Best Dispersed Camping near Alton, MO

Searching for a dispersed campsite near Alton? Find the best information on dispersed campgrounds near Alton, including photos, reviews, and tips. Search dispersed campsites you've visited before, or discover new spots and read camper reviews.

Best Dispersed Sites Near Alton, MO (11)

    Camper-submitted photo from Cane Bluff River Access
    Camper-submitted photo from Cane Bluff River Access
    Camper-submitted photo from Cane Bluff River Access
    Camper-submitted photo from Cane Bluff River Access
    Camper-submitted photo from Cane Bluff River Access
    Camper-submitted photo from Cane Bluff River Access
    Camper-submitted photo from McCormack Lake Rec Area

    2. McCormack Lake Rec Area

    3 Reviews
    1 Photo
    23 Saves
    Alton, Missouri

    McCormack Lake Recreation Area is located near Greer Spring and offers good fishing and boating. It is located on paved Forest Road 3155 off of Highway 19. This site has semi-developed picnic and camping facilities. There is hiking at McCormack Lake Recreation Area also. This is a trailhead for the 3.7-mile McCormack-Greer Trail, which ends at Greer Crossing Picnic Area and also connects to Ozark Trail. The 15-acre lake is stocked annually with panfish and bass being the catch of the day. The lake is a non-motorized area; boat motors are not allowed. An electric trolling motor is permitted. There is ample parking for picnickers and fishermen. The campground is primitive with limited picnic tables, firerings and lantern posts. A vault toilet is provided. No water is available.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Tents
    • Trash
    • Picnic Table
    • Drinking Water
    Camper-submitted photo from Blue Spring Backcountry Camping — Ozark National Scenic Riverway
    Camper-submitted photo from Blue Spring Backcountry Camping — Ozark National Scenic Riverway
    Camper-submitted photo from Blue Spring Backcountry Camping — Ozark National Scenic Riverway
    Camper-submitted photo from Blue Spring Backcountry Camping — Ozark National Scenic Riverway
    Camper-submitted photo from Blue Spring Backcountry Camping — Ozark National Scenic Riverway
    Camper-submitted photo from Blue Spring Backcountry Camping — Ozark National Scenic Riverway

    3. Blue Spring Backcountry Camping — Ozark National Scenic Riverway

    6 Reviews
    15 Photos
    92 Saves
    Mountain View, Missouri

    Backcountry camping on Jacks Forks River

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
    • Dispersed
    • Picnic Table
    Camper-submitted photo from Log Yard Campground Backcountry Camping — Ozark National Scenic Riverway
    Camper-submitted photo from Log Yard Campground Backcountry Camping — Ozark National Scenic Riverway
    Camper-submitted photo from Log Yard Campground Backcountry Camping — Ozark National Scenic Riverway
    Camper-submitted photo from Log Yard Campground Backcountry Camping — Ozark National Scenic Riverway
    Camper-submitted photo from Log Yard Campground Backcountry Camping — Ozark National Scenic Riverway
    Camper-submitted photo from Log Yard Campground Backcountry Camping — Ozark National Scenic Riverway
    • No image available
      • No image available
        Camper-submitted photo from Beaver Lake Recreation Area

        7. Beaver Lake Recreation Area

        2 Reviews
        1 Photo
        45 Saves
        Ellsinore, Missouri

        Beaver Lake is 15 acres in size. Primitive camping is allowed but no facilities are provided. It offers a gravel ramp for boat access. The lake has been stocked with channel catfish, bluegill, redear sunfish, and black bass. 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! Pick a Campsite and follow the Leave No Trace Principles Camp 100 feet away from trails and water sources. Treat any water found in the area before consuming it. Human waste (Feces) must be buried at least 6 inches deep and covered. Pack out all of your garbage.

        • Pets
        • Fires
        • Phone Service
        • Dispersed
        • Alcohol
        Camper-submitted photo from Sunklands Conservation Area
        Camper-submitted photo from Sunklands Conservation Area
        Camper-submitted photo from Sunklands Conservation Area
        Camper-submitted photo from Sunklands Conservation Area
        Camper-submitted photo from Sunklands Conservation Area
        Camper-submitted photo from Sunklands Conservation Area

        8. Sunklands Conservation Area

        1 Review
        6 Photos
        24 Saves
        Hartshorn, Missouri

        Few regions today preserve the wild and natural beauty of the Ozarks as well as Sunklands. Sunklands Conservation Area combined the former Sunklands-Burr Oak Basin Natural Area and Skunk Pond, Hartshorn, and Shannondale conservation areas with Kerr-McGee land. Sunklands is valuable for its array of native plant and animal species. The area is the only known habitat in Missouri for monkshood, a showy purple wildflower. Several upland ponds or sinkholes contain water and form a marshy area. The wetlands are rare and important homes to salamanders and other amphibians that require a fish-free habitat. Open Camping - Walk-in/Float-in/Backpack Designated Camping Sites

        • Pets
        • Fires
        • Dispersed
        • No image available

          9. White Ranch Conservation Area Dispersed

          Be the first to review!
          6 Saves
          Moody, Missouri

          White Ranch Conservation Area is located in Howell County, approximately 11 miles south of West Plains. White Ranch is the local name for a region of land previously owned by Harry White. The 6,703-acre area is mostly forested.

          Visitors to the area will find abundant populations of deer, turkey, and other forest wildlife species. The area offers fishing opportunities along the South Fork of the Spring River.

          A shooting range is located near the end of Trail #6. Its facilities include a 50- and 100-yard rifle range, plus an area set aside for shotguns. The parking lot, ranges, and public restrooms are accessible to disabled users.

          During your visit to the area, you may notice various forest management activities that are designed to improve tree growth, quality, and species composition. These practices also improve wildlife habitat and watershed quality.

          • Dispersed
          Camper-submitted photo from Sycamore Loop Dispersed
          Camper-submitted photo from Sycamore Loop Dispersed
        Showing results 1-10 of 11 campgrounds

        Recent Dispersed Reviews in Alton

        22 Reviews of 11 Alton Campgrounds


        • Joseph A.The Dyrt PRO User
          Camper-submitted photo from Log Yard Campground Backcountry Camping — Ozark National Scenic Riverway
          Aug. 7, 2024

          Log Yard Campground Backcountry Camping — Ozark National Scenic Riverway

          Remote camp on the river

          Log yard is a Backwoods camping area on the current river. 4 wheel drive is recommended. You have to cross a creek to get to this location. If the weather moves in. It would be wise to pack up and move out while you can. If the creek comes up, you may not be able to cross it again. There is one good established campsite at this location and 2 not so good ones. The area changes after a flood, and the campsites have to be reestablished. There is a boat ramp at this location that is a favorite hang out of the locals. They will drink, play loud music, and leave trash lay around. This stretch of the current is 25-hp boat territory. There will be boat traffic on the river on the weekends. Log yard is part of the Ozark scenic river ways, which is FEDERAL LAND. You may have an encounter with a forest ranger at this campsite. If you do, they will ask for your info and have you establish a Backwoods campsite. Be respectful and don't upset the Rangers. They don't play in the Ozark scenic river ways. This camp is beautiful and wild. NO CELL SERVICE. If you're lucky, you may see the local elk herd. They reintroduced elk in this area a few years ago. Get out and enjoy what Missouri has to offer

        • VThe Dyrt PRO User
          Camper-submitted photo from Log Yard Campground Backcountry Camping — Ozark National Scenic Riverway
          Jul. 21, 2024

          Log Yard Campground Backcountry Camping — Ozark National Scenic Riverway

          Beautiful spot, noisy campers

          The scenery of this dispersed camping area is definitely a five star for the area. Nice view and access to the Current River. Plenty of stars out at night. There is an area of more traditional campground spaces you come across first but the dispersed style spots are further down the road. There’s still a $10/night fee. Even though there are fire rings all along the rocky beach, locals use this area as a boat launch and park their trucks and trailers in the camping areas. The campers who came in late on our last night destroyed the peaceful ambiance; loud kids running all over and pulling branches down from living trees, loud music past quiet hours and most running generators. That downgraded my rating from five stars overall. This would be a great place midweek or off season but definitely not going back during peak times due to the discourteous people.

        • R
          Camper-submitted photo from Beaver Lake Recreation Area
          Apr. 6, 2024

          Beaver Lake Recreation Area

          Ticks, pigs, and limited spots

          This area is beautiful and overall I recommend it but we did have trouble finding a flat spot. I think they're only five or six decent spots total. We met a local who warned us of wild pigs that will charge you and a lot of ticks in the forest.

        • JThe Dyrt PRO User
          Camper-submitted photo from Sycamore Loop Dispersed
          Mar. 15, 2024

          Sycamore Loop Dispersed

          Ok place

          Ok place to camp, pretty secluded, old campground but most spots no longer seemed camp friendly, as new tree growth has taken over. Seems to be a guy living in a rv at the end of the road which is really close to the one camping friendly spot, kinda kills the dispersed camping vibe.

        • R
          Camper-submitted photo from Whitten River Access
          Jun. 17, 2023

          Whitten River Access

          Great place for kayakers

          It has river access via a boat ramp and "dock". There are several level, clear places to camp with enough room for rv's. The road in is rough gravel and a big rv will be slow going. However, I've seen so good size rv's there. It's free and first come camping. There's a vault toilet. It's otherwise primitive camping. Our group kayaks in during trout fishing trips and have never had a problem finding a place to camp. The Eleven Point River is beautiful and cold. Some of the best outdoor fun for adventurous people.

        • Hannah H.
          Camper-submitted photo from Log Yard Campground Backcountry Camping — Ozark National Scenic Riverway
          Aug. 28, 2022

          Log Yard Campground Backcountry Camping — Ozark National Scenic Riverway

          One of a kind

          This was definitely one of, if not my favorites campsites I’ve stayed at! There is a small campground on by the bathrooms with designated sites, and then dispersed camping on the beach. Super pretty spot and great for swimming, but people are pretty bad about cleaning ups free themselves so quite a bit of litter on the beach. Overall a great stay!!

        • Malayna F.
          Camper-submitted photo from Log Yard Campground Backcountry Camping — Ozark National Scenic Riverway
          May. 21, 2022

          Log Yard Campground Backcountry Camping — Ozark National Scenic Riverway

          One of the best spots ive camped at!

          This place is like a hidden treasure. lots of space on the bank to have privacy from other campers, the river was blue and super pretty, and the area was very clean. i didnt see litter anywhere. there is no cell service so youll have to drive up the road to ellington to get anything. overall it was a very relaxing experience, i HIGHLY recommend this campsite.

        • H
          Camper-submitted photo from Log Yard Campground Backcountry Camping — Ozark National Scenic Riverway
          May. 7, 2022

          Log Yard Campground Backcountry Camping — Ozark National Scenic Riverway

          Hidden gem

          This site was a fantastic spot hidden pretty far off the beaten path. We had to fjord an overflowing stream that went across the road but didn’t have any trouble in our Jeep Wrangler. When we arrived we saw a couple tents at a site before we reached the water and only one vehicle by the water at the first “site”. We drive along a path past that first site and parked in another partially hidden water access site. It was perfect. Never heard or saw anyone else. Beautiful sunrise hitting the trees and the stone along the opposite side of the river in the morning. Highly recommend. Just be aware you will not have cell service.

        • Greg H.
          Camper-submitted photo from Beaver Lake Recreation Area
          Sep. 8, 2021

          Beaver Lake Recreation Area

          Nice place, well off the beaten path.

          Way back off of a gravel road... There's at least two pull-offs that I've seen, I'm sure there's more. Disperse camping no facilities but it's nice back here... Fire pit... Not much company & free

        • Katie B.
          Camper-submitted photo from Sunklands Conservation Area
          Aug. 13, 2021

          Sunklands Conservation Area

          Great for those who want to be alone

          This is an olen camping area as it’s in a conversation area. There are no sites you just pick your spot. We had a great time exploring the outdoors- saw no other people and only heard nature and airplanes

        • b
          Camper-submitted photo from Log Yard Campground Backcountry Camping — Ozark National Scenic Riverway
          Jan. 30, 2021

          Log Yard Campground Backcountry Camping — Ozark National Scenic Riverway

          Great spot to car camp

          It was a little barren this time of year, I mostly had the beach site to myself, other than what I image was a group of high schoolers who came to party. They were loud and rowdy for about an hour then packed up, though not without driving by my tent and yelling a couple f**k you’s at me while I was trying to sleep.

          However the site was very nice and is exactly as described in the previous review. There was a lot of litter on the beach.

        • Dave N.
          Camper-submitted photo from Log Yard Campground Backcountry Camping — Ozark National Scenic Riverway
          Jul. 15, 2020

          Log Yard Campground Backcountry Camping — Ozark National Scenic Riverway

          Camping on river

          This area has access to the shores of the current river. No campsites, just the open rocky shores. You can park right on the shores and set up camp. Beware! The gravel settles if wet and many trailers and campers have gotten stuck here. 4wd is recommended. While their are no amenities, the location is beautiful. Very secluded

        • Joshua D.
          Camper-submitted photo from Cane Bluff River Access
          Jul. 12, 2019

          Cane Bluff River Access

          Love This Place

          Have camped here several times. Very primitive with only vault toilets. If you want seclusion in a beautiful setting this place is for you.

        • Shelly S.The Dyrt PRO User
          Camper-submitted photo from Blue Spring Backcountry Camping — Ozark National Scenic Riverway
          Nov. 1, 2018

          Blue Spring Backcountry Camping — Ozark National Scenic Riverway

          Blue, blue, blue, cold, cold, cold

          Blue Spring is beautiful and cold! Aside from the over zealous teenagers jumping into the spring it was a nice visit.

          This is a primitive camping area and there are a lot of partying people in and around this area plus frequent motorboat traffic. No amenities, many generators. Drive in, pick a spot and set up camp. There are so many areas to visit around the river this would be an excellent base camp or you could use it as a stop off on a float trip.

          Eminence, MO is nearby and a good place to refuel and get stuff you need for your adventures. Make sure you get a paper map because phone signal can be iffy.

        • Elaina M.
          Camper-submitted photo from Cane Bluff River Access
          Aug. 22, 2018

          Cane Bluff River Access

          Beautiful, primitive, secluded.

          Stumbled across this site in September (2016). It's way back on a little dirt road past some farm land and homes.

          Only a few campsites, no picnic tables, a fire ring, some heavily shaded spots, a couple sites right on the river (but none are far away). You feel like you are in the wilderness! Water is crystal clear and cool, didn't see another camper all weekend. Had a few folks using the boat ramps, but otherwise very private.

          Great stargazing on the beach and you'll see some bats too! Think they really helped keep the bugs off us all weekend, barely had any problems with those.

          Seriously beautiful campsite, and near some excellent floating & gorgeous springs.



        Frequently Asked Questions

        • Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Alton, MO?

          According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Alton, MO is Cane Bluff River Access with a 4.3-star rating from 3 reviews.

        • What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Alton, MO?

          TheDyrt.com has all 11 dispersed camping locations near Alton, MO, with real photos and reviews from campers.