Dispersed camping near Koshkonong, Missouri provides access to the Ozark highlands, where campers find elevations ranging from 500-1,000 feet with mixed hardwood forests. Winter camping temperatures can drop below freezing, while summer brings humidity levels often exceeding 80%. Road conditions worsen significantly after rainfall, with several access points requiring crossing small streams that rise quickly during storms.
What to do
Fishing access points: Whitten River Access provides boat ramp entry to the Eleven Point River with cold water fishing. "The Eleven Point River is beautiful and cold. Some of the best outdoor fun for adventurous people," notes Ralph S., who visits regularly for trout fishing trips.
Swimming spots: Rocky beaches at Log Yard Campground offer river swimming during warmer months. "The river was blue and super pretty," reports Malayna F., adding that the area was very clean without litter. Swimming areas vary seasonally based on water levels.
Stargazing opportunities: Clear night skies at Cane Bluff River Access reveal minimal light pollution. One visitor mentioned "great stargazing on the beach" while noting the local bat population "really helped keep the bugs off us all weekend, barely had any problems with those."
What campers like
Riverside privacy: At riverside locations, campers can establish distance between sites. One camper at Log Yard Campground noted "lots of space on the bank to have privacy from other campers," which makes these areas popular for those seeking solitude.
Secluded lake settings: McCormack Lake Rec Area offers quiet lakeside camping with fishing access. Delanie J. described it as a "Secluded Dreamy Lake" where "some people showed up for day use, but the sites were empty. Totally alone with a gorgeous lake."
Wildlife viewing: Morning and evening hours bring opportunities to spot local wildlife. Joseph A. mentions that at Log Yard Campground, "if you're lucky, you may see the local elk herd. They reintroduced elk in this area a few years ago."
What you should know
Road conditions: Access roads to many sites require careful navigation. The road to Log Yard Campground requires crossing a creek that can become impassable after rain. Hannah W. reported, "We had to fjord an overflowing stream that went across the road but didn't have any trouble in our Jeep Wrangler."
Fee changes: Some previously free sites now charge fees. Blue Spring now requires $10/night payment through QR codes at picnic tables, though one reviewer noted "there's no service in that area so I'm not sure how they expect us to be able to do that."
Seasonal closures: Winter affects accessibility and services. Linda C. described camping at Whitten River Access: "Arrived after dark. Found a level spot by the river, ground was frozen or it would have been muddy. No one around on this 5 degrees F night."
Local activity: Weekends bring increased traffic from locals. Joseph A. notes about Log Yard: "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."
Tips for camping with families
Pack extra water: No reliable drinking water exists at most sites. Fred S. reports from Blue Spring Backcountry Camping: "There is no potable water, and no hookups" so families need to bring all drinking water needed for their stay.
Consider weekday visits: Weekend crowds affect the experience significantly. Multiple campers mention increased boat traffic and noise on weekends, with one noting their stay at Log Yard was peaceful "until Tuesday" when recreational vehicles arrived.
Check vault toilet conditions: Bathroom facilities vary widely in cleanliness. Haley L. found that at Blue Spring "the bathrooms were VERY clean, some of the cleanest I've been to in a NF," while another camper described facilities at Noblett Lake as "gross."
Tips from RVers
Soft ground warnings: Riverside camping areas can trap vehicles after rain. Dave N. cautions about Log Yard Campground: "Beware! The gravel settles if wet and many trailers and campers have gotten stuck here. 4wd is recommended."
Generator etiquette: Sound travels across water at dispersed sites. One camper complained: "When I stayed with my tent on the rocks by the water, 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."
Backup plans: Weather can quickly change camping conditions. Joseph A. warns: "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."
