are available for RVs.
Accessible vault and flush toilets, hot showers and drinking water are also provided. Firewood and ice are available by purchase from the campground host. A group picnic pavilion, equipped with about 10 tables, as well as grills, is perfect for large parties or family functions.
The small mining town of Centerville is located about six miles from the campground.
Operational Hours:
Day use & Campground open: End of March through beginning of November. Use restricted to overnight campers only between 10PM and 6AM.
Reservations:
Reservations for this site can be made on Recreation.gov. All reservations must be made at least 4 days in advance of arrival. Group sites and picnic area pavilion can be reserved up to 12 months in advance. Standard sites can be reserved up to 6 months in advance.
Fees:
Standard electric and non-electric sites: $10-20 Group non-electric campsite: $40 Group picnic area pavilion: $25.
Restrictions:
No horses in campground; ATV use in campground limited to ingress and egress.
Operated By:
Concession (573) 648-9255
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.