Marble Creek Recreation Area

Closed — Closed for the season. Opens April 3. Trash service available April through October only.

About

Marble Creek Recreation Area offers a quiet retreat in the Mark Twain National Forest along a creek named for its colorful dolomite deposits historically mined as Taum Sauk Marble. The campground features 25 single sites and 1 double site shaded by tall trees, with 6 sites located directly beside the creek. Each site includes a picnic table, fire ring, and lantern post. The creek is a popular spot for swimming and fishing, with the remains of a grist mill dam (operational until 1935) creating a shallow pond about 4 feet deep. The dam ruins and building foundation are still visible. Anglers can fish for smallmouth bass and panfish from the bank or by wading. A separate day use area with 4 picnic sites provides access to the creek and dam area. The campground serves as the main trailhead for the Marble Creek section of the Ozark Trail, located directly across Highway E from the campground entrance. This remote location sits about 20 minutes from the nearest town with no cell service, making it ideal for visitors seeking solitude in the forest. The site has two centrally located vault toilets but no potable water; campers must treat water taken from the year-round stream.

Directions

From Fredericktown: From the intersection of MO Hwy 72 and US Hwy 67, head south on Hwy 67 approximately 2.8 miles to the MO State Hwy E exit, then turn right/west onto Hwy E. Travel approximately 15.5 miles along State Hwy E; Marble Creek will be on your right. From Arcadia/Ironton: Head south on MO Hwy 21/Hwy 72 for approximately 1.5 miles to State Hwy E. Travel approximately 12.5 miles along State Hwy E; Marble Creek will be on your left.

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