How much does camping cost at Silver Mines?

Camping fees at Silver Mines range from $15-$50/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Silver Mines first-come first-served or reservation?

Silver Mines 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 Silver Mines before I book?

Yes! Silver Mines has 12 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 Silver Mines?

Silver Mines is open March 05 to October 30. 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 Silver Mines?

Silver Mines does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

How many campsites does Silver Mines have?

Silver Mines has 74 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Silver Mines?

Yes, pets are allowed at Silver Mines. 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 Silver Mines?

Silver Mines offers: Restrooms, Potable Water, Electrical Hookups, Pets Allowed. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Silver Mines?

Popular activities at Silver Mines include Hiking, Fishing, Swimming, Boating, Wildlife Viewing. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Silver Mines

Q: Can I have a campfire at Silver Mines?

Fire policies at Silver Mines: Don't move firewood: To limit the spread of invasive tree-killing pests, firewood from outside the area is not permitted. Some states have quarantines and may confiscate your firewood. Please help protect our forests from invasive species by obtaining your firewood at or near your camping destination and burning it on-site. Visit dontmovefirewood.org for more information.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

4.61

172 reviews

MARK TWAIN

Top 4% in MOSpring

Great for Groups

Featured in:Primitive Camping Missouri#1 Hiking Camping Missouri#2 Spring Camping Missouri#3 +14 more

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

633 ft

Price

$15 - $50/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

74 campsites

Season

The campground opera...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Electric

Book on MARK TWAIN NATIONAL FOREST Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

633 ft

Price

$15 - $50/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

74 campsites

Season

The campground opera...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Electric

Book on MARK TWAIN NATIONAL FOREST Official Website

Get Directions

Silver Mines

$15.00 - $50.00 / night

Campsite Fees

MANAGEMENT: $33.97; PRICED AT SITE: $50.00; STANDARD ELECTRIC-DOUBLE: $35.00; STANDARD ELECTRIC: $25.00; STANDARD NONELECTRIC-DOUBLE: $25.00;...

Group Site Fee$100.00

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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

573-783-3769

I manage this campground

Plan a trip to Silver Mines

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Campground Map

MARK TWAIN

Silver Mines

MARK TWAIN

Nearby places

Fredericktown (approximately 4 miles)

Weather at Silver Mines

Current alerts(3)

Additional fees will be collected at the campground for extra vehicles
Click here for more information on the Mark Twain National Forest
Group Shelter is for day use only, no overnight camping. This site is not available for reservation however is availalbe through the campground consessionaire. Site fee is $25 plus the day use fee of each vehicle. Please contact the manager at 573-783-3769.

Best Time to Camp at Silver Mines

Best season: spring. Spring offers the best combination of dramatic river scenery and active recreation — the St. Francis runs high from snowmelt and spring rains (daytime highs commonly in the mid-50s to mid-70s °F), producing prime whitewater for kayakers and exciting fishing as trout and bass become active. Wildflowers and fresh green foliage make hikes along the ancient granite and felsite outcrops especially scenic, while crowds are lively but not as heavy as peak summer weekends. Be prepared for rapidly fluctu Peak months: May, April, June, September Avoid: November, December, January, February

Best

Spring(Mar-May)

5.0 / 5

Top 4% in MO

Spring snowmelt swells St. Francis River; prime whitewater kayaking season and high visitor interest.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: March 05 to October 30. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: The campground operates seasonally, opening on March 6 and closing on October 30.

About Silver Mines

Silver Mines sits along the St. Francis River in Mark Twain National Forest, 15 minutes from Fredericktown in Missouri's Ozark foothills. This mid-sized Forest Service campground offers paved sites with electric hookups, vault toilets, and river access for kayaking, fishing, and swimming. Tent campers, RV users, and groups share the grounds during the seasonal operating window, with primitive walk-in options for those seeking more seclusion.

The campground provides options for tent camping, RV camping, and group camping. Some sites include electric hookups, accommodating a variety of camping preferences.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: spring. Spring offers the best combination of dramatic river scenery and active recreation — the St. Francis runs high from snowmelt and spring rains (daytime highs commonly in the mid-50s to mid-70s °F), producing prime whitewater for kayakers and exciting fishing as trout and bass become active. Wildflowers and fresh green foliage make hikes along the ancient granite and felsite outcrops especially scenic, while crowds are lively but not as heavy as peak summer weekends. Be prepared for rapidly fluctu Peak months: May, April, June, September Avoid: November, December, January, February

Elevation633 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryThe St. Francis River cuts through Precambrian granite and felsite. Billion-year-old bedrock that predates most life on Earth. This ancient geology creates shut-ins, rapids, and deep pools that make Missouri's only whitewater run. Hardwoods and wildflowers frame the river corridor. Deer and wild turkeys are common; river otters appear occasionally. The exposed rock formations shift color with the light, especially at sunrise.

Lodging & AccommodationsThere is no hotel-style lodging or cabins available. Camping accommodations are confined to tent or RV sites.

Programs & ActivitiesNo cultural or educational programs are mentioned.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

You may stay up to 14 nights during a visit at this campground.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Group sites accommodate up to 100 people, while single-family campsites and RV sites vary.

Groups

Group sites can accommodate up to 75 and 100 people. Additional details like space dimensions or vehicle limits are not mentioned.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made through Recreation.gov.

AccessibilityVault toilets and some facilities are described as accessible, but detailed accessibility evaluations are not provided in the source.

Site SizeCampsites are described as spacious and large, suitable for both RVs and tents. Specific dimensions or measurements are not provided.

PrivacyPrivacy varies depending on the loop and site. Some sites, like those in the Spring Branch loop, are described as secluded and surrounded by trees, while others note less privacy due to proximity to neighboring sites.

Total Campsites74 campsites

Recommended SitesChoose riverside sites for proximity to water and scenic views. Sites in the Spring Branch Loop are more rustic and peaceful.

Best CampsitesSite 12 gets mentioned for riverside access and space. Site 9 also sits near the water. Site 41 offers more privacy than most. Sites in the Spring Branch loop tend to be more secluded with better tree cover, while other loops pack campers closer together.

Need help booking Silver Mines?

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

Group Shelter is for day use only, no overnight camping. This site is not available for reservation however is availalbe through the campground consessionaire. Site fee is $25 plus the day use fee of each vehicle. Please contact the manager at 573-783-3769.

Potable water

Electricity hookups

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Firewood available

Vault toilets

I manage this campground

RV details

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.

Hiking

Fishing

Swimming

Boating

Wildlife viewing

Water Sports

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

No Flush ToiletsFlush toilets are not available; the campground relies on vault toilets. Reviews generally praise their cleanliness: "The pit toilets were clean and well-stocked with toilet paper," while others note occasional maintenance issues.

No Dump StationThere is no dump station at this campground. Plan to use a dump station along your route or at a nearby facility before or after your stay.

Fire PolicyDon't move firewood: To limit the spread of invasive tree-killing pests, firewood from outside the area is not permitted. Some states have quarantines and may confiscate your firewood. Please help protect our forests from invasive species by obtaining your firewood at or near your camping destination and burning it on-site. Visit dontmovefirewood.org for more information.

Trash & RecyclingTrash facilities are available, but specific details such as pickup schedules or recycling options are not mentioned.

Cell CoverageCell phone service is generally poor or nonexistent at the campground. One reviewer commented, "No cell signal may be a drawback for some, it's a positive for us!" indicating the remote nature of the site.

Trip Planning Tools

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

Questions & answers

Researching this campground? Ask anything — other campers and our team will weigh in. No visit required.

Tips from campers

Short heads-ups about the road in, gear quirks, timing, and more. You don't have to have been here to share what you know.

Reviews

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From Booking Sources

4.6

172 reviews

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 172 reviews

Best sites at a glance

Pulled from per-site mentions in 172 reviews.

Site #5Loved
Site #5 is described as flat and spacious with ample sun.
Site #9Mentioned
Site #9 has water access directly at the campsite.

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...

Based on 172 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 172 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 172 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 172 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...

Based on 172 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

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

Based on 172 reviews

Outdoorithm Community

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Go if

You want riverside camping with electric hookups and don't need shower facilities or a dump station.

Skip if

You require on-site showers, a dump station, or guaranteed vault toilet cleanliness during peak use.

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Marble Creek Recreation Area

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Marble Creek Recreation Area sits in Mark Twain National Forest with 26 sites spread along a single loop. The campground runs $15/night and fills a niche for campers who want seclusion and creek access without hookups or potable water. Marble Creek flows through ancient dolomite formations that give the water unusual clarity and color. Cell service doesn't exist here.