How much does camping cost at Frank Russell?

Camping fees at Frank Russell range from $24-$30/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Frank Russell first-come first-served or reservation?

Frank Russell accepts online reservations. We recommend booking in advance, especially during peak season (typically summer weekends). Use campsite alerts to get notified when spots become available.

Can I see photos of campsites at Frank Russell before I book?

Yes! Frank Russell has 4 campsite photos on Outdoorithm, contributed by campers who've stayed there. Browse real photos of individual sites to see what to expect before you reserve. You can also add your own photos after your trip to help the next family plan theirs.

What is the best time to visit Frank Russell?

Frank Russell is open March 28, 2025 - November 2, 2025.. The best time to visit depends on your preferences—summer offers the warmest weather and most activities, while spring and fall provide fewer crowds and milder temperatures. Check current conditions before your trip.

Are there showers at Frank Russell?

Yes, Frank Russell has shower facilities available for campers. Check the amenities section for details on hours and any fees.

Can I have a campfire at Frank Russell?

Fire policies at Frank Russell: Buy firewood locally to prevent invasive species. Campfires allowed within designated fire pits/rings.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

How many campsites does Frank Russell have?

Frank Russell has 67 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Frank Russell?

Yes, pets are allowed at Frank Russell. Dogs must typically be kept on a leash (usually 6 feet or shorter) and under control at all times. Be sure to clean up after your pet and check for any breed or size restrictions.

What amenities are available at Frank Russell?

Frank Russell offers: Restrooms, Showers, Potable Water, Dump Station, Electrical Hookups, Water Hookups, Sewer Hookups, Pets Allowed. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Frank Russell?

Popular activities at Frank Russell include Hiking, Fishing, Biking, Wildlife Viewing. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Frank Russell

4.41

337 reviews

20642 HIGHWAY J

Great HikingFishingSummer Destination

Featured in:Best Campgrounds Missouri

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

April 2026

Compare availability across multiple campgrounds

Quick Facts

702 ft

Price

$24 - $30/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

67 campsites

Season

Season Opens: March ...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV FriendlyElectricShowers

Book on U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

April 2026

Compare availability across multiple campgrounds

Quick Facts

702 ft

Price

$24 - $30/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

67 campsites

Season

Season Opens: March ...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV FriendlyElectricShowers

Book on U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Official Website

Get Directions

Frank Russell

$24.00 - $30.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Standard Electric sites range from $24 to $30 per night, depending on season dates. Group Shelter Electric and Equestrian sites are priced similarly...

Standard Site Fee$30.00

Hookup Site Fee$0.00

Premium Site Fee$0.00

Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00

Group Site Fee$30.00

Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

Get Notified When Available

We'll monitor this campground and alert you the moment sites become available.

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150,000+ sites monitored · Email, SMS, or in-app notifications

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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

573-735-4097marktwaininfo@usace.army.mil

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See something outdated or incorrect? Let us know!

What Campers Say

4.41

Recommended

Based on 337 reviews

16 Google reviews

Most mentioned

cleanspaciouswell-maintainedsites

Some mention

small

"User reviews present mixed sentiments about the campground, with many praising the spacious, clean sites and amenities, while others criticize tick infestations and bathroom maintenance."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

20642 HIGHWAY J

Frank Russell

20642 HIGHWAY J

Nearby places

Hannibal: 17 miles, Monroe City: 3 miles, Paris: 20 miles, Perry: 10 miles.

Nearby supplies

The nearest grocery store is approximately 30 minutes away, accessible via gravel roads. Campers are advised to stock up before arrival.

Best Time to Camp at Frank Russell

Fall delivers the most reliable conditions. September and October see daytime highs in the mid-50s to mid-70s°F with cool nights in the 30s-50s°F. Foliage peaks during this window, crowds thin after Labor Day, and fishing stays productive as lake traffic drops. Summer brings humidity and heat. Some tent sites lack adequate shade, making summer camping uncomfortable without preparation. Winter sees freezing temperatures and occasional snow.

Best

Spring(Mar-May)

4.0 / 5

Spring brings wildflowers and comfortable temps; many positive spring reviews noted.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: March 28, 2025 - November 2, 2025.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Season Opens: March 28, 2025. Season Closes: November 2, 2025.
Current Alerts: None explicitly mentioned.

About Frank Russell

Frank Russell Campground sits near Clarence Cannon Dam on Mark Twain Lake, offering 67 RV sites with full hookups and concrete pads. Sites run $24-30 per night and range from standard to extra-large, some double-wide. The campground includes modern shower facilities, an archery range, a fishing pond, and a native garden area. At 702 feet elevation, it's positioned among the rolling hills and bluffs of northeast Missouri's lake country.

Frank Russell Campground offers diverse camping options, including primitive sites, RV sites with full hookups, equestrian camping, and group sites.

Historical Significance

Mark Twain Lake takes its name from Samuel Clemens, who was born in nearby Florida, Missouri. Clarence Cannon Dam created the reservoir and generates hydroelectric power for the region.

Weather and SeasonsFall delivers the most reliable conditions. September and October see daytime highs in the mid-50s to mid-70s°F with cool nights in the 30s-50s°F. Foliage peaks during this window, crowds thin after Labor Day, and fishing stays productive as lake traffic drops. Summer brings humidity and heat. Some tent sites lack adequate shade, making summer camping uncomfortable without preparation. Winter sees freezing temperatures and occasional snow.

ElevationThe campground rests at a comfortable elevation typical of northeast Missouri's gently undulating terrain, offering pleasant breezes and scenic vantage points without challenging climbs.

Natural Features and SceneryThe Salt River carved the bluffs and valleys here over millennia before Clarence Cannon Dam created Mark Twain Lake. The resulting terrain mixes wooded hills with natural amphitheaters and scenic overlooks above the reservoir. Trees provide shade and frame views of the water. White-tailed deer and wild turkeys move through the campground. The landscape shows the interplay between ancient river valley topography and modern reservoir hydrology.

Geological RegionDiscover the fascinating geology of northeast Missouri at Frank Russell Campground, strategically positioned near the impressive Clarence Cannon Dam. This diverse landscape showcases the region's characteristic bluffs and rolling hills, carved over millennia by the persistent flow of the Salt River. Mark Twain Lake, a magnificent reservoir created by the dam, has transformed the ancient river valley into a water recreation paradise. The varied terrain creates natural amphitheaters and scenic overlooks, offering campers endless opportunities to explore the dramatic interplay between water and land that defines this captivating corner of Missouri.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Check-in

05:00 PM

Check-out

04:00 PM

Stay Limit

Maximum Consecutive Stay: 14 nights.

Guests Allowed Per Site

No specific details provided.

Tents

Tents are not allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Site layoutThe campground organizes sites into loops, including a dedicated equestrian area with horse stalls. Pads are concrete and very long. Some are double-wide. Site spacing varies. Many feel secluded thanks to tree cover, though the terraced layout and railroad tie divisions create uneven ground between adjacent sites. Access to the lake involves steep terrain in some areas.

Reservation PlatformsReservations available via Recreation.gov.

Walk-in AvailabilityUnknown, but likely limited during high-demand weekends.

Cancellation PolicyReservations can be changed up to 4 times without modification fees unless balance changes. Cancellations incur $10 fee plus forfeiture of first night fee for late cancellations (after midnight, one day before check-in).

AccessibilityNo detailed information about accessibility features for campers with disabilities has been provided.

Site SizeCampsites range from standard to extra-large with paved and concrete pads. A user mentioned, "The sites are very long and all concrete - some were double wide.

PrivacyPrivacy varies. Many campsites are described as secluded, with trees providing shade and privacy. One reviewer noted, "The site are large and private, although many of the sites have different levels, separated by railroad ties.

Total Campsites67 campsites

Recommended SitesChoose sites in the lower loop for better lake access or equestrian sites for proximity to trails and horse stalls.

Need help booking Frank Russell?

Reservation tips, booking windows, and free cancellation alerts.

Recreation.gov Guide

Booking tips & windows

When to Book

Find your booking window

Cancellation Alerts

Free alerts for this campground

Amenities available

Showers

Potable water

Electricity hookups

Flush toilets

Dump station

Fire rings

Activities you can enjoy

Frank Russell Campground offers ample recreational activities that appeal to hikers, equestrians, anglers, and archery enthusiasts. The 32-mile Joanna Trail is a highlight, allowing hikers, horseback riders, and mountain bikers to explore varied terrains. "Campfire programs are provided every Saturday from Memorial Day to Labor Day," adding to the cultural activities available. Fishing is a popular activity, with users catching crappies, white bass, and small stripers. A user said, "The trails are very well marked and a variety trails with new ones being added. Definitely recommend!" Another highlighted fishing opportunities: "Once we were able to find a smooth enough spot, we did catch a lot of nice fish, crappies, and white bass."

Hiking

Fishing

Biking

Wildlife viewing

Cultural and Educational Programs

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsTick infestations have been reported in reviews, with some mentioning serious health issues. Poison ivy/oak is abundant. Lake access can be steep and rocky, posing a challenge for fishing.

Active AlertsNone explicitly mentioned.

Fire PolicyBuy firewood locally to prevent invasive species. Campfires allowed within designated fire pits/rings.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours are Not explicitly stated.

Emergency ServicesEmergency services are likely located in nearest city, Monroe City, MO. Specific details about hospitals and police response times are not provided.

Trash & RecyclingTrash collection facilities are available, but no detailed information was provided about recycling or pickup schedules.

Water FeaturesLocated near Mark Twain Lake. Some sites are approximately 700 feet from the lake.

Camp HostCamp hosts are noted as friendly and helpful in reviews.

Weather at Frank Russell

Trip Planning Tools

Set an AlertGet notified when sites open up Check WeatherHistorical weather data Gear for This TripMatched gear recommendations Packing ListCustomizable checklist

Reviews

From Booking Sources

4.4

337 reviews

Recommended

Frank Russell is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews present mixed sentiments about the campground, with many praising the spacious, clean sites and amenities, while others criticize tick infestations and bathroom maintenance.

Review Summaries

Based on 337 reviews

What Campers Love

Positive aspects include spacious campsites, clean shower facilities, variety of trails, and helpful camp hosts. One user stated, "Campsites are clean and spacious, and the archery range is really...

Based on 337 reviews

Common Concerns

Complaints revolve around tick infestations, sloped sites, and bathroom cleanliness. "We could not get into our truck without ticks climbing on our feet," one user mentioned. Others noted, "The...

Based on 337 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Campers recommend stocking up on groceries before arrival due to the campground's remote location. "The nearest grocery store is a half-hour drive away down a few dusty (gravel) roads." Another tip:...

Based on 337 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Seasonal trends include peaceful experiences during off-peak times and tick infestations in summer months. "There were a few days where we had almost the entire park to ourselves," a user mentioned...

Based on 337 reviews

Camper Quotes

"Great refurbished campground with nice concrete sites. Fishing lake and trails are really nice." "Nice large private sites. We had large rigs and had plenty of space." "Hosts were welcoming, and we...

Based on 337 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site 60 is praised for privacy and full hookups. "Site 60 is private on your door side of your camper." Site 40 is described as sloped and challenging for leveling. "The majority of the sites in our...

Based on 337 reviews