Quick Facts

633 ft

Price

$15 - $100/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

74 campsites

Season

The campground opera...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV FriendlyElectric

Opens MARK TWAIN NATIONAL FOREST site

Official Website
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Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026
Silver Mines
$15.00 - $100.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Fees range from $15 for tent-only sites without electricity to $100 for large group sites accommodating up to 100 people. Additional fees may apply...
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Standard Site Fee$15.00
Hookup Site Fee$25.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$100.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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Provider
573-783-3769
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What Campers Say

4.60

Top-Rated

Based on 170 reviews

13 Google reviews

Most mentioned

cleanspacioussites

Some mention

noise

"Overall, user reviews for Silver Mines Campground are mixed, with frequent praise for the scenic beauty, cleanliness, and friendly hosts, but consistent complaints about the lack of showers, dump stations, and occasional noise or maintenance issues."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

MARK TWAIN

Silver Mines

MARK TWAIN

Driving directionsFrom St. Louis, Missouri, take I-55 south to Festus, then take Highway 67 south to Fredericktown, then take Highway 72 west for approximately 4 miles to Highway D. Turn left and travel approximately 2 miles on Highway D to the recreation area.
The campground is accessible via paved roads, though signage leading to the campground is considered difficult to spot, especially in the dark, as noted in user reviews: "The sign on the road is a typical national forest brown wooden sign and very hard to see in the dark."
Nearby places
Fredericktown (approximately 4 miles)
Nearby supplies
Groceries, camping supplies, and other essentials can be found in Fredericktown, approximately 4 miles from the campground.

Best Time to Camp at Silver Mines

Each season brings its own magic to Silver Mines Campground. Spring arrives with a rush of excitement as snowmelt and rainfall swell the St. Francis River, creating thrilling conditions that draw kayakers from across the Midwest. As summer unfolds, warm temperatures transform the river into a natural swimming pool, while anglers find the calmer waters perfect for casting their lines. Seasoned campers come prepared for nature's unpredictability – afternoon thunderstorms can sweep through dramatically, and the lush forest environment means tick protection is essential. Yet these small considerations pale compared to the rewards of experiencing this dynamic landscape through the changing seasons.

Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.0 / 5

Summer offers swimming and fishing; reviewers note good summer activity options.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.0 / 5

Fall recommended for quieter atmosphere and scenic foliage.

Best
Spring(Mar-May)
5.0 / 5
Top 2% in MO

Spring snowmelt/river swell makes it a prime whitewater kayaking season and peak activity time.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Campground closed during winter (outside Mar 6–Oct 30 season).

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: March 6, 2025 - October 30, 2025. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: The campground operates seasonally, opening on March 6 and closing on October 30.

About Silver Mines

Nestled along the banks of Missouri's only whitewater river, Silver Mines Campground beckons adventurers with its perfect blend of natural beauty and rich history. Here, where silver prospectors once sought their fortunes, modern-day explorers find treasures of a different kind: pristine waters perfect for kayaking and swimming, scenic trails that wind through ancient forests, and some of the best fishing spots in the region. Whether you're settling into one of the well-appointed single-family campsites or gathering with friends at a spacious group site, you'll appreciate the convenience of 30-amp electric hookups at select locations, making your wilderness retreat as comfortable as it is memorable.
The campground provides options for tent camping, RV camping, and group camping. Some sites include electric hookups, accommodating a variety of camping preferences.
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Reserving a campsite

Check-in
11:00 AM
Check-out
12:00 PM
Stay Limit
You may stay up to 14 nights during a visit at this campground.

Amenities available

Potable water
Electricity hookups
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Firewood available
Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

Silver Mines Campground offers a variety of recreational activities, making it a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts. Activities include hiking, fishing, swimming, and boating. The location along the St. Francis River enhances opportunities for water-based recreation.
HikingThe campground features the 2-mile Silver Mines Trail, which follows both sides of the river and connects to picnic areas. A 1.2-mile trail leads to a conservation area with spectacular rock formations. User reviews highlight the hiking experience: "The hiking trail along the river is beautiful," and "Nice hikes along the river and to Millstream Gardens."
FishingFishing is permitted and described as good in parts of the St. Francis River. Specific fish species or quality of fishing were not detailed.
SwimmingSome sections of the St. Francis River are available for swimming and are described as easily accessible and family-friendly. A review noted, "The dam area is cool to swim with kids."
BoatingBoating, particularly whitewater kayaking, is a popular activity during spring when water levels rise. An annual kayaking competition is held in March.
Wildlife viewingThe area is home to a variety of wildlife, enhancing the experience for nature enthusiasts. Specific species are not mentioned.
Water Sports
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsTicks and mosquitoes are prevalent. "Ticks were pretty bad," and "lots of bugs," according to user reviews. Water levels can vary, making some activities more challenging.

Weather at Silver Mines

Reviews

4.6
170 reviews
Top-Rated
Top-Rated
Silver Mines is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews
Overall, user reviews for Silver Mines Campground are mixed, with frequent praise for the scenic beauty, cleanliness, and friendly hosts, but consistent complaints about the lack of showers, dump stations, and occasional noise or maintenance issues.
Review Summaries
Based on 170 reviews

What Campers Love

Users frequently commend the campground's cleanliness, spacious sites, and proximity to the St. Francis River. Comments like "Beautiful park on the St Francis River" and "The site pads are all paved...
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Based on 170 reviews

Common Concerns

Common complaints include the absence of showers and dump stations, noise from neighboring campers or nearby highways, and occasional maintenance issues with bathrooms.
Based on 170 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Visitors recommend planning for the lack of showers and dump stations by bringing portable solutions. They also suggest exploring the hiking trails and nearby attractions like Millstream Gardens.
Based on 170 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Spring is noted for kayaking due to high water levels, while summer brings opportunities for swimming and fishing. Fall is recommended for its quieter atmosphere and scenic foliage.
Based on 170 reviews

Camper Quotes

"Beautiful area but the bathrooms were so bad you could not even go into them." "Loved our stay at Silver Mines; it was clean and quiet at night; and the trails are beautiful!" "The camp hosts were...
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Based on 170 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site #5 is described as flat and spacious with ample sun. Site #9 has water access directly at the campsite. Sites in Spring Branch loop are noted for their seclusion. Group sites are criticized for...
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Based on 170 reviews

Accessibility Features

No specific reviews from users with disabilities, but accessible vault toilets are mentioned.
Based on 170 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are allowed, but specific reviews regarding pet policies or experiences are not noted.
Based on 170 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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