US Army Corps of Engineers

For generations of Missourians, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) has been synonymous with top-tier, lake-focused outdoor recreation, and the vast area surrounding Clarence Cannon Dam and Mark Twain Lake stands as a shining example. This is not just a single campground, but a major recreational area where the USACE diligently manages multiple, well-appointed camping facilities. Located in the heart of Northeast Missouri, this expansive area provides Missouri users with an incredible blend of scenic natural beauty and modern amenities, all centered around the 18,600-acre Mark Twain Lake.

The USACE campgrounds, often hailed as some of the best-maintained public camping areas in the nation, offer a comprehensive range of options, from fully developed RV sites with full hookups to more primitive tent-only areas. The general location—encompassing the Project Office and the Frank Russell and Indian Creek Recreation Areas—is designed to be a premier family destination. Whether you're seeking the thrill of landing a trophy crappie, the tranquility of a shaded campsite, or a safe place for the kids to run and play, Mark Twain Lake has been carefully maintained to deliver a quality outdoor experience for all residents of the Show-Me State. The entire project area covers approximately 55,000 acres of land and water, offering endless opportunities for boating, fishing, hunting, and simple relaxation.

It is important for local users to know that the main USACE Project Office for Mark Twain Lake is situated at this address, meaning that any camping experience here is under the direct, professional management of the U.S. government agency. This oversight translates into high standards of cleanliness, maintenance, and safety across all the facilities, including the popular Frank Russell and Indian Creek Campgrounds.

### Location and Accessibility

The hub for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' Mark Twain Lake operations is located in Monroe Township, providing excellent access for Missouri residents coming from all directions. It is situated comfortably in the northeast quadrant of the state, making it a manageable drive from Hannibal, Columbia, and even the St. Louis metropolitan area. The address directs visitors to the main operational area, which includes key recreational sites like the Frank Russell and Indian Creek Campgrounds, as well as the Project Office.

The convenient location is just a short 30-minute drive from the historic and literary town of Hannibal, the hometown of Mark Twain himself, which provides a fantastic side trip for history and culture enthusiasts. Accessibility is a key feature of the USACE-managed sites, ensuring that all Missouri families can enjoy the outdoors.

• Address: 20642 Highway J, Monroe Township, MO 63456, USA. This address serves as the central location for the USACE Project Office and provides direct access to several major recreational areas along Mark Twain Lake.
• Regional Access: Easily accessible via U.S. Highway 36, connecting it to the broader Missouri highway network.
• Parking: On-site parking is widely available throughout the recreation areas and campgrounds, including Wheelchair accessible parking lots to accommodate all visitors.
• Accessibility: The USACE strives for high accessibility standards, offering a Wheelchair accessible entrance at major facilities. The Frank Russell area, for example, features an ADA accessible fishing pond and other accessible demonstration areas.

### Services Offered

The USACE campgrounds at Mark Twain Lake provide an exceptional array of services that cater to both modern RV camping and traditional tent camping, ensuring a comfortable stay regardless of your preferred style. The fees are notably budget-conscious, especially when considering the quality and comprehensive nature of the amenities.

• Developed Campsites: The popular campgrounds (like Frank Russell, Indian Creek, and Ray Behrens) offer a mix of site types:
  • Full Hookups: Sites are available with electric, water, and sewer connections, ideal for larger RVs and extended stays.
  • Standard Electric: Sites with electric hookups and paved pads, perfect for most RVs and trailers.
  • Non-Electric/Tent Sites: Dedicated areas for tent campers, often offering a more primitive, wooded feel.
• Essential Facilities: The entire campground complex features clean, modern facilities for a pleasant experience.
  • Restrooms and Showers: Modern shower houses with hot water and flush toilets are available in each major loop of the developed campgrounds.
  • Sanitary Dump Stations: Convenient RV waste disposal is located near the entry points of the main campgrounds.
  • Site Amenities: Every campsite is typically outfitted with a paved parking pad, a fire ring for campfires, and a picnic table.
• Reservations: All USACE campsites at Mark Twain Lake are 100% reservable. Reservations can be made up to six months in advance via the National Recreation Reservation Service (Recreation.gov), which is highly recommended during peak Missouri camping season.
• Recreational Access: The facilities include multiple boat ramps for easy lake access, swimming beaches, and designated areas for fishing.

### Features / Highlights

The Mark Twain Lake recreation area is a jewel of Northeast Missouri, with features that appeal to a diverse audience, from serious anglers to families looking for simple outdoor fun. The extensive land and water resources offer a wide variety of activities right outside your tent or RV door.

• Water-Centric Activities: With 18,600 acres of water and over 285 miles of shoreline at normal pool, the lake is a premier Missouri destination for boating, fishing, and watersports. It has a solid reputation as one of the state's best crappie and bass fishing lakes.
• Wildlife and Hunting: Approximately 45,000 acres of USACE-managed land and water are available for hunting, featuring popular game species like deer, wild turkey, and waterfowl, all managed in coordination with the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC).
• Equestrian Trails: The Frank Russell Campground is a favored spot for equestrians, offering nearby horse corrals and direct access to the Joanna Trail, the longest trail within the Mark Twain Lake Project.
• Family-Friendly Environment: The campground is designated as Good for kids, featuring multiple playgrounds in the main recreation areas. The presence of wildlife, including deer and turkey, provides fantastic viewing opportunities for all ages.
• Educational Resources: Visitors can explore the Clarence Cannon Dam and its power plant display, or visit the nearby Mark Twain Lake Visitors and Educational Resource Center, adding an educational layer to a recreational trip.
• Environmental Demonstration Area: The Frank Russell Recreation Area features an environmental demonstration area showcasing various habitat types and promoting conservation.

### Contact Information

For general inquiries about the area, rules, and conditions, contact the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Mark Twain Lake Project Office. For specific site availability and booking, use the National Recreation Reservation Service.

Campground Management: U.S. Army Corps of Engineers - Mark Twain Lake Project Office

Address: 20642 Highway J, Monroe Township, MO 63456, USA

Project Office Phone: (573) 565-2112

Project Office Mobile Phone (Main Line): +1 573-565-2112

Camping Reservations: 1-877-444-6777 (or Recreation.gov)

### What is Worth Choosing

For any Missouri resident, choosing the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers campgrounds at Mark Twain Lake is choosing a time-tested, high-quality, and richly amenitized outdoor experience. It is worth choosing over other options because it expertly balances the ruggedness of the Missouri outdoors with the practical comforts that make a trip truly relaxing.

The key draw is the expansive Mark Twain Lake itself, providing virtually unlimited space for boating, water skiing, and fishing for the prized crappie and bass. Few public campgrounds in the state can match the combination of full hookup RV sites, clean modern hot showers, and direct, easy access to a massive recreational lake. The facilities are reliably well-kept, reflecting the high standards of the USACE. Furthermore, the sheer breadth of activities—from equestrian trails and dedicated hunting areas to educational visitor centers and ADA-accessible facilities—means that every member of the family, from the youngest children to seniors, will find an engaging activity. By choosing the USACE campgrounds at Mark Twain Lake, you are investing in a well-managed, beautiful, and complete Missouri outdoor adventure.

US Army Corps of Engineers

20642 Highway J, Monroe Township, MO 63456, USA