Markham Springs

Markham Springs

About this campsite

Overview

Markham Springs Campground is set on the Black River in a scenic and historic recreation area in the southwestern corner of Missouri's Mark Twain National Forest. The area provides access to multiple trails and recreational opportunities.

Markham Springs Recreation Area gets its name from former owner, M. J. Markham, who acquired the property in 1901 and operated a lumber mill at the site until the 1930s.

The Fuchs House, a five-bedroom concrete and native stone home, also sits on the property, along with a neighboring mill. At times, it is also available for rent.

Recreation

River and stream fishing are popular activities near the campground. The Black River boasts bass, sunfish, walleye and catfish. Many anglers fish from boats, but others fish from the riverbanks. Canoeing and kayaking is also possible on the river.

Various day hikes within the Markham Springs Trail System are accessible from the campground. Eagle Bluff Trail is a 1.5-mile loop along the river, where birding and wildlife viewing are favorite pastimes.

Facilities

The campground offers single and double sites for tent and RV camping. Some rather primitive sites are located in a wooded setting near the river.

Electric hookups are provided, as well as tables and campfire rings with grills. Lantern posts are also available. Accessible vault toilets, drinking water, showers and trash collection are provided.

Natural Features

Located adjacent to the Black River, the recreation area contains a small pond that dates back to the 1800s. The area is covered by a dense forest of colorful trees, including ash, elm, maple and poplar.

Nearby Attractions

The small town of Williamsville is just 3 miles from the campground, offering a general store and fuel station.

Location

MARKHAM SPRINGS•MO

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Weather Forecast

via Open-Meteo

TUE🌧️

26° / 19°

💧 40%

WED☁️

24° / 15°

—

THU☁️

27° / 16°

—

FRI☁️

28° / 15°

—

SAT☁️

25° / 16°

💧 2%

Nearby Campsites

within 50km

500m away

FUCHS HOUSE

Overview In the late 1930s, Rudolph Fuchs built a five bedroom concrete and native stone house for his family, and also built the present wheel house to produce electricity for his needs. Power was obtained by building a dam in a semi-circle below a large spring forming a small pond. The water was to pour through a chute on the wheel to produce electricity; however, electricity arrived to the site before the wheel ever needed to do its job. The area had an undershot wheel providing power to a grist mill in the late 19th century. Recreation The Black River boasts bass, sunfish, walleye and catfish. Many anglers fish from boats, but others fish from the riverbanks. Canoeing and kayaking is also possible on the river. Various day hikes within the Markham Springs Trail System are accessible from the campground. Eagle Bluff Trail is a one and a half mile loop along the river, where birding and wildlife viewing are favorite pastimes. The day use area has a two-acre, 20 foot deep mill pond that dates back to the 1800s, several picnic sites, open fields; river access for boating, fishing and float tubes and canoes; and short hiking trails that provide views of the river, the pond, the springs and the uplands. Facilities The house has two downstairs bedrooms with queen beds, a single bed and a shared bathroom. Upstairs has a bathroom and three bedrooms each with a bunk bed and twin bed. The kitchen comes fully furnished as well as all the other rooms; however, you must bring your own linens, pillows and towels. Natural Features Located adjacent to the Black River, the recreation area contains a small pond that dates back to the 1800s. The area is covered by a dense forest of colorful trees, including ash, elm, maple and poplar. Six springs pour almost five million gallons of water per day into the pond, and the bubble spring, a smaller outlet of Markham Spring outside of the pond that has air with it which rises in the soft sand forming unique air bubbles. Nearby Attractions The Fuchs House is located in the Markham Springs Recreation Area. Camping with both electric sites and primitive sites, day use, and pavilion rental is available. The town of Williamsville is three miles from the Fuchs House and offers a general store ad fuel station.

17.3 km away

PINEWOODS LAKE REC AREA

Overview Pinewoods Lake Recreation Area sits next to Pinewoods Lake in southeastern Missouri. It is an ideal location to enjoy lake fishing and scenic trails. Recreation A 1.3-mile walking trail surrounds the lake. Most of the trail has a concrete surface and is accessible. The entire trail is relatively flat, with no difficult sections. Circling the 32-acre lake, the trail provides views of the lake, songbirds and wildlife, and an abundance of wildflowers. The lake offers a floating fishing pier and a concrete boat ramp. Anglers can enjoy fishing for bass, sunfish and catfish. Facilities The day-use picnic shelter can accommodate up to 75 people. It is equipped with tables and large grills. Accessible vault toilets are provided. Trash collection service is not available; visitors must carry out all garbage. Natural Features The lake is located on the southeastern quadrant of the Mark Twain National Forest. The area is densely wooded. Nearby Attractions Ellsinore is the closest city to the campground, just 3 miles away, with a few dining options, a grocery store and fuel station.

19.2 km away

GREENVILLE RECREATION AREA

Overview Greenville Recreation Area is located on the northen end of Wappapello Lake Project, nestled on the banks of the St. Francis River. The spacious campground is built on the original site of the historical Old Greenville City, visitors have seemingly endless opportunities for fun. The Memory Lane trail winds along the historical foundations and streets offering a glimpse back in time. The Greenville Trail, a three mile hike or bike trail, connects the modern city of Greenville to the campground. The expansive grounds, multiple playgrounds, play courts and large event area provide opportunities for all ages and abilities. Click here to take a virtual tour of the facilities at Wappapello Lake! Recreation Greenville boasts a one-mile historical trail to explore. A three-mile hike/bike trail is open year-round and a great choice for families. The lake is home to some of Missouri's most sought after game fish, including largemouth bass, crappie, bluegill, white bass and channel catfish. Hunting and trapping are popular activities around the lake, boasting 44,000 acres for public use. Special events are put on throughout the year but the annual Black Powder Rendezvous, Old Greenville Days and Halloween Boo Bash events are notable experiences in Greenville. Facilities The day use portion of the recreation area includes 14 picnic sites, a playground, basketball court, volleyball court, horseshoe pits, day use shelter, and boat ramp with courtesy dock. Facilities within the campground include showers, a playground, and 106 campsites with full hookups, consisting of electric, water, and sewer. Natural Features Wappapello Lake, fed by the St. Francis River, has a seemingly endless string of secluded coves hugged by a winding, wooded shoreline. The public recreation area spans 45,000 acres in the southeastern Ozark foothills. The St. Francis River provides multiple caves, gravel bars, and open stretchs of water surrounded by open woodlands and rocky bluffs. Contact Info Between 04/01/2026 and 11/02/2026 this location is staffed. Please call (573) 224-3884 to speak with local staff. From 11/03/2025 to 03/31/2026 this location is unstaffed. Please call (573) 778-5404 for general information. Nearby Attractions Explore one of the 9 trail systems along the Wappapello Lake. The nearby Ozark Trail is the only Horse friendly trail at the Lake. The Pine Ridge Nature trail, Shell Lake Archery Trail and Wappapllo Wildflower Trail and Greenhouse areas or lower St. Francis River are approximately 22 miles away. The Mingo Wildlife Refuge is approximately 31 miles from Old Greenville Recreation Area. The Lake Wappapello State Park is approximately 21 miles away, and the Sam A. Baker State park is 14 miles away from Old Greenville Recreation Area. The nearby 34 Bridge Recreation Area is an ideal place to swim or picnic along its large gravel bars.

21.7 km away

Snow Creek Campground

Overview Snow Creek Campground is located on the Northwestern side of Wappapello Lake Prject near the Chaonia Landing day use area. Snow Creek Campground is a primitive campground with 9 availalbe sites. This area is on the shore of Wappapello lake with a lake front view. Snow Creek gives its users boat ramp access, a fishing pier, and showerhouse. Recreation Snow Creek Campground offers Lake front access to most of its campsites. The easy access makes for great fishing and other water related activies. The lake is home to some of Missouri's most sought after game fish, including largemouth bass, crappie, bluegill, white bass and channel catfish. Facilities Chaonia Landing provides a general store and resturant with boat rentals available through the Chaonia Landing Resort and Guide Servies Marina. Natural Features Wappapello Lake, fed by the St. Francis River, has a seemingly endless string of secluded coves hugged by a winding, wooded shoreline. The public recreation area spans 45,000 acres in the southeastern Ozark foothills. The St. Francis River provides multiple caves, gravel bars, and open stretchs of water surrounded by open woodlands and rocky bluffs. Contact Info For facility specific information, please call (573) 222-7500. Nearby Attractions Explore one of the 9 trail systems along the Wappapello Lake. The nearby Ozark Trail is the only Horse friendly trail at the Lake. The Pine Ridge Nature trail, Shell Lake Archery Trail and Wappapllo Wildflower Trail and Greenhouse areas or lower St. Francis River are approximately 22 miles away. The Mingo Wildlife Refuge is approximately 31 miles from Old Greenville Recreation Area. The Lake Wappapello State Park is approximately 21 miles away, and the Sam A. Baker State park is 14 miles away from Old Greenville Recreation Area. The nearby 34 Bridge Recreation Area is an ideal place to swim or picnic along its large gravel bars.

23.1 km away

RIVER ROAD PARK

Overview Set on the banks of a calming river, just below the entertaining Clearwater Lake lies River Road Park, known as a jolly ol' place to camp. The beautiful area is enhanced each spring by flowering shrubs and trees like the redbud, hawthorn, dogwood and wild plum. And bald eagles stay year-round and are known to nest near the lake. Recreation Look for wildlife and pretty landscapes on the Black River Hike and Bike Trail. The trail starts at River Road Park and connects with the Blue Heron and Bottomland interpretive trails. Wildlife includes wetland waterfowl, fox, deer and geese. The lake and river below provide excellent fishing, swimming and canoeing. Facilities The majority of campsites have electric and water hookups. Additional amenities include a dump station, hot showers, picnic shelters, a boat ramp, and a playground. Three group picnic shelters are available for reservation, and these also come with electricity. Natural Features River Road Park near Clearwater Lake lies below the dam on the Black River. The lake's shoreline is studded with picturesque bluffs covered in sweet william flowers, indented bays, and serene coves. Nearby Attractions In the area, campers enjoy visiting traditional drive-in movie theaters, the Sam A. Baker State Park, local golf courses, and the historic Civil War site at Fort Benton.