Camping near Mark Twain Lake

Mark Twain Lake draws many campers looking for good fishing and water recreation in northeast Missouri. Indian Creek Campground sits just three miles from the lake, making it a good jumping-off point for day trips around the area. Ray Behrens Campground is right on the lakeshore, giving campers water views and quick access to swimming and boating. The campsites at both locations come with basic needs covered - picnic tables, fire rings, and restrooms. Watch out for deer and raccoons that might raid your campsite, so store food properly when you're not around. Getting to these campgrounds is easy on paved roads that most RVs and cars can handle without problems. Try to book ahead, especially between Memorial Day and Labor Day when spots fill up fast. Locals and out-of-towners alike flock here during summer. Fall camping brings fewer crowds, cooler nights, and colorful trees around the lake. Winter camping is available but you'll need extra layers and good gear for the cold. Spring brings warmer days and wildflowers along the trails, which makes for nice hiking weather. Mark Twain Lake works well for short weekend trips or longer vacations if you want to fully explore the area.

Best Camping Sites Near Mark Twain Lake (73)

    1. Indian Creek Campground

    17 Reviews
    Stoutsville, MO
    3 miles
    Website
    +1 (573) 735-4097

    $10 - $125 / night

    "Mark Twain Lake is beautiful. Lots of hiking trails and greenery between campsites. Many established trees. Ticks galore so prepare for that. 1-2 bars with ATT throughout park."

    "Great for families as there are a couple fun playgrounds and always kids and adults alike enjoying bikerides and walks through the campground and along the trails, some of which offer lake access with"

    2. Ray Behrens

    15 Reviews
    Perry, MO
    1 mile
    Website
    +1 (573) 735-4097

    $24 - $30 / night

    "This is the most common place my friends and family camp at for Mark Twain Lake. Very clean and well kept. The kids bike around on the pavement and play in the little park."

    "It has a wonderful, full service marina and a few great trails that lead to the water. It is by far the best Corp of Engineer campground on Mark Twain Lake!"

    3. Puma — Mark Twain State Park

    12 Reviews
    Stoutsville, MO
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (573) 248-9980

    $24 - $45 / night

    "Campground Review:

    Mark Twain state Park is an absolute blast. approximately 30 minutes from Hannibal MO this park sits on Mark Twain Lake."

    "It has air conditioning, which is needed in Missouri in August (it was sooo hot). Cabin is private with fire pit and picnic table at the front which faces near the woods."

    4. Ray Behrens Recreational

    8 Reviews
    Mark Twain Lake, MO
    1 mile
    Website
    +1 (573) 735-4097

    $18 - $30 / night

    "Hiking trails and easy access to Mark Twain lake."

    "The lake is beautiful...if you can see it. We have five sons and one of our musts for a campground is easily accesible water to play in. This is NOT the campground for that."

    5. Frank Russell

    6 Reviews
    Perry, MO
    1 mile
    Website
    +1 (573) 735-4097

    $24 - $30 / night

    "Used their dump station and filled the water tank as we exited the park. Would recommend & would stay there again"

    "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."

    6. Coyote — Mark Twain State Park

    5 Reviews
    Stoutsville, MO
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (573) 248-9980

    $14 - $27 / night

    "Super close to hiking trails and the shower house was clean. Mostly non RV people here which made it a bit quieter."

    "The sites on outside of loop in the Coyote loop are better in general. They have no view of lake though, just glimmers. Two raccoons popped out at me (site 45) from a hollow tree."

    7. Bluffview (Mark Twain Lake)

    4 Reviews
    Monroe City, MO
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (573) 735-4097

    $30 / night

    "Didn't bring children, but noticed a playground near the campsites. Decently spaced campsites and vault toilets. Lake was beautiful."

    "A'll sights near water were mostly sun. Beautiful. Friendly. Fishing, boating"

    8. Mark Twain Lake Jellystone Park and The Water Zone

    4 Reviews
    Mark Twain Lake, MO
    2 miles
    Website
    +1 (573) 735-9422

    $20 - $299 / night

    "Great family location and for expanding children's knowledge"

    9. Mark Twain Cave & Campground

    15 Reviews
    Hannibal, MO
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (573) 221-1656

    $28 - $34 / night

    "Just a short walk from the Mississippi River and downtown Hannibal. They have two caves you can tour along with a winery on site."

    "Fortunate that we carry an adjustable step for coach entry. Showers and restrooms were good, but shower curtains need to be replaced. Great water. Works great !"

    10. Indian Creek RV Park

    2 Reviews
    Mark Twain Lake, MO
    2 miles
    +1 (314) 913-9573

    "Relaxing spot near the lake with some beautiful views. The whole campground is in the woods so there’s lots of shade. Some spots are full hookups."

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Showing results 1-10 of 73 campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Mark Twain Lake

345 Reviews of 73 Mark Twain Lake Campgrounds



Guide to Mark Twain Lake

Camping near Mark Twain Lake, Missouri, offers a great mix of outdoor fun and relaxation. With several campgrounds to choose from, you can find the perfect spot for your next adventure.

What to do:

  • Fishing: Mark Twain Lake is known for its fishing opportunities. Many campers enjoy casting a line, with one reviewer from Ray Behrens saying, "Huge spots, full hookups, lake access and a marina with a small restaurant inside."
  • Hiking: There are trails around the lake that provide beautiful views and a chance to explore nature. A visitor at Indian Creek Campground mentioned, "There is an outdoor amphitheater and nice hiking trails."
  • Cave Tours: Check out the nearby Mark Twain Cave for an interesting tour. A camper at Mark Twain Cave & Campground noted, "The cave tour is interesting, but a little expensive."

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained restrooms and showers. One reviewer at Ray Behrens said, "Bathrooms and shower house are cleaned regularly."
  • Spacious Sites: Many campgrounds offer roomy spots for tents and RVs. A visitor at Wakonda Lake Campground shared, "Sites were spacious, clean, plenty of space between sites."
  • Family-Friendly Atmosphere: Campgrounds like Indian Creek are noted for being great for families. One reviewer said, "So family friendly, very well service, cheap, and most importantly everyone enjoyed time there."

What you should know:

  • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds, like Frank Russell, may have fewer amenities. A camper mentioned, "Restrooms were clean-ish... they could use a fresh coat of paint and soap dispensers."
  • Wildlife Encounters: Be prepared for wildlife, especially raccoons. A camper at Indian Creek Campground warned, "Raccoons visited nightly so secure your food supply and trash."
  • Seasonal Access: Many campgrounds have specific seasons. For example, Ray Behrens is open from April 4 to November 24, so plan your trip accordingly.

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for places like Wakonda Lake Campground, which has a playground and swimming options. A reviewer said, "There’s a playground and boat access and swimming."
  • Plan Activities: Make sure to have a mix of activities. A camper at Mark Twain Cave & Campground noted, "Super convenient to walk over to the cave or winery."
  • Bring Games: Keep the kids entertained with outdoor games. A visitor at Puma Campground mentioned, "The cabins have electricity and a fridge but no bathroom," making it easy to set up games outside.

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Levels: Some sites may not be perfectly level. A reviewer at Frank Russell said, "While it was level side to side, it had about 6" of slope front to back."
  • Full Hookups: Look for campgrounds with full hookups for convenience. A camper at Ray Behrens mentioned, "This campground is well kept and offers both standard-electric and full hook up."
  • Stock Up Before You Go: Some campgrounds are remote, so bring supplies. A visitor at Indian Creek Campground advised, "This campground is out in the boonies so you'll want to stock up before you pull in."

Camping near Mark Twain Lake, Missouri, has something for everyone, whether you're fishing, hiking, or just enjoying time with family.

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Mark Twain Lake?

According to TheDyrt.com, Mark Twain Lake offers a wide range of camping options, with 73 campgrounds and RV parks near Mark Twain Lake and 2 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Mark Twain Lake?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Mark Twain Lake is Indian Creek Campground with a 4.2-star rating from 17 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Mark Twain Lake?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 2 free dispersed camping spots near Mark Twain Lake.

What parks are near Mark Twain Lake?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 10 parks near Mark Twain Lake that allow camping, notably Bankhead National Forest and Chugach National Forest.