Swimming, fishing, and paddling on the Current River draw campers to Log Yard, a dispersed backcountry site within Ozark National Scenic Riverways where the camping is free and the setup is genuinely primitive. The access road splits the experience into two distinct areas: a grassy, tree-shaded section midway down with picnic tables, fire rings, and a vault toilet across the road, and a rocky, sandy stretch at the road's end that puts campers directly on the riverbank with no toilet facilities nearby. Both sections share the same road, which crosses a creek before reaching the sites. Four-wheel drive is recommended, and if rain moves in, leaving sooner rather than later is wise since a rising creek can block the only exit.
Cell service is essentially nonexistent here. The posted QR code booking system requires a signal to use, which creates a practical contradiction reviewers have flagged. Rangers do patrol the area and may ask campers to formally establish a backcountry site, so knowing the process ahead of time helps. The boat ramp at Log Yard also draws locals on weekends, and noise from generators, music, and late arrivals has been a recurring complaint, particularly during peak summer dates. Midweek or off-season visits tend to be quieter.
Litter on the beach is a consistent issue worth noting. The riverbank sites change after floods, so the layout may shift from visit to visit. Elk were reintroduced to this part of Missouri in recent years, and sightings near the river are possible. Campers looking for free camping near Ozark National Scenic Riverways will find several comparable options nearby, including Roberts Field Backcountry Camping — Ozark National Scenic Riverway a few miles to the northwest. Log Yard rewards those who come prepared and time their visit well.
Description
Dispersed Camping
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsLog Yard Campground Backcountry Camping is located in Missouri near Van Buren
Coordinates
37.11087778 N
91.12016428 W
Connectivity
- T-MobileNo Coverage
- VerizonLTESome CoverageVerified by 1 userLast on 3/18/26
- AT&TNo CoverageVerified by 3 usersLast on 7/20/26
Connectivity
- T-MobileNo Coverage
- VerizonLTESome CoverageVerified by 1 userLast on 3/18/26
- AT&TNo CoverageVerified by 3 usersLast on 7/20/26
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Boat-InSites accessible by watercraft.
Site Types
- Dispersed
Features
For Campers
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Pull-Through Sites
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 Log Yard Campground Backcountry Camping — Ozark National Scenic Riverway needs a permit.
Drive Time
- 2 hrs 25 min from Cape Girardeau, MO
- 2 hrs 39 min from Jonesboro, AR
- 2 hrs 40 min from St. Louis, MO
- 2 hrs 57 min from Jefferson City, MO
























