The Mark Twain National Forest near Belleview offers numerous free primitive camping opportunities within its 1.5 million acres. Dispersed camping sites range in elevation from 600 to 1,400 feet, creating varied terrain and camping conditions. Seasonal creek crossings can change dramatically between dry summer periods and rainy seasons, often requiring campers to adapt their plans based on water levels.
What to do
Wildlife viewing: The secluded nature of Murphy Overlook provides excellent wildlife spotting opportunities. One camper reported "Coyotes and lots of birds. Good sunset" while another mentioned seeing "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!"
Stargazing: The minimal light pollution in this region makes it ideal for night sky observation. At Little Scotia Pond, campers report seeing "Lots of beavers in the pond" while enjoying pristine night skies. One camper at Murphy Overlook noted being "that far from civilization, there was no light pollution so seeing the stars and getting some night photos is possible."
Fishing: Many creek and pond sites offer fishing opportunities. At Julian Tower Lookout, the surrounding forest provides access to nearby fishing spots. A reviewer noted "There is one two-path logging road suitable for hiking and mountain biking back into the woods" which leads to additional areas to explore for fishing.
What campers like
Riverside camping: Log Yard Campground provides direct access to the Current River. A camper described it as having "plenty of space on the bank to have privacy from other campers, the river was blue and super pretty." Another mentioned "Beautiful sunrise hitting the trees and the stone along the opposite side of the river in the morning."
Privacy: Many sites offer seclusion from other campers. At Courtois Creek, one visitor explained, "We arrived on Wednesday and camped for a couple of days, very beautiful and peaceful and just gorgeous, no toilets and no electricity and no cell signal but it was amazing."
Clean water sources: Several sites feature natural springs and clean creeks. A visitor to Big River Primitive Campground remarked on the "Clean crisp water from the river at its origin. Quiet and perfect." Another noted "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."
What you should know
Vehicle requirements: Many sites require appropriate vehicles to access. At Little Scotia Pond, a camper advised, "Easy to get in but could be tricky for a small car to get out (boulders, trees, incline and possible rain/mud) 4x4 recommend."
Limited facilities: Most free camping areas near Belleview have minimal or no amenities. One camper at 34 Bridge Recreation Area noted "Road can be a little rough in spots after it rains. 1/2 bars with Verizon. Limited spots to set up tent. Only flaw is the sound of traffic."
Wildlife awareness: Beyond bears and elk, smaller wildlife can impact camping. A visitor to Little Scotia Pond warned, "Be mindful that it is tick season now. We had a few on the dog by the end of the first day."
Road conditions: Forest roads deteriorate after rain. One camper warned about Courtois Creek: "The road to get there isn't a road so much as a ATV trail. All wheel drive and it was too hard on my Subaru. Mostly washed out."
Tips for camping with families
Water safety: When camping with children near creeks or rivers, establish clear boundaries. At Log Yard Campground, a visitor noted "This stretch of the current is 25-hp boat territory. There will be boat traffic on the river on the weekends."
Wildlife education: Use wildlife encounters as teaching moments. At Brazil Creek Recreation Area, families can enjoy "Miles and miles of trails for Mountain Biking, horse riding or just hiking, and you can ride your ATV on the roads but you need an orange triangle."
Supply planning: Stock up before arriving at remote sites. One camper at Brazil Creek advised: "Make sure you stop in Sullivan or Bourbon, MO for supplies. This site is pretty remote from any services."
Weekday advantages: For quieter family camping, avoid weekends when possible. A visitor to Log Yard observed that "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."
Tips from RVers
Site selection: Small RVs and travel trailers can access some sites but require careful planning. At Little Scotia Pond, a reviewer noted "Although the old rv park across the water is nice and level, we ended up wanting to be closer to the water and there happened to be a trail."
Turn-around space: Check that sites have adequate space to maneuver larger vehicles. At Murphy Overlook, a camper warned "Both [sites] are very small where only expert drivers can turn around a trailer."
Generator etiquette: If using generators at dispersed sites, be mindful of noise impact. A camper at Log Yard Campground complained that "even though we stayed with my tent on the rocks by the water, all the way at the end, I could still hear the person at the very first campsite with RV generator humming very loudly and it took away a lot of the ambiance of the place."
