Missouri / Wayne County / Mark Twain National Forest

Markham Springs

Closed — Closed for the winter season. The campground typically operates seasonally and is closed during winter months.

About

Markham Springs Campground is located on the Black River in the southwestern corner of Mark Twain National Forest in Wayne County, Missouri. The recreation area has a rich history dating back to 1901 when M. J. Markham operated a lumber mill at the site until the 1930s. Today, visitors can explore the historic Fuchs House, a five-bedroom concrete and native stone home, along with remnants of the old mill. The campground offers both single and double sites for tent and RV camping in a wooded setting near the river. Some sites include electric hookups, while others are more primitive standard nonelectric sites located closer to the water. Each site features a picnic table and campfire ring with grill, and lantern posts are available. The campground provides accessible vault toilets, drinking water, showers, and trash collection. The Black River is popular for fishing bass, sunfish, walleye, and catfish, with opportunities for both boat and bank fishing. Canoeing and kayaking are also popular activities on the river. The Markham Springs Trail System offers several hiking options accessible from the campground. The Eagle Bluff Trail is a 1.5-mile loop along the river perfect for birding and wildlife viewing. The Canebrake Trail is a short one-third mile connector that passes by an old cypress swamp area. The recreation area features a small mill pond dating back to the 1800s and is surrounded by dense forest of ash, elm, maple, and poplar trees. The town of Williamsville is just 3 miles away for supplies and fuel.

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.

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