Red Bluff Recreation Area

Area Status: Open

Red Bluff Campground is named for towering red bluffs along Huzzah Creek, carved by the elements over the past 10,000 years. The area used to be home to timber mills, but now provides a serene spot for camping and enjoying nature.

Early settlement of the area surrounded the Boyer Mill constructed around 1830. Railroads created a thriving timber industry till the supply was depleted. The land was purchased by the U.S. Forest Service in 1940 and has been used as a recreation area.

Large, red bluffs on the opposite side of Huzzah Creek, gravel bars along the creek, a mixture of pools and riffles and natural vegetation provide a backdrop for a very relaxing camping experience at the campground. Red Bluff is located in the Potosi-Fredericktown Ranger District of the Mark Twain National Forest. Most sites are within 100 yards of Huzzah Creek, where tubing and swimming are enjoyed by visitors. The water can be swift-moving at times and rocks and drop-offs are not marked. Fishing is also popular in the area and anglers can expect to find bass, perch and catfish.

The Red Bluff Trail lies within the boundaries of the campground. It is a 1.2-mile loop that winds through a pine plantation and big oak timber, into an adjoining hollow before returning to the campground. The short trail provides an opportunity for visitors to enjoy a variety of ecological communities, while reaping the benefits of a half-hour of hiking.

At a Glance

Current Conditions:	Will close for season Oct. 31, 2023.
Operational Hours:	Day Use: 6AM – 10PM Area restricted to campers only from 10PM to 6AM.
Reservations:
Fees:	Day-Use Fee: $5.00 per vehicle; $10.00 per bus; $40.00 for season pass . Group Day-Use: $50 per day (74 people max) Pavilion - $30.00 per day. Camping Fees: $15 per single site $25 per single electric $25 per double site $35 per double electric Group site camping $50 for 0- 50 people $100 51-74 people There is a 50% discount for camping for anyone with an Interagency Access or Senior Pass. Interagency passes cover the full day use fees, excluding busses.
Open Season:	May 2
Usage:	Medium
Restrictions:	Flash flooding is possible in the area At each single site you are allowed two vehicles and one towed vehicle (e.g. a pop-up, fifth-wheel, etc). Double campsites accommodate twice the number of vehicles. At Group Sites 1 and 2, you are allowed 6 cars and 3 towed vehicles. At Group Site 3, you are allowed 10 cars and 5 towed vehicles.
Closest Towns:	Davisville, Viburnum, Steelville
Water:	Pressurized Drinking Water System
Restroom:	Vault
Passes:	Pass information can be found on the Passes and Permits page of the website.
Operated By:	USDA Forest Service
Information Center:	Potosi-Fredericktown Ranger District Email \| Phone and Address

General Information

Directions:

From St. Louis, Missouri, take I-44 west to Cuba. Continue on Highway 19 south to Cherryville. Take 49 south to Highway V, turn left to Davisville and travel approximately 1 mile and turn left into the campground.

Recreation Map

Map showing recreational areas. Map Information

Activities

Campground Camping

Recreation areas with activity Campground Camping:

Red Bluff has 33 single and 8 double and 3 group campsites, each with table, fire ring, and lantern post. Six of the sites have electrical hook-ups. Some sites are located very close to Huzzah Creek, while others sit on higher ground; most sites are within 100 yards of Huzzah Creek. The group campsites accommodate up to 100 persons each.

RV Camping

Recreation areas with activity RV Camping:

Can accommodate up to 45' RVs. Electrical hookups available at this location. No water or sewer hookups available.

Group Camping

Recreation areas with activity Group Camping:

3 group camp sites which can accommodate between 50 and 100 people

River and Stream Fishing

Recreation areas with activity River and Stream Fishing:

Features float, wade and bank fishing for bass and sunfish.

Day Hiking

Recreation areas with activity Day Hiking:

Red Bluff - hiking

1.2 mile loop trail.

Viewing Wildlife

Recreation areas with activity Viewing Wildlife:

Bald Eagles can be occasionally seen flying overhead.

Viewing Plants

Recreation areas with activity Viewing Plants:

Viewing Scenery

Recreation areas with activity Viewing Scenery:

Large, red bluffs on the opposite side of Huzzah Creek, gravel bars along the creek, a mixture of pools and riffles, and natural vegetation provide the scenic backdrop.

Picnicking

Recreation areas with activity Picnicking:

There are six individual picnic sites, each with table and grill.

Group Picnicking

Recreation areas with activity Group Picnicking:

The area has a group pavilion that accommodates up to 75 people.

Swimming

Recreation areas with activity Swimming:

There is no managed swimming in this area. However, Huzzah Creek is a popular place for cooling off during the summer, and relaxing on inner tubes. The water is not monitored or tested, rocks and drop-offs are not marked, and the current can be strong during periods of high water. Enter the stream at your own risk.