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Mark Twain Lake - COE/Ray Behrens
Overview
Ray Behrens Campground, managed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, sits on the picturesque shores of Mark Twain Lake near Monroe City, Missouri. This expansive recreation area is known for its rolling hills and dense hardwood forests, offering a serene escape for nature lovers and weekend travelers alike. It provides a classic federal park experience where the emphasis is placed on the natural landscape and easy access to the water, rather than the crowded commercialism of private resorts.
Location & Surroundings
Nestled deep within the Salt River Valley of northeast Missouri, the park is situated just minutes from the impressive Clarence Cannon Dam. The surroundings are defined by rugged limestone bluffs and heavily timbered shorelines that provide a stunning backdrop for evening sunsets over the water. Travelers will find the atmosphere remarkably quiet and secluded, yet the park remains conveniently located near the town of Monroe City, allowing for quick trips to local shops for fuel and groceries.
Amenities & Park Features
The campground is thoughtfully divided into three distinct loops, offering a mix of shaded back-in and pull-through sites equipped with reliable electric hookups. While individual sites do not typically offer sewer connections, the park provides multiple accessible dump stations and well-maintained shower facilities for guest convenience. Essential park features include:
- Multi-lane boat ramps for easy lake access.
- Several children's playgrounds and open green spaces.
- Large group picnic shelters for family gatherings.
Nearby Attractions & Things to Do
Water-based recreation is the primary draw here, with excellent opportunities for crappie and catfish fishing as well as leisurely pontoon boating across the 18,000-acre lake. Land-based explorers can challenge themselves on the Joanna Trail, which offers over 30 miles of multi-use paths for hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding. For those interested in local history, a short drive leads to the Mark Twain Birthplace State Historic Site or the historic river town of Hannibal.
Who This Park Is Best For
This COE park is an ideal destination for outdoor enthusiasts who prioritize large, private campsites and natural beauty over modern luxury amenities. It is a fantastic choice for dedicated fishing groups, birdwatchers, and families seeking a traditional, quiet camping experience under a thick canopy of Missouri hardwoods. Because the sites are generously sized and paved, it is also a top recommendation for big-rig RV owners looking for an affordable and scenic base camp.
Amenities
- Recreational Facilities
- Policies
- Other Amenities & Services
- Recreation Nearby (within 10 miles)
- Facility
- Hunting Nearby (within 20 miles)
- On-Site Rentals
- Sites
User Reviews
Mark Albertson
Very nice and quiet, full hookups, lots of room in-between campers .
Scott Lueck
Very nice campground. Great access to the lake from the boat ramp. Nice marina and rentals. Lake access trails from multiple places in the campground. Updated bathrooms and showers in the two loops close to the main entrance. Great cell signal. Will visit again.
Nena Nenica
Beautiful campground but restrooms vanity and toilets need good scrubbing not just washing with house. Dump station needs two water hoses one for sewer and fill in your tank.
Melissa Jones
Spacious RV sites, many with full hook ups. A lot of sites have a steep grade and the recreation.gov website should not be relied on for accurate info about site slope. Be cautious about slope if you have a big rig. There are a lot of flat sites with long paved parking pads.
Stephanie Kelley
This campground is very clean. The showerhouse/restrooms on Deer Run looked to be fairly new. Only 2 loops were open when we camped here. The Deer Run Loop sites were spaced out nicely, and most sites had long driveways. Sites are easy to get into. We camped in site 34 on Deer Run. Hannibal is about 30 minutes away and offers Restaurants and plenty of attractions. If you are lucky enough, you will see some pretty amazing boats in the boat parking area.