Best Dispersed Camping near Lake St. Louis, MO

Dispersed camping near Lake St. Louis, Missouri concentrates primarily on two notable sites: Lone Spring Trail Backpacking Campsite and Silo Access Area along O'Neil Creek. Both locations offer primitive camping experiences with minimal facilities on public land. The Lone Spring Trail site provides designated backpacking campsites with tent setup areas and metal fire pits, while Silo Access Area sits directly on the Mississippi River with approximately 13 informal sites suitable for both tent and RV camping without hookups.

Access to these primitive sites varies by location. Silo Access Area features a newly paved access road about one mile north of Route 79 from Calumet Creek access, with several curved pull-in sites that accommodate larger vehicles. The area includes a boat ramp, though it may have debris during certain seasons. Neither location provides drinking water, electric hookups, or sewer connections. Both sites permit fires in designated areas, and pets are allowed. Silo Access Area includes basic toilets and trash collection, while Lone Spring Trail lacks these amenities.

These remote camping areas provide distinctive experiences centered on natural surroundings. Silo Access Area offers direct Mississippi River access with views of passing barges and river traffic. The campground sits near active railroad tracks with trains passing 3-4 times daily. The area is undergoing reforestation with newly planted trees and designated restoration zones. According to one visitor, "This site is a great place to watch that amazing river pass by. You sit and watch the barges and various things float by." Another camper noted, "Mosquitoes are prevalent," indicating insect protection is advisable during warmer months.

Best Dispersed Sites Near Lake St. Louis, Missouri (2)

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Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos near Lake St. Louis, MO

5 Photos of 2 Lake St. Louis Campgrounds


Dispersed Camping Reviews near Lake St. Louis, MO

6 Reviews of 2 Lake St. Louis Campgrounds


  • Annie C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 1, 2021

    Silo Access Area - O’Neil Creek

    Free river side camping.

    Primitive camping on the Mississippi River. This is mostly a wide gravel bar that you can set up camp on with great views of the big river. But there are no amenities, and few sites. The road through the campground is nicely graded and there is obviously some work being done to restore the flora- trees being planted, areas marked off for restoration. You will be very close to active train tracks, so bring your earplugs. Be sure to be self contained as there is no vault toilet or porta potty currently. The best sites are at the opposite ends of the flat circle where there are large gravel areas ideal for parking RV’s. The boat ramp was a bit of a mess with logs and sandbars, but I suspect the US Army Corps of Engineers are still in the process of cleaning this access area up from flooding from previous years.

  • Cyndy & Selena R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 31, 2023

    Silo Access Area - O’Neil Creek

    Great quiet location ON the Mississippi River

    Very impressed with this beautiful location. The site is right on the Mississippi River!

    There are 13 sites for RVs and Travel Trailers. Three sites are curved to pull in and out easily. Site 13 is large enough for 2 RVs. There is a large boat ramp. The area is freshly paved and undergoing reforestation. However, there are a lot of trees. No water, no electrical hookups, and no bathrooms. There is 1 small trash bin. Mosquitoes are prevalent.

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Apr. 28, 2022

    Silo Access Area - O’Neil Creek

    great spot to watch the river

    This site is a great place to watch that amazing river pass by.  you sit and watch the barges and various things float by.  really great.  you are close to the RR tracks but there aren't that many trains.  It is not exactly where The dyrt sends you.  on Google maps it's listed as Oneil  Creek, though the entrance is marked as Silo Access.  It's about 1 mile north off RT 79 from Calumet Creek access.  It's a great place.

  • Matthew H.
    Oct. 19, 2021

    Silo Access Area - O’Neil Creek

    Not for tents

    Nice campground with a great view of the Mississippi. You won’t miss the train as it comes by 3-4 times a day. And lots of barges and river boats that are fun to watch not restrooms or hook ups of any kind. So bring your rv, water and a generator. But we will going back again for sure. Can beat free and great views


Guide to Lake St. Louis

Primitive camping near Lake St. Louis, Missouri offers direct access to the Mississippi River ecosystem and surrounding conservation areas. Dispersed camping options are situated primarily on public lands maintained by the Missouri Department of Conservation and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Sites range from designated backpacking areas to informal riverbank locations with varying levels of accessibility depending on seasonal river conditions.

What to do

River fishing opportunities: At Silo Access Area - O'Neil Creek, campers can fish directly from the Mississippi riverbank. "You sit and watch the barges and various things float by," notes a visitor who appreciated the riverside location.

Wildlife observation: The area supports diverse river ecosystem wildlife viewing. According to one camper at Silo Access Area, "The site is right on the Mississippi River!" making it ideal for observing river birds and passing wildlife.

Boat launching: Silo Access Area provides a boat ramp for river access, though seasonal conditions may affect usability. One reviewer mentioned, "There is a large boat ramp," though another noted it "was a bit of a mess with logs and sandbars" during their visit.

Conservation area hiking: The surrounding public lands offer seasonal hiking opportunities. A camper at Lone Spring Trail Backpacking Campsite(s) commented, "The site has several areas to setup a tent has a metal fire pit. I will be going back next year."

What campers like

Direct river access: Campers consistently mention the Mississippi River proximity as a primary draw. "Very impressed with this beautiful location. The site is right on the Mississippi River!" reports one visitor to Silo Access Area.

Minimal development: The primitive nature appeals to those seeking less crowded camping. As one camper described it as a "Hidden Gem! No facilities, short drive into town."

River traffic viewing: The Mississippi River commercial traffic provides continuous entertainment. A camper noted, "This site is a great place to watch that amazing river pass by," adding that watching barges pass is "really great."

Free camping: All dispersed sites in the area are available without fees. "Can beat free and great views," commented one camper about their experience at Silo Access Area.

What you should know

Limited facilities: Prepare for true primitive camping conditions. According to one review, "No water, no electrical hookups, and no bathrooms. There is 1 small trash bin."

Transportation noise: Railroad tracks border some camping areas with regular train traffic. "You are close to the RR tracks but there aren't that many trains," notes one camper, while another specified, "You won't miss the train as it comes by 3-4 times a day."

Navigation challenges: Finding exact locations can require additional research. One camper clarified that Silo Access Area "is not exactly where The dyrt sends you. On Google maps it's listed as Oneil Creek, though the entrance is marked as Silo Access. It's about 1 mile north off RT 79 from Calumet Creek access."

Insects: Prepare for seasonal mosquito activity near the river. One camper directly stated, "Mosquitoes are prevalent," indicating proper insect protection is necessary.

Tips for camping with families

Vehicle accessibility: Some sites accommodate family vehicles better than others. At Silo Access Area, "There are 13 sites for RVs and Travel Trailers. Three sites are curved to pull in and out easily. Site 13 is large enough for 2 RVs."

Safety considerations: The Mississippi River current requires water safety awareness for families with children. Multiple reviews mention the direct river access, and families should take appropriate precautions near the water.

Nature education: Ongoing conservation efforts provide learning opportunities. One camper observed that the "area is freshly paved and undergoing reforestation. However, there are a lot of trees."

Weather preparation: River proximity can create variable conditions requiring appropriate gear. Several reviews mention the exposure to elements along the river, suggesting families bring suitable protection from sun and wind.

Tips from RVers

Self-containment necessary: No hookups exist at any primitive sites. One RVer advised, "bring your rv, water and a generator" when staying at Silo Access Area.

Site selection: Some locations better accommodate larger vehicles. "The best sites are at the opposite ends of the flat circle where there are large gravel areas ideal for parking RV's," according to one visitor.

Road conditions: Access roads vary in maintenance level. One camper noted that "the road through the campground is nicely graded," though conditions may change seasonally.

Length restrictions: Not all sites accommodate larger RVs. While specific reviews don't mention maximum lengths, the "curved to pull in and out easily" sites mentioned suggest some accommodation for various vehicle sizes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are there any free lakeside camping sites near St. Louis?

Lone Spring Trail Backpacking Campsite(s) offers free camping in the St. Louis region with established tent sites and metal fire pits. For waterfront options, several Missouri Conservation areas around St. Louis provide free primitive camping along rivers and lakes. When camping at these locations, bring all necessary supplies as amenities are typically minimal. Most free lakeside camping in this region requires pack-in, pack-out practices and adherence to leave-no-trace principles. Check the Missouri Department of Conservation website for seasonal availability and any temporary closures before planning your trip.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Lake St. Louis?

Silo Access Area - O'Neil Creek offers free dispersed camping near St. Louis along the Mississippi River. This primitive camping area features a wide gravel bar where you can set up camp with beautiful river views. The area has been recently improved with freshly paved surfaces and has approximately 13 sites suitable for RVs and travel trailers, including some curved sites for easy pull-in and pull-out access. There are no hookups or facilities, so campers need to be self-sufficient with water and power. Despite being free, the campground provides a boat ramp and stunning views of river traffic including barges and boats.

What are the regulations for dispersed camping around Lake St. Louis?

Dispersed camping regulations around Lake St. Louis generally require campers to be self-sufficient. Most areas permit stays up to 14 consecutive days within a 30-day period. Campers must pack out all trash and waste, follow Leave No Trace principles, and maintain at least 100 feet distance from water sources. Campfires may be restricted seasonally or completely prohibited during fire bans. Some locations require free permits, obtainable online or at ranger stations. Vehicle access is typically limited to established roads and parking areas only. Always check with the specific land management agency (Forest Service, Corps of Engineers, or Missouri Department of Conservation) before your trip as regulations can change seasonally and vary by location.