Boaters and anglers find direct lake access at Ray Behrens, an Army Corps of Engineers campground on Mark Twain Lake's shoreline. The facility divides into three distinct sections—Deer Run, Cedar Ridge, and Little Blue Stem—each with its own shower house and mix of full hookup and electric-only sites spread across wooded terrain.
Sites accommodate RVs up to 102 feet with full hookups priced at $24-30 per night, though campers should prepare for uneven ground. Austin-Tarra G. notes their site "had a huge elevation slope from front to back and even at our most extreme settings we could not get our camper fully leveled." The asphalt pads come with picnic tables, fire rings, and generous spacing between neighbors. Sites closer to the water offer partial lake views but typically provide electric hookups only.
Multiple hiking trails connect the campground sections to the lake, while nearby Black Jack Marina provides boat rentals, supplies, and weekend breakfast service. The marina sits within walking distance of most camping areas. Wildlife viewing opportunities abound, with deer commonly spotted throughout the property—campers report driving slowly during evening hours helps avoid encounters.
Road conditions require attention, particularly after rain when surfaces become challenging for larger rigs. The campground operates seasonally from early April through late November, with reservations available through the Corps system. Sam H. recommends sites at "the end of this loop" for the best combination of shade and level pads.
Book sites 90-97 for optimal camping conditions with minimal slope and convenient restroom access.
Description
Overview
Ray Behrens is a scenic campground and recreation area, conveniently located on the southeastern shores of Mark Twain Lake. Here, visitors can enjoy the perks of the campground, go boating on the lake or explore the area's historic attractions. Twain, the legendary author, was born in a village beside the lake and grew up in a town about 20 miles down the road.
Recreation
Mark Twain Lake provides countless opportunities for outdoor recreation boating, swimming, fishing, picnicking, camping, hiking and hunting to name a few.
Facilities
Ray Behrens Campground has three loops: Deer Run, Little Bluestem and Cedar Ridge. All campsites come with electric hookups. Showers and accessible flush toilets are in close proximity of every site. The park also features a marina and playgrounds.
Natural Features
The Salt River flows through rolling hills of north-central Missouri, where it is dammed to form the 18,000-acre Mark Twain Lake. A variety of recreation areas surround the lake, including the Mark Twain State Park.
Nearby Attractions
Beside the lake is the village of Florida, where Mark Twain was born. Twenty-five miles east is the town of Hannibal, where visitors can tour the author's boyhood home.
RV Road Trip Guides
Location
Public CampgroundRay Behrens is located in Missouri
Directions
From Hannibal MO, travel west on Highway 36 for 17 miles, turn south onto Route J and go 12 miles to the campground.
Address
20642 HIGHWAY J
Monroe city, MO 63456-9359
Coordinates
39.5158333 N
91.6630556 W
Connectivity
T-Mobile5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 4/15/26
VerizonLTESome CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 4/15/26
AT&T5GGood CoverageVerified by 6 usersLast on 4/15/26
Connectivity
- T-Mobile5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 4/15/26
- VerizonLTESome CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 4/15/26
- AT&T5GGood CoverageVerified by 6 usersLast on 4/15/26
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
- Boat-InSites accessible by watercraft.
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Group
- Cabins
Features
For Campers
- Market
- Trash
- Picnic Table
- Firewood Available
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- Drinking Water
- Electric Hookups
- Toilets
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Sanitary Dump
- Sewer Hookups
- Water Hookups
- 50 Amp Hookups
- Big Rig Friendly
Contact
General Info
Reservations
Drive Time
- 1 hr 23 min from Columbia, MO
- 1 hr 33 min from Jefferson City, MO
- 1 hr 59 min from St. Louis, MO
- 2 hrs 1 min from Springfield, IL
