Rustic camping near Bourbon, Missouri centers around the Mark Twain National Forest, which spans over 1.5 million acres through the Ozark Highlands. The terrain features steep ridges, deep valleys, and multiple watersheds with elevation changes from 600 to 1,400 feet. Forest roads connecting these dispersed sites often deteriorate after rain, becoming rutted and challenging even for high-clearance vehicles.
What to do
Fly fishing opportunities: Little Scotia Pond offers excellent fishing habitat with multiple beaver sightings. "Lots of beavers in the pond. Fire wood is abundant. A few fire rings in place at location," notes a camper at Little Scotia Pond 4x4 Dispersed Site.
Mountain biking trails: The Berryman Trail provides a popular challenge for cyclists staying at nearby campsites. "Good access to the Berryman Trail. There is a creek running along the camping area with a road along the opposite side. Park for the day or camp overnight to get an early start," advises a reviewer about Brazil Creek.
Explore historic sites: Near Little Scotia Pond, visitors can discover abandoned remnants from earlier eras. "There's a trail that leads off by the old damn that leads to an old gravesite with stones from the 1800's. Hard to find, but rewarding," shares a camper about the hidden historical features.
What campers like
Complete solitude: The remote locations provide true isolation for those seeking to disconnect. At Murphy Overlook, a camper reports, "Nice road and very isolated camp sites. I only found two camping spots. Both are very small where only expert drivers can turn around a trailer. We were here two days and did not see or hear anyone."
Night sky viewing: With minimal light pollution, the area offers exceptional stargazing. "Being that far from civilization, there was no light pollution so seeing the stars and getting some night photos is possible," notes another Murphy Overlook visitor.
Swimming and floating: The clear streams offer refreshing water recreation. A visitor to Courtois Creek Dispersed shares, "The water is amazing. Great for fly fishing and cast fishing. We were the only people camping there until the next afternoon when a couple families came down with kids to swim and float."
What you should know
Road conditions vary dramatically: Many sites require high-clearance vehicles and confident driving skills. "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. Easy to get in but could be tricky for a small car to get out (boulders, trees, incline and possible rain/mud) 4x4 recommend," cautions a camper about Little Scotia.
Wildlife precautions essential: Bear encounters are documented in this region. A visitor to FS-2363 Dispersed Camping warns, "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!"
Insect protection needed: Campers should prepare for aggressive insects. "No Verizon service. Abundant shade. Aggressive horseflies and mosquitoes. Lots of sewer flies in the vault toilet. Water source is creek," notes a Brazil Creek camper.
Tips for camping with families
Water safety planning: Creeks can be excellent for recreation but require supervision. A visitor to Courtois Creek comments, "The next afternoon a couple families came down with kids to swim and float. The water is amazing."
Accessible pond sites: Some locations offer easier access for families with children. "Great quiet site. Wasn't a bad drive in. Decent amount of wild life hanging around. Will probably hear the beaver if you stay at one of the two sites by the pond," mentions a reviewer at Little Scotia Pond.
Communication planning: Cell service is extremely limited throughout the region. "AT&T service was spotty - basically nonexistent. So if you're looking for a place to escape and unwind, this is a great location," notes a Murphy Overlook camper.
Tips from RVers
Size restrictions: Only the smallest RVs can access most sites. At Little Scotia Pond, a camper advises, "A small class c or travel trailer might make it into a few sites, best for vans and tents."
Leveling challenges: Prepare leveling equipment for uneven terrain. "It had one of the best sunsets I'd seen in awhile. There is a nice fire pit made of stones on the site and someone left some leveling blocks for your car as well," shares a Murphy Overlook visitor.
Supply planning: No services exist at these primitive sites. A Brazil Creek Camping Area visitor emphasizes, "Make sure you stop in Sullivan or Bourbon, MO for supplies. This site is pretty remote from any services."
