Best Dispersed Camping near Ellsinore, MO

Searching for a dispersed campsite near Ellsinore? Dispersed camping gets you off the grid so you can disconnect from the hecticness of everyday life. From secluded to easily reachable, we offer dispersed campsites near Ellsinore just for you.

Best Dispersed Sites Near Ellsinore, MO (14)

    Camper-submitted photo from Log Yard Campground Backcountry Camping — Ozark National Scenic Riverway
    Camper-submitted photo from Log Yard Campground Backcountry Camping — Ozark National Scenic Riverway
    Camper-submitted photo from Log Yard Campground Backcountry Camping — Ozark National Scenic Riverway
    Camper-submitted photo from Log Yard Campground Backcountry Camping — Ozark National Scenic Riverway
    Camper-submitted photo from Log Yard Campground Backcountry Camping — Ozark National Scenic Riverway
    Camper-submitted photo from Log Yard Campground Backcountry Camping — Ozark National Scenic Riverway
    Camper-submitted photo from Beaver Lake Recreation Area

    2. Beaver Lake Recreation Area

    2 Reviews
    1 Photo
    45 Saves
    Ellsinore, Missouri

    Beaver Lake is 15 acres in size. Primitive camping is allowed but no facilities are provided. It offers a gravel ramp for boat access. The lake has been stocked with channel catfish, bluegill, redear sunfish, and black bass. Dispersed camping is the term used for free camping anywhere in the National Forest OUTSIDE of a designated campground. Dispersed camping means there are no toilets, no structures, no trash cans, no treated water, and no fire grates. There are extra responsibilities required for this type of camp. It's a must to educate yourself before you try it, but we hope the adventure of dispersed camping in the Mark Twain National Forest calls to you! Pick a Campsite and follow the Leave No Trace Principles Camp 100 feet away from trails and water sources. Treat any water found in the area before consuming it. Human waste (Feces) must be buried at least 6 inches deep and covered. Pack out all of your garbage.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • Dispersed
    • Alcohol
    Camper-submitted photo from Sulphur Springs Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Sulphur Springs Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Sulphur Springs Dispersed
    • No image available
      Camper-submitted photo from 34 Bridge Recreation Area
      Camper-submitted photo from 34 Bridge Recreation Area
      Camper-submitted photo from 34 Bridge Recreation Area
      Camper-submitted photo from 34 Bridge Recreation Area
      Camper-submitted photo from 34 Bridge Recreation Area
      Camper-submitted photo from 34 Bridge Recreation Area
      Camper-submitted photo from FS-2363 Dispersed Camping - Murphy Overlook
      Camper-submitted photo from FS-2363 Dispersed Camping - Murphy Overlook
      Camper-submitted photo from FS-2363 Dispersed Camping - Murphy Overlook
      Camper-submitted photo from FS-2363 Dispersed Camping - Murphy Overlook
      Camper-submitted photo from FS-2363 Dispersed Camping - Murphy Overlook
      Camper-submitted photo from FS-2363 Dispersed Camping - Murphy Overlook

      6. FS-2363 Dispersed Camping - Murphy Overlook

      10 Reviews
      29 Photos
      262 Saves
      Black, Missouri

      Many people enjoy the solitude and peaceful experience of camping away from large groups of people. Dispersed camping is the term used for free camping anywhere in the National Forest OUTSIDE of a designated campground. Dispersed camping means there are no toilets, no structures, no trash cans, no treated water, and no fire grates. There are extra responsibilities required for this type of camp. It's a must to educate yourself before you try it, but we hope the adventure of dispersed camping in the Mark Twain National Forest calls to you!

      Picking a Campsite

      If you are going to an area where others have camped, pick a site that's been used before. If there is no existing campsite, then follow these Leave No Trace guidelines:

      Camp on bare soil if possible, to avoid damaging or killing plants and grass. Camp 100 feet away from any water source - plants near water and water sources are fragile. Camp 100 feet away from any administrative site (Trails, Recreational Areas and/or Building). Campfires

      Many wildfires are caused by human activity, including escaped fires from dispersed campers. Campfires are allowed UNLESS there are fire restrictions in effect-know before you go!

      Use camp stoves when possible Use existing fire rings if they exist; NEVER LEAVE A FIRE UNATTENDED.
      When ashes are COLD and DEAD OUT, scatter outside of the campsite before you leave. If you don't bring wood, collect only dead/downed wood. Please never cut any live trees.

      • Pets
      • Fires
      • Phone Service
      • Dispersed
      Camper-submitted photo from McCormack Lake Rec Area

      7. McCormack Lake Rec Area

      3 Reviews
      1 Photo
      23 Saves
      Alton, Missouri

      McCormack Lake Recreation Area is located near Greer Spring and offers good fishing and boating. It is located on paved Forest Road 3155 off of Highway 19. This site has semi-developed picnic and camping facilities. There is hiking at McCormack Lake Recreation Area also. This is a trailhead for the 3.7-mile McCormack-Greer Trail, which ends at Greer Crossing Picnic Area and also connects to Ozark Trail. The 15-acre lake is stocked annually with panfish and bass being the catch of the day. The lake is a non-motorized area; boat motors are not allowed. An electric trolling motor is permitted. There is ample parking for picnickers and fishermen. The campground is primitive with limited picnic tables, firerings and lantern posts. A vault toilet is provided. No water is available.

      • Pets
      • Fires
      • Tents
      • Trash
      • Picnic Table
      • Drinking Water
      • No image available
        Camper-submitted photo from Cane Bluff River Access
        Camper-submitted photo from Cane Bluff River Access
        Camper-submitted photo from Cane Bluff River Access
        Camper-submitted photo from Cane Bluff River Access
        Camper-submitted photo from Cane Bluff River Access
        Camper-submitted photo from Cane Bluff River Access
        Camper-submitted photo from Blue Spring Backcountry Camping — Ozark National Scenic Riverway
        Camper-submitted photo from Blue Spring Backcountry Camping — Ozark National Scenic Riverway
        Camper-submitted photo from Blue Spring Backcountry Camping — Ozark National Scenic Riverway
        Camper-submitted photo from Blue Spring Backcountry Camping — Ozark National Scenic Riverway
        Camper-submitted photo from Blue Spring Backcountry Camping — Ozark National Scenic Riverway
        Camper-submitted photo from Blue Spring Backcountry Camping — Ozark National Scenic Riverway

        10. Blue Spring Backcountry Camping — Ozark National Scenic Riverway

        6 Reviews
        15 Photos
        92 Saves
        Mountain View, Missouri

        Backcountry camping on Jacks Forks River

        • Pets
        • Fires
        • Reservable
        • ADA Access
        • Dispersed
        • Picnic Table
      Showing results 1-10 of 14 campgrounds

      Recent Dispersed Reviews in Ellsinore

      34 Reviews of 14 Ellsinore Campgrounds


      • Joseph A.The Dyrt PRO User
        Camper-submitted photo from Log Yard Campground Backcountry Camping — Ozark National Scenic Riverway
        Aug. 7, 2024

        Log Yard Campground Backcountry Camping — Ozark National Scenic Riverway

        Remote camp on the river

        Log yard is a Backwoods camping area on the current river. 4 wheel drive is recommended. You have to cross a creek to get to this location. 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. There is one good established campsite at this location and 2 not so good ones. The area changes after a flood, and the campsites have to be reestablished. 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. This stretch of the current is 25-hp boat territory. There will be boat traffic on the river on the weekends. Log yard is part of the Ozark scenic river ways, which is FEDERAL LAND. You may have an encounter with a forest ranger at this campsite. If you do, they will ask for your info and have you establish a Backwoods campsite. Be respectful and don't upset the Rangers. They don't play in the Ozark scenic river ways. This camp is beautiful and wild. NO CELL SERVICE. If you're lucky, you may see the local elk herd. They reintroduced elk in this area a few years ago. Get out and enjoy what Missouri has to offer

      • VThe Dyrt PRO User
        Camper-submitted photo from Log Yard Campground Backcountry Camping — Ozark National Scenic Riverway
        Jul. 21, 2024

        Log Yard Campground Backcountry Camping — Ozark National Scenic Riverway

        Beautiful spot, noisy campers

        The scenery of this dispersed camping area is definitely a five star for the area. Nice view and access to the Current River. Plenty of stars out at night. There is an area of more traditional campground spaces you come across first but the dispersed style spots are further down the road. There’s still a $10/night fee. Even though there are fire rings all along the rocky beach, locals use this area as a boat launch and park their trucks and trailers in the camping areas. 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 and most running generators. That downgraded my rating from five stars overall. This would be a great place midweek or off season but definitely not going back during peak times due to the discourteous people.

      • Kevin C.The Dyrt PRO User
        Camper-submitted photo from FS-2363 Dispersed Camping - Murphy Overlook
        Jul. 14, 2024

        FS-2363 Dispersed Camping - Murphy Overlook

        Nice private location

        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.

      • FThe Dyrt PRO User
        Camper-submitted photo from Sulphur Springs Dispersed
        Apr. 8, 2024

        Sulphur Springs Dispersed

        Beautiful River site for parking or dispersed

        We stopped here chasing the 2024 eclipse. Easy to find. No cost. About 20 parking spaces, a vault toilet, and a boat launch. Open for solar panels, but tree cover around the lot. Only about 5 parking spaces are not on a slant. Places in the trees for tents. Absolutely beautiful views up and down the river. A single fire pit on the river’s edge. No road noise to speak of because it is way in the distance and rare at night. Fireflies and owls into the night. Mist on the water in the morning: just beautiful. T mobile service has 3 of 4 bars. There is no apparent Verizon service.

      • RThe Dyrt PRO User
        Camper-submitted photo from Beaver Lake Recreation Area
        Apr. 6, 2024

        Beaver Lake Recreation Area

        Ticks, pigs, and limited spots

        This area is beautiful and overall I recommend it but we did have trouble finding a flat spot. I think they're only five or six decent spots total. We met a local who warned us of wild pigs that will charge you and a lot of ticks in the forest.

      • Mike L.The Dyrt PRO User
        Camper-submitted photo from Julian Tower Lookout
        Jan. 3, 2024

        Julian Tower Lookout

        National Forest - Old Julian Lookout Tower site - Tower Removed

        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. It leads to a T where additional two-path logging road.

      • aThe Dyrt PRO User
        Camper-submitted photo from 34 Bridge Recreation Area
        Dec. 8, 2023

        34 Bridge Recreation Area

        Beautiful view-large creek

        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.

      • Sean A.The Dyrt PRO User
        Camper-submitted photo from FS-2363 Dispersed Camping - Murphy Overlook
        Jul. 31, 2023

        FS-2363 Dispersed Camping - Murphy Overlook

        Pretty and Remote (Saw a black bear)

        I'd recommend something AWD or be comfortable with momentum style driving, don't need clearance just need the traction on some of the hills. Once there you see no one, hear nothing and have the place to yourself. Great view. Not large, this is not a multi-car big group place. I'd say 2 small car MAX.

        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!

      • RThe Dyrt PRO User
        Camper-submitted photo from Whitten River Access
        Jun. 17, 2023

        Whitten River Access

        Great place for kayakers

        It has river access via a boat ramp and "dock". There are several level, clear places to camp with enough room for rv's. The road in is rough gravel and a big rv will be slow going. However, I've seen so good size rv's there. It's free and first come camping. There's a vault toilet. It's otherwise primitive camping. Our group kayaks in during trout fishing trips and have never had a problem finding a place to camp. The Eleven Point River is beautiful and cold. Some of the best outdoor fun for adventurous people.

      • BThe Dyrt PRO User
        Camper-submitted photo from FS-2363 Dispersed Camping - Murphy Overlook
        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.

      • Hannah H.
        Camper-submitted photo from Log Yard Campground Backcountry Camping — Ozark National Scenic Riverway
        Aug. 28, 2022

        Log Yard Campground Backcountry Camping — Ozark National Scenic Riverway

        One of a kind

        This was definitely one of, if not my favorites campsites I’ve stayed at! There is a small campground on by the bathrooms with designated sites, and then dispersed camping on the beach. Super pretty spot and great for swimming, but people are pretty bad about cleaning ups free themselves so quite a bit of litter on the beach. Overall a great stay!!

      • Jason F.
        Camper-submitted photo from FS-2363 Dispersed Camping - Murphy Overlook
        Aug. 12, 2022

        FS-2363 Dispersed Camping - Murphy Overlook

        Gorgeous solitude

        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). There is a beautiful view of the valley to the south west and we were treated to an incredible sunset. Reasonably close to Johnson Shut Ins and Elephant Rock State park. This is a keeper.

      • Malayna F.
        Camper-submitted photo from Log Yard Campground Backcountry Camping — Ozark National Scenic Riverway
        May. 21, 2022

        Log Yard Campground Backcountry Camping — Ozark National Scenic Riverway

        One of the best spots ive camped at!

        This place is like a hidden treasure. lots of space on the bank to have privacy from other campers, the river was blue and super pretty, and the area was very clean. i didnt see litter anywhere. there is no cell service so youll have to drive up the road to ellington to get anything. overall it was a very relaxing experience, i HIGHLY recommend this campsite.

      • H
        Camper-submitted photo from Log Yard Campground Backcountry Camping — Ozark National Scenic Riverway
        May. 7, 2022

        Log Yard Campground Backcountry Camping — Ozark National Scenic Riverway

        Hidden gem

        This site was a fantastic spot hidden pretty far off the beaten path. We had to fjord an overflowing stream that went across the road but didn’t have any trouble in our Jeep Wrangler. When we arrived we saw a couple tents at a site before we reached the water and only one vehicle by the water at the first “site”. We drive along a path past that first site and parked in another partially hidden water access site. It was perfect. Never heard or saw anyone else. Beautiful sunrise hitting the trees and the stone along the opposite side of the river in the morning. Highly recommend. Just be aware you will not have cell service.

      • Greg H.
        Camper-submitted photo from Beaver Lake Recreation Area
        Sep. 8, 2021

        Beaver Lake Recreation Area

        Nice place, well off the beaten path.

        Way back off of a gravel road... There's at least two pull-offs that I've seen, I'm sure there's more. Disperse camping no facilities but it's nice back here... Fire pit... Not much company & free

      • Katie B.The Dyrt PRO User
        Camper-submitted photo from Sunklands Conservation Area
        Aug. 13, 2021

        Sunklands Conservation Area

        Great for those who want to be alone

        This is an olen camping area as it’s in a conversation area. There are no sites you just pick your spot. We had a great time exploring the outdoors- saw no other people and only heard nature and airplanes

      • b
        Camper-submitted photo from Log Yard Campground Backcountry Camping — Ozark National Scenic Riverway
        Jan. 30, 2021

        Log Yard Campground Backcountry Camping — Ozark National Scenic Riverway

        Great spot to car camp

        It was a little barren this time of year, I mostly had the beach site to myself, other than what I image was a group of high schoolers who came to party. They were loud and rowdy for about an hour then packed up, though not without driving by my tent and yelling a couple f**k you’s at me while I was trying to sleep.

        However the site was very nice and is exactly as described in the previous review. There was a lot of litter on the beach.

      • Dave N.The Dyrt PRO User
        Camper-submitted photo from Log Yard Campground Backcountry Camping — Ozark National Scenic Riverway
        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

      • Joshua D.
        Camper-submitted photo from Cane Bluff River Access
        Jul. 12, 2019

        Cane Bluff River Access

        Love This Place

        Have camped here several times. Very primitive with only vault toilets. If you want seclusion in a beautiful setting this place is for you.



      Frequently Asked Questions

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

        According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Ellsinore, MO is Log Yard Campground Backcountry Camping — Ozark National Scenic Riverway with a 4.3-star rating from 8 reviews.

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

        TheDyrt.com has all 14 dispersed camping locations near Ellsinore, MO, with real photos and reviews from campers.