Pinecrest Campground & Cabins

For those of us in Missouri seeking an outdoor escape that truly stands out, Pinecrest Campground & Cabins in Salem, MO, consistently earns rave reviews. This isn't just another camping spot; it's a place where the warmth of the owners and the natural beauty of the Ozarks combine to create an unforgettable experience. Whether you're an avid equestrian, a keen angler, a family looking for adventure, or simply someone yearning for the peaceful sounds of isolated nature, Pinecrest offers a welcoming haven.

What makes Pinecrest Campground & Cabins so special, as highlighted by numerous visitors, is the exceptional hospitality of its owners, Ethan and Marie Tuttle. Their "amazing and very friendly" approach cultivates a sense of community that makes guests feel right at home, fostering a desire to return again and again. This commitment to creating a positive and memorable stay, combined with its prime location amidst the Ozark hills, firmly establishes Pinecrest as a premier choice for Missouri residents looking for their next outdoor adventure.

Pinecrest Campground & Cabins is ideally situated at 5466 Hwy YY, Salem, MO 65560, USA. This address places it squarely in the heart of the beautiful Missouri Ozarks, a region celebrated for its stunning natural landscapes, clear rivers, and vast outdoor recreational opportunities. For residents across Missouri, Salem serves as a well-known gateway to this wilderness, and Pinecrest offers excellent accessibility for those seeking a getaway.

The campground's location is praised for being "amongst the hills of the Ozarks surrounded by pine trees and the sounds of isolated nature." Despite this serene setting, it's "not far from wonderful equestrian trails, great trout fishing, and famous off-road parks." Specifically, Pinecrest boasts "730 acres with many more trails to ride along the Current river on National Park land," making it a dream destination for horseback riders. It's also conveniently located near Montauk State Park, a renowned spot for trout fishing, and the Current River for floating, kayaking, and canoeing. The owners recommend specific directions (taking Hwy 19 south from Salem, then right on Hwy K, right on Hwy E, then left on Hwy YY for approximately 5 miles) and advise against blindly following GPS, ensuring a smoother journey on paved state highways without needing to take gravel or "rock" roads.

Its drive times are manageable for many Missourians, roughly 2 hours from Jefferson City, St. Louis, and Columbia, making it an ideal choice for weekend trips or longer vacations, allowing you to quickly immerse yourself in the tranquility and adventure of the Ozarks.

Pinecrest Campground & Cabins offers a wide array of services and amenities designed to cater to diverse camping preferences, from traditional tent campers to RVers and equestrians. Based on available public data and customer reviews, here’s a comprehensive list of what guests can expect:

• Varied Campsites: The campground boasts over 60 sites with water and electric hookups, and 24 full hookup sites with water, electric, and sewer, accommodating a wide range of RVs and campers. They also provide primitive tent sites and a few electric tent sites.
• Cabins and Lodging: In addition to campsites, Pinecrest offers cabin accommodations, providing a comfortable alternative for those seeking a more permanent shelter. The owners are "working on adding some cabins."
• Horse Stables and Trails: A significant highlight is its equestrian-friendly facilities, featuring over "109 covered horse stalls" on-site. Guests can explore "nice shaded trails that run along Current River," with "150 total mileage" of trails.
• Clean Restrooms and Showers: The campground features "two shower houses" and "nice bathrooms" with hot water, consistently praised for their cleanliness and maintenance.
• Large Pavilion: A spacious "30′ x 80′ pavilion with restrooms and a kitchen" is available to rent for events, making it ideal for family reunions, group gatherings, or other special occasions.
• Recreational Activities: On-site entertainment includes "volleyball," "tether ball," a "kids' playground," and "horse shoes," providing fun for all ages.
• Fishing Access: Guests have access to "fishing," likely in nearby rivers like the Current or at Montauk State Park, which is known for its trout fishing.
• River Floating Services: The campground caters to "Canoers, Kayakers, Floaters" and is near local outfitters that can facilitate river adventures on the Current River.
• Camp Store: There is a front office that also serves as a store, offering conveniences for campers.
• Community Spaces: Special sites are available for groups to stay together, promoting a sense of community.
• Wi-Fi: Wi-Fi connectivity is available, allowing guests to stay connected if desired.

These extensive services demonstrate Pinecrest's commitment to providing a full-service, enjoyable, and activity-rich outdoor experience.

Pinecrest Campground & Cabins truly stands out due to a combination of exceptional features that enhance the guest experience:

• Outstanding Owners and Community: The most resounding highlight is the owners, Ethan and Marie Tuttle, described as "amazing and very friendly," with a "sense of humor and community" that makes guests "never wanted to leave." This personal touch and welcoming atmosphere are consistently praised and are a major draw.
• Premier Equestrian Facilities: For horse lovers, this is a dream destination. With "109 covered horse stalls" and "over 150 miles of trails to ride on our 730 acres with many more trails to ride along the Current river on National Park land," it’s truly "Equestrian friendly." This includes "nice shaded trails that run along Current River."
• Diverse Camping Options: The variety of sites – "over 60 sites with water and electric," "24 full hookup sites," "primitive tent sites and a few electric tent sites," and upcoming cabins – ensures that every type of camper can find their ideal spot. Sites are often described as having "mature trees shade Camping spots."
• Impeccably Clean Facilities: Guests consistently note that the "campground and facilities are extremely clean and neat," including "nice bathrooms" and "hot water" in the shower houses. This commitment to cleanliness is highly valued.
• Abundant Outdoor Activities Nearby: Its location makes it a hub for recreation. It's "not far from wonderful equestrian trails, great trout fishing, and famous off-road parks." Direct access to the Current River for "fishing, floating, kayaking, canoeing" and proximity to Montauk State Park further expand the fun.
• Dedicated Group Spaces: The "large 30′ x 80′ pavilion with restrooms and a kitchen" and "special sites for groups to stay together" make it an excellent choice for family reunions and large gatherings.
• Tranquil Natural Setting: Despite the activities, the campground maintains a peaceful ambiance, being "amongst the hills of the Ozarks surrounded by pine trees and the sounds of isolated nature."

These features collectively create a holistic and highly satisfying outdoor experience at Pinecrest.

While specific, ongoing, broadly advertised promotions or seasonal deals beyond standard rates are not extensively detailed in the provided information, many family-owned and operated campgrounds like Pinecrest Campground & Cabins often have flexible pricing or special arrangements that are best discovered through direct inquiry. Given their focus on equestrian groups and various types of campers, it is plausible they may offer:

• Group Rates: For large groups, especially those bringing horses, special rates or packages might be available for booking multiple sites or using the large pavilion.
• Extended Stay Discounts: Like many campgrounds, they might offer reduced rates for weekly or monthly stays, which can be appealing for locals seeking longer retreats.
• Off-Season Rates: During quieter periods, there could be more competitive pricing to encourage visits.
• Event-Specific Packages: If they host or are near local equestrian events, fishing tournaments, or other gatherings, they might offer packages tailored to attendees.

The best way to learn about any current promotions, special packages for horse riders, or group booking discounts is to contact Pinecrest Campground & Cabins directly. Their "very friendly" owners would be the most reliable source for up-to-date pricing and any available offers to enhance your stay.

To plan your unforgettable Ozarks getaway, make a reservation, or inquire about any services at Pinecrest Campground & Cabins, please use the following contact details:

Address: 5466 Hwy YY, Salem, MO 65560, USA

Phone: (573) 548-3322

Mobile Phone: +1 573-548-3322

For reservations, you can also send an email to pinecrestcampground.cabins@gmail.com, including your name, phone number, address, number of stalls (if applicable), and the size of your rig.

Direct contact is always recommended to ensure you have the most accurate and up-to-date information for your specific camping or cabin needs.

For Missouri residents, Pinecrest Campground & Cabins in Salem emerges as an exceptionally suitable and appealing destination for a multitude of reasons. Its location in the serene Ozark hills, yet accessible via paved state highways, means that a tranquil outdoor escape is never too far from home. This convenience allows for easy weekend trips or extended stays, maximizing your time for relaxation and adventure without the burden of long-distance travel.

What truly sets Pinecrest apart for locals is the unparalleled hospitality of its owners. As visitors repeatedly attest, their "amazing and very friendly" demeanor fosters a genuine sense of "community," making every guest feel welcome and valued. This personal touch transforms a simple camping trip into an experience where you truly "never wanted to leave," a testament to the warmth and care provided. This sense of belonging is a significant draw for Missourians seeking a comfortable and inviting atmosphere for their getaways.

Furthermore, Pinecrest caters to a diverse array of outdoor interests popular among Missourians. For the significant equestrian community, the "109 covered horse stalls" and extensive network of "nice shaded trails that run along Current River" are a dream come true, allowing for unique horse-camping adventures right in the Ozarks. Anglers will appreciate the proximity to "great trout fishing," while those seeking river adventures can easily access "floating, kayaking, canoeing" on the Current River, often with the help of nearby outfitters. The presence of a "kids' playground," clean facilities, and a large pavilion suitable for events makes it an ideal spot for family reunions and group gatherings, strengthening local bonds and creating cherished memories.

In essence, Pinecrest Campground & Cabins is more than just a place to stay; it's a vibrant, welcoming community nestled in the heart of Missouri's natural beauty, offering comfort, convenience, and endless opportunities for recreation. It's the perfect destination for locals looking to reconnect with nature, enjoy their favorite outdoor activities, and experience genuine Ozark hospitality.