Top Free Dispersed Camping near Fulton, MO

Searching for a dispersed camping spot near Fulton? Here you'll find a diverse selection of places to camp, including remote dispersed camping to boondocking, and everything in-between. Find dispersed campsites you've visited before, or discover new spots from other campers.

Best Dispersed Sites Near Fulton, MO (3)

    Camper-submitted photo from Pine Ridge Recreation Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Pine Ridge Recreation Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Pine Ridge Recreation Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Pine Ridge Recreation Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Pine Ridge Recreation Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Pine Ridge Recreation Area

    1. Pine Ridge Recreation Area

    12 Reviews
    35 Photos
    128 Saves
    New Bloomfield, Missouri

    This area is located in a pine forest and provides a campground and picnic area while serving as a trailhead to the 36-mile Cedar Creek Trail. Four picnic sites and 8 campsites are provided. Larger grassy area can provide small groups such as scouts.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • ADA Access
    • Dispersed
    • Trash
    Camper-submitted photo from Three Creeks Conservation Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Three Creeks Conservation Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Three Creeks Conservation Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Three Creeks Conservation Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Three Creeks Conservation Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Three Creeks Conservation Area

    2. Three Creeks Conservation Area

    6 Reviews
    8 Photos
    50 Saves
    Ashland, Missouri

    Walk-in primitive camping is allowed year round except during modern firearms deer season. During modern firearm deer season, hunters may camp along roads and around parking lots. Camping along roads and in-and-around parking lots is otherwise prohibited. Groups of more than 10 campers require a special use permit.

    Three Creeks Conservation Area is in Boone County (halfway between Columbia and Ashland). The area takes its name from the three creeks that run through the area: Turkey Creek, Bass Creek, and Bonne Femme Creek. The rugged forest features scenic bluffs, intermittent streams, geologic formations, and old eastern red cedar trees. Three Creeks Conservation Area was considered for purchase as a result of substantial public input and interest in protecting the general Three Creeks area from further urban development, which would destroy its appearance and natural features. Moreover, Three Creeks Conservation Area was acquired to maintain and manage representative plant and animal communities and to provide outdoor recreational and educational opportunities in an urbanizing region of central Missouri. Much of the land in the general area was purchased by freed slaves following the Civil War. Generally, the tracts were small (usually 40 or 80 acre parcels). Land which could be seeded to pasture for grazing or plowed with a horse was farmed into the 1930's when many families could no longer support themselves on the small tracts of land. Many had to sell their property due to the economic conditions during the Depression. The reduction in the number of landowners has continued up to the present time. Seven identifiable house sites have been located on the initial 685 acres.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • No image available

    Recent Dispersed Reviews In Fulton

    12 Reviews of 3 Fulton Campgrounds


    • Camper-submitted photo from Pine Ridge Recreation Area
      May 15, 2023

      Pine Ridge Recreation Area

      Fantastic

      I’ve been going from one campsite to the next for a few weeks now and this place is the best. Clean updated vault toilets. Potable water and we’ll kept sites.

    • Camper-submitted photo from Pine Ridge Recreation Area
      June 21, 2021

      Pine Ridge Recreation Area

      Nice campsite!

      Went here on a sunday night. Only two other campers. Toilets, dumpster, and water pump present. Only bummer was lots of ticks and there must be a gun range nearby, which set off our dog's anxiety.

    • Camper-submitted photo from Pine Ridge Recreation Area
      June 18, 2021

      Pine Ridge Recreation Area

      Nice semi-quite place to overnight.

      All and all nice place. Some roads are gravel and chalky leading there (my cars still covered and I'm in Colorado now!) Pit Toilets were nice, one for campground. 2 potable water sites. Campsites were not well defined and judging by the beer cans in some site fire rings it might get rowdy on the weekend.

    • Camper-submitted photo from Pine Ridge Recreation Area
      May 31, 2021

      Pine Ridge Recreation Area

      I loved it

      It was a nice quiet area designated camping spots and not too far from any stores very clean working bathrooms we really enjoyed ourselves there we'll be looking forward to going back

    • Camper-submitted photo from Pine Ridge Recreation Area
      September 8, 2020

      Pine Ridge Recreation Area

      Great Campground

      Pros: Free!! Close to Columbia but far enough away for a getaway. Easy to find from the road, even in the dark. Fire pits and picnic tables are there. Vault toilets and running water available. Hiking trailhead at the entrance of the campground. Camping spots are spaced out enough.

      Cons: Can hear lawn-mowing and Gun shots from neighboring properties in the early morning. Still not the end of the world. Definitely fills up on the weekends.

      I stayed at #3 and it was a very spacious private spot. If you have kids/dogs I recommend spot #4 it has a long strip of playroom for running around without disturbing other spaces. 2 week maximum stay.

    • Camper-submitted photo from Pine Ridge Recreation Area
      August 6, 2020

      Pine Ridge Recreation Area

      Pine Ridge Dispersed camping at Mark Twain National Forest

      There was easy access to the campground. There were designated spots to camp that had a picnic table and camp grill. Didn't like people just sitting in parked cars in the campground. Quite place to camp for the night.

    • Camper-submitted photo from Pine Ridge Recreation Area
      February 9, 2020

      Pine Ridge Recreation Area

      Peaceful

      Stayed 2 nights, blacktop rv site, back in, w table, fire pit, grill on pit as well as seperate on pedestal, covered table for storage  or prep, also picnic table, water faucet, dumpsters, vault toilet.  Stayed in Oct so it was not busy, there were a few tents, hiking trail lots of shade.  Nice country road drive in and out.

    • Camper-submitted photo from Pine Ridge Recreation Area
      September 27, 2019

      Pine Ridge Recreation Area

      My absolute favorite place close to home.

      This campground is pretty stripped down. There are vault toilets and that's it for amenities. However, it is also one of my favorites close to home to hike. The campsites are always clean, but you almost always find litter in the fire rings. You have to gather your own wood or bring approved stuff in, but it is perfect for a quick overnight trip.

    • Camper-submitted photo from Pine Ridge Recreation Area
      April 17, 2019

      Pine Ridge Recreation Area

      Great dry dock area

      Wonderful open areas for camping. Fire pits aplenty. Great hiking trails to meadows and forest. Several sites all first come first serve. No power and vault toilets. Donation camping so late night arrivals can get scetchy.

    • Camper-submitted photo from Pine Ridge Recreation Area
      July 9, 2018

      Pine Ridge Recreation Area

      great trails

      Love the trails and the secluded spots. There usually are always people camping, even in the winter. Also, there are no electric sites so dont forget your generator. My husband and I have felt a little unsafe. We once had another camper come into our site and not want to leave.

    • Camper-submitted photo from Pine Ridge Recreation Area
      May 22, 2018

      Pine Ridge Recreation Area

      Pines Pines Pines impressive

      Set in the Cedar Creek District of the mark Twain National Forest this campground is perfect for a night stay or a backpacking trip. On site camp hostess and privy. Great hammock camping



    Guide to Fulton

    Camping near Fulton, Missouri, offers a variety of experiences for outdoor enthusiasts. With beautiful landscapes and well-maintained campgrounds, it’s a great spot for families, RVers, and anyone looking to escape the hustle and bustle.

    What to do:

    • Hiking and Trails: Explore the scenic trails at Cuivre River State Park Campground. One visitor mentioned, "Beautiful prairie view and lots of great trails," making it a perfect spot for nature walks.
    • Fishing and Boating: Head to Ray Behrens for lake access. A camper noted, "It has a wonderful, full-service marina and a few great trails that lead to the water."
    • Cave Tours: Visit the famous Mark Twain Cave while staying at Mark Twain Cave & Campground. One reviewer said, "The cave tour is interesting, but a little expensive," so plan accordingly.

    What campers like:

    • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate the cleanliness at Lazy Day Campground. A visitor shared, "The bathhouse was clean and well kept."
    • Friendly Staff: Many have praised the helpfulness of campground staff. At Graham Cave State Park Campground, one camper said, "The camp host was helpful in providing firewood and was very attentive."
    • Spacious Sites: Campers enjoy the roomy sites at Cottonwoods RV Park & Campground. A review noted, "The sites here are very close together, but long-term guests kept their sites nice and well organized."

    What you should know:

    • Reservations Recommended: Many campgrounds, like Indian Creek Campground, fill up quickly, especially on weekends. A camper mentioned, "I am bad at making reservations, but we got lucky with the last spot in the RV section."
    • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds, such as Finger Lakes State Park Campground, may not have all the amenities you expect. One visitor noted, "There’s no water hookups," so be prepared.
    • Wildlife Encounters: Be cautious of wildlife, especially raccoons at Indian Creek Campground. A camper advised, "Raccoons visited nightly so secure your food supply and trash."

    Tips for camping with families:

    • Kid-Friendly Activities: Look for campgrounds with amenities for kids, like pools or playgrounds. Lazy Day Campground has a pool during the season, which is a hit with families.
    • Plan for Quiet Time: Many campgrounds, such as Cooper’s Landing Campgrounds and Marina, have quiet hours. One camper mentioned, "They wrap everything up by 10pm and it’s very quiet late night."
    • Pack Essentials: Bring along games and outdoor activities to keep kids entertained. A visitor at Mark Twain Cave & Campground enjoyed the corn hole area, which is great for family fun.

    Tips from RVers:

    • Check Site Sizes: Make sure to verify the size of your site before booking. A camper at Cottonwoods RV Park & Campground noted, "The utilities were in the middle of the pad and water pressure was decent."
    • Be Prepared for Road Conditions: Some campgrounds, like Cooper’s Landing, require driving on gravel roads. One reviewer mentioned, "You have to drive pretty far off the highway on gravel roads."
    • Plan for Limited Dump Stations: Many campgrounds, including Ray Behrens, do not have dump stations on-site. A camper advised, "Plan your length of stay accordingly."

    Camping near Fulton, Missouri, has something for everyone, from families to seasoned RVers. Just remember to plan ahead and enjoy the great outdoors!

    Frequently Asked Questions

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

      According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Fulton, MO is Pine Ridge Recreation Area with a 3.9-star rating from 12 reviews.

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

      TheDyrt.com has all 3 dispersed camping locations near Fulton, MO, with real photos and reviews from campers.