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.
