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.

Best Dispersed Sites Near Quincy, Illinois (2)

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Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos near Quincy, IL

3 Photos of 2 Quincy Campgrounds


Dispersed Camping Reviews near Quincy, IL

5 Reviews of 2 Quincy 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 Quincy

Dispersed camping near Quincy, Illinois provides several free or low-cost options for self-contained campers. The Mississippi River region features several conservation areas with primitive camping opportunities, primarily in Missouri locations within 40 miles of Quincy. These sites typically require campers to bring all necessary supplies as most offer minimal or no facilities, making them suited for experienced campers prepared for rustic conditions.

What to do

Wildlife observation: Silo Access Area offers prime viewing of Mississippi River traffic and wildlife. "This site is a great place to watch that amazing river pass by. You sit and watch the barges and various things float by," notes reviewer Jill.

Boating access: The boat ramp at Silo Access Area provides direct river access, though conditions vary seasonally. One camper observed, "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."

Short excursions to town: Ranacker Conservation Area offers primitive camping with relatively convenient access to supplies. As Bryan T. notes about nearby Silo Access, it's a "Hidden Gem! No facilities, short drive into town."

What campers like

River views: The unobstructed Mississippi River vistas provide a constantly changing landscape. One visitor to Silo Access Area commented, "Very impressed with this beautiful location. The site is right on the Mississippi River!"

Cost-free camping: The free campsites near Quincy are appreciated by budget-conscious travelers. As Matthew H. states about Silo Access Area, "Can't beat free and great views."

Relative solitude: These dispersed sites typically see less traffic than developed campgrounds. Bryan T. described his experience as "Off the beaten path," making these spots appealing for those seeking quieter camping experiences.

What you should know

Limited facilities: Most dispersed camping near Quincy requires complete self-sufficiency. According to one reviewer at Silo Access Area, "No water, no electrical hookups, and no bathrooms. There is 1 small trash bin."

Navigation challenges: Some sites may be difficult to locate with standard mapping applications. One camper clarified: "It is not exactly where The Dyrt sends you. On Google maps it's listed as O'Neil Creek, though the entrance is marked as Silo Access. It's about 1 mile north off RT 79 from Calumet Creek access."

Railroad proximity: Noise from trains affects some camping areas. Matthew H. notes, "You won't miss the train as it comes by 3-4 times a day," something to consider when selecting a camping spot.

Tips for camping with families

Insect protection: River proximity means increased insect activity. Cyndy & Selena R. warn, "Mosquitoes are prevalent" at Silo Access Area, making insect repellent essential for comfortable family camping.

Generator requirements: For families needing powered devices, plan accordingly. Matthew H. advises to "bring your RV, water and a generator" when staying at these primitive sites.

Weather monitoring: The Mississippi River flood plain experiences rapid condition changes. Annie C. observed evidence of "flooding from previous years," suggesting families should check weather and river forecasts before planning trips.

Tips from RVers

Site selection: Some locations offer better RV accommodation than others. At Silo Access Area, Cyndy & Selena R. report, "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."

Self-contained requirements: RVers should prepare for no hookups or services. Matthew H. emphasizes that there are "not restrooms or hook ups of any kind. So bring your RV, water and a generator."

Graded access: Road conditions at dispersed sites vary but some areas feature improved surfaces. Annie C. noted that "The road through the campground is nicely graded," which benefits RVers concerned about access.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

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