Best Dispersed Camping near Ellington, MO

Several free dispersed camping areas surround Ellington in the Missouri Ozarks, including sites in the Ozark National Scenic Riverway and Mark Twain National Forest. Log Yard Campground offers primitive riverside camping on the Current River's rocky shores, requiring 4WD access over potentially challenging terrain. As one camper noted, "If the creek comes up, you may not be able to cross it again." The area features both designated sites ($10/night) and free beach camping spots.

Murphy Overlook on Forest Service Road 2363 provides secluded camping with valley views approximately 6 miles from Highway 32. The gravel road demands AWD or 4x4 vehicles. "We were the only people along this forest service road and got the prettiest spot towards the end overlooking the mountain," one reviewer mentioned. Little Scotia Pond offers additional dispersed opportunities in an abandoned forest campground area, with wildlife including deer, beavers, and occasionally bears. Most sites throughout the region lack facilities, with no drinking water, toilets, or trash service, though some areas have established fire rings.

Best Dispersed Sites Near Ellington, Missouri (20)

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Dispersed Camping Reviews near Ellington, MO

50 Reviews of 20 Ellington Campgrounds


  • Elaina M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 22, 2018

    Cane Bluff River Access

    Beautiful, primitive, secluded.

    Stumbled across this site in September (2016). It's way back on a little dirt road past some farm land and homes.

    Only a few campsites, no picnic tables, a fire ring, some heavily shaded spots, a couple sites right on the river (but none are far away). You feel like you are in the wilderness! Water is crystal clear and cool, didn't see another camper all weekend. Had a few folks using the boat ramps, but otherwise very private.

    Great stargazing on the beach and you'll see some bats too! Think they really helped keep the bugs off us all weekend, barely had any problems with those.

    Seriously beautiful campsite, and near some excellent floating & gorgeous springs.

  • Shelly S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Nov. 1, 2018

    Blue Spring Backcountry Camping — Ozark National Scenic Riverway

    Blue, blue, blue, cold, cold, cold

    Blue Spring is beautiful and cold! Aside from the over zealous teenagers jumping into the spring it was a nice visit.

    This is a primitive camping area and there are a lot of partying people in and around this area plus frequent motorboat traffic. No amenities, many generators. Drive in, pick a spot and set up camp. There are so many areas to visit around the river this would be an excellent base camp or you could use it as a stop off on a float trip.

    Eminence, MO is nearby and a good place to refuel and get stuff you need for your adventures. Make sure you get a paper map because phone signal can be iffy.

  • Dave N.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 15, 2020

    Log Yard Campground Backcountry Camping — Ozark National Scenic Riverway

    Camping on river

    This area has access to the shores of the current river. No campsites, just the open rocky shores. You can park right on the shores and set up camp. Beware! The gravel settles if wet and many trailers and campers have gotten stuck here. 4wd is recommended. While their are no amenities, the location is beautiful. Very secluded

  • Chelsea G.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jan. 7, 2025

    Courtois Creek Dispersed

    Heavy on the Hills Have Eyes vibes

    First of all this is way down Berryman Rd. Go look up Michael Berryman (RIP) and his movies, then come back to me.

    Got that picture? Ok great.

    First thing you see when you turn off the highway is a tiny Baptist (first red flag) church and graveyard to set the tone.

    If that doesn't put you off, make sure your car can handle terrain and you can handle your car. This is barely a road. It's a trail of moguls for your tires. Fallen trees and branches that narrow the lane and threaten to scrape the sides of your vehicle. One tree overhead barely cleared my car. Puddles that could be who know how deep or what's in them (I may be the red flag here). You can not turn around anywhere on this road; you have to go to the end where there's a loop or worst case scenario reverse out while ideally not in a state of panic.

    I however as a cultist who worships at the altar of my Subaru's cargo hatch forged ahead because gotta get that creekside spot.

    Anyway I got to the site without popping any tires and half set up before going for a walk. There's not a lot of walkable ground out there, really just the flat ground around the campsites and the road. Road was barely even an option. Water-filled pits made the muddy road difficult to traverse and eventually prevented me from going any further. The brush and reedy grass were too thick to walk through safely to get around, and in places the roadside embankments were too steep and loose to climb up and around puddles.

    I did see a big ol mudbug, which was cool, but it was terribly quiet out there during my short walk. I was glad to get back to my car, where up the low cliff on the opposite side of the creek was a nicer-looking house with the sounds of people hanging out on the deck.

    As night fell and the animal sounds picked up, I decided to sleep in my car instead of the tent. If you're ever out and you hear the animals and insects go silent, and then the next thing you hear is dogs barking, you should also probably sleep in your car.

    After a hot and filling foil wrap dinner, I enjoyed some of the good green, because who doesn't like a sleep aid that also activates the amygdala, especially in these particular conditions. I'm soaking up the stars and the moon and the sound of running water, when suddenly I heard a heavy-bodied splash in the creek right by me.

    And when I tell you I bolted to the car so fast leaving behind a tangled trail of chair, blanket, charger cable, etc

    Because the shore on my side of the creek is flat. Waltz right on up from the creek. Nope not here not me.

    Anyway nothing ended up happening, I slept fine, woke up to a bright sun and beautiful view. I did still get out of there pretty fast.

    ⭐5/7 might go spook myself again

  • Linda C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jan. 21, 2025

    Whitten River Access

    Spent a cold night here

    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. Access road is steep but not rough.

  • BThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jan. 29, 2023

    FS-2363 Dispersed Camping - Murphy Overlook

    Very quiet and remote

    This was a very good location if you want some remote dispersed camping. I went on a Saturday night in January and only saw two people drive the forest service road. One on the Saturday afternoon I arrived and one on the Sunday morning I departed. There is a nice fire pit made of stones on the site and someone left some leveling blocks for your car as well. It had one of the best sunsets I’d seen in awhile. Being that far from civilization, there was no light pollution so seeing the stars and getting some night photos is possible. There was plenty of dead wood around the area so if you don’t bring enough firewood you can round up some.

    One complaint about the site was I definitely heard gunshots in the area. Not sure if there was a gun range nearby or just some other campers further down the road having a good time. Just wasn’t the most comfortable thing since I was solo camping.

    Like the previous review says it’s a 4x4 or AWD gravel road. I would not attempt with any other car.

    AT&T service was spotty - basically nonexistent. So if you’re looking for a place to escape and unwind, this is a great location.

  • A
    Oct. 31, 2020

    Log Yard Campground Backcountry Camping — Ozark National Scenic Riverway

    Good place to stop for a few days

    There is a small designated campground above the river bank sites described in the other review. The site typically costs 5 dollars a day but a sign up at the campground says fees are waved due to less services for COVID. Pit toilets, dumpster, and water all on site but not at each camp. Great spot to car camp.

  • Shea B.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 2, 2022

    FS-2363 Dispersed Camping - Murphy Overlook

    Peaceful and remote

    We were the only people along this forest service road and got the prettiest spot towards the end of the road overlooking the mountain across. This camping area is a hidden gem!

  • Nicholas H.
    Apr. 26, 2025

    Courtois Creek Dispersed

    Unpassable road

    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


Guide to Ellington

Dispersed camping near Ellington, Missouri presents opportunities for outdoor exploration in the Mark Twain National Forest region, where elevation ranges from 500 to 1,000 feet. Wildlife diversity creates a rich camping backdrop, with bear sightings reported across multiple camping areas. Seasonal flooding impacts access to many sites, particularly during spring rains when creek crossings can become impassable.

What to do

Fishing access points: Blue Spring offers excellent fishing opportunities along the Current River. "This is a primitive camping area and there are a lot of partying people in and around this area plus frequent motorboat traffic... There are so many areas to visit around the river this would be an excellent base camp or you could use it as a stop off on a float trip," notes camper Shelly S. about Blue Spring Backcountry Camping.

Wildlife viewing: Little Scotia Pond provides excellent beaver watching opportunities. "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," reports Chris J. about Little Scotia Pond 4x4 Dispersed Site.

Hiking trails: Big River Primitive Campground connects to the Ozark Trail system. "I backpacked 50 miles during spring break on the Ozark Trail between Council Bluff Lake and Johnson Shutins State park... Many of these sites are marked on the detailed National Geographic maps provided for free by the Association as water holes, but they are also clearly set up as campsites as well," explains Matt S.

Swimming spots: McCormack Lake Recreation Area offers swimming in a secluded setting. "Had the whole place to ourselves on a Thursday night, for the most part... the spot was peaceful and full of chirping birds and frogs," reports Meghan B.

What campers like

Solitude and quiet: Murphy Overlook provides true isolation on Forest Service roads. "Enjoyed one night deep in the woods on fs rd 2363. The overlook was beautiful and quiet," shares Jeff F. about Murphy Overlook. Another camper adds, "Super beautiful and very quiet, no traffic comes through at all."

Night sky viewing: Julian Tower Lookout offers dark sky opportunities. "There is not much here other than a place to camp for free. There is one two-path logging road suitable for hiking and mountain biking back into the woods," notes Mike L. about this minimalist site.

Water access: 34 Bridge Recreation Area provides water recreation with some limitations. "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," reports Alexis M.

Abundant firewood: Little Scotia Pond has natural resources for campers. "Great spot right next to the dam. Very quiet. Lots of beavers in the pond. Fire wood is abundant. A few fire rings in place at location," explains Malik H.

What you should know

Weather impacts: Blue Spring experiences extreme temperature variations. "This was the hottest campground I have ever been in my life. It was 109 and extremely humid. I've heard that in the winter, it's freezing cold," warns Eva W.

Vehicle requirements: Access to many dispersed sites requires appropriate vehicles. "This site is accessible by AWD and 4x4 but I would hesitate to attempt it with any other car. The drive to the site from highway 32 is just over 6 miles on a forest service road (2363)," advises Jason F. about Murphy Overlook.

Water purification: Bring water treatment solutions for backcountry sites. "Make sure you bring a water purifier. It is some of the best tasting water I have ever had," shares a camper about Big River Primitive Campground.

Bear awareness: Black bears are present in the region. "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!" warns Sean A.

Tips for camping with families

Pick established sites: Some free camping areas have more amenities than others. "There is a small designated campground above the river bank sites... The site typically costs 5 dollars a day but a sign up at the campground says fees are waved due to less services for COVID. Pit toilets, dumpster, and water all on site but not at each camp," notes Anthony L. about Log Yard Campground.

Avoid holiday weekends: Busy periods bring more visitors and noise. "The scenery of this dispersed camping area is definitely a five star for the area... 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, loud music past quiet hours," reports Vikki B.

Check water conditions: Lake quality varies between sites. "I would not suggest this place. We looked at the site and decided not somewhere we wanted to camp. The 'lake' looked sickly, with brown foam looking stuff floating on top," cautions Shelly S. about McCormack Lake.

Tips from RVers

Size limitations: Most dispersed sites accommodate smaller rigs only. "A small class c or travel trailer might make it into a few sites, best for vans and tents," advises Dave N. about Little Scotia Pond.

Generator etiquette: Be mindful of noise in these natural settings. "The only annoying thing was that when I 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," notes a camper.

Turning radius: Some sites require careful maneuvering for trailers. "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," warns Kevin C.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Ellington, MO?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Ellington, MO is Log Yard Campground Backcountry Camping — Ozark National Scenic Riverway with a 4.4-star rating from 10 reviews.

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

TheDyrt.com has all 20 dispersed camping locations near Ellington, MO, with real photos and reviews from campers.