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Best Dispersed Camping near Eminence, MO

45 Reviews

Ozark National Scenic Riverway offers several backcountry camping areas near Eminence, Missouri. Log Yard Campground provides primitive riverside camping with direct access to the Current River. The gravel shores accommodate vehicle camping, though 4WD is recommended as "the gravel settles if wet and many trailers and campers have gotten stuck here," according to visitor reviews. While free camping is mentioned in some reviews, newer reports indicate a $10/night fee collected via QR code payment system.

Blue Spring offers additional primitive sites along the river with boat-in, drive-in, and walk-in access. These sites include picnic tables but minimal amenities. A camper noted, "People in your site who are going down the river stop to fish and eat and occupy your space," making weekdays preferable for those seeking solitude. Sunklands Conservation Area provides truly remote free camping with hike-in access only. The area has no designated sites—campers simply choose their spot in this public land. McCormack Lake Recreation Area and Cane Bluff River Access round out the primitive camping options, both offering basic toilet facilities and trash service.

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Best Dispersed Sites Near Eminence, Missouri (20)

    1. Log Yard Campground Backcountry Camping — Ozark National Scenic Riverway

    10 Reviews
    Van Buren, MO
    14 miles

    "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!"

    "Pit toilets, dumpster, and water all on site but not at each camp. Great spot to car camp."

    2. Blue Spring Backcountry Camping — Ozark National Scenic Riverway

    8 Reviews
    Mountain View, MO
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (573) 323-4236

    "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."

    "Stayed at site 9 next to the river. No need to go find the scan and pay by the vault toilet all the sites have QR codes at the sites for scan and pay."

    3. Sunklands Conservation Area

    1 Review
    Hartshorn, MO
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (573) 226-3616

    4. McCormack Lake Rec Area

    4 Reviews
    Alton, MO
    23 miles
    Website
    +1 (573) 364-4621

    "We had a local with his hounds running around with a flashlight looking up trees for about an hour around 9PM. I'm guessing he was raccoon hunting...?"

    "Totally alone with a gorgeous lake."

    5. Cane Bluff River Access

    3 Reviews
    Alton, MO
    25 miles
    Website

    "It's way back on a little dirt road past some farm land and homes."

    6. Little Scotia Pond 4x4 Dispersed Site

    2 Reviews
    Bunker, MO
    26 miles
    Website
    +1 (573) 364-4621

    "Although the old rv park across the water is nice and level, we ended up wanting to be closer to the water and there happened to be a trail."

    "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. Only saw one other group camping here while we did."

    7. Little Scotia Pond

    1 Review
    Bunker, MO
    26 miles
    Website

    "There's a trail that leads off by the old damn that leads to an old gravesite with stones from the 1800's. Hard to find, bit rewarding. If you like solitude love this place."

    8. blue springs back country river access

    Be the first to review!
    Mountain View, MO
    17 miles

    9. FS-2363 Dispersed Camping - Murphy Overlook

    11 Reviews
    Black, MO
    39 miles
    Website

    "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."

    "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!"

    10. Whitten River Access

    2 Reviews
    Alton, MO
    30 miles

    "No one around on this 5 degrees F night. Access road is steep but not rough."

    "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."

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Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos near Eminence, MO

41 Photos of 20 Eminence Campgrounds

Dispersed Camping Reviews near Eminence, MO

45 Reviews of 20 Eminence Campgrounds

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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!

  • Greg H.
    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

  • Jason F.
    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.

Guide to Eminence

Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Eminence, Missouri, where nature enthusiasts can immerse themselves in the stunning landscapes of the Ozarks. With a variety of options, these sites offer a chance to escape the hustle and bustle and enjoy the great outdoors.

Scenic River Access for Dispersed Campers

  • The Log Yard Campground Backcountry Camping provides a remote experience along the Current River, perfect for those seeking solitude and natural beauty.
  • Campers can enjoy the picturesque views and the opportunity to see local wildlife, including a reintroduced elk herd, while staying at this scenic spot.
  • Be prepared for a bit of adventure, as accessing this area may require crossing a creek, making it ideal for those with a 4-wheel drive vehicle.

Top Activities While Free Camping Near Eminence

  • At Blue Spring Backcountry Camping, visitors can enjoy swimming in the crystal-clear waters of the spring, making it a refreshing stop during hot summer days.
  • The area is popular for kayaking and floating, providing ample opportunities for water-based activities and exploration of the surrounding Ozark National Scenic Riverway.
  • Campers can also take advantage of nearby hiking trails, allowing for a full day of adventure in the beautiful Missouri wilderness.

Hidden Gems for Nature Lovers

  • The Sunklands Conservation Area offers a unique experience for those who prefer to camp away from the crowds, with no designated sites and plenty of space to choose from.
  • This area is perfect for wildlife enthusiasts, as visitors can enjoy the sounds of nature and potentially spot various animals in their natural habitat.
  • With its remote location, this site is ideal for stargazing, providing a peaceful atmosphere away from city lights and distractions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I find dispersed camping near Eminence, Missouri?

Several dispersed camping options exist around Eminence. Log Yard Campground Backcountry Camping — Ozark National Scenic Riverway offers access to the Current River shores where you can park and set up camp on rocky areas. FS-2363 Dispersed Camping - Murphy Overlook provides remote camping with spectacular valley views, though 4WD/AWD is recommended for the 6-mile forest service road. Both locations are off the beaten path, giving you that true wilderness experience while still being accessible by vehicle.

What are the rules and permits required for dispersed camping in Eminence, MO?

Dispersed camping around Eminence generally follows National Park Service and Forest Service regulations. At Blue Spring Backcountry Camping — Ozark National Scenic Riverway, camping is primitive with no reservation system. Some areas like Cane Bluff River Access are free to use without permits. Standard dispersed camping rules apply: pack out all trash, maintain proper distance from water sources, and follow fire safety protocols. During COVID, some locations waived their usual $5/day fees. Always check current regulations with Ozark National Scenic Riverway or Mark Twain National Forest before your trip.

What amenities are available at dispersed camping sites around Eminence, Missouri?

Dispersed camping around Eminence typically offers minimal amenities. Whitten River Access provides basic river access with level spots by the water but no facilities. Beaver Lake Recreation Area offers secluded pull-offs with existing fire pits but no other amenities. Some locations like parts of Log Yard have pit toilets, water access points, and dumpsters in designated areas, though not at individual sites. Most dispersed sites feature natural fire rings and proximity to rivers for water (which requires treatment). Expect to be self-sufficient with no electricity, running water, or restroom facilities at most locations.

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