Best Dispersed Camping near Fredericktown, MO

Want to go dispersed camping near Fredericktown? Find everything from dispersed backcountry camping to boondocking with The Dyrt. From secluded to easily reachable, we offer dispersed campsites near Fredericktown just for you.

Best Dispersed Sites Near Fredericktown, Missouri (7)

    jeff F.'s photo of a dispersed camping area at FS-2363 Dispersed Camping - Murphy Overlook near Black, MO
    Camper-submitted photo at FS-2363 Dispersed Camping - Murphy Overlook near Black, MO
    Camper-submitted photo at FS-2363 Dispersed Camping - Murphy Overlook near Black, MO
    Camper-submitted photo at FS-2363 Dispersed Camping - Murphy Overlook near Black, MO
    Camper-submitted photo at FS-2363 Dispersed Camping - Murphy Overlook near Black, MO
    Camper-submitted photo at FS-2363 Dispersed Camping - Murphy Overlook near Black, MO

    1. FS-2363 Dispersed Camping - Murphy Overlook

    10 Reviews
    29 Photos
    271 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
    alexis M.'s photo of a dispersed camping area at 34 Bridge Recreation Area near Patterson, MO
    Camper-submitted photo at 34 Bridge Recreation Area near Patterson, MO
    Camper-submitted photo at 34 Bridge Recreation Area near Patterson, MO
    Camper-submitted photo at 34 Bridge Recreation Area near Patterson, MO
    Camper-submitted photo at 34 Bridge Recreation Area near Patterson, MO
    Camper-submitted photo at 34 Bridge Recreation Area near Patterson, MO

    2. 34 Bridge Recreation Area

    1 Review
    8 Photos
    4 Saves
    Patterson, Missouri
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • ADA Access
    • Dispersed
    • Trash
    Jeremy G.'s photo of a dispersed camping area at Big River Primitive Campground near Belleview, MO
    Camper-submitted photo at Big River Primitive Campground near Belleview, MO
    Camper-submitted photo at Big River Primitive Campground near Belleview, MO
    Camper-submitted photo at Big River Primitive Campground near Belleview, MO
    Camper-submitted photo at Big River Primitive Campground near Belleview, MO
    Camper-submitted photo at Big River Primitive Campground near Belleview, MO

    3. Big River Primitive Campground

    2 Reviews
    9 Photos
    32 Saves
    Belleview, Missouri

    Backcountry Primitive Campsite next to a water source with a fire ring. All garbage must be carried out

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Dispersed
    Frank G.'s photo of a dispersed camping area at Sulphur Springs Dispersed near Greenville, MO
    Camper-submitted photo at Sulphur Springs Dispersed near Greenville, MO
    Camper-submitted photo at Sulphur Springs Dispersed near Greenville, MO
    Camper-submitted photo at Sulphur Springs Dispersed near Greenville, MO
    Camper-submitted photo at Sulphur Springs Dispersed near Greenville, MO

    4. Sulphur Springs Dispersed

    1 Review
    3 Photos
    24 Saves
    Greenville, Missouri
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • RVs
    • Tents
    • Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo at Julian Tower Lookout near Patterson, MO

    5. Julian Tower Lookout

    1 Review
    2 Saves
    Patterson, Missouri
    • RVs
    • Tents
    • Standard (Tent/RV)
    • Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo at Brazil Creek Camping Area near Potosi, MO
    Camper-submitted photo at Brazil Creek Camping Area near Potosi, MO
    Camper-submitted photo at Brazil Creek Camping Area near Potosi, MO
    Camper-submitted photo at Brazil Creek Camping Area near Potosi, MO
    Camper-submitted photo at Brazil Creek Camping Area near Potosi, MO
    Camper-submitted photo at Brazil Creek Camping Area near Potosi, MO

    6. Brazil Creek Camping Area

    3 Reviews
    5 Photos
    39 Saves
    Potosi, Missouri

    The campsites are located on the right-hand side of the road. This is part of a trail area - camping is allowed.

    Dispersed camping is allowed along the trail.

    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.
    

    For more information on Dispersed Camping visit our dispersed camping page which has information on picking a campsite, how to protect water quality, and campfires!

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • ADA Access
    • RVs
    • Tents
    Camper-submitted photo at highway 34 Bridge Recreation Area near Patterson, MO
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Showing results 1-7 of 7 campgrounds

Recent Dispersed Reviews near Fredericktown, Missouri

15 Reviews of 7 Fredericktown Campgrounds


  • 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.

  • 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.

  • Matt S.
    Camper-submitted photo from Big River Primitive Campground
    Sep. 21, 2017

    Big River Primitive Campground

    OZARK TRAIL: Make sure you stay at Big River

    OZARK TRAIL: I backpacked 50 miles during spring break on the Ozark Trail between Council Bluff Lake and Johnson Shutins State park. When I planned the trip the only information for camping that was available were regulations requiring you to camp 100 feet from the trail.

    I have to admit that the Ozark Trail Association provides amazing resources about the Ozark Trail but they fail to describe what has become primitive backcountry campsites all along the trail. 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.

    Make sure you bring a water purifier. It is some of the best tasting water I have ever had.

    BIG RIVER: Make sure you plan your trip so that you can spend the night at Big River. It is an easy hike from Council Bluff Lake and is at the bottom of a hill. Big River isn't really a river but it is a reliable creek with a beautiful setting. It has a nice fire pit with plenty of large logs for seating. It can hold about ten campers comfortably. Tip: Dig your cat hole before you go to sleep and make sure it is at least 100 feet from the water.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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!


Guide to Fredericktown

Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Fredericktown, Missouri, where nature lovers can find serene spots to unwind and connect with the outdoors. With a variety of locations offering unique experiences, there's something for everyone.

Dispersed campers should check out 34 Bridge Recreation Area

  • This area allows for a truly rustic experience, with features like campfires permitted and no permits required for camping. You can enjoy the freedom of setting up your tent in a natural setting.
  • Access is available by boat-in, drive-in, or walk-in, making it convenient for different types of campers. The scenic views of the creek add to the charm of this spot.
  • While there are no amenities like drinking water or electric hookups, the peaceful environment and the chance to spot wildlife make it a worthwhile destination. Check it out at 34 Bridge Recreation Area.

Top activities while free camping near Fredericktown

  • Hiking enthusiasts will appreciate the proximity to trails that wind through the stunning landscapes of the Mark Twain National Forest, especially near Murphy Overlook, where you can find secluded spots to set up camp.
  • For those looking to explore, the Big River Primitive Campground offers easy access to clean water and peaceful surroundings, perfect for a refreshing dip after a day of hiking.
  • Wildlife watchers will enjoy the chance to see various animals in their natural habitat, particularly at Murphy Overlook, where sightings of deer and other wildlife are common.

Scenic views for dispersed campers at Sulphur Springs Dispersed

  • Located near Greenville, Sulphur Springs Dispersed offers beautiful river views and a tranquil atmosphere, ideal for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
  • With a vault toilet available and plenty of space for tents, this site is well-suited for both solo campers and families seeking a peaceful retreat.
  • The area is known for its stunning sunsets and starry nights, making it a perfect spot for photography enthusiasts and stargazers alike.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

    According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Fredericktown, MO is FS-2363 Dispersed Camping - Murphy Overlook with a 4.8-star rating from 10 reviews.

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

    TheDyrt.com has all 7 dispersed camping locations near Fredericktown, MO, with real photos and reviews from campers.