Dry Fork Recreation Area
Dry Fork Recreation Area, a campground and picnic area, is located at the equestrian trailhead of the 36-mile Cedar Creek Trail. This area, located in central Missouri near Fulton serves recreationists with or without horses. This campground is situated in a quiet mostly oak/cedar forest.
Photos of Dry Fork Recreation Area
General Information
Camping
Sites: 8 single
RV Length: 30' in length
RV Hookups: no RV hookups
Hitching posts are at each site for equestrian use.
Safety:
- During temperate months, be prepared for biting insects, poison ivy and high temperatures.
- A good map and compass , along with knowledge of utilizing these, are strongly suggested.
- Be aware of hunting seasons.
- Avoid using the trail during excessively wet periods.
- Be sure to tell someone your plans,
- don’t hike the wilderness alone and
- carry extra supplies so you are prepared to take care of yourself in case you get lost, injured, or delayed.
- The universal distress signal is three of anything: shots, shouts, smokes, whistles.
The Ozark climate is mild enough to make Wilderness visits feasible throughout the year, as long as visitors bring proper gear. When possible, take advantage of this opportunity and plan your visit outside the peak spring and fall use seasons.
For more safety tips visit the Safety section of the website.
Available Maps
- Cedar Creek Trail System - PDF
Visit Visitor Maps and Guides for information on available Forest Visitor Maps, Topographic Maps, and Mobile App/Interactive Maps.
Open April 15 to December 1, 2026
Campground
- Open 24 Hours a day to campers.
- Quiet Hours: 10:00 PM to 6:00 AM
Day Use Hours:
- 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM
When visiting, please remember
- No more than 8 people are permitted at single sites.
- Only collect dead and downed wood for campfires.
On the Trail
- Trail is open to hiking, biking and equestrian use.
- The Pine Ridge Section is hike/bike only.
- No motorized vehicles are allowed on the trail or past designated parking areas.
- Dogs are allowed on hiking trails, please ensure they are under control.
- Leashing is encouraged. Unleashed dogs can pose a danger to other pets, the natural resources of the area, wildlife, and other forest visitors.
- Yield your leashed dog around other hikers and horses.
- Pack out your dogs waste or bury it 100 feet from water and trails.
- Stock: never tie stock directly to trees.
- Practice Leave No Trace outdoor ethics;
At the Trailheads
- No overnight camping in day use areas at any time of year.
- Dogs must be on a 6 foot leash in the day use area
- No trash containers; please pack out all your trash.
- Fireworks are prohibited.
- Horses may not be tied directly to trees.
Camping Discount
- There is a 50% discount for camping for anyone with an Interagency Access or Senior Pass.
- The discount applies only to the fee for the campsite physically occupied by the pass holder, not to any additional fee or campsite(s) occupied by members of the pass holder's party
Overnight Use:
Single Site: $15 per night
Trail Use
Dogs are allowed on hiking trails. Please leash your dog, unleashed dogs can pose a danger to your pet, the natural resources of the area, and other forest visitors.
- Leashes must be six feet, or shorter, when in developed recreation sites, including trails within the boundaries (36 CFR 261.16(j)) when they are not inside an enclosed vehicle or tent.
- Yield your leashed dog around other hikers and horses.
- Pack out your dogs waste or bury it 100 feet from water and trails.
Camping/Day Use
- Keep dogs on a six-foot, or shorter, leash when they are not inside a tent.
- Store dog food in bear-resistant containers and feed your pet away from the campsite.
- Pick up and bag your dog’s waste. Place it in a provided trash receptacle or pack it out.
- Do not leave your dog unattended at any time.
- Do not leave your dog in the vehicle on a hot day.
- Keep your dog in your tent or vehicle at night.
- Ensure that there is ample water available for your pet.
Wildlife
- Do not allow them to interact with wildlife
Address: 108 S. Sam Houston Blvd. Houston, MO 65483
Phone: 417-967-4194
Hours: 8:00 am - 4:30 pm, Monday to Friday; District Offices closed 1 - 1:30 for lunch (Closed on federal holidays)
Office Email: sm.fs.marktwainnf@usda.gov
Getting There
Latitude / Longitude
Latitude: 38.784231
Longitude: -92.125542
Elevation
754 ft
Directions
From Fulton, MO
- take 54 south to Route H;
- Make right to go west on Route H to Route J;
- make right to go turn north on J to County road 356;
- turn left to go west on County Road 356 to County Road 361;
- turn left to go south for 1 mile.
Parking
There is parking at each site and in the day use area.
Facility and Amenity Information
Restrooms
Vault toilet(s)Water
Potable water is available at this site.
Campground, Day Use, and Trailhead:
Dry Fork and Pine Ridge Recreation Area trailheads have potable water. All other trailheads do not have potable water.
Dry Fork has a pressurized water system available year round.
Along the Cedar Creek Trail:
Open water sources along the trail are not recommended for drinking. Bring your own drinking water or be prepared to boil or treat water chemically.
Picnic Tables
Picnic tables are available at this site.
There are picnic tables at camping sites and in the day use area.
Horse/Pack Animal Information
Horse/Pack animals are allowed at this site.
No horses on the Pine Ridge Section.
Nearby Trails
Recreation Opportunities
Horseback Riding Info
The 36-mile long Cedar Creek trail is managed for mountain biking, horseback riding, and hiking. It consists of:
- Southern Loop cross 22 miles of scenic country with about one-third of this section on gravel and paved county roads. It is marked in grey diamonds.
- Smith Creek Section, between Hwy J and Cedar Creek, about 5 miles from Boydsville to Rutherford Bridge. This scenic route provides glimpses of Cedar Creek from the bluffs above. It is marked in orange diamonds.
- Pine Ridge Section, which passes through Pine Ridge Recreation Area, is open to foot travel and mountain bikes only. This trail is marked with grey diamonds. No horses, please. An alternative trail to the west is provided for horses.
- Moon Loop, about 7 miles in length, offers varying landscapes. The name was given because, at one time, the effects of soil erosion that occurred in the 1930s caused hikers to think of the surface of the moon. It is marked with yellow diamonds.
Horse Camping Info
There are eight single sites and one group site across the road. Sites can accommodate RV’s up to 30 feet, but there are no electric hookups. Hitching posts are at each site for equestrian use. The campground has drinking water and vault toilet.
Backpacking Info
The 36-mile long Cedar Creek trail is managed for mountain biking, horseback riding, and hiking. It consists of:
- Southern Loop cross 22 miles of scenic country with about one-third of this section on gravel and paved county roads. It is marked in grey diamonds.
- Smith Creek Section, between Hwy J and Cedar Creek, about 5 miles from Boydsville to Rutherford Bridge. This scenic route provides glimpses of Cedar Creek from the bluffs above. It is marked in orange diamonds.
- Pine Ridge Section, which passes through Pine Ridge Recreation Area, is open to foot travel and mountain bikes only. This trail is marked with grey diamonds. No horses, please. An alternative trail to the west is provided for horses.
- Moon Loop, about 7 miles in length, offers varying landscapes. The name was given because, at one time, the effects of soil erosion that occurred in the 1930s caused hikers to think of the surface of the moon. It is marked with yellow diamonds.
Biking - Mountain Info
The 36-mile long Cedar Creek trail is managed for mountain biking, horseback riding, and hiking. It consists of:
- Southern Loop cross 22 miles of scenic country with about one-third of this section on gravel and paved county roads. It is marked in grey diamonds.
- Smith Creek Section, between Hwy J and Cedar Creek, about 5 miles from Boydsville to Rutherford Bridge. This scenic route provides glimpses of Cedar Creek from the bluffs above. It is marked in orange diamonds.
- Pine Ridge Section, which passes through Pine Ridge Recreation Area, is open to foot travel and mountain bikes only. This trail is marked with grey diamonds. No horses, please. An alternative trail to the west is provided for horses.
- Moon Loop, about 7 miles in length, offers varying landscapes. The name was given because, at one time, the effects of soil erosion that occurred in the 1930s caused hikers to think of the surface of the moon. It is marked with yellow diamonds.
Picnicking - Single Info
There are sites across the road from the camping sites with tables and grills.