Brazil Creek Trailhead
4.3014 reviews10019 W. State Hwy. 8 Potosi, MO 63664
Brazil Creek Trailhead
$0.00 - $0.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$0.00
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 are required for the trailhead. Camping fees apply at the Berryman Campground, but specific amounts are not provided.
About this campground
Escape to the tranquil embrace of Brazil Creek Trailhead and Berryman Campground, where adventure meets solitude in the heart of Mark Twain National Forest. This hidden gem serves as your gateway to extraordinary outdoor experiences, whether you're lacing up hiking boots, mounting your bike, or saddling up for an equestrian journey. From this primitive basecamp, you'll have direct access to the legendary 24-mile Berryman Trail and the spectacular 40-mile Courtois Section of the Ozark Trail, making it a dream destination for those who crave authentic wilderness experiences far from the crowds.
Brazil Creek Trailhead and Berryman Campground offer a mix of primitive camping and day-use amenities suitable for equestrians, hikers, and mountain bikers.
Historical SignificanceHistory whispers through the trees at this remarkable site, which once bustled with the energy of young men building America's future. In 1937, the Civilian Conservation Corps established a camp here, where workers carved trails through wilderness and planted the seeds of conservation that still flourish today. Their legacy lives on in every trail you explore and every peaceful moment you experience in this carefully preserved landscape.
Weather and SeasonsEach season paints a different masterpiece at Brazil Creek. Winter transforms the landscape into a crystalline wonderland, with temperatures dipping into the 20s and 30s—perfect for those who enjoy crisp morning hikes and cozy campfire evenings. Summer brings warm, balmy days reaching into the 80s, when the forest canopy provides welcome shade and the creek beckons for cool refreshment. But autumn steals the show here, when comfortable temperatures combine with a breathtaking display of fall colors that turn the Ozark hills into a photographer's paradise.
ElevationNestled within the undulating embrace of the Ozark hills, the campground offers a classic Missouri highland experience. The rolling terrain creates natural amphitheaters and scenic vistas, with gentle rises and valleys that make every hike an adventure in discovering new perspectives of this ancient landscape.
Natural Features and SceneryImmerse yourself in a living tapestry where mighty oaks stand sentinel alongside fragrant pines, creating a cathedral of green overhead. The landscape surprises at every turn—from mysterious glade-like rock outcroppings that seem sculpted by ancient hands to sun-dappled bottomland hardwood groves where wildlife thrives. Cherty ridges rise like natural fortresses, offering spectacular viewpoints, while Brazil Creek meanders through it all, its gentle murmur providing the perfect soundtrack to your outdoor adventure. This diverse ecosystem showcases the Ozarks at their finest, where every trail reveals new wonders.
Geological RegionWelcome to the geological wonderland of the Ozark countryside, where millions of years of Earth's artistry are on full display. The campground sits amid a fascinating mosaic of ancient rock formations, where weathered cherty ridges tell stories of prehistoric seas and dramatic upheavals. Distinctive glade-like outcroppings punctuate forests of towering oak and pine, while bottomland hardwoods thrive in the fertile valleys. This unique geological heritage has created not just stunning scenery, but a remarkably diverse ecosystem where prairie meets forest in ways found nowhere else on Earth.
Campsite details
AccessibilityThe restrooms at this site claim to be accessible, although specifics beyond this are not detailed.
Sites SizeSites are described as reasonably sized, with one review mentioning 'many hidden out of the way.'
Sites PrivacySome sites are secluded, while others are less private due to proximity to the road and trailhead.
Total Campsites8 campsites
Recommended CampsitesSelect sites away from the road to minimize road noise. Consider sites near the creek for access to water.
Best CampsitesOnly one site features a picnic table and fire grate. No specific recommendations for 'best' sites were provided.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
- Day use only
- no overnight camping allowed
Check-out
- Day use only
- no overnight camping allowed
Stay Limit
Amaximum of 14 days is allowed for camping.
Guests Allowed Per Site
The number of guests per site was not specified.
Groups
- Group camping is not explicitly mentioned
- the campground primarily features individual and dispersed sites.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Site layoutThe campground features 8 sites, of which only one includes a picnic table and fire grate. Sites are dispersed and primitive.
Open and Closed SeasonThe site is open year-round (January to December).
Reservation PlatformsNo reservations are required; camping is first-come-first-served.
Walk-in AvailabilityCamping is first-come-first-served at this location.
Cancellation PolicyCancellation rules were not provided as the campground primarily operates on a first-come-first-served basis.
Amenities available
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Cell phone service
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Brazil Creek Trailhead offers a rich selection of outdoor activities, including hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, and primitive camping, centered around the scenic Ozark Trail. The trails traverse oak and pine forests, with frequent switchbacks and glade-like rock outcroppings.
Hiking
The Berryman Trail, a 24-mile loop, is a centerpiece of recreation at this location. It features scenic timbered stands and fields, switchbacks, and diverse flora and fauna. "Couldn't recommend the Berryman Loop more. Trail was gorgeous," praised one user.Biking
Mountain biking is supported, and riders must yield to horseback riders. Trails provide challenging terrain with switchbacks.Winter Activities
Winter camping may be feasible given the campground is open year-round, but no specific winter activities such as ice fishing or cross-country skiing are mentioned.Water Sports
Water sports are not applicable, as the site focuses primarily on trails and primitive camping.Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Fires are allowed in designated fire rings, but users must adhere to Leave No Trace principles.
- Quiet hours are Unspecified
Hazards
General hazardsTicks are prevalent in warmer months, and spider webs are common in brushy areas. Creek crossings may pose hazards during wet conditions.
Active alertsTemporary restroom closures due to COVID-19 have been reported in the past.
Weather forecast
72
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 42%
Comfortable humidity levels
Wind: 6.3 mph
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Overcast
7-Day Forecast
Access to 7-day forecasts tailored to each campground—covering temperature, precipitation, wind, and sky conditions.
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, MO provides the nearest emergency services. Contact the Potosi/Fredericktown Ranger District at 573-438-5427 for additional assistance.
Good to know
Peak season datesPeak season dates are unspecified; the campground is open throughout the year.
Trash and recyclingNo trash and recycling facilities are provided. Visitors are required to pack out all trash as part of Leave No Trace principles.
Proximity to water featuresThe campground is near Brazil Creek, which can be used for watering stock or splashing.
Common complaintsReviews mention road noise, barking dogs, ticks, and an occasional lack of cleanliness in camping areas. Some users also noted the presence of trash and horse manure.
HostNo campground host information was provided.
Campground Map
10019 W. State Hwy. 8 Potosi, MO 63664
Driving directionsFrom St. Louis: Take Highway 21 south 60 miles to Potosi, turn right/west onto Highway 8 and travel 16 miles to Berryman Road. Follow Berryman Road for approximately 5 miles to Floyd Tower Road. Take a left onto Floyd Tower Road and drive about 2 miles to the end of Highway W. Take a right onto Highway W; the entrance to the trailhead is on the right about 1 mile down the road.
Access roads are mostly gravel, and there is a significant pothole near the campground entrance. Additionally, horses and trailers can access the area, but motorized vehicles are prohibited beyond posted signs. The creek crossing may present challenges during wet conditions.Nearby places
Potosi (16 miles, approximately 20 minutes)
St. Louis (76 miles, approximately 1.5 hours)
Nearby supplies
Potosi (16 miles away) offers access to groceries, fuel, and camping supplies.
Camper Reviews
4.3
14 reviews
Brazil Creek Trailhead is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews reflect mixed experiences, with some appreciating the quiet and primitive nature while others criticize issues like road noise, ticks, and trash. Accessibility to trails and the suitability for equestrians are commonly praised.
Review Summaries
Based on 14 reviews
What Campers Love
Quiet setting, access to the scenic Berryman Trail, suitability for equestrian camping, and clean vault toilets (when open).
Based on 14 reviewsCommon Concerns
Road noise, presence of ticks ("Infested with ticks—picked 15+ off my dog," one user noted), occasional trash and horse manure at campsites, and closures of pit toilets during COVID-19.
Based on 14 reviewsPro Tips & Recommendations
Pack out all trash and follow Leave No Trace principles. Bring insect repellent due to ticks. Treat water before drinking as potable water is not provided. For better cell service, walk around the...
Based on 14 reviewsShow more
Seasonal Insights
Summer months are mentioned as busier, while fall and winter are quieter, offering solitude. "Easy access to water and a nice stop on our backpacking trip" in October, stated one user.
Based on 14 reviewsCamper Quotes
1. "Great spot to rough it. No bathrooms and no designated campsites. Show up and enjoy nature." 2. "Way too much road noise at night. Big, diesel pickups flying down the road all thru the night." 3....
Based on 14 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Sites are described as reasonably sized, with one featuring a picnic table and grate. The proximity to the road for some sites is noted negatively.
Based on 14 reviewsAccessibility Features
Accessibility features are not explicitly reviewed in user quotes.
Based on 14 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Pets are allowed but must be leashed. One user highlighted the tick issue affecting their dog during their visit.
Based on 14 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025