Silver Mines Recreation Area campground
Silver Mines Recreation Area
Reservations are not accepted at the Silver Mines Recreation Area campground. The sites are available on a first-come, first-served basis, so it is recommended to arrive early to secure a spot, especially during peak seasons. The best time to visit this camping area is during the spring and fall when the weather is mild, and the scenic beauty of the surrounding hills and forests is at its peak. It is advisable to check for any closures or restrictions as the area can occasionally be affected by flooding.
While camping at the Silver Mines Recreation Area, visitors can explore the nearby St. Francis River, which is renowned for its stunning views and offers opportunities for fishing, swimming, and canoeing. Hiking enthusiasts can enjoy the Silver Mines Trail, a 7.5-mile loop that showcases the remnants of historic lead mines. However, caution should be exercised as there are abandoned mine shafts in the area. It is essential to stay on designated trails and avoid venturing into restricted or hazardous areas. Overall, the Silver Mines Recreation Area offers a serene and picturesque camping experience, perfect for outdoor enthusiasts seeking tranquility amidst nature.
What's on-site at Silver Mines Recreation Area
Key facilities Snoflo tracks for this campground. Confirm with the operator before booking -- amenities can change seasonally.
Plan your trip down to the hour
Same weather feed Snoflo's iOS app uses -- updated continuously from NOAA / yr.no.
Next 5 days, hour by hour
Temperature line with weather symbols on top, snow + rain accumulation as columns, humidity as a dotted line.
5-day forecast table
Every 3 hours, broken out across temperature, snow, rain, humidity, and wind. Each cell is colour-coded relative to the column min/max so trends jump out at a glance.
| Time | Condition | Temp (°F) | Snow (in) | Rain (in) | Humidity (%) | Wind (mps) | Wind dir |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Loading detailed forecast… | |||||||
15-day temperature & precipitation
Daily temperatures, snow, and rain projected over the next two weeks. Hover any point for the full breakdown.
Other campgrounds in the area
Snoflo-tracked campsites within driving distance of Silver Mines Recreation Area, with reservations status.
| Campground | Reservations | Toilets | View |
|---|---|---|---|
| Silver Mines | ✓ | ✗ | → |
| Marble Creek Recreation Area | ✓ | ✗ | → |
| Marble Creek Rec Area | ✗ | ✗ | → |
| St. Joe State Park | ✓ | ✗ | → |
| Sam A Baker State Park | ✓ | ✗ | → |
Nearby streamflow
USGS streamgauges within reach of Silver Mines Recreation Area -- pulled live from the National Water Information System.
| Streamgauge | Discharge | View |
|---|---|---|
| St. Francis River Near Mill Creek | 104 cfs | → |
| Little St. Francis River At Fredericktown | 6 cfs | → |
| St. Francis River Near Saco | 94 cfs | → |
| East Fork Black River Nr Lesterville | 11 cfs | → |
| East Fork Black River At Lesterville | 44 cfs | → |
| Big River Below Desloge | 96 cfs | → |
Nearby snow depths
NRCS SNOTEL stations within reach of Silver Mines Recreation Area -- relevant when planning a shoulder-season or alpine trip.
| SNOTEL station | Snowpack | 24h Snowfall | View |
|---|---|---|---|
| Clearwater Dam - Black Rvr | 0.0 in | 0.0 in | → |
| Kaskaskia River Navigation Lock | 0.0 in | 0.0 in | → |
| Chester | 0.0 in | 0.0 in | → |
| Festus | 0.0 in | 0.0 in | → |
Plan a longer trip
The closest parks, lakes, boat launches, and paddle runs so a camping night can grow into a full weekend.
Parks
- Wilderness Rockpile Mountain
- Pilot Knob National Wildlife Refuge
- Conservation Area Ketcherside Mountain
- St. Joe State Park
- Elephant Rocks State Park
- Taum Sauk Mountain State Park
Boat launches
- Ozark Trail - Marble Creek Section Iron County
- Bismarch Lake Road St. Francois County
- Mudlick Equestrian And Hike Trail Wayne County
Fishing spots
Camping essentials & Leave No Trace
- Pack it in, pack it out
- Take all trash, food scraps, and gear back with you to keep campsites clean and protect wildlife.
- Respect wildlife
- Observe animals from a distance, store food securely, and never feed wildlife to maintain natural behavior and safety.
- Know before you go
- Check weather, fire restrictions, trail conditions, and permit requirements to ensure a safe and well-planned trip.
- Minimize campfire impact
- Use established fire rings, keep fires small, fully extinguish them, or opt for a camp stove when fires are restricted.
- Leave what you find
- Preserve natural and cultural features by avoiding removal of plants, rocks, artifacts, or other elements of the environment.
Set push alerts in the Snoflo app
Save Silver Mines Recreation Area as a favorite, set a custom threshold (precipitation, snowpack, freezing temperatures), and the iOS app will push the moment conditions cross.
About Silver Mines Recreation Area
Can I make reservations at Silver Mines Recreation Area?
Yes -- this campground accepts reservations. Snoflo recommends booking early for peak season; check the operator (Recreation.gov / state park system / private operator) for the booking window and cancellation policy.
How fresh is the weather data on this page?
The hourly forecast updates throughout the day from the NOAA / yr.no public feeds. Streamflow data is pulled live from USGS streamgauges and snowpack from the NRCS SNOTEL network.
What's the best time of year to visit?
Use the 15-day temperature & precipitation outlook on this page to plan -- pick a window with comfortable temperatures and low precipitation. For longer trips, the 5-day hourly meteogram shows snow + rain accumulation hour-by-hour.
How do I get to Silver Mines Recreation Area?
Tap Directions in the hero above to open driving directions in Google Maps, or Open in map to center the Snoflo interactive map on the campground.
Can I get alerts when conditions change?
Yes -- alerts are managed through the Snoflo iOS app. Favorite this campground, set a threshold (temperature, snowpack, precipitation), and you'll get a push the moment it crosses.
Other campgrounds near here
Snoflo-tracked campgrounds within driving distance of Silver Mines Recreation Area.