USDA Forest Service · Missouri
Silver Mines Campground
USDA Forest Service · Missouri, United States
- Drinking water
- Yes
- Restrooms
- Yes
- Elevation
- 778 ft
- Dark sky
- Bortle class 1
- Cell coverage
- T-Mobile weak · AT&T none · Verizon none (carriers' 4G LTE filings to the FCC, 2025-12; not measured here)
- Access road
- SILVER MINES REC AREA SPUR AA (NFSR 2510AA) · asphalt · moderate degree of user comfort
- Nearest town
- Fredericktown, Ironton, Arcadia Valley, Farmington MO
About
US Forest Service campground. Silver Mines offers a variety of recreational opportunities and is abundant with historic and geological wonders. This beautiful area is located along the St. Francis River, the only river in Missouri classified as white water, and is used for kayaking during the spring high waters. People enjoy hiking and fishing along the river throughout the year. Silver Mines is located at a historic mining operation and is known for its Precambrian granite and felsite rocks. Silver Mines Recreation Area is named for the abandoned Einstein Mine, which was mined for Silver, Tungsten and Lead. The Einstein Silver Mining Company began mining in 1877, and mining ceased completely in 1946. Nearby visitors can visit other natural attractions in the area, including Elephant Rocks State Park and Johnsons Shut-ins State Park. Millstream Gardens Conservation Area, located up-river from Silver Mines, is the put-in for those looking to experience the white water on the St. Francis river. This is a large recreation area, and particularly busy during the spring. However, visitors who come during the fall months will be treated to spectacular fall color along the St. Francis River. Not reservable through Recreation.gov, so plan on first-come, first-served; check with the ranger district for current conditions and fees.
Fees
Overnight Use:
Single Site: $15 per night
Single Site with electric hook-up: $20 per night
Double Site: $25 per night
Double Site with electric hook-up: $35 per night
Group Site: $50 per night (0-40 people); $100 per night (41-74 people)
Additional Vehicle Fee: $2 per vehicle per night
Day Use:
$5 per vehicle per day
$10 per bus per day
$40 per season
Weather, month by month
| Month | Typical high | Typical low | Coldest night | Hottest day | Years with a night below 32°F |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 41° | 27° | 5° | 66° | 11 of 11 |
| February | 48° | 30° | -5° | 75° | 10 of 11 |
| March | 59° | 40° | 18° | 79° | 5 of 11 |
| April | 68° | 49° | 29° | 85° | 1 of 11 |
| May | 77° | 61° | 44° | 87° | 0 of 11 |
| June | 86° | 68° | 54° | 97° | 0 of 11 |
| July | 88° | 72° | 63° | 99° | 0 of 11 |
| August | 85° | 70° | 61° | 98° | 0 of 11 |
| September | 85° | 65° | 53° | 97° | 0 of 11 |
| October | 68° | 49° | 34° | 83° | 0 of 10 |
| November | 58° | 39° | 15° | 76° | 3 of 10 |
| December | 47° | 32° | 11° | 65° | 9 of 10 |
Mid-month figures from 2016–2026 of daily weather at this spot (ERA5 reanalysis via Open-Meteo, CC BY 4.0), in °F. Typical is the median; coldest and hottest are the extremes seen.
Nearby campgrounds
- Silver Mines · USDA Forest Service · 0 mi · 76 sites
- Marble Creek Recreation Area · USDA Forest Service · 9 mi
- Taum Sauk Mountain State Park · Missouri State Parks · 16 mi · 12 sites
- St. Joe State Park · Missouri State Parks · 17 mi · 99 sites
- Sam A. Baker State Park · Missouri State Parks · 22 mi · 200 sites
All public campgrounds in Missouri · Every state and province · Facts read from the operator 2026-08-06. Confirm fees, rules and current status with the operator before you go.