Best Dispersed Camping near Houston, MO

Dispersed Camping Reviews near Houston, MO

27 Reviews of 12 Houston Campgrounds

• 

  Elaina M.

  Traveler

  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.

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• 

  Shelly S.

  Legend

  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.

  Guide

  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

  Anthony L.

  Traveler

  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

  Hannah W.

  Guide

  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.

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• V

  Vikki B.

  Traveler

  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.

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• 

  Joseph A.

  Traveler

  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

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• 

  Malik H.

  Traveler

  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.

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  Jeremy S.

  Traveler

  Sep. 12, 2025

  Blue Spring Backcountry Camping — Ozark National Scenic Riverway

  Great spot

  Stayed at site 9 next to the river. No need to go find the scan and pay by the vault toilet all the sites have QR codes at the sites for scan and pay. East access to the water for swimming, paddle boarding etc.