Slabtown Recreation Area

Facility · Missouri ·

Managed by the USDA Forest Service

Mark Twain National Forest (NF) · Open Access

894 ft
Elevation

This is a small, quiet access and camping area along the Big Piney River.

Slabtown is downriver from Mason Bridge, about 8 miles. This stretch is more open and deeper.

Traveling downriver from Slabtown you can paddle or boat to Ross Bridge, a 10 mile trip. This section is faster and shallower. Between Ross Bridge and East Gate, a 12-mile float, you will be floating through Fort Leonard Wood. Ross Bridge will be the last take-out before you float through Fort Leonard Wood.

The 1-mile Slabtown Bluff Trail offers hiking along scenic bluffs overlooking the Big Piney River and surrounding bluffs and rock outcrops.

The facts

  • Season: January – December — USDA Forest Service, Aug 24, 2026

Recreation.gov's own page

Getting there

From Roby, MO

  • Take 17 North for 1.5 miles to Country Road 800
  • Turn right onto County Road 800 and travel 7 miles; this is a gravel road
  • When you pass the Big Piney Bridge, the road turns to asphalt here
  • Slabtown will be on your right just after the bridge

From Licking, MO

  • Take Highway 32 West for 3 miles to Highway N
  • Turn right onto Highway N and travel 2 miles
  • Turn left onto Highway AF and drive 4 miles
  • Slabtown is on the left

37.56155, -92.03214 · 37°33'41.6"N 92°1'55.7"W

Directions (Google Maps) · Directions (Apple Maps)

Typical weather

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
High °F————————————
Low °F————————————
Precip in2.72.74.04.95.84.64.04.13.83.33.92.7

1991–2020 averages from the nearest NOAA station, 6.9 mi away — not measured at the facility itself, and elevation can make a real difference over that distance.

Map

Member photos

Common questions about Slabtown Recreation Area

Can you reserve a site at Slabtown Recreation Area?
No. Slabtown Recreation Area is not reservable through Recreation.gov, so sites are first-come, first-served or booked elsewhere.

Also listed by

Slabtown Recreation Area also appears in other federal recreation data. Facts below are matched by name and location, not confirmed by Slabtown Recreation Area's operator.

USDA Forest Service — data as of Aug 24, 2026

  • No fees

Restrictions:

  • Fireworks are prohibited.
  • Dogs must be on a 6 foot leash
  • Follow the Leave No Trace Principles
  • The river can rise rapidly, be aware of changing conditions.
  • No trash containers; please pack out all your trash.
  • Only collect dead and downed wood for campfires.

Accessibility:

  • The vault toilet and picnic tables are accessible

USDA Forest Service's own page

Camping near Slabtown Recreation Area

Comments

Contact

Recreation.gov last updated this record on 2026-05-22.

Facility information and photographs from Recreation.gov (RIDB). SpotOpened is not affiliated with Recreation.gov or any federal agency.