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Best Dispersed Camping near Houston, MO

27 Reviews

Dispersed camping options near Houston, Missouri cluster around the Ozark National Scenic Riverway and Mark Twain National Forest. Blue Spring and Log Yard Campground offer primitive backcountry sites along the Current River with boat-in access. The Sunklands Conservation Area provides free hike-in camping in an isolated setting where visitors report "saw no other people and only heard nature." Little Scotia Pond features both conventional camping sites and a 4x4-accessible spot near the dam where "firewood is abundant" and wildlife sightings are common.

Several dispersed sites lack maintained facilities. Noblett Lake Dispersed Camping and Sycamore Loop have limited access, with one visitor noting that "most spots no longer seemed camp friendly, as new tree growth has taken over." McCormack Lake Recreation Area offers free camping with vault toilets and trash service, though water quality varies seasonally. The Current River access points like Cane Bluff provide secluded camping with vault toilets where "you feel like you are in the wilderness." Fire restrictions may apply seasonally across most sites, and the standard 14-day camping limit is enforced in national forest areas.

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Best Dispersed Sites Near Houston, Missouri (12)

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Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos near Houston, MO

17 Photos of 12 Houston Campgrounds

Dispersed Camping Reviews near Houston, MO

27 Reviews of 12 Houston Campgrounds

  • Elaina M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 22, 2018

    Cane Bluff River Access

    Beautiful, primitive, secluded.

    Stumbled across this site in September (2016). It's way back on a little dirt road past some farm land and homes.

    Only a few campsites, no picnic tables, a fire ring, some heavily shaded spots, a couple sites right on the river (but none are far away). You feel like you are in the wilderness! Water is crystal clear and cool, didn't see another camper all weekend. Had a few folks using the boat ramps, but otherwise very private.

    Great stargazing on the beach and you'll see some bats too! Think they really helped keep the bugs off us all weekend, barely had any problems with those.

    Seriously beautiful campsite, and near some excellent floating & gorgeous springs.

  • Shelly S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Nov. 1, 2018

    Blue Spring Backcountry Camping — Ozark National Scenic Riverway

    Blue, blue, blue, cold, cold, cold

    Blue Spring is beautiful and cold! Aside from the over zealous teenagers jumping into the spring it was a nice visit.

    This is a primitive camping area and there are a lot of partying people in and around this area plus frequent motorboat traffic. No amenities, many generators. Drive in, pick a spot and set up camp. There are so many areas to visit around the river this would be an excellent base camp or you could use it as a stop off on a float trip.

    Eminence, MO is nearby and a good place to refuel and get stuff you need for your adventures. Make sure you get a paper map because phone signal can be iffy.

  • Dave N.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 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

  • A
    Oct. 31, 2020

    Log Yard Campground Backcountry Camping — Ozark National Scenic Riverway

    Good place to stop for a few days

    There is a small designated campground above the river bank sites described in the other review. The site typically costs 5 dollars a day but a sign up at the campground says fees are waved due to less services for COVID. Pit toilets, dumpster, and water all on site but not at each camp. Great spot to car camp.

  • H
    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.

  • VThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 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.

  • Joseph A.
    Aug. 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

  • Malik H.The Dyrt PRO User
    Mar. 7, 2024

    Little Scotia Pond 4x4 Dispersed Site

    Great “off the pavement” spot

    Although the old rv park across the water is nice and level, we ended up wanting to be closer to the water and there happened to be a trail. Easy to get in but could be tricky for a small car to get out (boulders, trees, incline and possible rain/mud) 4x4 recommend. Great spot right next to the dam. Very quiet. Lots of beavers in the pond. Fire wood is abundant. A few fire rings in place at location.

Guide to Houston

Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Houston, Missouri, where nature lovers can find solitude and adventure in the great outdoors. With a variety of locations to choose from, each offering unique experiences, you're sure to enjoy a memorable escape.

Dispersed campers should check out Sunklands Conservation Area

  • This area allows you to pick your own spot, providing a truly secluded experience where you can immerse yourself in nature without the distractions of other campers. Check it out at Sunklands Conservation Area.
  • Enjoy the freedom of campfires and the company of your pets, making it a perfect choice for those looking to unwind in a natural setting.
  • With no permits required, you can easily plan a spontaneous trip to this peaceful location, where the sounds of nature will be your only companions.

Top activities while free camping near Houston

  • At Blue Spring Backcountry Camping — Ozark National Scenic Riverway, you can explore the stunning blue waters and enjoy activities like swimming and fishing in a picturesque environment.
  • The area is ideal for those who love to paddle, as it serves as a great base camp for float trips along the river, allowing you to experience the beauty of the Ozarks from the water.
  • Keep an eye out for wildlife, as visitors have reported sightings of deer and even bears, making your camping experience feel like a true adventure.

Tips for free and dispersed camping near Houston, Missouri

Frequently Asked Questions

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

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Houston, MO is Blue Spring Backcountry Camping — Ozark National Scenic Riverway with a 4.4-star rating from 8 reviews.

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

TheDyrt.com has all 12 dispersed camping locations near Houston, MO, with real photos and reviews from campers.

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