Can you reserve a site at Silver Mines?

Yes, Silver Mines is reservable through Recreation.gov.

How many campsites does Silver Mines have?

76 sites in total, of which 49 can be booked.

What is the maximum RV length at Silver Mines?

60 ft. That is the longest vehicle the sites here are recorded as taking; individual sites may be shorter.

Are pets allowed at Silver Mines?

Yes, pets are allowed at Silver Mines.

Are campfires allowed at Silver Mines?

Campfires are allowed at Silver Mines. Check for a current fire restriction before you go.

Silver Mines

Campground · Missouri · 49 bookable sites ·

Managed by the USDA Forest Service

Mark Twain National Forest (NF) · Open Access

49
Bookable sites: 60 ft
Max rig length: up to 75
People per site: 1
Accessible site: 596 ft
Elevation

Kayakers Playing Around Old Minig Company Dam — Photo: US Forest Service · Recreation.gov

Overview

Silver Mines Campground is located on the St. Francis River in the Mark Twain National Forest. It offers a variety of recreational opportunities and abundant historic and geological wonders.

Recreation

Parts of the river are available for swimming, while other portions provide good fishing. Whitewater kayaking is a popular activity during the springtime when water runs high. Depending on water levels, the state holds an annual kayaking competition the third weekend of March.

The 2-mile Silver Mines Trail follows both sides of the river, leading to various picnic areas. A 1.2-mile trail spurs to a popular conservation area, where visitors can view spectacular rock formations along the river.

Facilities

The campground offers dozens of single-family campsites, as well as large group sites, all available for tent and RV camping. Some sites have 30-amp electric hookups. The large group site can accommodate up to 74 people. Additional sites are offered on a first-come, first-served basis.

Picnic tables and campfire rings with grills are provided, as are accessible vault toilets and drinking water. Parking spurs vary from asphalt, to grass, to gravel or dirt.

Natural Features

This beautiful area is located along the St. Francis River, the only river in Missouri classified as a whitewater river. It is widely used for kayaking during springtime. The campground is located at a historic mining operation and is known for its Precambrian granite and felsite rocks. A variety of wildlife makes its home in the area.

Nearby Attractions

The Millstream Gardens Conservation Area is located eight miles west of Fredericktown, or four miles west of the campground, on Highway 72. It is home to the scenic Tiemann Shut-ins and other spectacular sights along the riverbed.

The facts

Season: March 6, 2025 — USDA Forest Service, Aug 24, 2026
49 bookable sites
76 sites in total, including non-bookable
1 site for day use only
1 accessible site
Vehicles up to 60 ft
Up to 75 people per site
Loops: DBLS, GRP, MANAGEMENT SITES, PSNG, RDBL, RSNG, SPRG, SUMM

Site types

27 Management
26 Standard Nonelectric
12 Tent Only Nonelectric
9 Standard Electric
1 Group Shelter Nonelectric
1 Group Standard Nonelectric

Amenities

Electric hookups
Campfires allowed
Fire pits
Picnic tables
Shade
Pets allowed

Not recorded upstream: water hookups, sewer hookups, grills.

Book on Recreation.gov

76 campsites at Silver Mines

Accessible only

Site	Loop	Type	Entry	Surface	Grade	Water	Max rig	People
022	DBLS	Standard Nonelectric	Back In	Paved	—	—	30 ft	16	🐾
034	DBLS	Standard Nonelectric	Back In	Paved	Slight	—	60 ft	16	🐾
001	GRP	Group Standard Nonelectric	Parallel	Paved	Slight	—	45 ft	74	🐾
Riverside Pavilion	GRP	Group Shelter Nonelectric	—	Gravel	—	Riverfront	—	75	♿ 🐾
10	MANAGEMENT SITES	Management	—	—	—	—	—	—
12	MANAGEMENT SITES	Management	—	—	—	—	—	—
16	MANAGEMENT SITES	Management	—	—	—	—	—	—
17	MANAGEMENT SITES	Management	—	—	—	—	—	—
19	MANAGEMENT SITES	Management	—	—	—	—	—	—
2	MANAGEMENT SITES	Management	—	—	—	—	—	—
21	MANAGEMENT SITES	Management	—	—	—	—	—	—
25	MANAGEMENT SITES	Management	—	—	—	—	—	—
3	MANAGEMENT SITES	Management	—	—	—	—	—	—
XXX	MANAGEMENT SITES	Management	Back In	Gravel	—	Riverfront	45 ft	25	🐾
XXX1	MANAGEMENT SITES	Management	—	—	—	—	—	—
XXX11	MANAGEMENT SITES	Management	—	—	—	—	—	—
XXX13	MANAGEMENT SITES	Management	—	—	—	—	—	—
XXX14	MANAGEMENT SITES	Management	—	—	—	—	—	—
XXX15	MANAGEMENT SITES	Management	—	—	—	—	—	—
XXX18	MANAGEMENT SITES	Management	—	—	—	—	—	—
XXX20	MANAGEMENT SITES	Management	—	—	—	—	—	—
XXX22	MANAGEMENT SITES	Management	—	—	—	—	—	—
XXX23	MANAGEMENT SITES	Management	—	—	—	—	—	—
XXX24	MANAGEMENT SITES	Management	—	—	—	—	—	—
XXX26	MANAGEMENT SITES	Management	—	—	—	—	—	—
XXX4	MANAGEMENT SITES	Management	—	—	—	—	—	—
XXX5	MANAGEMENT SITES	Management	—	—	—	—	—	—
XXX6	MANAGEMENT SITES	Management	—	—	—	—	—	—
XXX7	MANAGEMENT SITES	Management	—	—	—	—	—	—
XXX8	MANAGEMENT SITES	Management	—	—	—	—	—	—
XXX9	MANAGEMENT SITES	Management	—	—	—	—	—	—
039	PSNG	Standard Nonelectric	Back In	Paved	Slight	—	35 ft	8	🐾
041	PSNG	Tent Only Nonelectric	Back In	Paved	Slight	—	—	8	🐾
042	PSNG	Tent Only Nonelectric	Back In	Paved	Slight	—	—	8	🐾
045	PSNG	Standard Nonelectric	Back In	Paved	Slight	—	30 ft	8	🐾
046	PSNG	Standard Nonelectric	Back In	Paved	Slight	—	35 ft	8	🐾
048	PSNG	Tent Only Nonelectric	Back In	Paved	Slight	—	—	8	🐾
049	PSNG	Standard Nonelectric	Back In	Paved	Slight	—	30 ft	8	🐾
053	PSNG	Standard Nonelectric	Back In	Gravel	—	—	30 ft	8	🐾
055	PSNG	Standard Nonelectric	Back In	Paved	Slight	—	35 ft	8	🐾
004	RDBL	Standard Electric	Back In	Paved	Slight	—	50 ft	16	🐾
001	RSNG	Standard Nonelectric	Back In	Gravel	—	—	25 ft	8	🐾
005	RSNG	Standard Electric	Back In	Paved	Slight	—	50 ft	8	🐾
006	RSNG	Standard Electric	Back In	Paved	Slight	—	50 ft	8	🐾
007	RSNG	Standard Electric	Back In	Paved	—	—	25 ft	8	🐾
008	RSNG	Standard Electric	Back In	Paved	—	—	50 ft	8	🐾
009	RSNG	Standard Electric	Back In	Gravel	Slight	—	50 ft	8	🐾
010	RSNG	Standard Electric	—	Paved	—	—	—	8	🐾
011	RSNG	Standard Electric	Back In	Paved	—	—	50 ft	8	🐾
012	RSNG	Standard Electric	—	Paved	—	—	—	8	🐾
057	SPRG	Standard Nonelectric	Back In	Gravel	—	Riverfront	25 ft	8	🐾
058	SPRG	Standard Nonelectric	Back In	Gravel	—	Riverfront	25 ft	8	🐾
059	SPRG	Tent Only Nonelectric	—	Gravel	—	Riverfront	—	8	🐾
060	SPRG	Tent Only Nonelectric	—	Gravel	—	Riverfront	—	8	🐾
061	SPRG	Standard Nonelectric	Back In	Gravel	—	Riverfront	25 ft	8	🐾
062	SPRG	Tent Only Nonelectric	—	Gravel	—	Riverfront	—	8	🐾
063	SPRG	Tent Only Nonelectric	—	Gravel	—	Riverfront	—	8	🐾
064	SPRG	Tent Only Nonelectric	—	Gravel	—	Riverfront	—	8	🐾
065	SPRG	Standard Nonelectric	Back In	Gravel	—	Riverfront	25 ft	8	🐾
066	SPRG	Tent Only Nonelectric	—	Gravel	—	Riverfront	—	8	🐾
067	SPRG	Tent Only Nonelectric	—	Gravel	—	Riverfront	—	8	🐾
068	SPRG	Tent Only Nonelectric	—	Gravel	—	Riverfront	—	8	🐾
069	SPRG	Tent Only Nonelectric	—	Gravel	—	Riverfront	—	8	🐾
073	SPRG	Standard Nonelectric	Back In	Gravel	—	Riverfront	25 ft	8	🐾
074	SPRG	Standard Nonelectric	Back In	Gravel	—	Riverfront	25 ft	8	🐾
075	SPRG	Standard Nonelectric	Back In	Gravel	—	Riverfront	25 ft	8	🐾
013	SUMM	Standard Nonelectric	Back In	Paved	Slight	—	25 ft	8	🐾
015	SUMM	Standard Nonelectric	Back In	Paved	—	—	35 ft	8	🐾
018	SUMM	Standard Nonelectric	Back In	Paved	Slight	—	35 ft	8	🐾
020	SUMM	Standard Nonelectric	Back In	Gravel	Slight	—	35 ft	8	🐾
024	SUMM	Standard Nonelectric	Back In	Gravel	Slight	—	35 ft	8	🐾
026	SUMM	Standard Nonelectric	Back In	Paved	Slight	—	25 ft	8	🐾
027	SUMM	Standard Nonelectric	Back In	Paved	Slight	—	30 ft	8	🐾
030	SUMM	Standard Nonelectric	Back In	Paved	—	—	35 ft	8	🐾
033	SUMM	Standard Nonelectric	Back In	Paved	Slight	—	25 ft	8	🐾
037	SUMM	Standard Nonelectric	Back In	Gravel	—	Riverfront	25 ft	8	🐾

Getting there

From St. Louis, Missouri, take I-55 south to Festus, then take Highway 67 south to Fredericktown, then take Highway 72 west for approximately 4 miles to Highway D. Turn left and travel approximately 2 miles on Highway D to the recreation area.

37.55278, -90.43722 · 37°33'10.0"N 90°26'14.0"W

Directions (Google Maps) · Directions (Apple Maps)

Typical weather

Typically 88°F in Jul, down to 42°F in Jan.

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
High °F	42	47	57	68	76	84	88	87	80	69	56	45
Low °F	21	24	32	42	52	61	65	62	54	42	32	24
Precip in	3.0	2.8	3.8	5.3	5.3	3.6	4.0	3.9	3.5	3.3	4.6	3.3

1991–2020 averages from the nearest NOAA station, 7.3 mi away — not measured at the facility itself, and elevation can make a real difference over that distance.

Map

More photos

Turkey Creek Picnic Area at Silver Mines — Photo: US Forest Service · Recreation.gov

Footbridge Crossing St. Francis River — Photo: US Forest Service · Recreation.gov

Member photos

Add a photo

Common questions about Silver Mines

Can you reserve a site at Silver Mines?: Yes, Silver Mines is reservable through Recreation.gov.
How many campsites does Silver Mines have?: 76 sites in total, of which 49 can be booked.
What is the maximum RV length at Silver Mines?: 60 ft. That is the longest vehicle the sites here are recorded as taking; individual sites may be shorter.
Are pets allowed at Silver Mines?: Yes, pets are allowed at Silver Mines.
Does Silver Mines have hookups?: Electric.
Are campfires allowed at Silver Mines?: Campfires are allowed at Silver Mines. Check for a current fire restriction before you go.

Also listed by

Silver Mines also appears in other federal recreation data. Facts below are matched by name and location, not confirmed by Silver Mines's operator.

USDA Forest Service — data as of Aug 24, 2026

$5 per vehicle,
$10 per bus,
$40 for season pass;
$15 for single non-electric,
$25 for double non-electric,
$20 for single electric,
$35 for double electric;
$50 to $100 depending upon number of campers.

Restrictions:

ATV's & UTV's may not be operated within this recreation area
Fireworks are prohibited.
Campsite parking allows for two vehicles per site. Park only in designated parking areas.
No more than 8 people are permitted at single sites (16 for double sites).
Dogs must be on a 6 foot leash in the campground.
Only collect dead and downed wood for campfires.
This site has a campground host in Riverside Campground Loop

Accessibility:

All restrooms are ADA compliant.

USDA Forest Service's own page

Camping near Silver Mines

Highway K 24 mi · Campground · we watch it
Council Bluff Recreation Area 29.6 mi · Campground · we watch it
Greenville Recreation Area 31.3 mi · Campground · we watch it
Sutton Bluff Recreation Area 31.7 mi · Campground · we watch it
Bluff View(clearwater Lake) 32.1 mi · Campground · we watch it
Piedmont Park 33.7 mi · Campground · we watch it
River Road Park 34.2 mi · Campground · we watch it
Webb Creek Park 34.5 mi · Campground · we watch it
Snow Creek Campground 40.4 mi · Campground · we watch it
Marble Creek Recreation Area 9 mi · Campground
Council Bluff Recreation Area 29.8 mi · Campground
Hazel Creek Campground 37.3 mi · Campground

Comments

Contact

Book Recreation.gov

Recreation.gov last updated this record on 2026-05-22.

Facility information and photographs from Recreation.gov (RIDB). SpotOpened is not affiliated with Recreation.gov or any federal agency.