Hollister is the perfect place for adventurous campers and RVers. Enjoy the scenic camping, fun activities, and sights and sounds of Hollister. You're sure to find the perfect spot for your Missouri camping adventure.
"This area is a wilderness area so camping is plentiful. However in this particular are there is no organized campsite specifically. "
"Hercules Glades Wilderness Area is part of mark Twain National Forest. It's a bit off the beaten path, but worth it for a day hike or a bit of backpacking."
"Tried to camp out before backpacking through Hercules Glade Wilderness but the trailheads were packed (weekend). There are two fire rings along this road. Both locations have full bars (Verizon)."
"We got here on a pretty hilly/twisty road late at night, found a spot close to the trailhead and had a quiet, peaceful night sleep. We saw just one other camper with a trailer close to the inlet."
"Nice camping spots at the trailhead for Hercules glades. It was a beautiful, quiet area."
"Mark Twain National Forest is always a great getaway. This location is tucked away from the main road and is easy to get to. Could easily get 4 rigs + in the sight."
"So many options to make your home away from home! Grassy meadows or river side oasis, you choose! This is definitely the place to go to enjoy magnificent scenery and not be distracted by technology."
"I just tried to make a trip up there at the end of April (2022) and the final stretch of access road was blocked off due to erosion according to NPS. Not sure when main road will reopen."
"This isn’t the national forest, you can’t just pull off and camp anywhere you please."
"Spoke with Arkansas Game and Fishing Commission Ranger. No despersal camping but you can camp in the 2 designated campsites. Well designated, my post is on the further east site from Carver."
LegendThis area is a wilderness area so camping is plentiful. However in this particular are there is no organized campsite specifically. Instead there are several areas where you can with permissions hike in and stay.
My suggestion for camping along this area are to check with local restrictions, there are some that you will want to make sure you know first hand. Sometimes fire restrictions do change and these can be found at the beginning of the trails on the kiosks. Some areas also are not permitted for overnight parking so you want to check those out before venturing into the wilderness for a lengthy time.
Check with rangers of the area to make sure you are not in a register only or permit only area for camping!! Very important in this region.
Bring everything and then plot your course.
The 4 mile hike is amazing and has many beautiful view points however it is also quite treacherous in some areas. This area is also one which you will find many snakes lurking during warmer months so beware!!!!
I always suggest on wilderness hikes to not hike alone or camp alone but this one I found to be more problematic with limited to no cell service for assistance should you encounter danger.
Be careful but have fun!!!
GuideHercules Glades Wilderness Area is part of mark Twain National Forest. It's a bit off the beaten path, but worth it for a day hike or a bit of backpacking.
Since it's wilderness area, you can camp just about anywhere with few restrictions. There are a few primitive sites at the trailhead, no water or toilets.
A few hundred yards from the Coy Bald Trailhead there is a fork in the trail. Going left gets you to the falls and the majority of the camp sites with the shortest route, about three miles.
The trail is pretty rough and rocky with moderate elevation changes. I'd rate it on the low side of moderate difficulty.
About a mile in you'll cross the river for the first time. There are camp sites with fire rings on both sides of the river. This is a scenic area with bluffs on one side of the river, but forested, so no views to speak of.
About three miles in, you'll cross the river the second time. There are a number of camping areas with fire rings along the river.
Downstream a few hundred feet are the falls that most people go to see. Unfortunately for us, there wasn't enough water for them to be running. There was enough water to wade around in and soak the feet. It was quite nice!
The area is pretty and quiet, we saw only a handful of people in the two days we were there. The only issue was the ticks, they were the worst I'd dealt with in some time.
All in all, a nice hike and a nice bit if camping. I'd go back to see the falls again.
TravelerThis is a good place for hiking/backpacking. There are several sites around the access road and miles of hiking trails. The only ammenities are some fire rings and 1 toilet. It's a beautiful area but fairly remote and immediate services. Again, good for backpacking/hiking.
GuideMark Twain National Forest is always a great getaway. This location is tucked away from the main road and is easy to get to. Could easily get 4 rigs + in the sight. Established fire ring (be mindful of burn bans). Close to Roaring River and Table Rock lake.
GuideSo many options to make your home away from home! Grassy meadows or river side oasis, you choose! This is definitely the place to go to enjoy magnificent scenery and not be distracted by technology. Late September visit means the river is low, nights are cool and days are filled with sunshine. Bring the bug spray and sunscreen.
ScoutI have visited this spot multiple times and camped right on the riverbank. Beautiful scenery year-round. I just tried to make a trip up there at the end of April (2022) and the final stretch of access road was blocked off due to erosion according to NPS. Not sure when main road will reopen. Ended up camping out at bakers ford just a few miles away.
ScoutI did the Coy Bald hike and loved it. Most of the trail was fairly easy to navigate, however the areas of open meadows were a little more difficult to find where it picks back up. The falls are a great rock feature when it’s dry and beautiful when they’re flowing.
ScoutTried to camp out before backpacking through Hercules Glade Wilderness but the trailheads were packed (weekend). There are two fire rings along this road. Both locations have full bars (Verizon). Little to no man made noise but be respectful, there is a private residence at the end of the road.
GuideWe got here on a pretty hilly/twisty road late at night, found a spot close to the trailhead and had a quiet, peaceful night sleep. We saw just one other camper with a trailer close to the inlet. Just a quick stop on our way, we didn’t hike long in the morning but the trail seemed quiet and secluded; we didn’t see anyone else.
Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Hollister, Missouri, where nature enthusiasts can enjoy serene landscapes and a variety of outdoor activities. With several well-reviewed spots in the area, campers can find the perfect escape into the wilderness.
Frequently Asked Questions
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Hollister, MO is Hercules-Glades Wilderness Area with a 4.5-star rating from 4 reviews.
TheDyrt.com has all 7 dispersed camping locations near Hollister, MO, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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