Berryman Campground
4.2951 reviews10019 W. State Hwy. 8 Potosi, MO 63664
Berryman Campground
$0.00 - $15.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$15.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
No fees required to enter the campground. Camping at single sites costs $15/night. Day use fee is $5 per vehicle or $50 for groups of up to 74 people.
About this campground
Tucked away in the heart of the Ozarks, Berryman Campground offers an intimate escape where history meets wilderness. This peaceful retreat, built on the foundations of a 1937 Civilian Conservation Corps camp, features just 8 thoughtfully spaced campsites, each complete with its own picnic table, lantern post, and fire ring. Adventure seekers flock here for direct access to the legendary 24-mile Berryman Trail, where winding paths beckon hikers, mountain bikers, and equestrians through some of Missouri's most captivating backcountry. Far from the crowds, this hidden gem provides the perfect basecamp for those seeking authentic Ozark solitude.
Berryman Campground caters primarily to primitive and tent camping. RV camping is allowed but limited to vehicles no longer than 21 feet. There are no group or luxury camping options available.
Historical SignificanceStep back in time at this living piece of American history, where young men of the Civilian Conservation Corps once labored to heal a wounded landscape during the Great Depression. From 1937, the Berryman CCC Camp served as a beacon of hope and hard work, with corps members planting hundreds of thousands of trees that now tower overhead, carving out the forest roads you'll travel today, and constructing fire lookout towers that once stood sentinel over these ancient hills. Their legacy lives on in every trail, every mature forest stand, and in the very ground where modern campers now pitch their tents.
Weather and SeasonsExperience the full drama of Ozark seasons at Berryman, where crisp winter mornings give way to frost-kissed trails perfect for peaceful exploration. Spring arrives in a burst of wildflowers and rushing streams, while summer brings warm, humid days ideal for early morning adventures and lazy afternoon siestas in the shade. Fall transforms the surrounding forest into a tapestry of gold and crimson, creating picture-perfect camping conditions with cool nights around the campfire.
Natural Features and SceneryImmerse yourself in a living canvas painted with towering oaks, whispering pines, and lush bottomland hardwoods that create a multi-layered forest sanctuary. The renowned Berryman Trail winds through this diverse ecosystem, revealing hidden treasures at every turn: sun-drenched glades where ancient limestone outcroppings break through the earth, deep forest hollows where wildlife thrives undisturbed, and seasonal wildflower displays that transform the understory into nature's own garden. This is the Ozarks at its most authentic, where every sunrise brings new discoveries.
Geological RegionSet within the timeless Ozark highlands, Berryman showcases the region's distinctive geological personality through its rolling terrain of cherty ridges and recovered old fields. This ancient landscape tells a story millions of years in the making, where weathered limestone gives way to forests of oak, pine, and bottomland hardwood. The rocky soil, scattered with characteristic Ozark chert, supports a unique ecosystem that has evolved over millennia, creating the perfect backdrop for outdoor adventures and quiet contemplation alike.
Campsite details
AccessibilityThe campground has paved roads and accessible sidewalks connecting some sites to the restroom and picnic pavilion. Some picnic tables are wheelchair accessible.
Sites SizeSites are suitable for small campers and vehicles, with a restriction of 21 feet in length.
Sites PrivacySites are spread apart, offering moderate privacy. However, one user noted, "Not much site seclusion."
Total Campsites8 campsites
Recommended Campsites“Spots are spread apart and well maintained,” according to one user review. RV spots may require levelers due to uneven parking areas.
Best CampsitesSpecific sites are not highlighted as better than others, but user reviews mention spacious layouts and good spacing between sites.
Reserving a campsite
Stay Limit
No explicit limits stated.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Single sites accommodate typical guests for this type of campground.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Site layoutAll sites are paved with a concrete pad, picnic table, lantern post, and fire ring.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen year-round from January to December.
Reservation PlatformsNo reservations available; sites are first-come, first-served.
Walk-in AvailabilityAll sites are first-come, first-served. User reviews confirm easy availability outside peak periods.
Cancellation PolicyNo official cancellation policy since reservations are not available. Sites are first-come, first-served.
Amenities available
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Visitors at Berryman Campground can enjoy a variety of outdoor activities, including hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, and picnicking. The 24-mile Berryman Trail is a highlight, offering opportunities for day hikes, backpacking, and multi-day excursions. The area is known for its scenic Ozark countryside and diverse flora and fauna.
Hiking
The 24-mile loop Berryman Trail is popular for day hikes and longer backpacking trips. It traverses the Ozark countryside with timbered stands, glade-like rock outcroppings, and elevation changes. "There are a lot of elevation changes and side-hills on this trail, but it is still a moderate trail overall." The trail also serves as part of the Courtois Section of the Ozark Trail.Biking
The Berryman Trail is a destination spot for mountain biking. It features a 24-mile loop with various elevations and side hills, making it moderately challenging. "The trail is marked with Ozark Trail blazes," ensuring easy navigation.Cultural and Educational Programs
The campground is rich in history as the site of the 1930s Civilian Conservation Corps Camp, with remnants of foundation structures and historical significance described in detail.Winter Activities
The campground is open year-round, but specific winter activities such as snowshoeing or skiing are not mentioned.Water Sports
Non-motorized water sports are not available at this campground.Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Campfires must be in designated fire rings.
- Quiet hours from 10 pm to 6 am.
Hazards
General hazardsPotential poison ivy encounters, as mentioned in user reviews. Wildlife activity may require storing food securely.
Active alertsNo active alerts or closures noted.
Weather forecast
72
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 39%
Comfortable humidity levels
Wind: 5.5 mph
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Overcast
7-Day Forecast
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Daily & Hourly Insights
View hourly forecasts with expected weather patterns throughout the day.
Temperature Trends
Visualize how temperatures shift over the month to help pick the most comfortable days for your trip.
Precipitation Trends
Plan around rain or snow with monthly visualizations of expected precipitation patterns.
Weather Summaries
Assess conditions with visuals for easier decision-making on when and where to camp.
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Emergency Services
Potosi/Fredericktown Ranger District, 15 miles away, 10019 W. State Hwy. 8 Potosi, MO 63664. Phone: 573-438-5427.
Good to know
Trash and recyclingNo trash service is available; visitors are required to pack out their trash. Recycling is not mentioned.
Proximity to water featuresSmall stream accessible via the trailhead according to one user review; no creeks nearby.
Common complaintsMultiple user reviews note the lack of potable water and poor cell service. Some complaints about road noise and nearby logging activity.
Campground Map
10019 W. State Hwy. 8 Potosi, MO 63664
Driving directionsFrom St. Louis, take Highway 21 south 60 miles to Potosi, then turn right/west onto Highway 8 and travel 16 miles to FR 2266. Follow FR 2266 to the Berryman Campground.
Paved roads all the way to the campground. Some user reviews mentioned the road being paved but steep in areas, especially for trailers.Nearby places
Potosi - approximately 15 miles
Nearby supplies
Supplies can be obtained at Potosi, 15 miles away, which includes grocery stores, fuel stations, and other essentials.
Camper Reviews
4.3
51 reviews
Berryman Campground is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews highlight the campground's quiet and serene setting, historical significance, and proximity to recreational opportunities like hiking and biking on the Berryman Trail. Positive notes include well-maintained campsites and clean vault toilets, while common complaints focus on the lack of potable water, occasional noise from logging trucks, and limited cell service.
Review Summaries
Based on 51 reviews
What Campers Love
Guests praised the campground for its quiet atmosphere, cleanliness, and historical charm. "Lovely basic campsites with fire pits, a pavilion, and outhouse. Beautiful area." Another user mentioned,...
Based on 51 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
The most frequent complaints include lack of potable water ("Bring water, as there is not a source for any water"), noise from logging trucks ("Logging trucks running the main road love their Jake...
Based on 51 reviewsShow more
Pro Tips & Recommendations
Campers recommend bringing sufficient water and a reliable water filter for stream water. Firewood can be bought at the corner of Highway 8 and Berryman. Horse campers are advised, "Turn left...
Based on 51 reviewsShow more
Seasonal Insights
The campground is quietest in the off-season, such as winter and early spring, with fewer campers. During summer, it may encounter more noise from logging operations. Fall is popular for its scenic...
Based on 51 reviewsShow more
Camper Quotes
"Awesome campground. Have stayed a couple times." "Great little free campsite. Paved roads all the way in, fire rings, and spacious campsites."
Based on 51 reviewsSite-Specific Reviews
Several users commented on the spaciousness and cleanliness of the sites: "Concrete pads for smaller campers." However, one user noted the vault toilets were "a mess" during their visit.
Based on 51 reviewsAccessibility Features
Some picnic tables and sidewalks are wheelchair accessible. However, there are no specific reviews from users with disabilities.
Based on 51 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Multiple users emphasized the importance of leashing pets: "Keep dogs on a six-foot leash when not inside a tent or vehicle." No negative incidents involving pets were reported.
Based on 51 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025