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Mark Twain Lake - COE/Frank Russell
Overview
Frank Russell Campground offers a serene escape on the shores of Mark Twain Lake. Managed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, this recreation area is known for its spacious campsites and lush, wooded surroundings. It serves as a peaceful base for exploring the Salt River Valley while providing high-quality facilities typical of COE parks. Travelers often choose this spot for its quiet atmosphere and proximity to water-based recreation, making it a staple for regional Missouri campers.
Location & Surroundings
Situated just north of the Clarence Cannon Dam, the park is nestled within the rolling hills of northeast Missouri. The landscape is dominated by mature hardwood forests and the expansive 18,000-acre reservoir. Monroe City is only a short drive away for supplies, yet the campground feels deeply immersed in nature. The proximity to the Salt River and Mark Twain Lake ensures a cool breeze and plenty of scenic vistas for visitors throughout the season.
Amenities & Park Features
The campground features well-maintained sites, many of which provide 50-amp electrical hookups and level pads suitable for various rig sizes. While some sites offer full hookups, a centralized dump station and fresh water fill are readily available for all guests. Families appreciate the clean shower houses, modern restrooms, and the on-site playground. For those bringing horses or bikes, the park provides direct access to the Joanna Trail, a multi-use path that is a significant highlight for active outdoor enthusiasts.
Nearby Attractions & Things to Do
Anglers and boaters will find easy access to the lake via nearby boat ramps for world-class crappie and catfish fishing. History buffs are within reach of the Mark Twain Birthplace State Historic Site and the town of Hannibal, where the legacy of Samuel Clemens comes to life. Additionally, the M.W. Boudreaux Memorial Visitor Center offers educational exhibits about the dam and local ecosystem, providing an excellent perspective on the region's natural and engineered wonders.
Who This Park Is Best For
This park is ideal for nature lovers and families seeking a quiet, budget-friendly retreat without sacrificing essential comforts. It is a fantastic choice for those traveling with horses or mountain bikes due to the extensive trail system. Because of the large, shaded sites, it also appeals to big-rig owners who prefer a more natural, rustic setting over a crowded commercial resort environment.
Amenities
- Recreational Facilities
- Policies
- Other Amenities & Services
- Recreation Nearby (within 10 miles)
- Facility
- On-Site Rentals
- Sites
User Reviews
Rave Meyer
Army Corps of Engineers campground. New asphalt roads, drives, campsites are gravel or cement. Some have full hook-ups. Very quiet. Pleasant.
Leslie
A great, nice & clean place. Super quiet and you can hear nature while you sleep as if it's a recording. We stayed in the hook up with water and it had a built in fireplace & grill top. The bathrooms & showers are old, but well kept and the water pressure is great. My only complaint is that there isn't cold water for the showers. You're either taking a hot shower or a shower so hot it could poach an egg lol
Dave Manegre
Nice campground IF you don't want something to do. Boring for kids, no playground other than 4 swings which if you use puts black on your legs, no real paths And the ones they do have used real Big Rock. So you better have a off-road bike. Not really electric bike compatible , no lake access other than a small path to no where. Only one bath house. Lots of loose rock on roads so we had 3 accidents on bikes for kids. New concrete sites which are nice. Won't be back. Then they added these car stoppers on the sites which turn into a trip hazard. Whoever designed these does not camp as many of the sites are not level. Try other camp grounds, indian creek was nice
Cindy Ritter
Campground is well kept but they take better care of regular campers than horse campers. You have electric that is all and have to walk a long ways for showers in the fancy camper part. Showers were awesome
dewayne mahlstedt
Very nice campground. Full hook ups. Some fully paved sites. Campsites not on top of each other.