Cobb Ridge
4.42107 reviewsUS FOREST SERVICE, MARK TWAIN NATIONAL FOREST, 1006 S. JEFFERSON STREET, Ava, MO 65608, USA
Cobb Ridge
$15.00 - $75.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$15.00
Hookup Site Fee$25.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$75.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
Fees vary by site type and season: $25/night for standard electric sites, $15/night for standard non-electric and tent-only sites, and $75/night for group standard electric sites.
About this campground
Deep in Missouri's Mark Twain National Forest, Cobb Ridge Campground has earned its reputation as a premier destination for off-road adventurers. Here, the roar of engines mingles with the whisper of wind through ancient oaks as riders explore 80 miles of interconnecting trails. Whether you're navigating tight switchbacks on a dirt bike or conquering rocky terrain with your ATV, this campground serves as your basecamp for unforgettable trail experiences. The Chadwick Riding Area welcomes machines up to 50 inches wide, making it perfect for everything from nimble dirt bikes to capable side-by-sides.
The campground accommodates various camping preferences, including tent camping, RV camping with electrical hookups, and group camping sites. Primitive camping is also an option.
Weather and SeasonsFrom March through November, Cobb Ridge welcomes visitors with comfortable temperatures ideal for outdoor adventures. While spring and fall bring the most pleasant conditions, occasional rain showers add drama to the landscape and keep the trails interesting. Seasoned campers know to pack rain gear alongside their riding equipment – those sudden Missouri downpours can transform the trails into thrilling, muddy challenges that test your skills and create lasting memories.
Natural Features and SceneryThe campground sits nestled among a tapestry of oak, hickory, and pine forests that paint the ridges in varying shades of green. Rocky outcroppings pierce through the canopy like ancient sentinels, while steep ridges plunge into narrow, mysterious hollows below. Eastern red cedars dot the landscape, their distinctive silhouettes adding character to the rugged terrain. This is nature's own adventure playground, where every twist in the trail reveals new vistas of Missouri's untamed beauty.
Geological RegionThe Chadwick area of Mark Twain National Forest showcases the Ozarks' dramatic topography at its finest. Ancient geological forces have sculpted a landscape of steep-sided ridges and deep hollows, where exposed rock ledges tell stories millions of years in the making. The forest floor rises and falls in dramatic waves, creating natural obstacles and breathtaking viewpoints. Scattered surface rocks and limestone outcroppings punctuate the dense canopy of oak, hickory, and pine, while hardy eastern red cedars cling to the rocky ridgetops, testament to nature's resilience in this rugged terrain.
Campsite details
AccessibilityAccessibility features are limited, but some pull-through sites make maneuvering for RVs easier. User reviews suggest a need for clearer maps indicating restroom types and locations.
Sites SizeMultiple campsite sizes are available, including single, double, and triple units. Some reviewers noted large, paved sites with ample space.
Sites PrivacySites vary in privacy; while most are considered fairly private, some are close together, promoting interaction between campers. One user noted, 'Beautiful campground with lots of privacy between camping stops.'
Total Campsites50 campsites
Recommended CampsitesChoose Loop C sites for spacious pull-through options. Tent campers in Loop D should use heavy-duty tarps due to rocky surfaces and debris.
Best CampsitesHighly-rated sites include 005, 013, 018, and 035 for their spacious layouts and proximity to amenities.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
4PM
Check-out
12 PM
Stay Limit
You may stay up to 14 nights during a visit at this campground.
Groups
Group sites are available and can accommodate larger gatherings with features like picnic tables and fire rings. Specific user reviews highlight the family-friendly atmosphere of these sites.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutThe campground includes loops with individual, double, and group sites, featuring pull-through and back-in options.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen from March 1 to November 30 annually.
Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made online via Recreation.gov or through the Recreation.gov mobile app.
Walk-in AvailabilitySome campsites are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Visitors should use the Scan and Pay feature for on-site reservations through the Recreation.gov app.
Cancellation PolicyVisitors can cancel reservations up to 12:00 AM local time 1 day before check-in for individual campsites or up to 14 days for group sites, with a $10 cancellation fee plus forfeiture of the first night’s fee for late cancellations. Changes to reservations incur a $10 change fee.
Accomodation available
GroupGroup campsites are offered for larger parties such as families, schools, or organizations. These sites provide space and facilities to accommodate multiple people camping together.
Amenities available
Showers
Potable water
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Flush toilets
Vault toilets
Electricity hookups
Activities you can enjoy
Cobb Ridge is best known for its off-road vehicle trails, with nearly 80 miles of interconnected loops for dirt bikes, ATVs, and side-by-side vehicles. Hiking is also permissible on these trails but requires caution due to the terrain and vehicle traffic. Other activities include camping and biking.
Hiking
Hiking is allowed on the off-road vehicle trails but requires caution due to shared use with motorized vehicles. Trail difficulty ranges from easy to challenging, with segments featuring rocky, steep, and rutted terrain.Biking
Mountain biking is permitted, but some trails are unsuitable for bicycles due to terrain difficulties. A visitor shared, 'We took our bikes on the trails but found out some of them are not suitable for bicycles.'Wildlife viewing
The campground is situated in a forested area with oak, hickory, and pine woods, offering opportunities for wildlife observation.Winter Activities
Winter activities are not explicitly mentioned, though the campground remains open during colder months for camping.Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Campfires are allowed in designated fire rings with grills provided at each site.
- Quiet hours are No explicit quiet hours stated. Reviewers note minimal ATV noise during the night.
Hazards
General hazardsPotential hazards include wildlife encounters, steep and rocky trail terrain, and ATV noise. Some reviews mention damaged electrical pedestals and a lack of water hookup.
Weather forecast
72
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Partly cloudy
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 56%
Moderately humid conditions
Wind: 5.4 mph
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Partly cloudy
7-Day Forecast
Access to 7-day forecasts tailored to each campground—covering temperature, precipitation, wind, and sky conditions.
Daily & Hourly Insights
View hourly forecasts with expected weather patterns throughout the day.
Temperature Trends
Visualize how temperatures shift over the month to help pick the most comfortable days for your trip.
Precipitation Trends
Plan around rain or snow with monthly visualizations of expected precipitation patterns.
Weather Summaries
Assess conditions with visuals for easier decision-making on when and where to camp.
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Emergency Services
Nearest emergency services are located in Ava, MO (~14 miles north), including hospitals, police stations, and ranger stations.
Good to know
Peak season datesMarch 1, 2025 - November 30, 2025
Trash and recyclingTrash collection is available throughout the campground, but recycling options were not mentioned. Visitors appreciated the cleanliness of the grounds, with one review stating, 'Hosts kept the campground clean and free of trash.'
Proximity to water featuresThe campground is approximately 20 miles north of Lake Taneycomo.
Common complaintsComplaints from visitors include unsanitary restroom facilities, low voltage at electrical hookups, and noise from ATVs.
HostThe campground hosts are referenced in reviews as 'friendly,' 'helpful,' and 'responsive.' Cindy and Mike receive particular praise for their excellent service.
Campground Map
US FOREST SERVICE, MARK TWAIN NATIONAL FOREST, 1006 S. JEFFERSON STREET, Ava, MO 65608, USA
Driving directionsFrom Chadwick, Missouri, take Highway 125 south about 2 miles, then turn right onto Highway H and continue past Camp Ridge day-use area, turning right onto Lookout Road (the first portion of Lookout Road is paved - if you get to the gravel you have gone too far) to Cobb Ridge Recreation Area. From Forsyth, take H Highway north approximately 14 miles, turn left onto Lookout Road (the first portion of Lookout Road is paved - if you get to the gravel you have gone too far) to Cobb Ridge Recreation Area. The campground is approximately 0.5 miles on Lookout Road from H Highway.
Lookout Road leading to Cobb Ridge Recreation Area begins with paved sections but transitions to gravel. Visitors are advised to avoid driving on gravel accidentally.Nearby places
Chadwick (~2 miles), Forsyth (~14 miles), Springfield (~30 miles), Branson (~30 miles), Silver Dollar City (~30 miles), Shepherd of the Hills (~30 miles), Lake Taneycomo (~20 miles south).
Nearby supplies
Closest supplies such as groceries, camping essentials, and fuel are available in Ava (~14 miles) and Sparta (~20 miles).
Camper Reviews
4.4
107 reviews
Cobb Ridge is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews are mixed, with sentiments ranging from highly satisfied campers praising the facilities and hosts to frustrated visitors lamenting maintenance issues and overcrowding. ATV-related noise is commonly mentioned but generally accepted as part of the camping experience.
Review Summaries
Based on 107 reviews
What Campers Love
Positive feedback includes praise for the spacious and clean campsites, friendly and helpful campground hosts, and the proximity to ATV trails. One user remarked, 'Hosts kept the campground clean and...
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Common Concerns
Frequent complaints include unsanitary bathrooms, malfunctioning showers, and issues with campsite management and reservations. A reviewer noted, 'Bathrooms and showers were unsanitary and not...
Based on 107 reviewsShow more
Pro Tips & Recommendations
Users recommend bringing extra water supplies, heavy-duty tarps for tent camping, and being prepared for ATV noise. One visitor noted, 'Definitely recommend a heavy-duty tarp if you are tent camping...
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Seasonal Insights
Summer months are popular, with visitors highlighting well-maintained sites and the vibrant ATV trail culture. Winter reviews indicate reduced activity levels but continued availability for camping.
Based on 107 reviewsCamper Quotes
Direct quotes from users include: 'Hosts kept the campground clean and free of trash,' 'Clean, spacious campsites with good separation,' and 'Bathrooms and showers were unsanitary and not cleaned for...
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Site-Specific Reviews
Specific campsite reviews mention Loop A having clean bathrooms and family-friendly atmosphere. Loop C offers spacious pull-through sites, while Loop D has mixed reviews about tent site conditions...
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Accessibility Features
Accessibility is limited; some users reported needing clearer maps for restroom locations and types.
Based on 107 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Pets are allowed, but enforcement of leash rules is inconsistent. One reviewer stated, 'We travel with two well-behaved dogs that are always leashed or tethered, and while walking them we were...
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Last updated August 10, 2025