Top Free Dispersed Camping near Greenville, MO

Planning a dispersed camping trip near Greenville? Dispersed camping means that no facilities or amenities are provided, so that you can truly disconnect and get back to nature. Search dispersed campsites you've visited before, or discover new spots and read camper reviews.

Best Dispersed Sites Near Greenville, MO (8)

    Camper-submitted photo from Sulphur Springs Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Sulphur Springs Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Sulphur Springs Dispersed
    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
    • No image available
      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

      5. Beaver Lake Recreation Area

      2 Reviews
      1 Photo
      43 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 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
      251 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
      • No image available
        Camper-submitted photo from Big River Primitive Campground
        Camper-submitted photo from Big River Primitive Campground
        Camper-submitted photo from Big River Primitive Campground
        Camper-submitted photo from Big River Primitive Campground
        Camper-submitted photo from Big River Primitive Campground
        Camper-submitted photo from Big River Primitive Campground

        8. Big River Primitive Campground

        2 Reviews
        9 Photos
        31 Saves
        Belleview, Missouri

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

        • Pets
        • Fires
        • Dispersed

      Recent Dispersed Reviews In Greenville

      25 Reviews of 8 Greenville Campgrounds


      • Camper-submitted photo from Log Yard Campground Backcountry Camping — Ozark National Scenic Riverway
        August 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

      • Camper-submitted photo from Log Yard Campground Backcountry Camping — Ozark National Scenic Riverway
        July 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.

      • Camper-submitted photo from FS-2363 Dispersed Camping - Murphy Overlook
        July 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.

      • Camper-submitted photo from Sulphur Springs Dispersed
        April 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.

      • Camper-submitted photo from Beaver Lake Recreation Area
        April 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.

      • Camper-submitted photo from Julian Tower Lookout
        January 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.

      • Camper-submitted photo from 34 Bridge Recreation Area
        December 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.

      • Camper-submitted photo from FS-2363 Dispersed Camping - Murphy Overlook
        July 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!

      • Camper-submitted photo from FS-2363 Dispersed Camping - Murphy Overlook
        January 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.

      • Camper-submitted photo from Log Yard Campground Backcountry Camping — Ozark National Scenic Riverway
        August 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!!

      • Camper-submitted photo from FS-2363 Dispersed Camping - Murphy Overlook
        August 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.

      • 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.

      • 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.

      • Camper-submitted photo from Beaver Lake Recreation Area
        September 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

      • Camper-submitted photo from Log Yard Campground Backcountry Camping — Ozark National Scenic Riverway
        January 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.

      • Camper-submitted photo from Log Yard Campground Backcountry Camping — Ozark National Scenic Riverway
        July 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

      • Camper-submitted photo from Big River Primitive Campground
        September 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.



      Guide to Greenville

      Camping near Greenville, Missouri, offers a great escape into nature with plenty of options for outdoor fun. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventure-filled weekend, there are several campgrounds nearby that cater to all kinds of campers.

      What to do:

      • Hiking: Explore the scenic trails at Johnson's Shut-Ins State Park. One visitor mentioned, "The Scour Trail was also close and really neat to see," making it a perfect spot for hiking enthusiasts.
      • Swimming: Enjoy the refreshing waters at Sam A. Baker State Park Campground. A camper shared, "The water is slow and shallow enough in tons of places for littles and deep and cold enough for the older kids and adults to cool off too."
      • Fishing: Cast a line at Alley Spring Campground. One reviewer noted, "Great swimming holes... Ranger programs on the weekends were very informative and friendly," highlighting the family-friendly atmosphere.

      What campers like:

      • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate the cleanliness at St. Francois State Park Campground. A visitor remarked, "The campsites were very clean and sewer the other facilities there are two great trails in the park."
      • Spacious Sites: Many enjoy the roomy campsites at Echo Bluff State Park. One camper said, "Sites were spacious and there’s not a 'bad' site in the whole park."
      • Friendly Staff: The welcoming atmosphere at Big Spring Campground is a hit. A reviewer mentioned, "The campground is beautifully manicured and has spacious sites and many options."

      What you should know:

      • Limited Cell Service: Be prepared for spotty cell service at Taum Sauk Mountain State Park Campground. One camper noted, "We were happy to not have a cell signal for the night."
      • Reservations Recommended: Popular spots like Hawn State Park Campground can fill up quickly. A visitor advised, "Reservations recommended, especially on weekends."
      • No Showers at Some Sites: Some campgrounds, like Alley Spring Campground, lack shower facilities. A camper mentioned, "Showers were a little far from our loop."

      Tips for camping with families:

      • Choose Kid-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for places like Sam A. Baker State Park Campground, where "the store is adorable, the food is surprisingly really good," making it easy to keep everyone happy.
      • Plan for Activities: Make sure to have a list of activities, as one family shared, "There is plenty to do from hiking to horseback riding."
      • Bring Games and Snacks: Keep the kids entertained with games and snacks. A camper at Johnson's Shut-Ins State Park mentioned, "Our site was right at the beginning of the loop and was very level and offered privacy."

      Tips from RVers:

      • Check Hookups: Ensure your site has the necessary hookups. A reviewer at St. Joe State Park Campground noted, "Campsites were large and well set up," but some sites lacked water.
      • Arrive Early: Get to popular spots early to secure a good site. One camper at Echo Bluff State Park said, "Easy to get checked in staff is super helpful."
      • Be Prepared for Tight Spaces: Some campgrounds may have close quarters. A visitor at Sam A. Baker State Park Campground mentioned, "Camp host was nice and river was also very nice but campground was really tight."

      Camping around Greenville, MO, offers a mix of adventure and relaxation, with something for everyone. Whether you're in an RV or tent camping, you'll find plenty of options to enjoy the great outdoors.

      Frequently Asked Questions

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

        According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Greenville, MO is Sulphur Springs Dispersed with a 5-star rating from 1 review.

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

        TheDyrt.com has all 8 dispersed camping locations near Greenville, MO, with real photos and reviews from campers.