Mark Twain National Forest's Beaver Lake Recreation Area sits at the end of a gravel road in southern Missouri, where US Forest Service land gives way to forested terrain near the lake. It's free. Campers who make the drive find dispersed sites with fire pits and no facilities, though flat ground is limited to roughly five or six usable spots. Cell service is available. Those planning a trip can compare campsites near Mark Twain National Forest before committing to this site. Visitors should come prepared for ticks in the surrounding forest and be aware that wild pigs have been reported in the area, making it a better fit for self-sufficient campers than first-timers.
Description
Beaver Lake is 15 acres in size. Primitive camping is allowed but no facilities are provided. It offers a gravel ramp for boat access. The lake has been stocked with channel catfish, bluegill, redear sunfish, and black bass. Dispersed camping is the term used for free camping anywhere in the National Forest OUTSIDE of a designated campground. Dispersed camping means there are no toilets, no structures, no trash cans, no treated water, and no fire grates. There are extra responsibilities required for this type of camp. It's a must to educate yourself before you try it, but we hope the adventure of dispersed camping in the Mark Twain National Forest calls to you! Pick a Campsite and follow the Leave No Trace Principles Camp 100 feet away from trails and water sources. Treat any water found in the area before consuming it. Human waste (Feces) must be buried at least 6 inches deep and covered. Pack out all of your garbage.
Reservation Info
15 vehicles with trailers; parking is on a slope
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsBeaver Lake Recreation Area is located in Missouri near Ellsinore
Directions
From Poplar Bluff, MO, take Hwy PP west for 8 miles, then Hwy TT for 2 miles; turn on Butler County Road 3434 for one-half mile. Turn onto Forest Road 3109 for 4 miles, then Forest Road 3899 for one-half mile.
Coordinates
36.79958369 N
90.62257618 W
Connectivity
- T-MobileNo Coverage
- VerizonNo CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 4/6/26
- AT&T5GGood CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 7/20/26
Connectivity
- T-MobileNo Coverage
- VerizonNo CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 4/6/26
- AT&T5GGood CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 7/20/26
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
Site Types
- Dispersed
Features
For Campers
- Phone Service
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
DISPERSED CAMPING
Enjoy dispersed camping on government land and leave no trace. Pack in and pack out. No (or limited) services at this camping area. Permit may be required.
PERMIT might be REQUIRED
We curate permit requirements across the US for our PRO members. Try PRO to see if Beaver Lake Recreation Area needs a permit.
Drive Time
- 1 hr 33 min from Cape Girardeau, MO
- 1 hr 54 min from Jonesboro, AR
- 2 hrs 8 min from Paducah, KY
- 2 hrs 52 min from Memphis, TN




