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Dispersed Camping

Big River Primitive Campground

2 Reviews

Big River Primitive Campground is located near the Big River in Missouri, offering a terrain of forests and riverbanks. Temperatures range from lows in the 20s Fahrenheit during winter to highs in the 80s during summer. Nearby attractions include Taum Sauk Mountain State Park and Johnson's Shut-Ins State Park, providing opportunities for hiking and exploring natural features.

Description

US Forest Service

Mark Twain National Forest

Backcountry Primitive Campsite next to a water source with a fire ring. All garbage must be carried out

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Location

Big River Primitive Campground is located in Missouri

Coordinates

37.70012164 N
90.94757118 W

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Access

Hike-In
Backcountry sites.

Stay Connected

WiFi
Good
Verizon
Good
AT&T
Good
T-Mobile
Poor

Site Types

Dispersed

Features

For Campers

Pets
Fires

Enjoy dispersed camping on government land and leave no trace. Pack in and pack out. No (or limited) services at this camping area. Permit may be required.

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Contact

General Info

Drive Time

1 hr 41 min from St. Louis
1 hr 44 min from Cape Girardeau
2 hrs 13 min from Jefferson City
2 hrs 42 min from Columbia

Jeremy G.

Guide

Reviewed Dec. 18, 2020

Clean water, peaceful surroundings

Easy to find. Clean crisp water from the river at its origin. Quiet and perfect.

Matt S.

Legend

Reviewed Sep. 21, 2017

OZARK TRAIL: Make sure you stay at Big River

OZARK TRAIL: I backpacked 50 miles during spring break on the Ozark Trail between Council Bluff Lake and Johnson Shutins State park. When I planned the trip the only information for camping that was available were regulations requiring you to camp 100 feet from the trail.

I have to admit that the Ozark Trail Association provides amazing resources about the Ozark Trail but they fail to describe what has become primitive backcountry campsites all along the trail. Many of these sites are marked on the detailed National Geographic maps provided for free by the Association as water holes, but they are also clearly set up as campsites as well.

Make sure you bring a water purifier. It is some of the best tasting water I have ever had.

BIG RIVER: Make sure you plan your trip so that you can spend the night at Big River. It is an easy hike from Council Bluff Lake and is at the bottom of a hill. Big River isn't really a river but it is a reliable creek with a beautiful setting. It has a nice fire pit with plenty of large logs for seating. It can hold about ten campers comfortably. Tip: Dig your cat hole before you go to sleep and make sure it is at least 100 feet from the water.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Are fires allowed at Big River Primitive Campground?

Yes, according to campers on TheDyrt.com, fires are allowed at Big River Primitive Campground, although make sure to check current fire restrictions in the area.

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