Hazel Creek Campground

About

Hazel Creek Campground is a free, primitive camping area in a remote section of Mark Twain National Forest's Potosi/Fredericktown Ranger District. The campground offers 10 individual sites with parking spurs, fire rings, picnic tables, and lantern posts. This is true backcountry camping: there is no potable water, no toilets, no trash service, and no cell phone service. Campers must bring all water and pack out everything they bring in. The campground is popular with OHV/ATV riders, equestrians, and mountain bikers. A trailhead for the Ozark Trail is located on the road leading into the campground, providing access to the Courtois Creek and Trace Creek sections. Horses are welcome, with hitching posts provided and Hazel Creek suitable for watering stock. Some parking spurs are large enough for horse trailers. Hazel Creek sits in the Old Lead Belt mining region and features the foundation of a historic lead smelter. The Trail of Tears National Historic Trail passes through the site. Note that lead contamination near the smelter may pose health risks to young children; avoid contact with dirt and tailings in that area.

Directions

From Potosi, head west on MO State Hwy 8 approximately 0.2 mile from the intersection with MO State Hwy 21 to Hwy P. Turn left onto Hwy P and head west/south for approximately 14 miles to Hwy C. Turn right onto Hwy C and head west for approximately 4.1 miles to Hwy Z on your right. Turn right and head north onto Hwy Z (Brazil Rd/Co Rd 657) for approximately 3.1 miles to the campground entrance on your left.