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Frank Russell Campground

6 ReviewsAdd Review
SUMMARY PRESENTED BYT-Mobile

Fishing access and lake swimming draw campers to Frank Russell Campground, a US Army Corps of Engineers site set within forested terrain along Mark Twain Lake in northeastern Missouri. A trail from the campground leads directly to the water's edge, and a concrete path with benches runs around a fishing lake, making it easy to reach the shoreline without a long walk. Sites are paved and tend to run level, which reviewers have flagged as a practical advantage for RV travelers. The campground runs from early April through early November, with nightly rates between $24 and $30.

Sites include full hookups with electric, water, and sewer connections, and the campground accommodates RVs up to 88 feet. A dump station is available at the exit. The bathhouse is a longer walk from some sites, but multiple campers report it as large and clean. Shade is consistent across the forested sites, and several spots have enough tree spacing to hang hammocks. Crowd levels stay low midweek, and sections may be closed during off-peak periods, which tends to reduce overall traffic further.

"Most impressed by how perfectly level our paved parking pad was," notes Jan K., who also used the dump station and water fill on the way out. The access road draws repeated mention in reviews, with several campers flagging rough conditions worth noting before arrival. Nearby alternatives include Spillway Recreation Area and Ray Behrens, both within a couple of miles, for those comparing options in the area. Frank Russell works best for RV travelers and anglers who want full hookups, water access, and a low-key stay without a crowded campground.

Fee Info

Check-in Time:05:00 PM; Checkout Time:4:00 PM

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Map & DirectionsFrank Russell Campground is located in Missouri near Perry

Detail location of campground
Public Campground

Directions

From Hannibal - Hwy 36 west 17 miles to Hwy J, south 9 miles. From Monroe City - Hwy 36 east 3 miles to Hwy J, south 9 miles. From Paris - Hwy 154 east 20 miles to Hwy J (Perry), north 10 miles. From Perry - Hwy J north 10 miles.

Address

20642 HIGHWAY J
Monroe city, MO 63456-9359

Coordinates

39.5355556 N
91.6475 W

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Connectivity

Presented byT-MobileT-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoorsLearn More
  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile5G
    Excellent Coverage
    Verified by 2 users
    Last on 8/18/26
  • signal strength bars
    VerizonLTE
    Some Coverage
    Verified by 6 users
    Last on 8/18/26
  • signal strength bars
    AT&T5G
    Good Coverage
    Verified by 10 users
    Last on 8/18/26

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Presented byHershey's

Connectivity

Presented byT-MobileT-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoorsLearn More
  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile5G
    Excellent Coverage
    Verified by 2 users
    Last on 8/18/26
  • signal strength bars
    VerizonLTE
    Some Coverage
    Verified by 6 users
    Last on 8/18/26
  • signal strength bars
    AT&T5G
    Good Coverage
    Verified by 10 users
    Last on 8/18/26

Access

  • Drive-In
    Park next to your site

Site Types

  • Tent Sites
  • RV Sites
  • Standard (Tent/RV)
  • Equestrian

Features

For Campers

  • Trash
  • Picnic Table
  • Reservable
  • Drinking Water
  • Electric Hookups
  • Toilets
  • Alcohol
  • Pets
  • Fires

For Vehicles

  • Sanitary Dump
  • Sewer Hookups
  • Water Hookups
  • 50 Amp Hookups
  • Big Rig Friendly

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Reviews6 Camper Reviews - Frank Russell Campground

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5.0

out of 5

6 Reviews

Many campers appreciated the well-maintained paved sites, clean facilities, and peaceful atmosphere at excellent value pricing of $20/night. Lake access and recreational amenities like archery range add appeal, though hiking trails are limited.

SUMMARY PRESENTED BYT-Mobile
Reviewed Oct. 7, 2021

Nice stay

This was a 1 night stay while getting to the east coast. Most impressed by how perfectly level our paved parking pad was. We didn’t have to level the rv or even unhook it from the truck. Very few campers as some sections were closed, peaceful & quiet evening. Shady site with picnic table and fire ring. Restrooms were clean-ish (we are camping, right?), they could use a fresh coat of paint and soap dispensers. Showers were fine. Used their dump station and filled the water tank as we exited the park. Would recommend & would stay there again

Site51
Month of VisitOctober
Reviewed Jul. 12, 2021

Great corner spot

Even though it rained like crazy. Me and my husband loved this spot, especially with 3 perfect trees close enough to put our hammocks up! Will definitely be coming back to this spot. Down the road a walk away. There is a trail that leads right to the water where we were able to have a swim and not have to leave the campground.

Site36
Month of VisitJune
Reviewed May. 18, 2021

Another great Army Corps of Engineers campground

I think these campgrounds are definitely under rated. This one is well maintained and clean. The sites are all paved and most are well spaced.

My only concern is the photos of the sites are a bit deceiving. I thought my site, #6, was dead level. While it was level side to side, it had about 6" of slope front to back. Not a problem for me but some campers may find it a bit much. At $20/night ($10 for seniors) with electricity it's a bargain.

There is access to the lake from the campground, there is no beach. We spent on night during the week in mid May and there were only 5 campers in the whole park. We had the place to ourselves. We will spend more time our next time through to explore.

Site6
Month of VisitMay
  • Review photo of Frank Russell Campground by Doug W., May 18, 2021
Reviewed Sep. 13, 2020

Secluded place

Great place to stay, doesn’t seem to have a lot of hiking trails. They do have nice secluded little spots mostly all electric. Bathhouse is pretty a long walk, but big and really clean. only 20.00 per night. It’s has an archery range and equestrian site.

  • Review photo of Frank Russell Campground by Lindsey C., September 13, 2020
  • Review photo of Frank Russell Campground by Lindsey C., September 13, 2020
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Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Frank Russell Campground located at Mark Twain Lake?

Frank Russell Campground is located at Mark Twain Lake in Missouri. The campground offers a peaceful setting with proximity to water recreation. There's a trail that leads directly from the campground to the lake where visitors can swim. The location features wooded areas that provide shade for campsites and opportunities for hiking, though extensive trail systems aren't abundant. The campground's strategic placement makes it a convenient base for enjoying Mark Twain Lake's recreational activities.

Are there photos of Frank Russell Campground to view before booking?

Yes, photos of Frank Russell Campground are available for viewing before booking. However, be aware that site photos may sometimes be slightly misleading regarding the exact leveling of certain sites. While most sites appear level in photos, some may have slight grades front-to-back while being level side-to-side. For the most accurate visual information, check official park service websites or camping platforms where updated campground photos are regularly maintained.

What amenities and facilities are available at Frank Russell Campground?

Frank Russell Campground offers well-maintained facilities including paved and concrete campsites with full hookups, most with electrical connections. Each site includes a fire pit and picnic table. The campground features clean bathhouses, though they may be a longer walk from some sites. Additional amenities include an archery range and equestrian facilities. The campground provides access to the lake via a walking trail, with concrete sidewalks and fishing benches around the lake for easy accessibility. Sites are generally spacious, well-spaced, and many offer good shade. The nightly fee is approximately $20.

Is there a map available of Frank Russell Campground's layout?

Yes, maps of Frank Russell Campground's layout are available. These maps show the arrangement of the paved and concrete sites throughout the campground. The layout includes various camping sections (some of which may be closed during certain periods), access to facilities like the bathhouse, and proximity to trails leading to the lake. For the most current and detailed map, check with the Mark Twain Lake visitor center, the campground office upon arrival, or the official Mark Twain Lake website before your visit.

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