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.
Heat Advisory issued September 20 at 4:20AM CDT until September 20 at 7:00PM CDT by NWS Paducah KY
* WHAT...Heat index values up to 102 degrees are expected. * WHERE...all of southern Illinois, southwest Indiana, western Kentucky, and southeast Missouri. * WHEN...Until 7 PM CDT /8 PM EDT/ this evening. * IMPACTS...Hot temperatures and high humidity may cause heat illnesses.
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 (Chadwick Motorized Trail System)
The closure of Forest Trail 119 in the Chadwick Motorized Trail System will serve to ensure the protection of people who visit the Mark Twain National Forest by preventing access to the trail during the removal of a culvert. The Closure Order and Map can be accessed in the green links below.
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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