SUMMER SALE 50% off The Dyrt PRO — just $2.49/moGet now
SALE: PRO just $2.49/mo

Hercules Glades (Watch Tower)

Campers reach this dispersed camping area via a hilly, twisty forest road that standard passenger cars can navigate. The free primitive sites scatter around the Long Creek Trailhead, where the Hercules Glades Wilderness Area begins just steps from camp. Most spots are designated for walk-in tent camping, though determined van campers report finding drive-up access at the far end near the trailhead itself.

Each site includes a metal fire ring and picnic table, with some featuring designated tent pads on grass and dirt surfaces. Trees provide opportunities for hammock camping at select spots. The single vault toilet stays clean and stocked with toilet paper, though no potable water is available on-site. Hitching rails accommodate equestrian visitors heading into the wilderness area.

Mid-week visits tend toward solitude, with Fred S. noting "it was quiet and peaceful here" during his October stay. The wilderness area trails welcome hikers, backpackers, hunters, and horseback riders. Campers seeking additional options can explore campgrounds near Mark Twain National Forest throughout the region.

Cell service reaches the area, making this a practical base for wilderness exploration. Pack all water needed for your stay.

Suggest an Edit

RV Road Trip Guides

Map & DirectionsHercules Glades (Watch Tower) is located in Missouri near Bradleyville

Detail location of campground
Dispersed Camping

Coordinates

36.68475968 N
92.88304828 W

Open in Google Maps

Connectivity

Presented byT-MobileT-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoorsLearn More
  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile
    No Coverage
    Verified by 2 users
    Last on 6/27/26
  • signal strength bars
    VerizonLTE
    Some Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    AT&TLTE
    Some Coverage
    Verified by 8 users
    Last on 6/27/26

Connectivity

Presented byT-MobileT-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoorsLearn More
  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile
    No Coverage
    Verified by 2 users
    Last on 6/27/26
  • signal strength bars
    VerizonLTE
    Some Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    AT&TLTE
    Some Coverage
    Verified by 8 users
    Last on 6/27/26

Access

  • Drive-In
    Park next to your site
  • Walk-In
    Park in a lot, walk to your site.

Site Types

  • Dispersed

Features

For Campers

  • Picnic Table
  • Phone Service
  • Toilets
  • Pets
  • Fires

DISPERSED CAMPING

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.


PERMIT might be REQUIRED

We curate permit requirements across the US for our PRO members. Try PRO to see if Hercules Glades (Watch Tower) needs a permit.

Drive Time


2026 Explorer Giveaway

Review Campgrounds. Win Prizes.

Enter to Win

Reviews4 Camper Reviews - Hercules Glades (Watch Tower)

Add Review

5 Stars

4 Stars

3 Stars

2 Stars

1 Star

25%
50%
25%
0%
0%

4.0

out of 5

4 Reviews

Campers regularly cited the peaceful, quiet atmosphere and basic but clean facilities at this primitive campground. The remote location offers excellent access to hiking trails with minimal amenities.

Reviewed Oct. 28, 2025

Nice campground with access to trails

Camped here in mid-October 2025. Free national forest primitive campground. Walk-in tent sites, but was able to find a site at the far end to park my van at the site. It was at the Long Creek Trailhead. It was mid-week, so it was quiet and peaceful here. Only one other camper here during our visit who car-camped in a parking lot. Sites included a metal fire ring and table; some with tent pads. Hammock camping is possible depending on the site. My site had a grass and dirt surface. The vault toilet was clean and equiped with tp. No potable water. Hiking into the Hecules Glades Wilderness Area was wonderful. The trails into the wilderness area appear to be open to hikers, backpackers, hunters and equestrian riding. Hitching rails are available at the campground. Access to the campground on the forest road was good; a 2wd passenger car should be able to make it here. Overall, a nice, peaceful overnight stay.

SiteNear Long Creek trailhead
Month of VisitOctober
  • Review photo of Hercules Glades (Watch Tower) by Fred S., October 28, 2025
  • Review photo of Hercules Glades (Watch Tower) by Fred S., October 28, 2025
  • Review photo of Hercules Glades (Watch Tower) by Fred S., October 28, 2025
  • (10) View All
Reviewed Aug. 8, 2021

Quiet and easy

We got here on a pretty hilly/twisty road late at night, found a spot close to the trailhead and had a quiet, peaceful night sleep. We saw just one other camper with a trailer close to the inlet. Just a quick stop on our way, we didn’t hike long in the morning but the trail seemed quiet and secluded; we didn’t see anyone else.

Month of VisitAugust
  • Review photo of Hercules Glades (Watch Tower) by Anna W., August 8, 2021
Reviewed Jun. 27, 2018

Rustic with great hiking

This is a good place for hiking/backpacking. There are several sites around the access road and miles of hiking trails. The only ammenities are some fire rings and 1 toilet. It's a beautiful area but fairly remote and immediate services. Again, good for backpacking/hiking.

Month of VisitMarch

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the elevation of Hercules Glades (Watch Tower)?

Hercules Glades (Watch Tower) is located at 1383 feet.

Are fires allowed at Hercules Glades (Watch Tower)?

Yes, according to campers on TheDyrt.com, fires are allowed at Hercules Glades (Watch Tower), although make sure to check current fire restrictions in the area.

Does Hercules Glades (Watch Tower) have wifi?

No, according to campers on TheDyrt.com, Hercules Glades (Watch Tower) does not have wifi.

Is there cell phone reception at Hercules Glades (Watch Tower)?

According to campers on TheDyrt.com, there is some coverage for AT&T, no coverage for T-Mobile, and some coverage for Verizon.