Best Dispersed Camping near Liberty, IL

Silo Access Area provides free primitive camping directly on the Mississippi River west of Liberty, Illinois. This dispersed camping area features a gravel area with approximately 13 sites suitable for RVs and travel trailers, including some curved sites for easier access. A freshly paved area and boat ramp are available, though the ramp may occasionally have logs and sandbars. The location has no electric hookups, water, or sewage facilities.

Campers should come fully self-contained as the area offers only basic amenities with a single trash bin and pit toilets. No drinking water is available on site. Fire rings are permitted, but campers must bring all supplies. A review mentioned, "You sit and watch the barges and various things float by, though you are close to the railroad tracks." The nearby Ranacker Conservation Area offers additional dispersed camping options but with fewer amenities and no toilet facilities. Both areas provide drive-in access and are best suited for visitors seeking off-grid campsites with minimal facilities.

Best Dispersed Sites Near Liberty, Illinois (2)

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Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos near Liberty, IL

3 Photos of 2 Liberty Campgrounds


Dispersed Camping Reviews near Liberty, IL

5 Reviews of 2 Liberty Campgrounds


  • Annie C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 1, 2021

    Silo Access Area - O’Neil Creek

    Free river side camping.

    Primitive camping on the Mississippi River. This is mostly a wide gravel bar that you can set up camp on with great views of the big river. But there are no amenities, and few sites. The road through the campground is nicely graded and there is obviously some work being done to restore the flora- trees being planted, areas marked off for restoration. You will be very close to active train tracks, so bring your earplugs. Be sure to be self contained as there is no vault toilet or porta potty currently. The best sites are at the opposite ends of the flat circle where there are large gravel areas ideal for parking RV’s. The boat ramp was a bit of a mess with logs and sandbars, but I suspect the US Army Corps of Engineers are still in the process of cleaning this access area up from flooding from previous years.

  • Cyndy & Selena R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 31, 2023

    Silo Access Area - O’Neil Creek

    Great quiet location ON the Mississippi River

    Very impressed with this beautiful location. The site is right on the Mississippi River!

    There are 13 sites for RVs and Travel Trailers. Three sites are curved to pull in and out easily. Site 13 is large enough for 2 RVs. There is a large boat ramp. The area is freshly paved and undergoing reforestation. However, there are a lot of trees. No water, no electrical hookups, and no bathrooms. There is 1 small trash bin. Mosquitoes are prevalent.

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Apr. 28, 2022

    Silo Access Area - O’Neil Creek

    great spot to watch the river

    This site is a great place to watch that amazing river pass by.  you sit and watch the barges and various things float by.  really great.  you are close to the RR tracks but there aren't that many trains.  It is not exactly where The dyrt sends you.  on Google maps it's listed as Oneil  Creek, though the entrance is marked as Silo Access.  It's about 1 mile north off RT 79 from Calumet Creek access.  It's a great place.

  • Matthew H.
    Oct. 19, 2021

    Silo Access Area - O’Neil Creek

    Not for tents

    Nice campground with a great view of the Mississippi. You won’t miss the train as it comes by 3-4 times a day. And lots of barges and river boats that are fun to watch not restrooms or hook ups of any kind. So bring your rv, water and a generator. But we will going back again for sure. Can beat free and great views


Guide to Liberty

Primitive camping near Liberty, Illinois primarily concentrates along the Mississippi River with limited facilities and seasonal considerations. The area experiences moderate flooding in spring months, making late summer and fall often the optimal times for riverside dispersed camping. Visitors should plan for variable weather conditions with summer temperatures averaging 75-90°F and occasional severe thunderstorms.

What to do

River fishing access: Silo Access Area offers direct Mississippi River fishing opportunities. "This site is a great place to watch that amazing river pass by," notes camper Jill, who mentions watching barges and river traffic from camp.

Bird watching excursions: The Mississippi Flyway attracts numerous migratory birds, especially during spring and fall seasons. "The area is freshly paved and undergoing reforestation. However, there are a lot of trees," reports Cyndy & Selena R., making this an excellent spot for birders.

Boating preparation: Bring equipment for watercraft launching, but be aware of river conditions. One camper noted, "The boat ramp was a bit of a mess with logs and sandbars," suggesting visitors should inspect the ramp before attempting launches.

What campers like

Mississippi River views: Riverside camping provides continuous water views. Matthew H. at Ranacker Conservation Area shares, "Nice campground with a great view of the Mississippi. You won't miss the train as it comes by 3-4 times a day. And lots of barges and river boats that are fun to watch."

Quiet location: Despite occasional train noise, the area remains relatively peaceful. "Very impressed with this beautiful location. The site is right on the Mississippi River!" writes Cyndy & Selena R.

No reservation requirement: Spontaneous camping trips work well here with first-come, first-served availability. Bryan T. calls it a "Hidden Gem! No facilities, short drive into town."

What you should know

Self-contained camping essential: No water sources exist at these locations. A camper advises, "So bring your RV, water and a generator. But we will going back again for sure. Can beat free and great views."

Primitive facilities only: Prepare for minimal amenities. "This is mostly a wide gravel bar that you can set up camp on with great views of the big river. But there are no amenities, and few sites," writes Annie C.

Navigation challenges: Finding exact locations can be tricky. One review for Silo Access Area clarifies, "It is not exactly where The dyrt sends you. On Google maps it's listed as Oneil Creek, though the entrance is marked as Silo Access. It's about 1 mile north off RT 79 from Calumet Creek access."

Tips for camping with families

Insect protection required: River proximity means abundant insects. Campers note, "Mosquitoes are prevalent," suggesting families bring appropriate repellents and protective clothing.

Train noise preparation: Multiple trains pass nearby daily. "You are close to the RR tracks but there aren't that many trains," mentions one camper, while another advises, "You will be very close to active train tracks, so bring your earplugs."

RV recommendation for families: Tent camping presents challenges here. Matthew H. warns, "Not for tents," explaining that the gravel surfaces and lack of facilities make RV camping more practical for family groups.

Tips from RVers

Site selection strategy: Choose sites at either end of camping areas. "The best sites are at the opposite ends of the flat circle where there are large gravel areas ideal for parking RVs," recommends Annie C.

RV spacing considerations: Some sites accommodate multiple rigs. Cyndy & Selena R. observe, "There are 13 sites for RVs and Travel Trailers. Three sites are curved to pull in and out easily. Site 13 is large enough for 2 RVs."

Supply planning: Bring all necessary supplies for your stay duration. "No water, no electrical hookups, and no bathrooms. There is 1 small trash bin," notes one camper, emphasizing the importance of arriving fully stocked.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Liberty, IL?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Liberty, IL is Silo Access Area - O’Neil Creek with a 4.2-star rating from 5 reviews.