Best Dispersed Camping near Louisiana, MO

Dispersed camping options exist on public land near Louisiana, Missouri, particularly along the Mississippi River. Silo Access Area at O'Neil Creek serves as the primary free camping location in the area, providing riverfront sites for both tent and RV camping with no reservation requirements. Located approximately one mile north of Calumet Creek Access off Route 79, this primitive camping area features a gravel bar with views of the Mississippi River. Additional options include the undeveloped Ranacker Conservation Area and the Lone Spring Trail Backpacking Campsite, which offers primitive camping opportunities for backpackers.

Access to Silo Access Area requires navigating gravel roads that may become difficult after rain. The area provides no water, electrical hookups, or permanent restroom facilities, with only one small trash bin available. Fires are permitted in established fire rings, but campers must pack in all supplies including drinking water. Railroad tracks run near the camping area, creating periodic noise from passing trains. Most sites accommodate RVs and travel trailers, with approximately 13 informal sites available, including three with easier pull-through access. A boat ramp provides river access, though it may be affected by seasonal flooding and debris.

The primary appeal of these areas is direct access to the Mississippi 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," notes one visitor to Silo Access Area. The location has undergone recent improvements with freshly paved areas and reforestation efforts, though mosquitoes are prevalent near the water. Another camper reports, "Very impressed with this beautiful location. The site is right on the Mississippi River!" While lacking amenities, the Lone Spring Trail camping area features metal fire pits and flat tent pads. Campers should be prepared for train noise at Silo Access Area, with reports indicating trains pass 3-4 times daily. The primitive nature of these sites requires self-sufficiency, with no hookups or facilities available.

Best Dispersed Sites Near Louisiana, Missouri (3)

Show More
Showing results 1-3 of 3 campgrounds

2025 Detourist Giveaway

Presented byToyota Trucks

Review Campgrounds. Win Prizes.

Enter to Win


Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos near Louisiana, MO

5 Photos of 3 Louisiana Campgrounds


Dispersed Camping Reviews near Louisiana, MO

6 Reviews of 3 Louisiana 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 Louisiana

Dispersed camping near Louisiana, Missouri offers undeveloped sites along the Mississippi River corridor where campers can experience natural surroundings with minimal facilities. Most areas require self-sufficiency with campers bringing all necessary supplies including water, food, and waste disposal containers. The camping season typically runs from April through October, with summer months bringing higher humidity and temperatures regularly exceeding 90°F.

What to do

Barge watching along the river: The Mississippi River provides a natural entertainment system with commercial traffic visible from most riverside camping areas. "Hidden Gem! No facilities, short drive into town," notes Bryan T. about Silo Access Area, which offers front-row views of river traffic.

Boat launching: Several primitive camping areas maintain boat ramps for river access, though conditions vary seasonally. "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," reports Annie C. about river access at Silo Access Area.

Hiking nearby trails: Trail systems in the region offer opportunities for day hikes from primitive camping areas. "The site has several areas to setup a tent has a metal fire pit. I will be going back next year," writes Michael M. about the Lone Spring Trail Backpacking Campsite, which connects to local hiking routes.

What campers like

River views without cost: Free camping with direct Mississippi River access ranks as the top attraction for most visitors to rustic camping near Louisiana, Missouri. "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," explains Annie C.

Wildlife observation: The river corridor attracts diverse bird species and other wildlife visible from camping areas. "You sit and watch the barges and various things float by. Really great," comments Jill about their experience at Silo Access Area.

Seclusion from developed areas: Most dispersed camping locations offer significant distance from commercial development and light pollution. Ranacker Conservation Area provides an undeveloped camping experience with minimal facilities and lower visitation rates than other regional options.

What you should know

No facilities means full preparation: Most rustic camping near Louisiana, Missouri requires complete self-sufficiency. "No water, no electrical hookups, and no bathrooms. There is 1 small trash bin," reports Cyndy & Selena R. about the amenities at Silo Access Area.

Train traffic creates noise: Railroad lines parallel the Mississippi River near several camping areas, creating periodic noise disruption. "You are close to the RR tracks but there aren't that many trains," notes Jill about the railway activity near camping areas.

Weather impacts access: Seasonal flooding affects road conditions and campsite availability, particularly during spring months. Gravel access roads may become impassable after heavy rainfall, requiring vehicles with adequate ground clearance.

Mosquito preparation essential: River proximity means significant insect activity, particularly in warmer months. "Mosquitoes are prevalent," warns Cyndy & Selena R. about conditions near the water.

Tips for camping with families

Vehicle positioning matters: Setting up camp with vehicle barriers between railroad tracks and sleeping areas helps reduce noise disruption for children. "Nice campground with a great view of the Mississippi. You won't miss the train as it comes by 3-4 times a day," advises Matthew H.

River safety precautions: The Mississippi current remains strong year-round, requiring constant supervision of children near the water's edge. Swift currents and underwater debris create hazards even for experienced swimmers.

Navigation challenges: Finding some camping areas requires careful planning as GPS directions may prove unreliable. "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," clarifies Jill about locating the camping area.

Tips from RVers

Site selection for size: Limited level areas exist at most dispersed camping locations, requiring advance planning for larger rigs. "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," reports Cyndy & Selena R.

Water and power planning: Complete self-containment proves necessary as no hookups exist at primitive sites. "So bring your RV, water and a generator. But we will going back again for sure. Can beat free and great views," recommends Matthew H.

Tent camping limitations: Some areas have terrain better suited to vehicles than ground tents. "Not for tents," warns Matthew H. about certain areas where the rocky or uneven ground makes tent setup challenging.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Louisiana, MO is Silo Access Area - O’Neil Creek with a 4.2-star rating from 5 reviews.

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

TheDyrt.com has all 3 dispersed camping locations near Louisiana, MO, with real photos and reviews from campers.