Cobb Ridge

COBB RIDGE

Part of Mark Twain National Forest

Overview

Cobb Ridge Campground is adjacent to the Chadwick Riding area, which is popular among and off-road vehicles (dirt bikes; ATVs and side by sides 50 inches or less) enthusiasts. Numerous trails provide nearly 80 miles of interconnecting loops that vary from easy to difficult terrain, winding in and out of deep, forested hollows and down long ridge tops. Family and group camping is available, providing access to Missouri's beautiful Mark Twain National Forest.

Facilities

The Cobb Ridge Campground provides a variety of campsite sizes, styles, development and locations. Single, double and triple camp units are designed to accommodate groups of various sizes. Campsites include traditional back-in units and easily maneuvered pull-through units; some with electrical hookups and others with only basic facilities. Tent camping is also an option. At each electric site, there are 30 and 50 amp service along with a 110 outlet.

Most sites are fairly private, but some are close together and open enough to promote visiting between other camps. Additional sites are available on a first-come, first-served basis. When available, an on-site host is at the campground.

The sites are equipped with tables and campfire rings with grills. Flush toilets, vault toilets, and showers are provided. Hydrants are located throughout campground for all campers to use - no individual water hookups available. Trash collection facilities are provided.

Natural Features

The Chadwick area is mostly forested with oak, hickory and pine woods on rocky ridge tops, with a few small open forest glades. Steep ridges break into narrow hollows with scattered surface rock and occasional rock ledges and patches of eastern red cedar.

Recreation

Visitors to the area mostly come for the plentiful off-road vehicle trails (motorcycle; ATVs and side by sides 50 inches or less). Some trail segments are very rocky, steep, rough, rutted and are technically challenging, while others that don't drain well have been built up with concrete. Hiking on the trails is also permissible but requires caution. If using the trails, you will need a Chadwick riding permit - they are available at our District office; Casey's General Store in Sparta, MO. Cost is $60 for an annual; $10/day for motorcycles, ATVs and side by sides. $3 for mountain bike. You will need make/model and VIN# of vehicle along with rider information. The permit is valid for the machine and cannot be transferred.

Nearby Attractions

The campground is 30 miles from Springfield, Branson, Silver Dollar City and Shepherd of the Hills attractions. Lake Taneycomo is 20 miles south of Cobb Ridge.

Important Notices

  • Campers required to check-in with on-site host, if available, upon arrival.
  • Don't move firewood: To limit the spread of invasive tree-killing pests, firewood from outside the area is not permitted. Some states have quarantines and may confiscate your firewood. Please help protect our forests from invasive species by obtaining your firewood at or near your camping destination and burning it on-site. Visit dontmovefirewood.org for more information.
  • Click here for more information on the Cobb Ridge Recreation Area.
  • Helmets are required at all times for off-road vehicle riders under 18 years of age and anyone under the age of 16 must be under direct supervision of a parent or guardian when riding ATV, motorcycle, and side by side.
  • ATVs and side by sides must be 50 inches or less to ride on trails.
  • Working muffler and Spark Arrester required on all ATVs/side by sides.
  • No operator is allowed to carry passengers on an ATV or motorcycle unless designed by manufacturer to carry passengers.

Available Activities

  • CAMPING - Camping
  • BIKING - Mountain Biking

Directions

From Chadwick, Missouri, take Highway 125 south about 2 miles, then turn right onto Highway H and continue past Camp Ridge day-use area, turning right onto Lookout Road (the first portion of lookout road is paved - if you get to the gravel you have gone to far) to Cobb Ridge Recreation Area. Fom Forsyth, take H Highway north approximately 14 miles, turn left onto Lookout Road (the first portion of lookout road is paved - if you get to the gravel you have gone too far) to Cobb Ridge Recreation Area. The campground is approximately .5 miles on Lookout Road from H Highway.

Contact Information

Phone: 417-683-4428

USDA FOREST SERVICE
MARK TWAIN NATIONAL FOREST
1006 S. JEFFERSON STREET
Ava, MO 65608

Rental Options

Learn more about gear rental options for your trip

Available Campsites

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