Best Dispersed Camping near Benton, MO
Dispersed camping options near Benton, Missouri include several primitive sites within a 60-mile radius. Trail of Tears State Forest offers tent camping with basic amenities for $8 per night. The forest provides relatively easy access while maintaining a sense of solitude, according to experienced campers. Sites include picnic tables, raised fire rings, and portable toilets that are well-maintained and positioned away from other campsites.
Dutchman Lake Camp presents free dispersed camping opportunities with beautiful lakeside spots that require no permits. The area features easy highway access, making it convenient for travelers. Several campers note it's "a beautiful spot with easy access and not far off the highway," ideal for road trip breaks. The lake offers decent fishing opportunities and quiet surroundings with minimal traffic noise.
Sulphur Springs Dispersed in Missouri provides no-cost riverside camping approximately 60 miles southwest of Benton. The area includes about 20 parking spaces, a vault toilet, and a boat launch. Campers report beautiful views along the river, with a single communal fire pit at the water's edge. Morning mist on the water creates scenic conditions, while nighttime brings fireflies and owls. Cell service varies; T-Mobile reception is generally good while Verizon coverage is limited or nonexistent.
Most dispersed sites in the region permit fires when no burn bans are in effect. Campers should bring all necessary water, as potable sources are limited or unreliable. Trail of Tears occasionally issues boil water advisories. During spring and summer, ticks and mosquitoes are common; appropriate repellent is strongly recommended. Weather conditions can change rapidly, particularly during storm seasons from April through June.
