Silver Mines Recreation Area
The numbers that decide it
- Longest rig
- 60 ft
- Sites
- 76
- Electric hookups
- Yes
- Pull-through sites
- No
- Paved access
- Yes
- Accessible sites
- 1
- Driveway grade
- Slight
- Bear boxes
- Not published
- Campfires
- Yes
- Shade
- Yes
- Group sites
- 3
Site-level detail from Recreation.gov, checked 2026-08-05. Where a field says “not published”, the agency has not published it — it does not mean zero. See it on Recreation.gov
Silver Mines Recreation Area
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. Site Map A printable Recreation Area Map .
Before you go
Season
March 6, 2025
Reservations
First-come, first-served
Fees
Day-Use Fee: • $5 per vehicle, • $10 per bus, • $40 for season pass; Camping Fees: • $15 for single non-electric, • $25 for double non-electric, • $20 for single electric, • $35 for double electric; Group campsite • $50 to $100 depending upon number of campers.
Hours
Hiking, Picnicking and River Access: 6AM – 10PM Campground: Only registered campers allowed in the area from 10PM – 6AM.
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.
Scenic drives that pass close
Make it a night on a better road
Byway plans the drive in — real stops, real weather, nothing invented.