All Corps campgrounds placed on hold at Mark Twain Lake

MARK TWAIN LAKE — The Frank Russell, Ray Behrens and Indian Creek Campgrounds will be unavailable for future reservations from July 18 to September 13.

The Ray Behrens and Frank Russell campgrounds are closed through Sunday, July 25 for damage repairs caused by a July 9 storm. The Indian Creek Campground also was impacted, but a press release from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers noted that crews made repairs to keep the area open. 

Indian Creek camping spots are being used to accommodate the displaced campers from the Frank Russell and Ray Behrens areas. Campers set to arrive at the Behrens and Russell campgrounds on Sunday, July 18 have the option of a free standard electric site at the Indian Creek Campground. Reservations at the Russell and Behrens campgrounds from July 19-25 will be accommodated on a first-come first-served basis because not enough campsites are available.

Existing reservations in the Indian Creek campground will be honored unless the primary occupant was contacted directly by telephone by a member of the Mark Twain Lake staff. Indian Creek reservation holders who received a system-generated e-mail from recreation.gov notifying them that the area is closed can disregard the instructions.

The Mark Twain State Park off Highway 107 has limited sites available.

The Frank Russell and Ray Behrens Campgrounds will need extensive work before they can be re-opened. Repairs and damage assessments are still ongoing throughout all of the recreation areas around the lake. Further closures may be necessary.

Tasks that must be accomplished before the areas can safely open are:

• Hazardous tree/limb removal
• Lift station and electric pedestal checks once electricity is fully restored
• Building inspections
• Road/campsite pad damage inspection
• Playground inspections

Call the Mark Twain Lake Project Office at 573-735-4097 or marktwaininfo@usace.army.mil, or follow the office on Facebook at Mark Twain Lake — U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.