Spring in Missouri may just be my favorite season of the year. The plants start to bloom, the weather’s cool and the state parks and forests aren’t too packed with people yet. Before summer hits and the campgrounds get overpopulated, I suggest taking a trip to this beautiful forest oasis.

Marble Creek Recreation Area is located in the breathtaking Mark Twain National Forest.
Missouri Division of Tourism/flickr
Missouri's very own national forest encompasses 1.5 million acres of beautiful public land. It features over 750 miles of hiking trails and a number of rivers and creeks for outdoor enthusiasts to explore.
This hidden gem of a campground offers twenty-five single campsites, one double and four picnic areas.
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The best thing about these campsites is that most of them are set up along the creek.
Vanessa Righeimer/Only In Missouri
Each campsite includes a picnic table, a fire ring and a lantern post.
N/flickr
It's not a glampground by any means. There's no running water and it only has vault toilets. Still, the natural beauty of this place makes it a true treasure.

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On a perfect spring morning, you'll notice the fog rising above the creek as you wake up.
Vanessa Righeimer/Only In Missouri
There may be no running water, but the clear creek water is a perfect alternative to rinse off after an adventure-filled day.
After you set up camp, time to explore the spillway.
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Marble Creek rushes 20 miles through the St. Francois Mountains. At the campground, you'll be able to see the concrete remains of a gristmill-dam, which operated until 1935.
The magical Ozark Trail runs right through the campground.
Vanessa Righeimer/Only In Missouri
If you're up for some rugged hiking, explore the Ozark Trail. The entire trail is over 350 miles long and is estimated to be 500 miles long when it's completed. If you're not ready for that long of a voyage, you can hike the 8-mile Marble Creek segment that connects to Crane Lake.
It's the perfect place for stargazing.
Photo Credit
Though the campground is tucked away in rich forestry, there are still some openings in the tree canopies to spot some beautiful stars. In this photo, campers were able to see the Milky Way at night.

Another awesome thing about this campground? It’s absolutely free! To learn about other nearby attractions, click here. Marble Creek Recreation Area is located along State Hwy E in
Fredericktown, Missouri.

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