Pine Ridge Recreation Area
This campground and day use area is located in a pine forest. The short-leaf pine surrounding the area was planted by the CCC in the 1930’s.
This is popular spot for visitors using the 36-mile Cedar Creek Trail to stop for the night.
A large field in the day use area is perfect for tossing around a frisbee.
Photos of Pine Ridge Recreation Area
General Information
Campground Camping
This quiet campground in the pine forest has eight individual campsites, each with its own table, fire ring, lantern post and grill. There is a dumpster located in the campground.
No. of Sites:
- Single: 8
RV Camping: No hookups available at this location.
Size Restrictions
- Two sites can accommodate up to 34’ RVs.
- Six sites can accommodate RVs less than 34’
Vehicle Clearance: No restrictions
Pavement Type of Parking: Asphalt
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 - 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
- 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: 38.758438
Longitude: -92.142538
Directions
From New Bloomfield,
- head west on Route J for 1 mile;
- Where Route J splits with Route MM, turn right/north to stay on Route J towards Guthrie and travel for 2.7 miles;
- Then turn left/west onto Route Y and travel for 2.6 miles.
- The campground will be on your right.
Parking
Day Use: 6 vehicles
Campsites: Campsite parking allows for two vehicles per site. Park only in designated parking areas.
Facility and Amenity Information
Accessibility
Tables, toilet, grills, and lantern posts are accessible.
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.
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.
Horse/Pack Animal Information
Horse/Pack animals are not allowed at this site.
Horses are not allowed on the Pine Ridge Section of the trail.
Nearby Trails
Recreation Opportunities
Backpacking Info
There is a trailhead for the Cedar Creek Trail in the back of the day use area.
Cedar Creek Trail – 36 miles
The 36-mile long Cedar Creek trail has four loops open for mountain biking, horseback riding, and hiking.
The trail meanders through the oak hickory forest and tallgrass prairie and has multiple trailheads for shorter segments for day hikers. The Southern Loop crosses 22 miles of pastoral countryside with cross-country sections. The Smith Creek Loop covers 5 miles with views of Cedar Creek from bluffs above.
The mile long Pine Ridge section passes through Pine Ridge Recreation area and is managed for foot and mountain bike use only. Lastly the Moon Loop section is approximately 7 miles in length.
Day Hikes Info
There is a trailhead for the Cedar Creek Trail in the back of the day use area.
Cedar Creek Trail – 36 miles
The 36-mile long Cedar Creek trail has four loops open for mountain biking, horseback riding, and hiking.
The trail meanders through the oak hickory forest and tallgrass prairie and has multiple trailheads for shorter segments for day hikers. The Southern Loop crosses 22 miles of pastoral countryside with cross-country sections. The Smith Creek Loop covers 5 miles with views of Cedar Creek from bluffs above.
The mile long Pine Ridge section passes through Pine Ridge Recreation area and is managed for foot and mountain bike use only. Lastly the Moon Loop section is approximately 7 miles in length.
Picnicking - Single Info
There are four picnic sites available, each with a table and grill.
Biking - Mountain Info
There is a trailhead for the Cedar Creek Trail in the back of the day use area.
Cedar Creek Trail – 36 miles
The 36-mile long Cedar Creek trail has four loops open for mountain biking, horseback riding, and hiking.
The trail meanders through the oak hickory forest and tallgrass prairie and has multiple trailheads for shorter segments for day hikers. The Southern Loop crosses 22 miles of pastoral countryside with cross-country sections. The Smith Creek Loop covers 5 miles with views of Cedar Creek from bluffs above.
The mile long Pine Ridge section passes through Pine Ridge Recreation area and is managed for foot and mountain bike use only. Lastly the Moon Loop section is approximately 7 miles in length.