Top Free Dispersed Camping near Calhoun, MO

Searching for a dispersed campsite near Calhoun? Dispersed camping means that no facilities or amenities are provided, so that you can truly disconnect and get back to nature. Find dispersed campsites you've visited before, or discover new spots from other campers.

Best Dispersed Sites Near Calhoun, MO (5)

    Camper-submitted photo from Montrose Missouri Conservation Area Dispersed Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from Montrose Missouri Conservation Area Dispersed Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from Montrose Missouri Conservation Area Dispersed Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from Montrose Missouri Conservation Area Dispersed Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from Montrose Missouri Conservation Area Dispersed Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from Montrose Missouri Conservation Area Dispersed Camping

    1. Montrose Missouri Conservation Area Dispersed Camping

    9 Reviews
    29 Photos
    193 Saves

    Camping limited to 14 days

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Standard (Tent/RV)
    • Dispersed
    • Trash
    • Toilets
    • No image available

      2. Poague Campsite #4

      Be the first to review!

      • Camping is permitted in posted parking lots. • No littering. • No fireworks. • No open fires except in areas designated open to camping. • No free-running pets. Dogs must be leashed or confined when not being used for hunting. • Motor vehicles are restricted to graveled roadways and parking areas. • Destroying, cutting or removing vegetation is prohibited. Nuts, berries, fruits, edible wild greens and mushrooms may be taken only for personal consumption. • No target shooting allowed. • Trail and game cameras are prohibited.

      • RVs
      • Tents
      • Standard (Tent/RV)
      • No image available

        3. Poague Campsite #3

        Be the first to review!
        1 Save

        • Camping is permitted in posted parking lots. • No littering. • No fireworks. • No open fires except in areas designated open to camping. • No free-running pets. Dogs must be leashed or confined when not being used for hunting. • Motor vehicles are restricted to graveled roadways and parking areas. • Destroying, cutting or removing vegetation is prohibited. Nuts, berries, fruits, edible wild greens and mushrooms may be taken only for personal consumption. • No target shooting allowed. • Trail and game cameras are prohibited.

        • RVs
        • Tents
        • Standard (Tent/RV)
        • No image available

          4. Poague Campsite #5

          Be the first to review!
          1 Save

          • Camping is permitted in posted parking lots. • No littering. • No fireworks. • No open fires except in areas designated open to camping. • No free-running pets. Dogs must be leashed or confined when not being used for hunting. • Motor vehicles are restricted to graveled roadways and parking areas. • Destroying, cutting or removing vegetation is prohibited. Nuts, berries, fruits, edible wild greens and mushrooms may be taken only for personal consumption. • No target shooting allowed. • Trail and game cameras are prohibited.

          • Reservable
          • RVs
          • Tents
          • Standard (Tent/RV)
          Camper-submitted photo from Robert's Bluff
          Camper-submitted photo from Robert's Bluff
          Camper-submitted photo from Robert's Bluff

          5. Robert's Bluff

          4 Reviews
          3 Photos
          55 Saves
          • Pets
          • Fires
          • Phone Service
          • ADA Access
          • RVs
          • Tents

        Recent Dispersed Reviews In Calhoun

        13 Reviews of 5 Calhoun Campgrounds


        • Christian D.The Dyrt PRO User
          Camper-submitted photo from Robert's Bluff
          Jun. 8, 2024

          Robert's Bluff

          Quiet and Free

          Don’t mistake this for the RV hookup site at Roberts Bluff. It’s a bit further down the road and called Roberts Bluff Access. You will eventually see signs for a Conservation site.

          There were about 4/5 spots to pull/back into. Its a small space and really close to the river where you can see huge trout and turtles swimming. There is even a boat ramp.

        • Megan C.
          Camper-submitted photo from Montrose Missouri Conservation Area Dispersed Camping
          Jan. 20, 2024

          Montrose Missouri Conservation Area Dispersed Camping

          Decent spot

          It was quiet. We enjoyed our stay. I read about the black cat that was found there in the other review. It was still there when we camped in late December and quite hungry. Very friendly and needing love. We brought him home with us and he is the most amazing cat. Took a while to get litter trained but I’m glad we opened up our home to him before the bad weather got here. Thanks to this site, we found our new family member! Thanks to whoever posted.

        • DThe Dyrt PRO User
          Camper-submitted photo from Robert's Bluff
          Sep. 13, 2023

          Robert's Bluff

          Awesome spot for getting in late

          Great spot on my road trip west! Put in some miles and didn’t get in until about 2am and this was easy to find and great spots away from the highway but also didn’t have to trek far away

        • R
          Camper-submitted photo from Robert's Bluff
          Sep. 4, 2023

          Robert's Bluff

          Good for over night

          Decided to take my time heading from Southern WA to Southern IN and this is the best dispersed camping I’ve seen on this trip. I’ll definitely stop here again if I’m ever heading down I-70, and hopefully I’ll have my RV with me.

        • AThe Dyrt PRO User
          Camper-submitted photo from Montrose Missouri Conservation Area Dispersed Camping
          Aug. 28, 2023

          Montrose Missouri Conservation Area Dispersed Camping

          I Made a Kittah Friend

          There is a super sweet local cat who befriended me here and made my visit so much better. I had some mechanical issues with my car and Kampground Kittah tried to help. 🤣

          Bathrooms were fine. It’s free camping so it was great that there were bathrooms at all.

          One of the locals stopped by my site to look for arrowheads. Apparently, she has found a lot in the area so that’s a good activity if the kids are bored.

          If you’re looking for a good wine, you can find some at the local auto parts store. I am not kidding! I think it’s Rick’s Auto Parts and their liquor is priced very reasonably. 😄 If your car’s broken down and you can’t drive, I guess you might as well drink and Rick’s there to help you out with both. 🤣

        • D
          Camper-submitted photo from Robert's Bluff
          Jun. 10, 2023

          Robert's Bluff

          Quiet and nice place

          Nice free camping to overnight if you are travelling on your RV, close to the highway but without noise. No toillets. Verizon signal works good.

        • Lee F.The Dyrt PRO User
          Camper-submitted photo from Montrose Missouri Conservation Area Dispersed Camping
          May. 6, 2023

          Montrose Missouri Conservation Area Dispersed Camping

          Stinky toilet

          Large grassy area with plenty of room to set up a tent or camper. Right off the road, so no dirt roads to traverse. Signs were confusing as to whether it is ok to camp, but they didn't explicitly say no camping. The lake is really just a mud bog, so not very appealing unless you came to duck hunt. No picnic tables or fire pits. The pit toilet was really gross, but there was toilet paper.

        • Charles N.
          Camper-submitted photo from Montrose Missouri Conservation Area Dispersed Camping
          Apr. 25, 2023

          Montrose Missouri Conservation Area Dispersed Camping

          Amazing experience!

          We got to campsite pretty late, so when everyone was unpacked we went straight to bed. shortly after we all passed out from the long and beautiful 16 hour drive, we started hearing all the wildlife and I will never forget waking up in the most beautiful place. Was a picture perfect moment, Colorado springs will forever hold a spot in my, and my family's memories. have fun and safe travels!

        • Leni K.
          Camper-submitted photo from Montrose Missouri Conservation Area Dispersed Camping
          Jun. 6, 2022

          Montrose Missouri Conservation Area Dispersed Camping

          Great Secluded Dispersed Camping

          There is no camping allowed after October 15 due to hunting season. This was not on the website and was not seeable in dust when arriving late on a small sign in the bushes. Thankfully we were not shot! While free, dispersed sites, there are easily established fire pit areas to choose from Vault toilets were absolutely disgusting, thankfully we brought our own toilet paper. Easily accessible car camping. Not too many other campers at the other site where we spotted some RVs. Overall the remote location, gorgeous scenery and with a couple boats makes for a great weekend.

        • Sarah
          Camper-submitted photo from Montrose Missouri Conservation Area Dispersed Camping
          Nov. 29, 2020

          Montrose Missouri Conservation Area Dispersed Camping

          montrose conservation area missouri

          this little off the beaten path camp ground his paved roads, boat access for 2 areas 1 near the damn which closes a gate after 10pm, we use the other area near the conservation station(although ive never seen anyone there) park rangers are mostly non existent , they do drive through, they are quite nice an most the time never stop just smile an wave, there some fire spots but be kind an put up rocks that you can find along the shore, there is bathroom facilities and a dumpster behind the conservation building.

          the area is surrounded by trees but the area is clean, nice soft grass, there are pecan an walnut trees so watch out for your heads when its fall lol . you can fish, boat and swim but i recommend  water shoes. the water is very shallow most the time its only chest deep out in the middle. there is loads of wildlife to see an arent much scared of humans, racoons,beavers, crane, squirrels,dear,owls an much more. theres also blackberries in the fall. 

          all in all a very nice quiet little free camp area. we go all the time.



        Guide to Calhoun

        Camping near Calhoun, Missouri, offers a mix of beautiful landscapes and fun activities for everyone. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventurous getaway, there are several campgrounds to choose from.

        What to do

        • Hiking: Explore the trails at Knob Noster State Park Campground. One camper mentioned, "Great trail network and very nice stock mo state park campground."
        • Fishing: Head to Berry Bend for some fishing fun. A reviewer said, "Great fishing, lake is accessible from many sites."
        • Wildlife Watching: At Raccoon Ridge — Harry S Truman State Park, you might spot bald eagles and deer. One visitor noted, "You’ll see Bald Eagles, raccoons, deer, squirrels, chipmunks, hawks, turtles, and FISHING near wooded edge of cove is Bass and Crappie haven!"

        What campers like

        • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate the cleanliness of restrooms and showers. A review for Sparrowfoot stated, "Clean shower house and vaulted facilities. Will return."
        • Spacious Sites: Many campgrounds offer roomy spots. A visitor at Buck Ridge — Harry S Truman State Park said, "The sites were nice and well maintained."
        • Friendly Hosts: Campground hosts often receive praise for their helpfulness. One camper at Cozy Corner RV Park mentioned, "The host was very kind and helpful."

        What you should know

        • Noise Levels: Some campers have noted noise from nearby roads or other campers. A review for Knob Noster State Park Campground mentioned, "Just didn't care for how much the cops drove through nonstop."
        • Limited Amenities: Not all campgrounds have extensive amenities. A visitor at Raccoon Ridge pointed out, "Less amenities than other nearby State Parks."
        • Wildlife Caution: Be cautious of wildlife, especially raccoons. A camper at Raccoon Ridge advised, "Keep food and bait inside as raccoons rule at night."

        Tips for camping with families

        • Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for places with playgrounds and activities. At Sparrowfoot, a reviewer noted, "Loop B also has the playground which is right behind site B47."
        • Plan for Activities: Bring games or outdoor equipment. A family at Bucksaw enjoyed the beach and trails, saying, "There is a very nice beach and a short walking trail."
        • Pack Snacks: Keep snacks handy for the kids. A camper at Berry Bend mentioned, "This is a great family campground!!!"

        Tips from RVers

        • Check Site Sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site. A visitor at Cozy Corner RV Park noted, "Flat/level sites with 50/30 full hookups."
        • Book Ahead: Some campgrounds fill up quickly, especially on weekends. A camper at Bucksaw suggested, "Reservations recommended."
        • Be Prepared for Limited Connectivity: Many areas have spotty cell service. A reviewer at Long Shoal Park mentioned, "T-Mobile service with 2-3 bars, no WIFI."

        Camping near Calhoun, Missouri, has something for everyone, from families to RV enthusiasts. Enjoy the great outdoors and make some unforgettable memories!

        Frequently Asked Questions

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

          According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Calhoun, MO is Montrose Missouri Conservation Area Dispersed Camping with a 4.4-star rating from 9 reviews.

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

          TheDyrt.com has all 5 dispersed camping locations near Calhoun, MO, with real photos and reviews from campers.