Free Camping Collection
Dispersed Camping
FS-2363 Dispersed Camping - Murphy Overlook
About
USDA Forest Service
Mark Twain National Forest
Many people enjoy the solitude and peaceful experience of camping away from large groups of people. Dispersed camping is the term used for free camping anywhere in the National Forest OUTSIDE of a designated campground. Dispersed camping means there are no toilets, no structures, no trash cans, no treated water, and no fire grates. There are extra responsibilities required for this type of camp. It's a must to educate yourself before you try it, but we hope the adventure of dispersed camping in the Mark Twain National Forest calls to you!
Picking a Campsite
If you are going to an area where others have camped, pick a site that's been used before. If there is no existing campsite, then follow these Leave No Trace guidelines:
Camp on bare soil if possible, to avoid damaging or killing plants and grass. Camp 100 feet away from any water source - plants near water and water sources are fragile. Camp 100 feet away from any administrative site (Trails, Recreational Areas and/or Building). Campfires
Many wildfires are caused by human activity, including escaped fires from dispersed campers. Campfires are allowed UNLESS there are fire restrictions in effect-know before you go!
Use camp stoves when possible
Use existing fire rings if they exist; NEVER LEAVE A FIRE UNATTENDED.
When ashes are COLD and DEAD OUT, scatter outside of the campsite before you leave.
If you don't bring wood, collect only dead/downed wood. Please never cut any live trees.
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
Stay Connected
- WiFiUnknown
- VerizonGood
- AT&TUnknown
- T-MobileUnknown
Site Types
- Dispersed
Features
For Campers
- Phone Service
- Pets
- Fires
TravelerPretty and Remote (Saw a black bear)
I'd recommend something AWD or be comfortable with momentum style driving, don't need clearance just need the traction on some of the hills. Once there you see no one, hear nothing and have the place to yourself. Great view. Not large, this is not a multi-car big group place. I'd say 2 small car MAX.
Saw an adult black bear when we left, only about 0.5 a mile from camp. Ran across the road in front of us. Keep that in mind!
TravelerVery quiet and remote
This was a very good location if you want some remote dispersed camping. I went on a Saturday night in January and only saw two people drive the forest service road. One on the Saturday afternoon I arrived and one on the Sunday morning I departed. There is a nice fire pit made of stones on the site and someone left some leveling blocks for your car as well. It had one of the best sunsets I’d seen in awhile. Being that far from civilization, there was no light pollution so seeing the stars and getting some night photos is possible. There was plenty of dead wood around the area so if you don’t bring enough firewood you can round up some.
One complaint about the site was I definitely heard gunshots in the area. Not sure if there was a gun range nearby or just some other campers further down the road having a good time. Just wasn’t the most comfortable thing since I was solo camping.
Like the previous review says it’s a 4x4 or AWD gravel road. I would not attempt with any other car.
AT&T service was spotty - basically nonexistent. So if you’re looking for a place to escape and unwind, this is a great location.
- (7) View All
TravelerGorgeous solitude
This site is accessible by AWD and 4x4 but I would hesitate to attempt it with any other car. The drive to the site from highway 32 is just over 6 miles on a forest service road (2363). There is a beautiful view of the valley to the south west and we were treated to an incredible sunset. Reasonably close to Johnson Shut Ins and Elephant Rock State park. This is a keeper.
Location
FS-2363 Dispersed Camping - Murphy Overlook is located in Missouri
Coordinates
37.611160029163585 N
90.93684034614076 W