Mark Twain National Forest
Silver Mines Campground is located on the St. Francis River in the Mark Twain National Forest. It offers a variety of recreational opportunities and abundant historic and geological wonders.
The campground offers dozens of single-family campsites, as well as large group sites, all available for tent and RV camping. Some sites have 30-amp electric hookups. The large group site can accommodate up to 74 people. Additional sites are offered on a first-come, first-served basis.
Picnic tables and campfire rings with grills are provided, as are accessible vault toilets and drinking water. Parking spurs vary from asphalt, to grass, to gravel or dirt.
Need to Know
- Additional fees will be collected at the campground for extra vehicles
- Group Shelter is for day use only, no overnight camping. This site is not available for reservation however is availalbe through the campground consessionaire. Site fee is $25 plus the day use fee of each vehicle. Please contact the manager at 573-783-3769.
- Click here for more information on the Mark Twain National Forest
- 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.
Natural Features
This beautiful area is located along the St. Francis River, the only river in Missouri classified as a whitewater river. It is widely used for kayaking during springtime. The campground is located at a historic mining operation and is known for its Precambrian granite and felsite rocks. A variety of wildlife makes its home in the area.
Nearby Attractions
The Millstream Gardens Conservation Area is located eight miles west of Fredericktown, or four miles west of the campground, on Highway 72. It is home to the scenic Tiemann Shut-ins and other spectacular sights along the riverbed.
Recreation
Parts of the river are available for swimming, while other portions provide good fishing. Whitewater kayaking is a popular activity during the springtime when water runs high. Depending on water levels, the state holds an annual kayaking competition the third weekend of March.
The 2-mile Silver Mines Trail follows both sides of the river, leading to various picnic areas. A 1.2-mile trail spurs to a popular conservation area, where visitors can view spectacular rock formations along the river.
Contact Information
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MARK TWAIN MO
Rental Options
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Driving Directions
From St. Louis, Missouri, take I-55 south to Festus, then take Highway 67 south to Fredericktown, then take Highway 72 west for approximately 4 miles to Highway D. Turn left and travel approximately 2 miles on Highway D to the recreation area.
Available Campsites
- Site 034, Loop DBLS, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 004, Loop RDBL, Type Standard Electric
- Site 064, Loop SPRG, Type Tent Only Nonelectric
- Site 022, Loop DBLS, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 069, Loop SPRG, Type Tent Only Nonelectric
- Site 062, Loop SPRG, Type Tent Only Nonelectric
- Site 005, Loop RSNG, Type Standard Electric
- Site 045, Loop PSNG, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 026, Loop SUMM, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 037, Loop SUMM, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 055, Loop PSNG, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 024, Loop SUMM, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 012, Loop RSNG, Type Standard Electric
- Site 061, Loop SPRG, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 011, Loop RSNG, Type Standard Electric
- Site 007, Loop RSNG, Type Standard Electric
- Site 001, Loop GRP, Type Group Standard Nonelectric
- Site 073, Loop SPRG, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 010, Loop RSNG, Type Standard Electric
- Site 041, Loop PSNG, Type Tent Only Nonelectric
- Site 053, Loop PSNG, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 057, Loop SPRG, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 030, Loop SUMM, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 065, Loop SPRG, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 063, Loop SPRG, Type Tent Only Nonelectric
- Site 020, Loop SUMM, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 059, Loop SPRG, Type Tent Only Nonelectric
- Site 015, Loop SUMM, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 013, Loop SUMM, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 039, Loop PSNG, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site Riverside Pavilion , Loop GRP, Type Group Shelter Nonelectric
- Site 008, Loop RSNG, Type Standard Electric
- Site 042, Loop PSNG, Type Tent Only Nonelectric
- Site 001, Loop RSNG, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 018, Loop SUMM, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 058, Loop SPRG, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 068, Loop SPRG, Type Tent Only Nonelectric
- Site 067, Loop SPRG, Type Tent Only Nonelectric
- Site 006, Loop RSNG, Type Standard Electric
- Site 060, Loop SPRG, Type Tent Only Nonelectric
- Site 074, Loop SPRG, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 009, Loop RSNG, Type Standard Electric
- Site 048, Loop PSNG, Type Tent Only Nonelectric
- Site 033, Loop SUMM, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 027, Loop SUMM, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 066, Loop SPRG, Type Tent Only Nonelectric
- Site 049, Loop PSNG, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 046, Loop PSNG, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 075, Loop SPRG, Type Standard Nonelectric
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