Are you a boat person? We’ve seen a number of boats here in the campground, but you won’t find one at our site. We are not boat people. I would never spend all that money on a boat, and Dan, well, he gets seasick.
So, what did we do during our four days at Ray Behrens campground on the shores of Mark Twain Lake?
Trails
Dan and I enjoy walking nearly every day. My daily goal is 7500 steps. Walking also provides a way to see things and chat with those we meet along the way. There are just a few short trails here. In our loop, Deer Run, there are two lake access trails and one other short trail.
The lake access trails provide about a five minute walk to the lake. On each trail, near the end, is a bench where one can sit, look out over the lake and ponder life’s greatest questions. But, I don’t know if I would call these “lake access” trails. Each of the trails end at a short, rocky edge along the water. The only access to the lake, that I see, is for your eyes.
The other trail meanders through the woods. We took this trail to the campground road, walked on the road to the Deer Run loop entrance, and then back to our campsite. The total circle was probably a 20 minute walk, tops.
There are two other camping loops in the Ray Behrens campground. Only one of those offers full hook ups, and it is a bigger loop. The sites look very similar, but this other loop would provide longer walks around the campground.
M.W. Boudreaux Memorial Visitor Center
There is a beautiful Visitor Center about 1.3 miles from our campground. It is open Thursday through Sunday, 8 a.m. until 3 p.m. Unfortunately, we arrived on Sunday at 3:05 pm and are leaving at 7:55 a.m. on Thursday. Well, not exactly, but you get the idea. We missed it. But, we did walk around on the outside.
To the right of the building is the “Northeast Missouri Vietnam Memorial.” Impressive. And moving. Thank you to all of our veterans. You all deserve our thanks and recognition every single day.
To the left of the Visitor Center building is an amphitheater, a paved quarter mile walking trail, a playground, picnic tables and restrooms. There are several lookout points throughout this manicured and inviting area.
Blackjack Marina
Now, we may not be boat people, but that doesn’t mean we can’t go to the marina and . . . . EAT LUNCH!
Blackjack Marina is 1.1 miles from the campground. This is a full service marina, so if you’re a boat person, here’s the link.
Boat rentals are available, so if you want to go on a boat but you don’t want to own a boat, this may be the place for you.
We were only interested in the restaurant and the view, of course. The restaurant was really more of a snack bar, but it did have indoor and outdoor seating.
There was also a book exchange set up in the restaurant/store area which worked out great as one of us, whom I shall not name, forgot their book. Note: I used an improper pronoun in the previous sentence since the proper one would have given away his identity. Oops. Sorry, Sweetie.
Let’s see. There’s one more day left. What shall we do? Well, Ray Behrens campground is about 25 miles from Hannibal, Missouri. But we are not going to spend our last full day in Hannibal, even though it’s a great place to visit. We are going somewhere else, to visit a place we’ve never been, a land we’ve never seen. Perhaps you’ll be able to guess where we going. After all, there are clues to be found.
Chambers on the Road 
I dunno, but I am thinking something to do with Mark Twain? I am still losing sleep over not knowing who Ray Behrens was…I may have to give up and Google him. Hope you have/are having/had a great day where ever it is that you are. 🙂
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Nooooooooo! Don’t do it! Stay strong. I know you can! We are having a good time. I hope you’re having a great day, too!
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I’m originally from the St. Louis area. I was an avid bass fisherman back in the day. Ray Behrens was one of the spots I stayed when fishing there. Brings back memories.
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Sounds like good memories! Very nice area. Thanks for your comment, and enjoy your day!
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Hmmm – If not Hannibal, then maybe Florida, Mo ? Great post and photos! I especially love the leading lines in your photos of the trails. Well done!
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Thank you. You’ll have to wait a day or two to find out how smart you are. 🙂 Have a good day!
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I see there’s a state Park at Monroe Mo (close to Florida, Mo) – so that’s my final answer 😉
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🙂
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Maybe Mexico, if not Louisiana? Great pictures!
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Both of those would be great to visit. I especially like the Louisiana suggestion. We’ll have to go there sometime. Thanks for your participation! Enjoy your day!
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I miss our boat. We traded it for the camper. Not directly, but sold the boat and bought the camper the same week. We use the camper more than we ever did the boat, but I still miss her.
BYW if you’re really thinking of going to Florida may I suggest waiting until this winter. It’s much too hot there now. — Happy Days and Safe Travels
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Well, at least you have good memories of your boat. Was there a boat blog? No Florida plans for us this summer. I agree; it’s too hot at that time of year. My brother lives in St. Cloud, and he always uses curse words to describe the summers. Enjoy your days, too, and safe travels!
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No boat blog. LOL
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OK inquiring minds want to know, who in the world is Ray Behrens? Come on now, fess up and let us know. It looks like a fantastic place to spend a few days. Glad you are having such a great time. I must confess I’ve not done much walking lately, but I need to get back to it. Thanks a bunch for the pictures of the Vietnam Memorial. Just think how many beautiful memories you will be coming back home with.
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That Vietnam Memorial was very moving. It was given a prominent location. There were also pictures around it of the fallen soldiers from the area.
We do enjoy our walking. Right now, we are doing it in the morning and then after dinner. We don’t try to walk fast, just our normal pace. And if we want to stop and chat, we do! If we tried to walk fast and not chat, we wouldn’t enjoy it. Enjoy your day!
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