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 April 03 to November 22. 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.

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 Fishing. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Frank Russell

4.39

337 reviews

20642 HIGHWAY J

BReport Card

Summer Destination

Featured in:Best Campgrounds Missouri

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

702 ft

Price

$24 - $30/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

67 campsites

Season

Season Opens: March ...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Full HookupsShowers

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

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

702 ft

Price

$24 - $30/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

67 campsites

Season

Season Opens: March ...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Full HookupsShowers

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

Get Directions

Frank Russell

$24.00 - $30.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Equestrian campsites - ELECTRIC: $24.00; Full Hook-up: $30.00; Group Picnic Shelter Electric: $30.00; STANDARD ELECTRIC: $24.00. Plus Recreation.gov...

Standard Site Fee$30.00

Group Site Fee$30.00

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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

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

I manage this campground

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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.

Weather at Frank Russell

Best Time to Camp at Frank Russell

Best season: fall. Fall offers the best combination of comfortable weather, vivid foliage, and quieter campsites — daytime highs typically range from the mid-50s to mid-70s°F (12–24°C) with cool nights in the 30s–50s°F (2–10°C). Trails through the rolling bluffs and woodlands are at their most scenic for hiking, biking, and wildlife viewing, and fishing remains productive as lake activity calms. Crowd levels drop from summer peaks, especially after Labor Day, making September and October ideal for a relaxed lakes‑ Peak months: October, September, May, April Avoid: November, December, January, February

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.5 / 5

Described as best season for comfortable weather, vivid foliage, and quieter campsites.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: April 03 to November 22. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Season Opens: March 28, 2025. Season Closes: November 2, 2025.

About Frank Russell

Frank Russell Campground sits on the shores of Mark Twain Lake near Monroe City, operated by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. This mid-sized campground offers full hookups for RVs alongside tent sites, with access to fishing and rolling bluff trails through northeast Missouri woodlands. Spacious sites and maintained facilities draw campers seeking a base for lake recreation and fall foliage exploration.

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

Weather and SeasonsBest season: fall. Fall offers the best combination of comfortable weather, vivid foliage, and quieter campsites — daytime highs typically range from the mid-50s to mid-70s°F (12–24°C) with cool nights in the 30s–50s°F (2–10°C). Trails through the rolling bluffs and woodlands are at their most scenic for hiking, biking, and wildlife viewing, and fishing remains productive as lake activity calms. Crowd levels drop from summer peaks, especially after Labor Day, making September and October ideal for a relaxed lakes‑ Peak months: October, September, May, April Avoid: November, December, January, February

Elevation702 ft above sea level

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.

Lodging & AccommodationsThere is no hotel-style lodge mentioned within the campground.

Programs & ActivitiesCampfire programs are available every Saturday from Memorial Day to Labor Day, providing cultural enrichment for campers.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

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

Reservation PlatformsReservations available via Recreation.gov.

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.

Best CampsitesSite 60 offers privacy and full hookups. Sites closer to the lake provide partial water views. Many sites sit on different levels separated by railroad ties, creating natural terracing. Review data notes that site selection matters for shade coverage if you're tent camping.

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

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Amenities available

Frank Russell Campground is well-equipped with amenities that cater to a wide range of camping needs. "Campsites are equipped with electric hookups, paved parking, grills, and picnic tables." Other amenities mentioned include showers, playgrounds, vault toilets, a dump station, horse corrals, and trailheads. User reviews highlight mixed experiences regarding the amenities, with some praising clean shower facilities and hot water, while others mention issues with bathroom cleanliness and the removal of smaller bathrooms along the loops. A user noted, "Free showers! Quiet and peaceful." Another user pointed out, "The restroom and showers were not clean - very dirty."

Showers

Potable water

Electricity hookups

Water hookups

Sewer hookups

Flush toilets

I manage this campground

RV details

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."

Fishing

Cultural and Educational Programs

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Reviews

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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

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

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

Accessibility Features

No reviews specifically addressing accessibility features for users with disabilities were provided.

Based on 337 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are allowed, but there are no specific reviews regarding pet policies or features.

Based on 337 reviews

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Go if

You want spacious RV sites with full hookups on a northeast Missouri lake known for fishing and autumn color.

Skip if

You need easy lake access without steep terrain or prefer campgrounds with consistently maintained restrooms.

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John C. Briscoe Group Use

20642 HIGHWAY J, MONROE CITY, MO 63456-9359

John C. Briscoe Group Use sits on Mark Twain Lake near Monroe City, Missouri, operated by the US Army Corps of Engineers for group reservations only. The small facility offers electric hookups, hot showers, and a playground, designed for multi-family gatherings of up to 30 people during the summer season. Campers use the site as a base for boating, swimming, and fishing on the 18,600-acre reservoir.

Frank Russell

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What Campers Love

Common Concerns

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