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$24 - $30 / night

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Established Camping

Frank Russell Campground

6 Reviews

Frank Russell, near Monroe City, Missouri, is a fantastic campground that offers a blend of comfort and outdoor adventure. With spacious, paved sites featuring full hookups and fire pits, it’s perfect for both RVs and tents, making it easy to settle in and enjoy your surroundings.

Visitors rave about the well-maintained facilities, including clean restrooms and a convenient dump station. One camper highlighted the “perfectly level” parking pads, which made setting up a breeze. The campground is also pet-friendly, so you can bring your furry friends along for the fun.

For those who love fishing and hiking, Frank Russell is a great base. There are trails nearby that lead right to the water, allowing for easy access to fishing spots. Reviewers have enjoyed the peaceful atmosphere, often noting how quiet it is, especially during the week when fewer campers are around. As one happy camper put it, “We had the place to ourselves.”

With its beautiful surroundings and ample amenities, Frank Russell is an excellent choice for anyone looking to unwind in nature while still enjoying the comforts of home. Whether you’re here for a quick stop or a longer stay, you’ll find plenty to appreciate in this welcoming campground.

Description

US Army Corps of Engineers

Mark Twain Lake

Overview

Frank Russell Campground, set near the picturesque Mark Twain Lake, has a location near the dam, providing campers with easy access to the lake, river and surrounding attractions. The campground also features an amphitheater with weekly events in the summer. The lake's namesake and legendary author and humorist, Mark Twain, was born in a town beside the lake.

Recreation

The 32-mile long Joanna Trail is accessible from the campground. Here, horseback riders, mountain bikers and hikers can enjoy the rough and varied terrain that meanders along the northern banks of the lake, across bluffs and over hills. Campfire programs are provided every Saturday from Memorial Day to Labor Day.

Facilities

Adjacent to the campground, equestrian campers can make use of the shaded horse stalls. Campsites are equipped with electric hookups, paved parking, grills and picnic tables. Other amenities include showers, playgrounds and vault toilets.

Natural Features

Mark Twain Lake is sourced by the Salt River in northeast Missouri. The Clarence Cannon Dam sits on the eastern edge of the lake, providing flood control and hydroelectricity to the region.

Nearby Attractions

While here, many visitors tour the birthplace of world-famous humorist and author, Mark Twain, in Florida, Missouri. The David C. Berti Shooting Range is below the dam and the M.W. Boudreaux Visitor Center is located on the south end of the Dam.

Fee Info

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

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Location

Frank Russell Campground is located in Missouri

Detail location of 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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Access

  • Drive-In
    Park next to your site

Connectivity

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  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile5G
    Excellent Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    VerizonLTE
    Some Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    AT&T5G
    Good Coverage

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

Drive Time

Reviews

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5.0

out of 5

6 Reviews

Jan K.
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
Emily C.
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
Doug W.
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
Lindsey C.
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

How much does it cost to camp at Frank Russell Campground?

Camping at Frank Russell Campground can cost between $24.00 and $30.00 depending on the site.

Does Frank Russell Campground have RV hookups?

According to TheDyrt.com, Frank Russell Campground has 50 amp electric hookups, water hookups and sewer hookups.

What is the max vehicle length at Frank Russell Campground?

Frank Russell Campground allows vehicles up to 85 feet.

Are fires allowed at Frank Russell Campground?

Yes, according to campers on TheDyrt.com, fires are allowed at Frank Russell Campground, although make sure to check current fire restrictions in the area.

Is there cell phone reception at Frank Russell Campground?

According to campers on TheDyrt.com, there is good coverage for AT&T, excellent coverage for T-Mobile, and some coverage for Verizon.

How hard is it to get a campsite at Frank Russell Campground?

Some campers book as far as 6 months in advance, so on high-demand weekends it can be very difficult to get a campsite at Frank Russell Campground. If you want to get a last-minute campsite at Frank Russell Campground, try setting up a text message Alert atTheDyrt.com/alerts

Why is it so hard to get a campsite at Frank Russell Campground?

There are 72 campsites at Frank Russell Campground and over 80 million Americans who camp! Try snagging a cancellation by setting up a text message Alert atTheDyrt.com/alerts

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