U.S. Forest Service · Mark Twain National Forest · Missouri

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.

Open nowFirst-come, first-servedFrom $15 per nightTents only

More like this: first-come in Missouri · tent only in Missouri · accessible sites in Missouri

Amenities & rules

EquipmentTents
FeesCamping is $15/Night
AccessibilityTables, toilet, grills, and lantern posts are accessible

Individual sites vary. Confirm on Recreation.gov or with the managing office.

Season & status

StatusOpen
ForestMark Twain National Forest
FeesCamping is $15/Night
RulesDogs must be on a 6 foot leash in the campground. Fireworks are prohibited. Campsite parking allows for two vehicles per site. Park only in designated parking areas. No more than 8 people are permitted at single sites. Only collect dead and downed wood for campfires. No camping in the day use area.

Mark Twain National Forest recreation page ↗

Weather by month

NOAA climate normals →
Weather by month near Pine Ridge Recreation Area30°40°50°60°70°80°January: 2.12 inches of precipitation, 6.0 inches of snowFebruary: 2.12 inches of precipitation, 4.6 inches of snowMarch: 2.97 inches of precipitation, 1.5 inches of snowApril: 4.88 inches of precipitation, 0.2 inches of snowMay: 4.77 inches of precipitation, 0.0 inches of snowJune: 4.23 inches of precipitation, 0.0 inches of snowJuly: 4.13 inches of precipitation, 0.0 inches of snowAugust: 4.14 inches of precipitation, 0.0 inches of snowSeptember: 3.83 inches of precipitation, 0.0 inches of snowOctober: 3.47 inches of precipitation, 0.0 inches of snowNovember: 2.68 inches of precipitation, 0.8 inches of snowDecember: 2.09 inches of precipitation, 3.4 inches of snowJanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDecJanuary: 31.0°F averageFebruary: 35.7°F averageMarch: 46.0°F averageApril: 56.4°F averageMay: 65.8°F averageJune: 74.6°F averageJuly: 78.5°F averageAugust: 77.2°F averageSeptember: 69.2°F averageOctober: 57.5°F averageNovember: 45.3°F averageDecember: 35.2°F average0 in2 in4 in6 inTemp °FInches
The line is the average temperature and the bars are average precipitation at Columbia Rgnl AP, 6 miles from the campground at 893 feet, station USW00003945 in the NOAA monthly climate normals for 1991 to 2020. Precipitation totals about 41 inches a year. The dotted line is average snowfall, about 17 inches a year on the same inches scale.

Getting there

Coordinates38.7584° N, 92.1425° W · Directions ↗

Supplies & services

RV sales & serviceGander RV of Columbia ↗14.3 mi
Outdoor gearAlpine Shop ↗16.6 mi
Dump stationDump station ↗33.2 mi

Locations © OpenStreetMap contributors. Call ahead; hours change seasonally.

Explore

Trails nearby

Forest Service trail data →

Trailheads within three miles

Trail and trailhead records are the Forest Service's. Distances are straight-line to the nearer trail end. Trail conditions are not tracked here.

Guidebooks for Missouri

We earn a small commission if you buy through these links. It does not change what we list.

  • Best Tent Camping - Missouri and the Ozarks
    Steve Henry, 2014
    Find at Bookshop.org
  • Rail-trails Iowa & Missouri
    Rails-to-Trails Conservancy, 2017
    Find at Bookshop.org
  • The Ozarks: 43 spectacular hikes in Arkansas and Missouri
    Jim Warnock, 2017
    Find at Bookshop.org

Titles come from Open Library's catalog, matched by subject heading or by title.

Reference

Questions people ask

Do I need a reservation at Pine Ridge Recreation Area?

No. Pine Ridge Recreation Area is first-come, first-served. Sites are taken on arrival and paid at the fee station.

Source: Forest Service

How much does it cost to camp at Pine Ridge Recreation Area?

Camping is $15/Night

Source: Forest Service

Is Pine Ridge Recreation Area open right now?

Open as of Oct 26, 2026.

Source: Forest Service status

Can I bring an RV to Pine Ridge Recreation Area?

Pine Ridge Recreation Area is listed for tents only.

Source: Forest Service

Are there accessible sites at Pine Ridge Recreation Area?

Tables, toilet, grills, and lantern posts are accessible.

Source: Forest Service

What if Pine Ridge Recreation Area is full?

The nearest public campgrounds are Dry Fork Recreation Area (2 mi, first-come), Indian Creek (58.2 mi), and Ray Behrens (58.3 mi).

Source: Campgrounds nearby