Brazil Creek Campground

For Missourians who truly cherish a rustic, no-frills outdoor adventure, Brazil Creek Campground in Bourbon, MO, offers a unique and authentic experience. Nestled within the vast Mark Twain National Forest, this primitive campground serves as a vital trailhead for some of the state's most beloved multi-use trails, including the Berryman Multi-Use Trail and the Courtois Section of the Ozark Trail. It's a destination designed for those who embrace the simplicity of nature, prioritizing hiking, biking, and horseback riding over extensive amenities. While its proximity to the road and "tight camping spots" might not appeal to every camper, its direct access to sprawling wilderness and its quiet, secluded ambiance make it a perfect fit for adventurers seeking to truly disconnect and immerse themselves in the beauty of the Missouri Ozarks.

Brazil Creek Campground is located in Bourbon, MO 65441, USA, specifically within the Mark Twain National Forest. This puts it in a prime position for accessing some of Missouri's most extensive and scenic trail systems. For locals across Missouri, Bourbon is generally accessible via Interstate 44, a major thoroughfare running through the state. From I-44, county roads lead directly to the campground, making the approach relatively straightforward. It's important to note that while it has "easy access off main road," the experience upon arrival shifts immediately to a more rugged, forested environment. The campground serves as one of the two main trailheads for the 24-mile Berryman Multi-Use Trail and also provides access to the Courtois Section of the Ozark Trail. This strategic location makes it incredibly convenient for hikers, backpackers, mountain bikers, and horseback riders who are planning to embark on day trips or multi-day excursions along these renowned trails. While it's "pretty close to the road," the primary allure is its direct gateway to thousands of acres of national forest, offering an immediate transition from accessibility to wilderness immersion.

Brazil Creek Campground offers a very specific set of services, emphasizing primitive camping and direct trail access rather than extensive modern amenities. It caters to those who are self-sufficient and prefer a more rugged outdoor experience.

• Primitive Camping Sites: The campground provides dispersed primitive camping. This means sites are generally undeveloped, offering a raw camping experience where you bring most of your own gear and services.

• Basic Site Amenities: A few sites at Brazil Creek Campground offer fundamental amenities such as fire rings, picnic tables, and lantern posts. These provide essential conveniences for cooking and gathering.

• No Drinking Water: It is crucial for campers to note that no drinking water is available at the campground. Visitors must plan to bring their own potable water for the duration of their stay, or be prepared to filter/treat water from natural sources.

• Vault Toilets: The campground is equipped with vault toilets for basic sanitation. There are no flush toilets or showers available.

• Stock Water for Horses: For equestrian campers, stock water for horses is available nearby in Brazil Creek itself, and at various ponds along the Berryman Trail, making it a suitable spot for horse camping.

• Parking for Vehicles and Horse Trailers: There is dedicated parking available, with space for approximately 10 single vehicles and 6 horse trailers, facilitating easy access for various types of users.

• Designated Trailhead Access: The campground explicitly functions as a trailhead for both the Berryman Multi-Use Trail and the Ozark Trail (Courtois Section), providing direct and convenient entry points for long-distance hikers, bikers, and equestrians. It is also a popular drop-off/pick-up location for day hikers.

Brazil Creek Campground, while primitive, boasts several key features and highlights that make it a compelling choice for specific types of outdoor enthusiasts in Missouri.

• Premier Trail Access: Its most significant highlight is its direct and integral role as a trailhead for the renowned 24-mile Berryman Multi-Use Trail and the Courtois Section of the Ozark Trail. This is a huge draw for serious hikers, backpackers, mountain bikers, and horseback riders looking for multi-day excursions or challenging day trips.

• Solitude and Quiet: Despite its proximity to the road, the campground generally offers a "pleasant measure of solitude and quiet," especially at night, making it ideal for those seeking a peaceful escape into nature.

• Affordable / No Fees: Brazil Creek Campground is a fee-free camping area, making it an incredibly budget-friendly option for extended outdoor adventures. This allows campers to save their resources for other aspects of their trip.

• Natural Water Source: The presence of a "flowing water source a few hundred feet away" (Brazil Creek) is a valuable feature for those needing to resupply water (after proper filtration/treatment) or for watering horses.

• Horse Camping Facilities: With space for horse trailers, hitching posts, and nearby stock water, it's particularly well-suited for equestrian campers looking to explore the multi-use trails with their horses.

• Immersion in Mark Twain National Forest: Camping here means you are directly immersed in the vast and beautiful Mark Twain National Forest, with opportunities to experience its timbered stands of oak, pine, bottomland hardwood, and scenic cherty ridges.

• Limited Cell Service: While a potential drawback for some, the lack of cell service (as noted in reviews) is a significant highlight for those seeking to truly unplug and disconnect from digital distractions, fostering a deeper connection with the natural environment.

• Year-Round Access: The campground is open year-round (January - December), allowing for four-season enjoyment of the Ozark trails and wilderness.

As Brazil Creek Campground is a primitive site operated by the USDA Forest Service (Mark Twain National Forest), direct phone contact for site-specific reservations or inquiries typically goes through the Potosi-Fredericktown Ranger District office.

• Address: Bourbon, MO 65441, USA (located within Mark Twain National Forest)

• General Inquiries (Potosi-Fredericktown Ranger District): (573) 438-5427

• Mobile Phone: +1 573-438-5427

Brazil Creek Campground is an ideal destination for Missouri locals who embrace minimalist camping and prioritize direct access to extensive trail systems. For hikers, backpackers, mountain bikers, and equestrians, its role as a key trailhead for the Berryman Multi-Use Trail and the Ozark Trail is a significant draw, offering unparalleled opportunities for adventure right here in our state. While it lacks modern amenities like drinking water and flush toilets, this very simplicity is part of its appeal, providing a truly primitive and immersive wilderness experience. The quiet atmosphere and the opportunity to disconnect from technology (due to no cell service) make it perfect for those seeking genuine solitude and a chance to fully appreciate the natural sounds and beauty of the Mark Twain National Forest. For budget-conscious adventurers, the fee-free camping is an added bonus. If you're a Missourian who loves long trails, values peace and quiet, and is comfortable with self-sufficient camping, Brazil Creek Campground offers an authentic and rewarding escape into the heart of the Ozark wilderness. It's truly a place where you can experience nature at its most raw and beautiful.

Brazil Creek Campground

Bourbon, MO 65441, USA