Council Bluff Lake

The main trail encircling Council Bluff Lake is the Council Bluff Trail. It is approximately 12 to 12.4 miles long and is popular for hiking, backpacking, and mountain biking. While generally considered a moderate challenge, it features varied terrain with both gentle slopes and more strenuous sections, making it suitable for a range of outdoor enthusiasts.

Yes, to maintain the serene environment, all boats on Council Bluff Lake must operate at a no-wake speed. Additionally, motorboats are limited to a maximum of 10 horsepower.

Council Bluff Lake and the surrounding Mark Twain National Forest are rich in wildlife. Visitors often spot various bird species, including waterfowl, and other forest creatures. The area also offers opportunities for wildlife viewing and waterfowl hunting.

Generally, dogs are welcome on trails within the Mark Twain National Forest, including around Council Bluff Lake, but they must be kept on a leash. It's always a good idea to check specific regulations for campgrounds or beach areas, as rules can vary.

The Wild Boar Campground is adjacent to the lake, offering 39 single sites, 7 double sites, 9 walk-in sites, and 4 group sites. Each site includes a table, fire ring, and lantern post. Primitive sites are also available. While there are no hookups, drinking water and vault toilets are centrally located. Coin-operated hot showers are available at Chapel Hill during the on-season. Permits or reservations are typically required for camping, especially for group sites or during peak season.

Parking is available at various points around the lake, including near the two boat launches (Wild Boar Hollow and Enough) and within the Wild Boar Campground area. Access to the Council Bluff Recreation Area is typically reached from Highway DD.

Council Bluff Lake is an excellent destination for families. The expansive Chapel Hill Beach offers a large sandy swimming area, perfect for children. Non-motorized boating like canoeing, kayaking, and paddleboarding are popular. Shorter, less strenuous sections of the Council Bluff Trail can also be enjoyed by families, and the campground provides a great base for outdoor adventures.

Council Bluff Lake is situated within the Mark Twain National Forest, offering a natural and serene setting. As such, there are no immediate cafes, restaurants, or pubs directly adjacent to the lake. Visitors typically need to travel to nearby towns such as Belgrade, Caledonia, or Viburnum for dining options.

The Council Bluff Trail, which encircles the lake, offers numerous scenic views of the clear, deep blue waters and the surrounding Mark Twain wilderness. Specific viewpoints are often found along the higher sections of the trail, providing panoramic vistas of the lake and its forested shores.

Council Bluff Lake reaches depths of up to 87 feet in some areas. Its waters are renowned for being crystal-clear, offering visibility up to 60 feet, and exhibiting a distinctive deep blue hue.

Council Bluff Lake was created by the construction of the Council Bluff Dam across the Big River. Construction began in 1979 and was completed in 1981. At the time, it was the largest earthfill dam ever built by the USDA-Forest Service, with an embankment height of 124 feet.