Best Dispersed Camping near Lonedell, MO
Planning a dispersed camping trip near Lonedell? Dispersed camping is the perfect way to get off the grid. Search nearby dispersed campgrounds or find top-rated spots from other campers.
Best Dispersed Sites Near Lonedell, MO (4)
1. Brazil Creek Camping Area
Potosi, Missouri3 Reviews•5 Photos•34 SavesThe 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
- Fires
- Phone Service
- ADA Access
- RVs
- Tents
2. Courtois Creek Dispersed
Davisville, Missouri2 Reviews•4 Photos•111 SavesThis 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
3. FS-2363 Dispersed Camping - Murphy Overlook
Black, Missouri10 Reviews•29 Photos•262 SavesMany people enjoy the solitude and peaceful experience of camping away from large groups of people. 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!
Picking a Campsite
If you are going to an area where others have camped, pick a site that's been used before. If there is no existing campsite, then follow these Leave No Trace guidelines:
Camp on bare soil if possible, to avoid damaging or killing plants and grass. Camp 100 feet away from any water source - plants near water and water sources are fragile. Camp 100 feet away from any administrative site (Trails, Recreational Areas and/or Building). Campfires
Many wildfires are caused by human activity, including escaped fires from dispersed campers. Campfires are allowed UNLESS there are fire restrictions in effect-know before you go!
Use camp stoves when possible Use existing fire rings if they exist; NEVER LEAVE A FIRE UNATTENDED.
When ashes are COLD and DEAD OUT, scatter outside of the campsite before you leave. If you don't bring wood, collect only dead/downed wood. Please never cut any live trees.- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- Dispersed
4. Big River Primitive Campground
Belleview, Missouri2 Reviews•9 Photos•31 SavesBackcountry Primitive Campsite next to a water source with a fire ring. All garbage must be carried out
- Pets
- Fires
- Dispersed
Recent Dispersed Reviews in Lonedell
14 Reviews of 4 Lonedell Campgrounds
- B
Brayden W.
Traveler
FS-2363 Dispersed Camping - Murphy Overlook
Great spot to get away!
Super beautiful and very quiet, no traffic comes through at all. Lots of animal noises around but all together super peaceful
Kevin C.
RangerFS-2363 Dispersed Camping - Murphy Overlook
Nice private location
Nice road and very isolated camp sites. I only found two camping spots. Both are very small where only expert drivers can turn around a trailer. We were here two days and did not see or hear anyone.
Chris J.TravelerFS-2363 Dispersed Camping - Murphy Overlook
Nice and quiet
Great spot. Found 2 decent campsites along this road. Had cell service at this location.
Sean A.TravelerFS-2363 Dispersed Camping - Murphy Overlook
Pretty and Remote (Saw a black bear)
I'd recommend something AWD or be comfortable with momentum style driving, don't need clearance just need the traction on some of the hills. Once there you see no one, hear nothing and have the place to yourself. Great view. Not large, this is not a multi-car big group place. I'd say 2 small car MAX.
Saw an adult black bear when we left, only about 0.5 a mile from camp. Ran across the road in front of us. Keep that in mind!
- BBrianTraveler
FS-2363 Dispersed Camping - Murphy Overlook
Very quiet and remote
This was a very good location if you want some remote dispersed camping. I went on a Saturday night in January and only saw two people drive the forest service road. One on the Saturday afternoon I arrived and one on the Sunday morning I departed. There is a nice fire pit made of stones on the site and someone left some leveling blocks for your car as well. It had one of the best sunsets I’d seen in awhile. Being that far from civilization, there was no light pollution so seeing the stars and getting some night photos is possible. There was plenty of dead wood around the area so if you don’t bring enough firewood you can round up some.
One complaint about the site was I definitely heard gunshots in the area. Not sure if there was a gun range nearby or just some other campers further down the road having a good time. Just wasn’t the most comfortable thing since I was solo camping.
Like the previous review says it’s a 4x4 or AWD gravel road. I would not attempt with any other car.
AT&T service was spotty - basically nonexistent. So if you’re looking for a place to escape and unwind, this is a great location.
Jason F.TravelerFS-2363 Dispersed Camping - Murphy Overlook
Gorgeous solitude
This site is accessible by AWD and 4x4 but I would hesitate to attempt it with any other car. The drive to the site from highway 32 is just over 6 miles on a forest service road (2363). There is a beautiful view of the valley to the south west and we were treated to an incredible sunset. Reasonably close to Johnson Shut Ins and Elephant Rock State park. This is a keeper.
- RRyan G.
ScoutFS-2363 Dispersed Camping - Murphy Overlook
Quiet
Great spot. Stayed on a Monday did not see a single car or other campers. Coyotes and lots of birds. Good sunset
Shea B.
GuideFS-2363 Dispersed Camping - Murphy Overlook
Peaceful and remote
We were the only people along this forest service road and got the prettiest spot towards the end of the road overlooking the mountain across. This camping area is a hidden gem!
Pat F.Guide
Courtois Creek Dispersed
Gorgeous camp site
Very scenic and beautiful right on the river
- Pat F.Guide
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
- jjeff F.Traveler
FS-2363 Dispersed Camping - Murphy Overlook
fs 2363 dispersed
Enjoyed one night deep in the woods on fs rd 2363. The overlook was beautiful and quiet. Note: previous review by Vegan is misleading. None of the photos on that review are from this road or campsite.
- VVegan T.Guide
FS-2363 Dispersed Camping - Murphy Overlook
Beautiful sites. Dispersed camping.
If you like beautiful scenery and being away from people while camping this is a perfect spot for you. It’s dispersed so bring your supplies.
- Jeremy G.Guide
Big River Primitive Campground
Clean water, peaceful surroundings
Easy to find. Clean crisp water from the river at its origin. Quiet and perfect.
Matt S.
LegendBig River Primitive Campground
OZARK TRAIL: Make sure you stay at Big River
OZARK TRAIL: I backpacked 50 miles during spring break on the Ozark Trail between Council Bluff Lake and Johnson Shutins State park. When I planned the trip the only information for camping that was available were regulations requiring you to camp 100 feet from the trail.
I have to admit that the Ozark Trail Association provides amazing resources about the Ozark Trail but they fail to describe what has become primitive backcountry campsites all along the trail. Many of these sites are marked on the detailed National Geographic maps provided for free by the Association as water holes, but they are also clearly set up as campsites as well.
Make sure you bring a water purifier. It is some of the best tasting water I have ever had.
BIG RIVER: Make sure you plan your trip so that you can spend the night at Big River. It is an easy hike from Council Bluff Lake and is at the bottom of a hill. Big River isn't really a river but it is a reliable creek with a beautiful setting. It has a nice fire pit with plenty of large logs for seating. It can hold about ten campers comfortably. Tip: Dig your cat hole before you go to sleep and make sure it is at least 100 feet from the water.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Lonedell, MO?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Lonedell, MO is Brazil Creek Camping Area with a 4.7-star rating from 3 reviews.
What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Lonedell, MO?
TheDyrt.com has all 4 dispersed camping locations near Lonedell, MO, with real photos and reviews from campers.