Frank Russell
Closed for the winter season. Typically operates from late March through early November. Reservations for the 2026 season are delayed until February 15, 2026, due to ongoing infrastructure repair and replacement projects.
From Recreation.gov
Camping reservations for the 2026 season will be delayed until February 15, 2026, due to ongoing infrastructure repair/replacement projects. Campers are encouraged to continue planning for the upcoming recreation season. This delay is a precautionary measure to reduce the need to cancel reservations if work is not completed by the expected date.
Flood Warning issued May 1 at 1:17PM CDT until May 2 at 11:34PM CDT by NWS St Louis MO
...The Flood Warning continues for the following rivers in Illinois...Missouri... Mississippi River at Alton. Mississippi River at Saverton. Mississippi River at Winfield. Mississippi River at Hannibal. Mississippi River at Clarksville. Mississippi River at Louisiana. ...The Flood Warning is extended for the following rivers in Illinois...Missouri... Mississippi River near Herculaneum. Mississippi River at Mel Price LD. Mississippi River at Chester. Mississippi River at Grafton. River forecasts are based on observed precipitation and forecast precipitation for the next 24 hours. * WHAT...Minor flooding is occurring. * WHERE...Mississippi River at Saverton. * WHEN...Until Saturday evening. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS... - At 12:00 PM CDT Friday the stage was 16.4 feet. - Recent Activity...The maximum river stage in the 24 hours ending at 12:00 PM CDT Friday was 17.3 feet. - Forecast...The river is expected to fall below flood stage late this afternoon and continue falling to 11.7 feet Friday, May 08. - Flood stage is 16.0 feet.
About
Frank Russell Campground is a U.S. Army Corps of Engineers facility located near the Clarence Cannon Dam on Mark Twain Lake in northeast Missouri. The campground provides convenient access to the lake, river, and surrounding recreation areas, making it a popular destination for families and outdoor enthusiasts. The campground features 67 campsites with electric hookups, including sites with 20/30 amp service (sites 1-29) and 20/30/50 amp service (sites 30-67). All sites include paved parking, picnic tables, and grills. Equestrian campsites are available with adjacent shaded horse stalls for registered campers on a first-come, first-served basis. Additional amenities include showers, playgrounds, vault toilets, and an amphitheater that hosts campfire programs every Saturday from Memorial Day through Labor Day. The campground serves as the eastern trailhead for the 32-mile Joanna Trail, a multi-use trail that winds along the northern banks of Mark Twain Lake through rough and varied terrain, crossing bluffs and hills. The trail accommodates horseback riders, mountain bikers, and hikers. Nearby attractions include the Mark Twain Birthplace State Historic Site in Florida, Missouri, the David C. Berti Shooting Range below the dam, and the M.W. Boudreaux Visitor Center.
Directions
From Hannibal: Highway 36 west 17 miles to Highway J, south 9 miles. From Monroe City: Highway 36 east 3 miles to Highway J, south 9 miles. From Paris: Highway 154 east 20 miles to Highway J (Perry), north 10 miles. From Perry: Highway J north 10 miles.
Amenities
| Water | Yes |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | — |
| Wifi | — |
| Pets Allowed | Yes |
| Showers | Yes |
| Electric Hookups | Yes |
| Water Hookups | No |
| Sewer Hookups | No |
| Camp Store | — |
| Price | $24 - $30 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | 85ft |
| Max Trailer Length | 85ft |
| Big Rig Friendly | — |
| Pull Through Sites | No |
Contact
| marktwaininfo@usace.army.mil | |
| Phone | +1 (573) 735-4097 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | Yes |
| Verizon | None |
| T-Mobile | Yes |
Availability
Photos
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