Established Camping
Silver Mines
About
USDA Forest Service
Mark Twain National Forest
Overview
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.
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.
Facilities
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 sites can accommodate up to 75 and 100 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.
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.
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
- Hike-InBackcountry sites.
Stay Connected
- WiFiUnknown
- VerizonUnknown
- AT&TUnknown
- T-MobileUnknown
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Group
Features
For Campers
- Trash
- Firewood Available
- Phone Service
- Drinking Water
- Electric Hookups
- Toilets
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
Summer fun
Beautiful, peaceful, and clean.
- (4) View All
Pretty decent place
We stayed for a couple nights here and although we really enjoyed the actually camp ground the some of the sight near the broken old dam, the amenities and signs couldn’t been better. Views were pretty ok. Decent hiking trail close by, have to pay fees for some spaces.
Riverside Bliss
This is our near-home favorite campground. Whitewater kayaking on the Saint Francis River anytime the paddle gage on old bridge is greater than 0. Also gage can be found on missouriwhitewater.com. This campground doesn't have a lot of amenities, but makes up for it in beauty all around the campground. It is well kept and maintained, and campground hosts are great. There are a few electric sides riverside, and many primitive sites on top of hill. There is water available to fill your tank, but no Showerhouse, water-hookups at site, and no dump station.
Location
Silver Mines is located in Missouri
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.
Address
MARK TWAIN
MO
Coordinates
37.5527778 N
90.4372222 W