Hazel Creek Campground
Hazel Creek is in a remote area without cell phone service. This primitive campground is popular with OHV/ATV riders, equestrians, and mountain bikers.
There is a trailhead for the Ozark Trail is on the road leading into the campground.
Hazel Creek is part of the Old Lead Belt, where much of the nation’s lead ore was once mined. This site features a foundation from a historic lead smelter.
The Trail of Tears National Historic Trail goes through the site.
Washing face and hands before eating
Not allowing children six and younger to play in the dirt and tailings (sand-like material left over after the metals have been extracted from the mineral rocks that contained them.)
Washing tailings and dust off toys, clothing, vehicles, etc before returning home
Active Alerts
General Information
There are 10 individual sites with parking spurs, fire rings, tables, and lantern posts, but no drinking water, toilets, or regular mowing.
Dispersed camping is the term used for free camping anywhere in the National Forest OUTSIDE of a designated campground.
Dispersed camping means there are no toilets, no structures, no trash cans, no treated water, and no fire grates.
There are extra responsibilities required for this type of camp. It's a must to educate yourself before you try it, but we hope the adventure of dispersed camping in the Mark Twain National Forest calls to you!
- Pick a Campsite and follow the Leave No Trace Principles
- Camp 100 feet away from trails and water sources.
- Treat any water found in the area before consuming it.
- Human waste (Feces) must be buried at least 6 inches deep and covered.
- Pack out all of your garbage.
For more information on Dispersed Camping visit our dispersed camping page which has information on picking a campsite, how to protect water quality, and campfires!
January - December
Quiet hours are 10:00 p.m. until 6:00 a.m.
When visiting, please remember:
- Fireworks are prohibited.
- Dogs must be on a 6 foot leash in the campground.
- Only collect dead and downed wood for campfires.
- No trash containers; please pack out all your trash.
- OHVs cannot go on the Ozark Trail
No fees are required for this site
Dogs are allowed at campsites and developed recreation areas; however, they should not be allowed to run loose in recreation areas where they will disturb other forest visitors. Be mindful of the impact a barking dog can have on other forest visitors.
- Keep dogs on a six-foot, or shorter, leash when they are not inside an enclosed vehicle or tent.
- Store dog food in bear-resistant containers and feed your pet away from the campsite.
- Pick up and bag your dog’s waste. Place it in a provided trash receptacle or pack it out.
- Do not leave your dog unattended at any time.
- Do not leave your dog in the vehicle on a hot day.
- Keep your dog in your tent or vehicle at night.
- Ensure that there is ample water available for your pet.
Address: 10019 W. State Hwy. 8 Potosi, MO 63664
Phone: 573-438-5427
Hours: 8:00 am - 4:30 pm, Monday to Friday; District Offices closed 1 - 1:30 for lunch (Closed on federal holidays)
Office Email: sm.fs.marktwainnf@usda.gov
Getting There
Latitude / Longitude
Latitude: 37.837533
Longitude: -91.01600533
Directions
From Potosi,
From the intersection of MO State Hwy 21 and MO State Hwy 8 in Potosi,
- head West on Hwy 8 approx. 0.2 mile to Hwy P.
- Turn Left onto Hwy P and head West/South for approx. 14 miles to Hwy C.
- Turn Right onto Hwy C and head West for approx. 4.1 miles to Hwy Z on your right.
- Turn Right and head North onto Hwy Z (aka Brazil Rd/Co Rd 657) for approx. 3.1 miles to the campground entrance on your left.
Facility and Amenity Information
Accessibility
Tables, lantern posts, and fire rings are accessible
Restrooms
Restrooms are available at this site.
Water
Potable water is not available at this site.
Picnic Tables
Picnic tables are available at this site.
Nearby Trails
Recreation Opportunities
Day Hikes Info
Trace Creek Section of the Ozark Trail
This section of the Ozark Trail is approximately 24 miles long and is open to foot, mountain bike, and equestrian traffic. From Hazel Creek in the north, it runs south crossing hollows, ridgetops, small streams, and several highways, ending at Hwy.
Courtois Section of the Ozark Trail
This 45-mile long section includes 7.5 miles of state land north of the Narrows Trailhead, crosses private land at the Bass Resort, follows the Berryman Trail from about mile 22 through mile 32, and connects to the Trace Creek Section on the south at the Hazel Creek Trailhead.
Backpacking Info
Trace Creek Section of the Ozark Trail
This section of the Ozark Trail is approximately 24 miles long and is open to foot, mountain bike, and equestrian traffic. From Hazel Creek in the north, it runs south crossing hollows, ridgetops, small streams, and several highways, ending at Hwy.
Courtois Section of the Ozark Trail
This 45-mile long section includes 7.5 miles of state land north of the Narrows Trailhead, crosses private land at the Bass Resort, follows the Berryman Trail from about mile 22 through mile 32, and connects to the Trace Creek Section on the south at the Hazel Creek Trailhead.
Biking - Mountain Info
Trace Creek Section of the Ozark Trail
This section of the Ozark Trail is approximately 24 miles long and is open to foot, mountain bike, and equestrian traffic. From Hazel Creek in the north, it runs south crossing hollows, ridgetops, small streams, and several highways, ending at Hwy.
Courtois Section of the Ozark Trail
This 45-mile long section includes 7.5 miles of state land north of the Narrows Trailhead, crosses private land at the Bass Resort, follows the Berryman Trail from about mile 22 through mile 32, and connects to the Trace Creek Section on the south at the Hazel Creek Trailhead.
Horse Camping Info
Horses are welcome in this primitive campground. Some spurs are large enough to accommodate horse trailers.
There are 10 individual sites with parking spurs, fire rings, tables, and lantern posts, but no drinking water, toilets, or regular mowing. Hazel Creek is suitable for watering stock.
Hitching posts are provided. Do not tie horses directly to trees; if not utilizing hitching posts, use a high line. Scatter manure and leftover hay outside of the campsite.
Horseback Riding Info
Trace Creek Section of the Ozark Trail
This section of the Ozark Trail is approximately 24 miles long and is open to foot, mountain bike, and equestrian traffic. From Hazel Creek in the north, it runs south crossing hollows, ridgetops, small streams, and several highways, ending at Hwy.
Courtois Section of the Ozark Trail
This 45-mile long section includes 7.5 miles of state land north of the Narrows Trailhead, crosses private land at the Bass Resort, follows the Berryman Trail from about mile 22 through mile 32, and connects to the Trace Creek Section on the south at the Hazel Creek Trailhead.
Interpretive Areas/Exhibits Info
Hazel Creek is part of the Old Lead Belt, where much of the nation’s lead ore was once mined. This site features a foundation from a historic lead smelter.
The Trail of Tears National Historic Trail goes through the site. An interpretive sign is available with information on the trail.
Recreation Groups
