Markham Campground

Closed — Closed for the season. The campground operates from April through October, with reservable sites available from May 1 through Labor Day. Some sites are first-come, first-served.

About

Markham Springs Campground sits on the Black River in a scenic and historic recreation area in the southwestern corner of Missouri's Mark Twain National Forest. The campground provides a range of camping options, from primitive wooded sites along the river to electric hookup sites for RVs. The Birch Loop offers sites with electric hookups, concrete vault toilets, water faucets, and hot showers, while the Pine, Sycamore, and River loops feature non-electric sites in a wooded setting along the Black River. The recreation area gets its name from M. J. Markham, who acquired the property in 1901 and operated a lumber mill until the 1930s. Today, visitors can explore the historic Fuchs House, a five-bedroom concrete and native stone home built in the late 1930s, which is also available for rent. Six springs pour almost 5 million gallons of water daily into a 2-acre mill pond dating back to the 1800s, with the unique Bubble Spring featuring air bubbles rising through soft sand. The Black River provides excellent fishing for bass, sunfish, walleye, and catfish, with both motorized and non-motorized boating available via a concrete boat launch. The Markham Springs Trail System includes Bubble Springs Trail, Canebrake Trail, and Eagle Bluff Trail, offering opportunities for birding and wildlife viewing along the river. The area's dense forest of ash, elm, maple, and poplar creates a colorful backdrop for camping and outdoor recreation.

Directions

From Poplar Bluff, take Highway 67 north for 14 miles, then turn left and drive west on Highway 49 for 9 miles, about 3 miles past the town of Williamsville. Take the first right after crossing the Black River to enter Markham Springs Recreation Area.

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