Established Camping
Markham Springs
About
USDA Forest Service
Mark Twain National Forest
Overview
Markham Springs Campground is set on the Black River in a scenic and historic recreation area in the southwestern corner of Missouri's Mark Twain National Forest. The area provides access to multiple trails and recreational opportunities. Markham Springs Recreation Area gets its name from former owner, M. J. Markham, who acquired the property in 1901 and operated a lumber mill at the site until the 1930s. The Fuchs House, a five-bedroom concrete and native stone home, also sits on the property, along with a neighboring mill. At times, it is also available for rent.
Recreation
River and stream fishing are popular activities near the campground. The Black River boasts bass, sunfish, walleye and catfish. Many anglers fish from boats, but others fish from the riverbanks. Canoeing and kayaking is also possible on the river. Various day hikes within the Markham Springs Trail System are accessible from the campground. Eagle Bluff Trail is a 1.5-mile loop along the river, where birding and wildlife viewing are favorite pastimes.
Facilities
The campground offers single and double sites for tent and RV camping. Some rather primitive sites are located in a wooded setting near the river. Electric hookups are provided, as well as tables and campfire rings with grills. Lantern posts are also available. Accessible vault toilets, drinking water, showers and trash collection are provided.
Natural Features
Located adjacent to the Black River, the recreation area contains a small pond that dates back to the 1800s. The area is covered by a dense forest of colorful trees, including ash, elm, maple and poplar.
Nearby Attractions
The small town of Williamsville is just 3 miles from the campground, offering a general store and fuel station.
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
Stay Connected
- WiFiUnknown
- VerizonUnknown
- AT&TFair
- T-MobileUnknown
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Group
Features
For Campers
- Trash
- Picnic Table
- Phone Service
- Drinking Water
- Electric Hookups
- Toilets
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Pull-Through Sites
- Big Rig Friendly
GuideAbandoned
Went to check it out, the place is abandoned, over grown and facilities removed. The US Forestry Service Law Enforcement will encourage you to stay elsewhere siting bad mosquito and deer fly problems, as well as lots of traffic from neighboring towns and occasional druggies coming to use drugs in the area at night. The LEO also informed me that the park was so unpopular, that they have done away with a camp host, the shower facilities and grounds management. They will run you off if you try to stay.
TravelerGreat Primitive Camping Week
Each year I travel to the area to shoot professional fireworks for the 4th of July. I have recently taken up primitive camping (late in life, but love it now) and this campground provided a wonderful experience to accompany my favorite time of year. We found an absolutely beautiful spot along the Black River, for only $10/night! Plenty of space for our sleeping tent and supply tent, a picnic table, lantern pole, and a bench by the river. Showers and bathrooms were clean and plenty of hot water. The few folks we spoke to were friendly and pleasant. We even found a great swimming hole nearby. This was my second week-long primitive camping trip, and far from my last. It was a peaceful and beautiful spot in a lovely part of the Mark Twain Forest. Definitely recommend for primitive camping and/or some great nature activities.
- (6) View All
GuideNeeds some serious TLC
The good - site was level with 30amp electric. Two shower rooms in Birch loop with plenty of hot water. Beyond that...needs serious work.
The road coming in was a pothole minefield. You simply cannot miss them. Three of the loops were overgrown jungles. Birch loop was mowed at least. Vault toilets only. Advertised beautiful spring by the concrete house was an algae pond.
Site lists a swimming area but it is just a patch of mud beside the boat ramp. Never saw a campground host and there was not a map to be found. You are on your own to find your site.
If there is a dump station, it is very well hidden. The most use seems to be from boaters utilizing the ramp to the Black River. If you like cell signal, there was none.
Paid $36 for one night 30amp site. Waaaayyyy overpriced for services offered. Unless you really want to get away from it all, just keep driving.
Location
Markham Springs is located in Missouri
Directions
From Poplar Bluff, take Highway 67 north for 14 miles, then drive west on Highway 49 for 9 miles (about 3 miles past the town of Williamsville). Take the first right after crossing the Black River to enter Markham Springs Recreation Area.
Address
Rt 1 Box 144B
Williamsville, MO 63967
Coordinates
36.9733333 N
90.6016667 W