Turner Mill South Campground

For Missourians seeking an authentic and serene outdoor escape, Turner Mill South Campground offers a truly special experience. Tucked away in the beautiful Mark Twain National Forest in Goebel Township, this campground provides a tranquil setting along the pristine Eleven Point National Scenic River. Unlike more developed campgrounds, Turner Mill South embraces a rustic, primitive camping style, appealing to those who wish to truly disconnect and immerse themselves in the natural beauty of the Ozarks.

Visitors consistently describe Turner Mill South as a "beautiful place" that offers a sense of peace and solitude. Its primary allure is its untouched natural environment, where the gentle flow of the river and the surrounding forest create a calming atmosphere. The proximity to the historic Turner Mill site, located just "across the river," adds a touch of historical intrigue to the natural splendor. This campground is ideal for individuals, couples, or families who cherish quiet time outdoors, prefer uncrowded spaces, and enjoy activities like fishing, floating, and simply taking in the scenic views. It’s a place where you can leave the hustle and bustle behind and truly reconnect with nature.

This article will guide you through the distinctive features of Turner Mill South Campground, detailing its unique location, the essential services it provides, and the highlights that make it a hidden gem for local outdoor enthusiasts in Missouri.

Turner Mill South Campground is situated in Goebel Township, MO 65606, USA, within the sprawling Mark Twain National Forest. Its precise location is on the right bank of the Eleven Point National Scenic River, approximately 22.3 river miles downstream from Greer Crossing Recreation Area. This positioning places it deep within the scenic Ozarks, offering a secluded and immersive natural environment.

Access to Turner Mill South involves navigating rural forest roads. From Alton, MO, travelers can take Highway 19 north for about 2 miles to Highway AA, then turn right/east onto AA and travel 4 miles to County 127/Forest Service Road 3153. A left turn onto County Road 127/Forest Service Road 3153 for approximately 4 miles will lead to Turner Mill South. It's important to note that these are often gravel or unpaved forest roads, so driving cautiously and being prepared for varying road conditions is advisable. While rustic, the access is designed to accommodate vehicles, including those towing small trailers or RVs, though large rigs might find the approach challenging. The campground's remote nature contributes significantly to its peaceful ambiance, making the journey part of the adventure for those seeking a true wilderness experience. Despite its relative seclusion, the presence of the historic Turner Mill site just across the river, accessible via the water, provides a focal point of interest.

Turner Mill South Campground is a rustic access point, providing fundamental services for a primitive camping experience. It’s designed for self-sufficient campers who appreciate minimal interference with nature.

• Primitive Campsites: The campground offers "limited dispersed campsites," with a total of five designated campsites. Each of these sites includes a picnic table, a fire ring, and a lantern post, providing the basic necessities for setting up camp.
• Vault Toilets: A centrally located vault toilet is available, offering a basic restroom facility for campers. It's important to note that this is a primitive toilet and not a flush toilet facility.
• Boat Launch Ramp: A single-lane concrete boat launch ramp provides direct access to the Eleven Point National Scenic River, making it convenient for those bringing canoes, kayaks, or small boats for floating and fishing.
• Picnic Tables: Beyond the individual campsite picnic tables, there may be limited day-use picnic areas with tables available, subject to campsite occupancy.
• No Potable Water: Visitors should be aware that "potable water is not available at this site." Campers must bring all their drinking water or be prepared to filter/treat water from the river.
• No Trash Service: Consistent with Leave No Trace principles, there are "no trash containers at all sites; please pack out all your trash." This requires campers to be responsible for removing all waste.

The true allure of Turner Mill South Campground lies in its exceptional natural features and the tranquil, unplugged experience it provides. These highlights are what draw campers seeking a genuine connection with the Missouri wilderness.

• Eleven Point National Scenic River Access: The primary highlight is its direct location on the Eleven Point National Scenic River. This beautiful, spring-fed river is renowned for its clear, cold waters, making it excellent for floating, canoeing, kayaking, and fishing. The river is designated a Blue Ribbon Trout Area (BRTA) in sections, offering superb trout fishing opportunities, in addition to smallmouth bass, goggle-eye, and other species.
• Historic Turner Mill Site: Across the river from the campground lies the historic Turner Mill site, which features a massive 25-foot steel overshot wheel, remnants of an early 19th-century mill operation. This historical landmark adds a unique cultural dimension to the natural landscape, making for an interesting side trip via boat or a view from across the river.
• Peaceful and Secluded Environment: Reviewers consistently praise the "beautiful and peaceful" atmosphere. As a primitive campground, it offers a level of solitude rarely found in more commercialized parks. This makes it ideal for quiet contemplation, wildlife viewing, and truly disconnecting from the stresses of everyday life.
• Abundant Natural Beauty: Surrounded by the Mark Twain National Forest, the area boasts diverse flora and fauna. Visitors can expect opportunities for birdwatching and observing other wildlife in their natural habitat. The scenic drives leading to the campground also offer glimpses of the beautiful oak/pine forest.
• Free Usage: Notably, there are "no fees" to camp at Turner Mill South, making it an incredibly accessible option for budget-conscious outdoor enthusiasts. This free access emphasizes the campground's primitive and self-sufficient nature.
• Dispersed Camping Opportunities: While there are designated sites, the concept of "dispersed camping" is also relevant here, where campers are encouraged to practice minimal impact camping and respect the natural environment.

Turner Mill South Campground is managed by the USDA Forest Service as part of the Mark Twain National Forest. While there isn't a direct phone number for the campground itself, general inquiries for the Eleven Point Ranger District, which oversees this area, can be made through the following:

Address: QP7J+XW, Goebel Township, MO 65606, USA

For information regarding the Eleven Point Ranger District, you can contact:

Eleven Point/Doniphan Ranger District Office

Address: #66 Confederate Ridge Road Doniphan, MO 63935

Phone: (573) 996-2153

Hours: 8:00 am - 4:30 pm, Monday to Friday (Closed 1 - 1:30 pm for lunch and on federal holidays)

It is always recommended to contact the district office for the most current conditions, fire restrictions, or any specific information before planning your trip, especially given the rustic nature of the campground.

For Missourians who truly value an authentic, peaceful, and unpretentious outdoor experience, Turner Mill South Campground is an exceptionally suitable destination. Located within the breathtaking Mark Twain National Forest on the Eleven Point National Scenic River, it offers an unparalleled opportunity to immerse oneself in the heart of the Ozarks. The designation as a primitive campground, with its free access and basic amenities like fire rings and vault toilets, caters perfectly to those who seek to escape the over-commercialized aspects of modern camping.

This campground is a haven for individuals and families who enjoy floating, fishing for trout in crystal-clear waters, and simply appreciating the tranquility of nature. The historical allure of the Turner Mill site just across the river adds a unique cultural dimension to the natural beauty. The "beautiful and peaceful" atmosphere, as noted by visitors, is the true draw, providing a genuine respite from the demands of daily life. For locals, the accessibility, despite the rural roads, means that a profound wilderness experience is within reach without needing to travel across state lines. It’s a place where you can create lasting memories around a campfire, listen to the sounds of the river, and rediscover the simple joys of the Missouri outdoors. Turner Mill South is not just a campground; it’s an invitation to experience the wild heart of Missouri, unplugged and undisturbed.