Top Free Dispersed Camping near Imperial, MO

Want to go dispersed camping near Imperial? The Dyrt can help you find the best dispersed campsites for your next trip. Find the perfect dispersed campsite for your next adventure.

Best Dispersed Sites Near Imperial, MO (2)

    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
    31 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
    109 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

Recent Dispersed Reviews In Imperial

2 Reviews of 2 Imperial Campgrounds


  • 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



Guide to Imperial

Camping near Imperial, Missouri, offers a variety of experiences for outdoor enthusiasts. From scenic parks to family-friendly campgrounds, there’s something for everyone looking to enjoy nature.

What to do:

  • Hiking: Explore the trails at Hawn State Park Campground. The park is known for its beautiful landscapes and well-maintained paths. One visitor shared, “Hiking is some of the best in Missouri.”
  • Caving: Visit Onondaga Cave State Park Campground for an exciting cave tour. A camper noted, “Onondaga Cave is amazing with the new lighting; it just reopened.”
  • Fishing and Swimming: Enjoy the river at Meramec State Park Campground. A reviewer mentioned, “The river is still fantastic fun, especially for our grandkids.”

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate the cleanliness of the parks. One visitor at Cuivre River State Park Campground said, “Very clean and the site had some covered bench/tables.”
  • Friendly Staff: Many reviews highlight the helpfulness of the staff. A camper at Onondaga Cave State Park Campground remarked, “The staff was super friendly.”
  • Scenic Views: Campers enjoy the beautiful surroundings. A review for Hawn State Park Campground stated, “The landscape around the park was very nice.”

What you should know:

  • Limited Cell Service: Many campgrounds have poor cell reception. A visitor at Onondaga Cave State Park Campground mentioned, “No cell service from Verizon or T-Mobile.”
  • Close Campsites: Some campgrounds have sites that are close together. A camper at Hawn State Park Campground noted, “The sites are very close together, so there is not much privacy.”
  • Water Access: Not all sites have water hookups. A review for St. Francois State Park Campground mentioned, “Bummed the sites didn’t have their own water hookups.”

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose Family-Friendly Parks: Look for campgrounds with amenities for kids. A camper at St. Peters' 370 Lakeside Park said, “The playground was good for the kiddos.”
  • Plan for Activities: Make sure to have activities lined up. One family at Cuivre River State Park Campground enjoyed the “great location for a weekend getaway, only 1 hour from the city!”
  • Check for Events: Some parks host educational programs. A visitor at St. Francois State Park Campground appreciated the “staff on site doing educational programs that my kids really loved.”

Tips from RVers:

  • Level Sites: Look for campgrounds with level sites for easier setup. A reviewer at Dr. Edmund A. Babler Memorial State Park Campground mentioned, “Sites are paved and relatively level.”
  • Full Hookups: Choose campgrounds that offer full hookups for convenience. A camper at Onondaga Cave State Park Campground noted, “All the sites are paved with long pads sufficient for just about any RV.”
  • Be Prepared for Crowds: Some parks can get busy, especially on weekends. A visitor at Hawn State Park Campground advised, “It gets crowded during holiday weekends.”

Camping around Imperial, Missouri, provides a mix of adventure and relaxation, making it a great spot for families and RVers alike.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

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