SALEM, Mo. – Mark Twain National Forest’s Sutton Bluff Campground, on Salem Ranger District in Reynolds County, will be closed for renovation and improvements beginning Tuesday, July 6, 2010.

Improvements will enhance accessibility, upgrade amenities, and provide more opportunities for camping near the West Fork of the Black River west of Centerville, Missouri.

The work will continue until October so the campground will not be open for the remaining of this season.

Sutton Bluff ATV and Motorcycle Trail system, associated with this area, will remain open during renovations of the campground. Some trails are also in the process of rehabilitation work following the May 8, 2009 derecho storm that damaged much of southern Missouri.

Nearby alternative areas to camp include: Loggers Lake, Shannon County; Johnson Shut-ins State Park, Reynolds County, and Council Bluff Lake, Iron County.

Other recreation opportunities can be found by visiting nearby Ellington Chamber of Commerce, http://www.ellingtonmo.com/

For more information and updates, please visit the Mark Twain National Forest Website at: http://www.fs.fed.us/r9/forests/marktwain/conditions/ or call 573.729.6656.