Sutton Bluff Recreation Area

PO BOX 460
Salem, MO 65560

Reducing Lead Exposure Risk at Campgrounds

In 2012, The Mark Twain National Forest completed soil sampling in many areas of Southeast Missouri lead mining area. A few recreation sites were found to have elevated concentrations of lead, but there was not a clear trend indicating where we would find lead.

In Fall 2014, we partnered with the Missouri Department of Natural Resources to sample every campsite and day-use area at in the area for lead (Pb) in surface soil and crushed rock, which led to the current action.

In the Summer of 2015, we capped contaminated areas at 100 campsites and day use areas. The intent of this action is to reduce human contact with lead in soils by putting down a layer of clean material that has low lead concentrations. This project was a clean-up action under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA) and is categorized as a Time Critical Removal Action

The Forest Service plans to review the protectiveness of a CERLCA Time Critical Removal Action after elevated levels of lead (Pb) were discovered. This protectiveness review will allow us to determine if any additional work needs to be conducted at these sites.

The risks of lead exposure at these sites are generally considered to be low, especially if you are only at these sites a couple of times a year.

Overview

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.

Recreation

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.

Facilities

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. A group picnic pavilion, equipped with about 10 tables, as well as grills, is perfect for large parties or family functions.

Camping Sites #29, #32 and #33 have short parking spaces that are not able to accommodate large RVs/Trailers. Please take this into account when reserving sites.

Natural Features

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.

Nearby Attractions

The small mining town of Centerville is located roughly six miles from the campground.

Camp site features

Across 33 camp sites:

Electric hookups: 14 of 33 sites
Picnic table: all 33 sites
Pets allowed: all 33 sites
ADA accessible: all 33 sites
Group sites: 1 of 33 sites
Longest RV: 76 ft
Largest party: 32 people
Power up to 50 amps
Equipment: RV, Tent, Trailer

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.

Stay Limit

Check in from 3 PM, check out by 2 PM.

Reviews

112 reviews

5 stars

4 stars

3 stars

2 stars

1 stars

Brian F

Loop:Camp

Site:

Reviewed 9 days ago

Been camping here for over 10 years bathroom and shower house worst I’ve ever seen it not clean shower unacceptable the vaulted toilet were a better choice fr so plan accordingly hopefully they do some winter maintenance also trash was over flowing like hadn’t been picked up in a month other then that the grounds were up to par clean as should be grass mowed

David P

Loop:Camp

Site:

Reviewed 9 days ago

Me and my boys enjoyed our stay. the site was mostly cleaned up from previous visitors. only two complaints, one of the showers was useless for us as the lights were out, and a neighbor played music a little loud into quiet hours. we would and probably will stay again.

Stacy T

Loop:Camp

Site:

Reviewed 17 days ago

Love this place! Some of the best camping in Missouri. Could use new bathrooms and showers, but its truly a beautiful spot

Marvin L

Loop:Camp

Site:

Reviewed a month ago

The facilities are dated, but functional and clean.

Beverly D

Loop:Camp

Site:

Reviewed 2 months ago

The bathrooms and showers are gross. I actually cleaned them myself. No maintenance going into this campground.

Mick T

Loop:Camp

Site:

Reviewed 2 months ago

My review is in regards to the shower house and bathroom facilities. While I appreciate the fairly low price for the camping sites I would like to see both the shower house and bathrooms updated. The toilets don't flush properly and the showers are falling into disrepair. I think either an update or complete rebuild would make a tremendous difference for this facility. Perhaps a slight increase in fees would help offset these costs. I truly hope that the powers that be hear my concerns. I know that MANY people are echoing my same thoughts. Thank you for listening.

Availability

See the Camp Sites section below to find detailed booking availability.

Reserve

Popularity: Very quiet