John C. Briscoe Group Use
Open for the 2026 season. Reservations available through Recreation.gov; some sites operate first-come, first-served. Firewood restrictions in effect to prevent invasive pest spread.
Severe Thunderstorm Watch issued June 11 at 2:53PM CDT until June 11 at 9:00PM CDT by NWS St Louis MO
THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE HAS ISSUED SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WATCH 314 IN EFFECT UNTIL 9 PM CDT THIS EVENING FOR THE FOLLOWING AREAS IN ILLINOIS THIS WATCH INCLUDES 7 COUNTIES IN SOUTHWEST ILLINOIS CALHOUN GREENE JERSEY MACOUPIN MADISON MONROE SAINT CLAIR IN MISSOURI THIS WATCH INCLUDES 20 COUNTIES IN CENTRAL MISSOURI AUDRAIN BOONE CALLAWAY COLE MONITEAU OSAGE IN EAST CENTRAL MISSOURI CRAWFORD FRANKLIN GASCONADE JEFFERSON LINCOLN MONTGOMERY SAINT CHARLES SAINT LOUIS SAINT LOUIS CITY WARREN WASHINGTON IN NORTHEAST MISSOURI MONROE PIKE RALLS THIS INCLUDES THE CITIES OF ALTON, BELLEVILLE, BOWLING GREEN, CAHOKIA, COLUMBIA, EDWARDSVILLE, FULTON, JEFFERSON CITY, MEXICO, SAINT CHARLES, SAINT LOUIS, SULLIVAN, UNION, AND WASHINGTON.
About
The John C. Briscoe Group Use Area sits along Mark Twain Lake, a large reservoir fed by the Salt River in Ralls County, Missouri. Previously named the M.W. Boudreaux Group Area, this facility provides six group campsites designed for family reunions, scout troops, and organized gatherings. Each site holds 24-36 people and includes a picnic shelter, 15-amp electric hookups, paved parking for RVs up to 50 feet, a shaded tent camping zone, and an open area for sporting activities. Central facilities include a shower house and playground accessible to all sites. Fishing for bass, boating, and hunting for deer and turkey draw visitors throughout the season. The campground sits near the village of Florida, Mark Twain's birthplace, with Hannibal and the author's boyhood home 25 miles east. Reservations are accepted through Recreation.gov from 12 months to 1 day before arrival. Check-in is at 5:00 PM and check-out at 4:00 PM. A firewood restriction is in effect to prevent invasive pest spread; campers should purchase firewood locally.
Directions
From Hannibal, MO, travel west on Highway 36 for 17 miles, then continue south on Route J for 10 miles. From Perry, travel north on Route J for 9 miles.
Amenities
| Water | — |
| Fires Allowed | — |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | — |
| Wifi | — |
| Pets Allowed | — |
| Showers | Yes |
| Electric Hookups | Yes |
| Water Hookups | No |
| Sewer Hookups | No |
| Camp Store | — |
| Price | $30 - $40 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | 60ft |
| Max Trailer Length | 60ft |
| Big Rig Friendly | Yes |
| 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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