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Top Free Dispersed Camping near Herculaneum, MO

4 Reviews

If you're looking for a place to dispersed camp near Herculaneum, look no further. Here you'll find a diverse selection of places to camp, including remote dispersed camping to boondocking, and everything in-between. From secluded to easily reachable, we offer dispersed campsites near Herculaneum just for you.

Map showing campgrounds near Herculaneum, Missouri

Best Dispersed Sites Near Herculaneum, MO (3)

    Camper-submitted photo from Brazil Creek Camping Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Brazil Creek Camping Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Brazil Creek Camping Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Brazil Creek Camping Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Brazil Creek Camping Area

    1.

    Brazil Creek Camping Area

    2 Reviews
    5 Photos
    29 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
    • ADA Access
    • RVs
    • Tents
    • Standard (Tent/RV)
    • Toilets
    Camper-submitted photo from Courtois Creek Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Courtois Creek Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Courtois Creek Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Courtois Creek Dispersed

    2.

    Courtois Creek Dispersed

    2 Reviews
    4 Photos
    105 Saves
    Davisville, Missouri

    This section is the gateway to the Ozarks--starting at Onondaga Cave State Park and winding through the Huzzah State Forest/Conservation Area, opening into the lead district of Missouri and the Mark Twain National Forest, view variegated wildlife, flora, and scenery and end up at Hazel Creek on the south. This 45-mile long section includes 7.5 miles of state land north of the Narrows Trailhead, crosses private land at the Bass Resort, follows the Berryman Trail from about mile 22 through mile 32, and connects to the Trace Creek Section on the south at the Hazel Creek Trailhead. It is part of the over 220 mile continuous through-trail. Use caution after periods of rain as the creek crossings can be hazardous. This section of trail includes springs, creeks and other water locations, as well as some popular places for trailside camping.

    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
    • Dispersed
    • Alcohol
    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

    3.

    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 Herculaneum

4 Reviews of 3 Herculaneum Campgrounds

  • Pat F.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Courtois Creek Dispersed
    April 7, 2022

    Courtois Creek Dispersed

    Very peaceful and pleasant and very beautiful

    We arrived on Wednesday and camped for a couple of days, very beautiful and peaceful and just gorgeous, no toilets and no electricity and no cell signal but it was amazing

  • Matt S.
    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 Herculaneum

Camping near Herculaneum, Missouri, offers a variety of beautiful spots for outdoor enthusiasts. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or a fun family adventure, there are plenty of campgrounds to explore.

What to do:

  • Hiking and Exploring Trails: Many campgrounds, like Johnson's Shut-Ins State Park, have great trails. One visitor mentioned, "The Scour Trail was also close and really neat to see." Another camper at Meramec State Park noted, "The park did have nice trails, fishing areas, breathtaking riverside views."
  • Swimming and Water Activities: At Onondaga Cave State Park, families can enjoy the river. A reviewer said, "The river is still fantastic fun, especially for our grandkids ages 9 and 12."
  • Wildlife Watching: Campers at Cuivre River State Park appreciate the natural surroundings. One visitor shared, "Nice hiking on trails. Close access to river for fishing and kayaking."

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Campgrounds like Hawn State Park are praised for their cleanliness. A camper mentioned, "The park was very clean and family-friendly."
  • Friendly Staff: Many visitors appreciate the helpful staff. At Meramec State Park, one reviewer said, "The staff is very friendly and helpful."
  • Spacious Campsites: Campers enjoy the roomy sites at places like Cuivre River State Park. A visitor noted, "The full hookup loop has a lot of room."

What you should know:

  • Limited Cell Service: Many campgrounds, including Onondaga Cave State Park, have poor cell reception. One camper mentioned, "No cell service from Verizon or T-Mobile."
  • Crowded on Holidays: Campgrounds like Hawn State Park can get busy during holiday weekends. A visitor warned, "The sites are in close proximity to one another, so it gets crowded during Holiday weekends."
  • Water Access: Some sites, like those at St. Francois State Park, may not have water hookups. A camper noted, "Bummed the sites didn’t have their own water hookups."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose Campgrounds with Activities: Look for places like St. Peters' 370 Lakeside Park that offer playgrounds and water activities. A reviewer said, "The playground was good for the kiddos."
  • Plan for Quiet Hours: Many campgrounds enforce quiet hours. One camper at St. Francois State Park mentioned, "Quiet time is at 10pm and fellow campers are certain to enforce that rule."
  • Pack for Outdoor Fun: Bring along games and outdoor gear. A visitor at Johnson's Shut-Ins State Park shared, "We were able to choose any picnic table and set up our future lunch spot."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Sizes: Make sure to verify the size of RV sites. A camper at Cuivre River State Park noted, "Can be a challenge backing in, as the campsites are at a 90-degree angle to the road."
  • Look for Full Hookups: Campgrounds like Meramec State Park offer full hookups, which can be a big plus. One visitor said, "We stayed at the full hookups spot and everything worked as it should."
  • Be Prepared for Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds may not have all the amenities you expect. A reviewer at Dr. Edmund A. Babler Memorial State Park mentioned, "No pay station so if the office is closed can pay in the a.m."

Camping near Herculaneum, Missouri, has something for everyone, from families to solo adventurers. Just remember to plan ahead and enjoy the great outdoors!

Frequently Asked Questions

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

    According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Herculaneum, MO is Brazil Creek Camping Area with a 4.5-star rating from 2 reviews.

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

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