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Markham Springs Campground is set on the Black River in a scenic and historic recreation area in the southwestern corner of Missouri's Mark Twain National Forest. The area provides access to multiple trails and recreational opportunities.
Markham Springs Recreation Area gets its name from former owner, M. J. Markham, who acquired the property in 1901 and operated a lumber mill at the site until the 1930s.
The Fuchs House, a five-bedroom concrete and native stone home, also sits on the property, along with a neighboring mill. At times, it is also available for rent.
River and stream fishing are popular activities near the campground. The Black River boasts bass, sunfish, walleye and catfish. Many anglers fish from boats, but others fish from the riverbanks. Canoeing and kayaking is also possible on the river.
Various day hikes within the Markham Springs Trail System are accessible from the campground. Eagle Bluff Trail is a 1.5-mile loop along the river, where birding and wildlife viewing are favorite pastimes.
The campground offers single and double sites for tent and RV camping. Some rather primitive sites are located in a wooded setting near the river.
Electric hookups are provided, as well as tables and campfire rings with grills. Lantern posts are also available. Accessible vault toilets, drinking water, showers and trash collection are provided.
Located adjacent to the Black River, the recreation area contains a small pond that dates back to the 1800s. The area is covered by a dense forest of colorful trees, including ash, elm, maple and poplar.
The small town of Williamsville is just 3 miles from the campground, offering a general store and fuel station.
From Poplar Bluff, take Highway 67 north for 14 miles, then drive west on Highway 49 for 9 miles (about 3 miles past the town of Williamsville). Take the first right after crossing the Black River to enter Markham Springs Recreation Area.
Markham Spring was a lovely little stop for a walk and to enjoy the crystal-clear spring water. There are camping and picnic areas all around for a stop or to have lunch. My only complaint was there was not a trash can available.
We had rented the house in the Markham spring park early June 2021. It was a mixed bag experience. We loved the setting of the house on top of the lake. Hiking trail started basically from the house. It was a good hike up and then gradual down slope with finishing walk by the Black River. There had been lots of leaves so view of river was obstruct but you can find a few windows for sure.
We got accustomed for higher quality AirB&B rental so house and equipment was pretty poor.
One of the kids fall asleep on a couch just to wake up with sentipeedes crolling over him, his words "I had woke up in the horror house". Grill next to the house was broken so we walked over to camp pavilion to use large grill over there, it worked out well as pavilion was not used.
Overall rating is 3 great location with house setup leaving a lot to be desired.
Interesting to walk around. The bubble spring is very unusual and worth a few minutes. River access is good if you want to float; bank fishing really not an option. Park is generally in need of some TLC...deteriorating wooden bridges, paths could use cleanup and maintenance, some picnic areas overgrown and unusable. Glad we stopped but been there, done that...
