Best Dispersed Camping near Hannibal, MO

Silo Access Area on O'Neil Creek provides free dispersed camping directly on the Mississippi River near Hannibal, Missouri. The site features approximately 13 primitive sites on a gravel bar with no hookups, potable water, or permanent facilities. Recent improvements include paved access roads and ongoing reforestation efforts. Sites accommodate both tents and RVs, with three pull-through spots designed for easier navigation and site #13 large enough for two recreational vehicles. A boat ramp provides river access, though logs and sandbars occasionally impact usability.

Campers should prepare for a truly primitive experience. A recent review noted, "You won't miss the train as it comes by 3-4 times a day. And lots of barges and river boats that are fun to watch." The campground lacks restrooms and hookups of any kind, requiring visitors to be fully self-contained. The location offers excellent views of Mississippi River traffic but experiences significant mosquito activity. The single trash bin fills quickly, so visitors should plan to pack out waste. For those seeking alternative dispersed camping, Ranacker Conservation Area permits drive-in camping with basic vault toilets but prohibits pets and alcohol.

Best Dispersed Sites Near Hannibal, Missouri (2)

Show More
Showing results 1-2 of 2 campgrounds

2025 Detourist Giveaway

Presented byToyota Trucks

Review Campgrounds. Win Prizes.

Enter to Win


Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos near Hannibal, MO

3 Photos of 2 Hannibal Campgrounds


Dispersed Camping Reviews near Hannibal, MO

5 Reviews of 2 Hannibal Campgrounds


  • Annie C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 1, 2021

    Silo Access Area - O’Neil Creek

    Free river side camping.

    Primitive camping on the Mississippi River. This is mostly a wide gravel bar that you can set up camp on with great views of the big river. But there are no amenities, and few sites. The road through the campground is nicely graded and there is obviously some work being done to restore the flora- trees being planted, areas marked off for restoration. You will be very close to active train tracks, so bring your earplugs. Be sure to be self contained as there is no vault toilet or porta potty currently. The best sites are at the opposite ends of the flat circle where there are large gravel areas ideal for parking RV’s. The boat ramp was a bit of a mess with logs and sandbars, but I suspect the US Army Corps of Engineers are still in the process of cleaning this access area up from flooding from previous years.

  • Cyndy & Selena R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 31, 2023

    Silo Access Area - O’Neil Creek

    Great quiet location ON the Mississippi River

    Very impressed with this beautiful location. The site is right on the Mississippi River!

    There are 13 sites for RVs and Travel Trailers. Three sites are curved to pull in and out easily. Site 13 is large enough for 2 RVs. There is a large boat ramp. The area is freshly paved and undergoing reforestation. However, there are a lot of trees. No water, no electrical hookups, and no bathrooms. There is 1 small trash bin. Mosquitoes are prevalent.

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Apr. 28, 2022

    Silo Access Area - O’Neil Creek

    great spot to watch the river

    This site is a great place to watch that amazing river pass by.  you sit and watch the barges and various things float by.  really great.  you are close to the RR tracks but there aren't that many trains.  It is not exactly where The dyrt sends you.  on Google maps it's listed as Oneil  Creek, though the entrance is marked as Silo Access.  It's about 1 mile north off RT 79 from Calumet Creek access.  It's a great place.

  • Matthew H.
    Oct. 19, 2021

    Silo Access Area - O’Neil Creek

    Not for tents

    Nice campground with a great view of the Mississippi. You won’t miss the train as it comes by 3-4 times a day. And lots of barges and river boats that are fun to watch not restrooms or hook ups of any kind. So bring your rv, water and a generator. But we will going back again for sure. Can beat free and great views


Guide to Hannibal

Silo Access Area - O'Neil Creek offers primitive dispersed camping along the Mississippi River, situated between Hannibal, Missouri and the river's edge. The natural terrain features a wide gravel bar with direct river frontage. Located approximately 11 miles north of Hannibal on Route 79, the area has undergone recent improvements including paving and reforestation efforts while maintaining its rustic character. Mosquitoes are abundant during warmer months due to the riverside location.

What to do

River watching: At Silo Access Area - O'Neil Creek, campers have front-row views of Mississippi River traffic. "This site is a great place to watch that amazing river pass by. You sit and watch the barges and various things float by. Really great," reports JIll in their review.

Boat launching: The boat ramp provides direct river access for fishing or exploring the Mississippi. Conditions vary seasonally, with some visitors noting occasional navigation challenges: "The boat ramp was a bit of a mess with logs and sandbars," explains Annie C., though this likely changes with river levels.

Town exploration: Hannibal's attractions are within reasonable driving distance. Bryan T. notes the area is "Hidden Gem! No facilities, short drive into town," making it convenient to balance wilderness camping with visits to Mark Twain attractions.

What campers like

Riverside position: The direct river frontage is consistently mentioned in reviews. "The site is right on the Mississippi River!" shares Cyndy & Selena R., highlighting the primary appeal of this camping location.

Cost-free camping: The free camping near Hannibal provides budget-friendly access to Mississippi River views. Matthew H. appreciates this aspect: "Can't beat free and great views."

Watching river traffic: Many campers enjoy observing commercial vessels. JIll describes the experience: "You sit and watch the barges and various things float by. Really great," creating a unique camping atmosphere that differs from typical forest or mountain settings.

What you should know

No amenities: Campers must be completely self-sufficient. "No water, no electrical hookups, and no bathrooms. There is 1 small trash bin," explains Cyndy & Selena R., emphasizing the primitive nature of this free camping area.

Limited waste disposal: With just one small trash receptacle that fills quickly, campers should plan to pack out all refuse. The absence of sanitation facilities requires proper waste management practices.

Train noise: The proximity to active railroad tracks affects the sound environment. Matthew H. notes: "You won't miss the train as it comes by 3-4 times a day," so light sleepers should prepare accordingly.

Alternative options: For those seeking dispersed camping with basic facilities, Ranacker Conservation Area offers vault toilets, though certain restrictions apply including no pets or alcohol.

Tips for camping with families

Site selection: Choose camping spots at either end of the camping area for more space. "The best sites are at the opposite ends of the flat circle where there are large gravel areas ideal for parking RVs," suggests Annie C.

Insect protection: Mosquitoes are prevalent near the river, particularly in summer months. Bring sufficient repellent and protective clothing, especially for children during evening hours.

Entertainment value: The river traffic provides natural entertainment for children. "Lots of barges and river boats that are fun to watch," shares Matthew H., offering built-in observation activities.

Tips from RVers

Site capacity: Some sites accommodate larger or multiple vehicles. "Site 13 is large enough for 2 RVs," notes Cyndy & Selena R., providing specific information for groups traveling together.

Self-contained necessities: The location requires RVers bring everything needed. "Bring your RV, water and a generator," advises Matthew H., as no hookups or services exist on site.

Navigation advice: Three pull-through sites offer easier maneuvering. "Three sites are curved to pull in and out easily," explains Cyndy & Selena R., which is helpful for less experienced RV drivers or those with larger rigs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there free camping available in the Hannibal area?

Ranacker Conservation Area offers free camping opportunities near Hannibal. This conservation area provides drive-in access and basic toilet facilities, making it suitable for campers looking for a no-cost option. The area is maintained by the Missouri Department of Conservation and offers a more natural setting for those wanting to experience the outdoors without spending money on campground fees. Remember to follow all conservation area rules and practice Leave No Trace principles when utilizing free camping areas.

Where can I find dispersed camping near Hannibal, Missouri?

Dispersed camping is available at Silo Access Area - O'Neil Creek, a primitive camping area situated right on the Mississippi River. This location offers beautiful riverside views where you can watch barges and riverboats pass by. The area has been improved with freshly paved roads and offers 13 sites suitable for RVs and travel trailers, including three pull-through sites. There's also a large boat ramp available. While this spot provides a scenic camping experience, be prepared for occasional trains passing by on nearby tracks.

Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Hannibal, MO?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Hannibal, MO is Ranacker Conservation Area with a 0-star rating from 0 reviews.