Frank Russell

Star4.41
337 reviews
20642 HIGHWAY J
Great HikingFishingSummer Destination

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

Opens U.S. Army Corps of Engineers site

Official Website
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Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

February 2026

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

February 2026
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...
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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

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

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Campground Map

20642 HIGHWAY J

Frank Russell

20642 HIGHWAY J

Driving directionsFrom 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.
Roads leading to the campground are primarily paved, with easy access to Highway J. Seasonal closures or extreme weather conditions are not mentioned.
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

Spring arrives with wildflowers and comfortable temperatures that make for perfect camping weather, while autumn paints the hillsides in brilliant golds and crimsons. Summer brings warm, humid days ideal for lake activities and cool evening campfires. Winter transforms the landscape into a quiet wonderland, though freezing temperatures and occasional snow create a more challenging but rewarding experience for hardy cold-weather campers.

Summer(Jun-Aug)
3.0 / 5

Open in summer with warm/humid weather; reviewers note tick infestations during summer months.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.0 / 5

Autumn 'brilliant golds and crimsons' and pleasant hiking conditions make fall a highlight.

Best
Spring(Mar-May)
4.0 / 5

Spring brings wildflowers and comfortable temps; season opens late March for visitors.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Season officially closed November–March; winter use not supported.

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

Nestled in the rolling hills near Mark Twain Lake, Frank Russell Campground beckons outdoor enthusiasts with its perfect blend of modern comfort and natural beauty. Whether you arrive with horses in tow for the scenic trail rides, fishing gear for the abundant waters, or hiking boots ready to explore, this well-appointed campground delivers an unforgettable experience. Each spacious site features concrete pads, electric hookups, grills, and picnic tables, while equestrian campers will appreciate the convenient horse stalls. After a day of adventure, refresh yourself in the clean, modern shower facilities before settling in for a peaceful evening under the Missouri stars.
Frank Russell Campground offers diverse camping options, including primitive sites, RV sites with full hookups, equestrian camping, and group sites.
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Reserving a campsite

Check-in
05:00 PM
Check-out
04:00 PM
Stay Limit
Maximum Consecutive Stay: 14 nights.

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."
HikingThe Joanna Trail offers hiking experiences with varied terrain, crossing bluffs and hills. A user noted, "The trails are very well marked and a variety trails with new ones being added."
FishingFishing opportunities include catching crappies, white bass, and small stripers along the lake. Some areas are steep and rocky, making access challenging. "The approach to the lake is very steep and rocky in most places."
BikingThe campground has biking trails that are accessible and offer opportunities to view local wildlife. "My boys love riding their bikes around the campground," a user mentioned.
Wildlife viewingWildlife viewing includes opportunities to spot bald eagles and wild turkeys. "We spotted Bald Eagles hunting over the water," one user mentioned.
Cultural and Educational ProgramsCampfire programs are available every Saturday from Memorial Day to Labor Day, providing cultural enrichment for campers.
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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.

Weather at Frank Russell

Reviews

4.4
337 reviews
Recommended
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...
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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...
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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:...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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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Last updated February 17, 2026
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