Sutton Bluff Recreation Area
4.0474 reviewsPO BOX 460, Salem, MO, 65560, USA
Sutton Bluff Recreation Area
$10.00 - $40.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$20.00
Hookup Site Fee$30.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$40.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
Fees range between $10 and $40 depending on the site type. Additional fees may apply for reservation changes or cancellations.
About this campground
Discover your perfect basecamp at Sutton Bluff, where spacious campsites blend seamlessly with expansive open lawns and nature's own canopy of shade. This beloved destination draws adventure seekers from across the region, serving as a gateway for off-road enthusiasts eager to explore rugged terrain and hikers ready to conquer scenic trails that wind through the stunning Ozark wilderness.
The Sutton Bluff Recreation Area accommodates a variety of camping preferences, including RV and tent camping, as well as group camping facilities.
Historical SignificanceImmerse yourself in the timeless beauty of the Ozark landscape, where generations of outdoor enthusiasts have found solace and adventure. This pristine corner of Arkansas embodies the raw, untamed spirit of the Ozarks, offering visitors a chance to connect with the natural heritage that has shaped this region's character for centuries.
Weather and SeasonsNature's drama unfolds with seasonal changes at Sutton Bluff, where summer heat gives way to the perfect camping conditions of spring and fall. While the rainy season brings the spectacular power of flash floods that have carved this landscape for millennia, savvy campers know that autumn's crisp air and spring's wildflower blooms create ideal conditions for outdoor adventures. Plan your visit during these golden months to experience the Ozarks at their finest.
ElevationThe gentle rolling terrain of Sutton Bluff creates a diverse camping experience, with sites positioned to capture both riverside tranquility and hillside vistas throughout the recreation area.
Natural Features and SceneryWake to the whisper of short-leaf pines swaying overhead and the gentle murmur of the West Fork of the Black River flowing nearby. The campground's thoughtful design places you within arm's reach of nature's gallery, where native shrubs paint the understory with seasonal colors and the river's serene waters reflect the ever-changing Ozark sky. Each campsite offers its own window into this living landscape.
Geological RegionPerched within the ancient Ozark Mountains near the winding Black River, Sutton Bluff Recreation Area showcases the region's signature beauty. Here, resilient short-leaf pines rise from rocky soils, native shrubs carpet the forest floor, and the West Fork of the Black River has carved scenic corridors through millennia-old rock formations. This geological wonderland offers campers front-row seats to one of Arkansas's most captivating natural theaters.
Campsite details
AccessibilityAccessible vault and flush toilets are provided. Some sites are near the river, and the group picnic pavilion is accessible.
Sites SizeVaried campsite sizes, with some sites noted as 'large' by users. However, sites #29, #32, and #33 have short parking spaces unsuitable for large RVs.
Sites PrivacyThe sites offer a mix of privacy levels. One user noted, 'Large sites,' while another highlighted issues with proximity by mentioning campers 'walking onto our site.'
Total Campsites32 campsites
Recommended CampsitesChoose sites with electric hookups early as they book quickly. Avoid sites with short parking spaces if towing a trailer.
Best CampsitesSites 29, 32, and 33 have parking limitations and aren’t suitable for large RVs/trailers.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
11:00 AM
Check-out
12:00 PM
Stay Limit
14 nights maximum per visit.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Varies by campsite type.
Groups
The group site accommodates up to 32 guests and includes amenities such as grills and tables.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutThe campground has multiple single-family sites and a large group site. Certain sites have parking limitations.
Open and Closed SeasonMarch 27 - October 30 (reservable dates vary).
Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made through Recreation.gov.
Walk-in AvailabilityLimited walk-up sites may be available, but the campground tends to fill quickly during peak season.
Cancellation PolicyChanges to reservations cost $10. Cancellations incur a $10 fee and may forfeit certain amounts depending on timing (e.g., first night's use fee in late cancellations).
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
Firewood available
Flush toilets
Vault toilets
Electricity hookups
Activities you can enjoy
The campground offers a wide range of activities suitable for nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers. Visitors can engage in off-road vehicle trail riding, hiking, swimming, biking, fishing, and wildlife viewing. Access to the West Fork of the Black River provides opportunities for serene wading and fishing.
Hiking
The Karkaghne section of the Ozark Trail, accessible within a mile of the campground, is popular with hikers, backpackers, and mountain bikers. User reviews suggest some trails are 'overgrown' and 'rough,' so preparation is recommended.Fishing
Anglers can enjoy fishing in the West Fork of the Black River, with species such as bass and bluegill available.Swimming
The West Fork of the Black River offers serene waters for wading and swimming. A natural gravel beach enhances the experience, although the current is too slow for floating.Biking
Mountain biking is popular, particularly on the Ozark Trail nearby. Some trails are accessible directly from the campground.Wildlife viewing
The area is rich in natural scenery and songbirds, providing ample opportunities for wildlife observation.Beach activities
The natural gravel beach along the West Fork of the Black River allows for sunbathing and relaxing by the water.Winter Activities
Limited to hiking and potentially observing snow-covered natural scenery.Water Sports
No specific water sports are available, but the river is suited for passive activities like wading or light swimming.Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- Campfire rings with grills are available at each site. Specific restrictions on fires are not noted.
- Quiet hours are enforced but reviews indicate inconsistent adherence with noise disturbances during weekends.
Hazards
General hazardsFlash floods can occur during rainy seasons. Visitors should avoid gravel roads as they may be impassable for trailers and vehicles.
Weather forecast
75
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 43%
Comfortable humidity levels
Wind: 7 mph
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Overcast
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
Emergency services are not explicitly listed. Reviews suggest the campground is secluded with limited cell service, requiring visitors to rely on services in nearby towns such as Centerville (~6 miles away).
Good to know
Peak season datesMarch 27 - October 30.
Trash and recyclingTrash facilities are available, but user reviews have noted issues such as 'trash cans overflowing' and a lack of maintenance.
Proximity to water featuresThe campground is located alongside the West Fork of the Black River, offering a gravel beach and serene waters suitable for wading and fishing.
Common complaintsReviews frequently mention poorly maintained restrooms and showers, trash overflow, loud music, and ineffective campground hosts.
HostReviews indicate inconsistent host presence, with past hosts receiving praise for maintenance and friendliness, but recent seasons experiencing decline in services.
Campground Map
PO BOX 460, Salem, MO, 65560, USA
Driving directionsFrom 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.
The campground is accessible via paved roads, but Google Maps may direct users onto gravel roads that are unsuitable for most vehicles, especially those towing trailers. Visitors are advised to remain on paved roads as instructed in official directions. Some reviews indicate the roads leading into the campground can be narrow and challenging.Nearby places
Centerville, MO (~6 miles), Lesterville, MO (~18 miles)
Nearby supplies
Centerville (~6 miles away) has basic supplies. Firewood and ice are available at the campground host (when present).
Camper Reviews
4.0
74 reviews
Sutton Bluff Recreation Area is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews
Reviews of Sutton Bluff Recreation Area vary widely, with some visitors praising the natural beauty, spacious sites, and family-friendly environment, while others criticize the lack of maintenance, unclean facilities, and absence of a camp host in some years. A recurring theme is the mixed quality of the restrooms and the need for onsite improvements.
Review Summaries
Based on 74 reviews
What Campers Love
Visitors frequently highlight the campground's natural beauty, its proximity to the river, and the spaciousness of campsites. One user noted, 'Great campground in a beautiful location with a very...
Based on 74 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
Common complaints include issues with unclean restrooms and showers, as well as the lack of a camp host during certain seasons. One reviewer commented, 'Restrooms were a mess...trash overflowing,'...
Based on 74 reviewsShow more
Pro Tips & Recommendations
Visitors recommend booking electric sites well in advance and bringing cleaning supplies for the restrooms. One reviewer advised, 'Make sure to check the weather, the area is prone to flash floods!'
Based on 74 reviewsSeasonal Insights
The campground is most popular in the summer, with visitors enjoying swimming and ATV trails. However, some reviews note that maintenance declines during busy seasons, and the absence of a camp host...
Based on 74 reviewsShow more
Camper Quotes
1. 'Steve, the camp host, is awesome!' 2. 'Bathrooms/Showers are TERRIBLE! Need to be bulldozed and rebuilt.' 3. 'Large campsites. Mostly vacant during the week.' 4. 'The West Fork of the Black River...
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Site-Specific Reviews
Sites #29, #32, and #33 are noted for having parking spaces too short for large RVs. Sites #4 and #6 are highlighted for their large size, but site #6 lacks shade.
Based on 74 reviewsAccessibility Features
Restrooms are noted to be far from some sites, which can be challenging for visitors with disabilities. One user commented, 'It makes it kinda hard for someone with a disability in the middle of the...
Based on 74 reviewsShow more
Last updated August 10, 2025