Mark Twain National Forest

Marble Creek Recreation Area

Marble Creek, rushing 20 miles through the rugged St. Francis Mountains, is named for deposits of attractively colored dolomites which were mined and used in the building trade as “Taum Sauk Marble”. Within the recreation area, you can see the concrete remains of a grist mill dam and building foundation. This dam was the third to be built here and was operated until 1935.

Area Attractions:

Campground: 25 single sites and 1 double site. All have a table, fire ring and lantern post. Vault toilets centrally located. No Fee.; Open all year. No horses allowed in campground or picnic area – only at the trailhead and along the trail.

Picnic Area: 4 picnic sites, each with table and pedestal grill.

Trail: Trailhead for the Marble Creek Section of the Ozark Trail. This 8-mile segment goes to Crane Lake (connecting with the 5-mile Crane Lake National Recreation Trail) and is open for hiking, equestrian and mountain bike use.

Fishing: Wade fishing for smallmouth bass and panfish.

Swimming: Is permitted, largest area for swimming is at the old mill dam.

How to get here:

From Ironton, MO, take Hwy E southeast for 15 miles.

Open Year Round – Maintained and Operated by Friends of Marble Creek

Sites are first come-first served. Free. No garbage service – please remove all trash and litter.