Markham Springs
Open for camping May 1 through October 1, 2026. Some sites reservable via Recreation.gov up to 6 months in advance; others are first-come, first-served. Low water levels in the pond; use caution near edges.
Forest Closure - Bridge Replacement at Paddy Creek
Paddy Creek Recreation Area, National Forest System Road 211, Big Piney Trailhead Spur Trail (03-016-D), Paddy Creek Trail Loop (Trail 03-016-C), and a section of the Big Piney Trail (03-016-A) will be closed from December 1, 2026 until December 31, 2027 while a bank on the creek is restabilized…
Forest Order - Trail 119 Closure Extended (Chadwick Motorized Trail System)
The closure of Trail 119 of the Chadwick Motorized Trail System has been extended due to delays with the culvert replacement. This order supersedes the previous order. The closure of Trail 119 begins on Trail 101 about halfway between KC Pavilion Trailhead and Cobb Ridge Campground and extends…
Beaver Lake Temporary Closure
Beaver Lake, located within the Poplar Bluff Ranger District, will be temporarily closed to facilitate dam repair work.
About
Markham Springs Campground is located in the scenic Markham Springs Recreation Area along the Black River in southwestern Missouri's Mark Twain National Forest. The area's history dates to 1901 when M. J. Markham operated a lumber mill on the property through the 1930s. The historic Fuchs House, a five-bedroom concrete and native stone home, remains on the property and is available for rental. The campground features 32 sites across four loops: one electric loop with RV hookups, concrete vault toilets, water, and hot showers, plus three primitive loops in wooded settings along the river. Each site includes a picnic table, campfire ring with grill, and lantern post. The Black River offers excellent fishing for bass, sunfish, walleye, and catfish, with a boat ramp providing access for motorized and non-motorized watercraft. Several hiking trails are accessible from the campground, including the 1.5-mile Eagle Bluff Trail loop along the river. The nearby town of Williamsville (3 miles) has a general store and fuel station.
Directions
From Poplar Bluff, take Highway 67 north for 14 miles, then 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.
Amenities
| Water | Yes |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | — |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | Yes |
| Showers | Yes |
| Electric Hookups | Yes |
| Water Hookups | No |
| Sewer Hookups | No |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $10 - $50 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | — |
| Max Trailer Length | — |
| Big Rig Friendly | — |
| Pull Through Sites | No |
Contact
| sm.fs.marktwainnf@usda.gov | |
| Phone | +1 (573) 785-1475 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | Yes |
| Verizon | Yes |
| T-Mobile | None |
Availability
Photos
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