Frank Russell

$24.00/night

Show on map 573-735-4097 marktwaininfo@usace.army.mil

20642 HIGHWAY J
MONROE CITY, MO 63456-9359

Notice

Thank you for camping at Frank Russell Campground! Please be aware that roadwork and construction activities will be ongoing within the campground for the next several weeks. Construction and asphalt crews will be on site, so please follow posted signage and drive with care.

FRANK RUSSELL ENTRANCE ROAD The campground entrance road will experience periodic lane closures until further notice. Signage will be posted to direct traffic to the campground, archery park, and day-use areas.

DUMP STATION The Frank Russell dump station will be closed until further notice. Campers may use any vacant full hook-up campsite within Frank Russell Campground for dumping purposes. The Ray Behrens Campground dump station is also available if needed.

TRASH AND DUMPSTERS All dumpsters have been temporarily relocated to the Frank Russell Equestrian Campground in front of the horse corral.

For reservation changes, please contact Recreation.gov at 877-444-6777. For questions or concerns regarding your stay, please contact the Mark Twain Lake Project Office at 573-735-4097.

We appreciate your patience and cooperation as we work to improve the campground. Thank you!

Oct 28, 2026 – Nov 23, 2026

Overview

Frank Russell Campground offers spacious campsites and convenient access to a variety of recreation opportunities. Visitors can enjoy playgrounds, a designated fishing pond, scenic shoreline trails, a bike trail, and a multipurpose equestrian trail with a designated equestrian camping area and horse corral. The Archery Park features a static range, an elevated 3D target course, and a fitness trail with integrated archery shooting lanes. For boating and swimming, Spalding Recreation Area, featuring a boat ramp and swimming beach, is located just 4 miles north on Highway J.

Recreation

Facilities

Adjacent to the campground, equestrian campers can make use of the shaded horse stalls. Campsites are equipped with electric hookups, paved parking, grills and picnic tables. Other amenities include showers, playgrounds and vault toilets.

Natural Features

Mark Twain Lake is sourced by the Salt River in northeast Missouri. The Clarence Cannon Dam sits on the eastern edge of the lake, providing flood control and hydroelectricity to the region.

Nearby Attractions

While here, many visitors tour the birthplace of world-famous humorist and author, Mark Twain, in Florida, Missouri.

The David C. Berti Shooting Range is below the dam and the M.W. Boudreaux Visitor Center is located on the south end of the Dam.

Camp site features

Across 72 camp sites:

Electric hookups: all 72 sites
Water hookups: 56 of 72 sites
Sewer hookups: 56 of 72 sites
Fire pit: all 72 sites
Picnic table: all 72 sites
Pets allowed: 65 of 72 sites
Longest RV: 88 ft
Largest party: 8 people
Power up to 50 amps
Equipment: Horse, RV, Tent, Trailer

Fees

Check-in Time:05:00 PM; Checkout Time:4:00 PM

Directions

From Hannibal - Hwy 36 west 17 miles to Hwy J, south 9 miles. From Monroe City - Hwy 36 east 3 miles to Hwy J, south 9 miles. From Paris - Hwy 154 east 20 miles to Hwy J (Perry), north 10 miles. From Perry - Hwy J north 10 miles.

Stay Limit

Check in from 5 PM, check out by 4 PM.

Reviews

377 reviews

5 stars

248

4 stars

3 stars

2 stars

1 stars

Terry K

Loop:Joan

Site:

Reviewed 8 days ago

Sites and shower house were clean and well maintained. Park was very peaceful and quiet. Sheriff and Rangers made regular patrols. Trails, fishing, archery range at the campground and a shooting range on the back sire of the dam give plenty of activities to keep you busy. You will hear gunshots from the range. Spotty coverage of cell/data via AT&T and Verizon. We will be back.

Nancy B

Loop:Frid

Site:

Reviewed 8 days ago

Great park, great site. Our one “complaint” is the nearness of the firing range. Chances are that from early morning until well into the evening, you’ll hear distinct shooting from the range. If your pet is reactive, this might not be the site for you.

Ken N

Loop:Frid

Site:

Reviewed 9 days ago

excellent stay

Gary M

Loop:Frid

Site:

Reviewed 9 days ago

Great campground

Joyce P

Loop:Equestrian campsites

Site:

Reviewed 9 days ago

Great stable area for the horses. Nice trails. Clean restrooms.

LINDA J

Loop:Cvie

Site:

Reviewed 10 days ago

What a beautiful campground. We love how spacious and well planned each site is. And yet your surrounded by forest. We were on 26 and felt like we had the loop to ourselves. It was a nice walk through the woods to see the lake, although walking down to the lake was steeper than this geriatric couple wanted to do. And thanks to Scott for being such a helpful host.

Availability

See the Camp Sites section below to find detailed booking availability.

Reserve

Popularity: Very quiet