Best Dispersed Camping near Quincy, IL
Dispersed camping options near Quincy, Illinois concentrate around the Mississippi River, with Silo Access Area (also known as O'Neil Creek) providing free primitive riverside camping. This Missouri-side site offers direct river access approximately 35 miles southeast of Quincy. While limited in established dispersed camping areas, this location provides an opportunity for self-contained camping in a natural setting. The site features a boat ramp and is managed as a conservation area with ongoing reforestation efforts.
Access to Silo Access Area involves a drive-in approach suitable for both tents and RVs, with graded roads leading to the camping area. The site includes approximately 13 spots for vehicles, with some curved areas designed for easier maneuvering of RVs and travel trailers. No drinking water, electric hookups, or sewer connections are available, requiring campers to be entirely self-sufficient. While toilets exist at the site, facilities are minimal. Campers should prepare for prevalent mosquitoes, particularly given the riverside location. Fires are permitted, though firewood must be brought in.
The Mississippi River dominates the camping experience at Silo Access Area, providing opportunities to watch river traffic including barges and boats. The recently paved area features ongoing reforestation work, though existing trees provide some shade. Proximity to active train tracks means occasional noise disruption, with trains passing 3-4 times daily. "This site is a great place to watch that amazing river pass by. You sit and watch the barges and various things float by," according to one review on The Dyrt. Another camper noted, "The site is right on the Mississippi River with 13 sites for RVs and Travel Trailers." While not ideal for tent camping according to some visitors, the location receives positive ratings for its river views and accessibility.
