Marble Creek Recreation Area

Star4.56
116 reviews
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Scenic ViewsPeace & Quiet

Quick Facts

686 ft

Price

$15/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

26 campsites

Season

April 3 through Octo...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Opens USDA Forest Service site

Official Website
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Marble Creek Recreation Area
$15.00 - $15.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Single site: $15/night. A 50% discount is available for Interagency Access or Senior Pass holders for single campsites occupied by the pass holder....
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Standard Site Fee$15.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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What Campers Say

4.56

Top-Rated

Based on 116 reviews

107 Google reviews

"User reviews highlight the campground's remote and serene environment, crystal-clear creek water, and proximity to nature. Several users emphasize the primitive nature of the campground, mentioning the lack of amenities like potable water and electricity."

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Campground Map

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Marble Creek Recreation Area

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Driving directionsFrom Fredericktown: From the intersection of MO Hwy 72 and US Hwy 67, head South on Hwy 67 approx. 2.8 miles to the MO State Hwy E exit, then turn Right/West onto Hwy E. Travel approx. 15.5 miles along State Hwy E; Marble Creek will be on your right. From Arcadia/Ironton: Head south on MO Hwy 21/Hwy 72 for approx. 1.5 miles to State Hwy E. Travel approx. 12.5 miles along State Hwy E; Marble Creek will be on your left.
State Highway E is the main access point. The road conditions are generally suitable for regular vehicles, but the campground is located on a hill and might require careful driving.
Nearby places
Fredericktown (approx. 20 minutes), Arcadia/Ironton (approx. 15 minutes)
Nearby supplies
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Best Time to Camp at Marble Creek Recreation Area

Experience the full spectrum of Missouri's seasons at Marble Creek, where each visit brings its own unique charm. Winter transforms the landscape into a crisp wonderland with temperatures dipping to around 30°F, occasionally dusted with snow. As spring awakens the forest, gentle rains nourish the wildflowers and fill the creek to its banks. Summer invites you to bask in warm days reaching 87°F, though the weather can shift from pleasantly dry to delightfully muggy—perfect for those refreshing creek swims. Fall paints the canopy in brilliant hues as temperatures moderate, creating ideal camping conditions.

Best
Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.5 / 5
Top 12% in MO

Open and popular in summer for swimming and fishing; reviewers note high summer use and enjoyment.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.0 / 5

Pleasant fall visits; can be quiet (example: mid-September weekend 'pretty much empty').

Spring(Mar-May)
4.0 / 5

Opens April 3; spring offers creek access and hiking as seasons warm and wild scenery returns.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Campground closed outside April 3–Oct; winter camping not available.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: null. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: April 3 through October, with trash service available only during this period.
  • Current Alerts: null

About Marble Creek Recreation Area

Escape to the tranquil beauty of Marble Creek Recreation Area, where 25 single campsites and one spacious double site await adventurers seeking an authentic wilderness experience. Tucked away in the heart of Mark Twain National Forest, this remote gem beckons with the gentle murmur of crystal-clear Marble Creek flowing through ancient dolomite formations. Whether you're casting a line into pristine waters, diving into refreshing swimming holes, or exploring scenic hiking trails, this natural sanctuary offers the perfect blend of outdoor recreation and peaceful solitude.
Marble Creek Recreation Area caters primarily to primitive camping enthusiasts. "Primitive campground, remote," is a sentiment echoed in many user reviews. The campground offers 25 single sites and 1 double site, each equipped with basic facilities like a picnic table, fire ring, and lantern post.
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Reserving a campsite

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Stay Limit
No stated stay limit.

Amenities available

Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

Marble Creek Recreation Area offers a variety of outdoor activities that cater to nature lovers and adventure seekers. Activities include swimming, fishing, hiking, picnicking, and wildlife viewing. "Great place for swimming and fishing," and "Hidden gem," are typical sentiments found in reviews.
HikingThe main trailhead for the 21-mile Marble Creek Section of the Ozark Trail is located directly across the highway from the campground entrance. The trail connects Marble Creek Campground to Crane Lake Picnic Area. "Beautiful trail, quiet campground," as described by a user, makes this a popular hiking location.
FishingMarble Creek offers bank and wade fishing for smallmouth bass and panfish. The creek features fast-moving water with large rocks, and the grist mill dam forms a pond approximately 4 feet deep. "Fishing opportunities for smallmouth bass and panfish," according to official content and user reviews.
SwimmingSwimming is popular at Marble Creek, particularly in the pond formed by the remains of the grist mill dam. "Enter the stream at your own risk," as there are no lifeguards, depth markers, or safety measures provided.
Wildlife viewingMarble Creek is an excellent location for wildlife viewing, with eagles frequently sighted near the area. "Watch at dawn and dusk when most wildlife species are active enough to view," according to official sources.
Winter Activities
Water Sports
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & Alerts"Please be aware of snakes around the swimming area. Rocks and drop-offs in the creek are not marked, and the current can be strong during high water periods."
Active Alertsnull
No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.
No Cell ServiceCell phone service is not available at this campground. Plan accordingly for emergencies and download offline maps before arriving.

Weather at Marble Creek Recreation Area

Reviews

4.6
116 reviews
Top-Rated
Top-Rated
Marble Creek Recreation Area is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews highlight the campground's remote and serene environment, crystal-clear creek water, and proximity to nature. Several users emphasize the primitive nature of the campground, mentioning the lack of amenities like potable water and electricity.
Review Summaries
Based on 116 reviews

What Campers Love

Users often praise the beauty and seclusion of the campground, with comments like "Beautiful secluded campground," "Hidden gem," and "Absolutely gorgeous camp grounds!" Swimming and fishing are...
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Based on 116 reviews

Common Concerns

Complaints include the lack of potable water, trash left by previous campers, and occasional inconsistency in restroom cleanliness. "Bring water as they have none," and "Disappointing both that...
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Based on 116 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Many reviewers recommend bringing essential supplies like drinking water, toilet supplies, and trash bags. "Bring everything you need," and "Wonderful primitive campground if you're OK with...
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Based on 116 reviews

Seasonal Insights

User experiences vary seasonally, with higher traffic during summer months and complaints about closures during winter. "Nice inexpensive FS campground...pretty much empty on a mid-September...
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Based on 116 reviews

Camper Quotes

"Wonderful place to camp with your family. The water is crystal clear and it's gorgeous there." "Great inexpensive FS campground right on Marble Creek." "Primitive campground, remote. Scenic river."...
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Based on 116 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

The creekside sites are particularly praised for their proximity to water and scenic views. "Most camping spots have a trail to the creek," and "A few sites right on the creek" are noted by multiple...
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Based on 116 reviews

Accessibility Features

No specific accessibility reviews are available.
Based on 116 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are allowed, but must be on a leash. "Nice place to bring the kids," and "Dogs must be on a leash in the campground," indicate pet-friendliness.
Based on 116 reviews

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Last updated January 5, 2026
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