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Best Dispersed Camping near Winona, MO

44 Reviews

The Ozark National Scenic Riverway offers several dispersed camping areas near Winona, Missouri, primarily situated along the Current River. Log Yard Campground provides backcountry camping with access to riverside sites where vehicles can park directly on the rocky shores. A four-wheel drive vehicle is recommended as the gravel can become unstable when wet. While most sites are primitive with no amenities, some locations have vault toilets and trash disposal. A recent review mentioned, "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."

Blue Spring and Cane Bluff offer additional riverside primitive camping options in the region. Both provide water access for swimming and paddling with minimal facilities. McCormack Lake Recreation Area features free tent sites with drinking water, toilets and trash service. The Sunklands Conservation Area provides truly remote free camping accessible only by hiking in. Most primitive sites in the area require self-sufficiency as they lack drinking water and developed facilities. One camper noted, "No cell service, so you'll have to drive up the road to Ellington to get anything."

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Best Dispersed Sites Near Winona, Missouri (20)

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Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos near Winona, MO

42 Photos of 20 Winona Campgrounds

Dispersed Camping Reviews near Winona, MO

44 Reviews of 20 Winona Campgrounds

  • Elaina M.The Dyrt PRO User
    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.

  • Shelly S.The Dyrt PRO User
    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.The Dyrt PRO User
    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

  • Linda C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jan. 21, 2025

    Whitten River Access

    Spent a cold night here

    Arrived after dark. Found a level spot by the river, ground was frozen or it would have been muddy. No one around on this 5 degrees F night. Access road is steep but not rough.

  • A
    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.

  • BThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jan. 29, 2023

    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.

  • Shea B.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 2, 2022

    FS-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!

  • Greg H.
    Sep. 8, 2021

    Beaver Lake Recreation Area

    Nice place, well off the beaten path.

    Way back off of a gravel road... There's at least two pull-offs that I've seen, I'm sure there's more. Disperse camping no facilities but it's nice back here... Fire pit... Not much company & free

  • Jason F.
    Aug. 12, 2022

    FS-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.

Guide to Winona

Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Winona, Missouri, where nature enthusiasts can immerse themselves in the serene landscapes of the Ozarks. With a variety of locations offering unique experiences, campers can enjoy the great outdoors while embracing the freedom of primitive camping.

Top Activities While Free Camping Near Winona

  • Enjoy swimming and relaxing by the water at Blue Spring Backcountry Camping, where the crystal-clear waters provide a refreshing escape during hot summer days.
  • Experience the thrill of kayaking or canoeing on the Current River, accessible from Log Yard Campground Backcountry Camping, which is a favorite spot for local boaters.
  • Take in breathtaking sunrises and stargazing opportunities at Cane Bluff River Access, where the secluded setting allows for uninterrupted views of the night sky.

Tips for Free and Dispersed Camping Near Winona, Missouri

  • Be prepared for primitive conditions; many spots, like McCormack Lake Rec Area, offer vault toilets but lack other amenities, so plan accordingly.
  • Arrive early to secure a good spot, especially during peak times, as places like Whitten River Access can get busy with fellow campers and boaters.
  • Pack out what you pack in; while enjoying the natural beauty, remember that locations such as Sunklands Conservation Area have no trash facilities, so leave no trace behind.

Dispersed Campers Should Check Out Little Scotia Pond

  • Experience the tranquility of nature at Little Scotia Pond, where wildlife sightings, including beavers and deer, enhance the camping experience.
  • Navigate the rugged terrain to find secluded spots perfect for tent camping, as the area offers a peaceful retreat away from the crowds.
  • Explore the remnants of an old forest campground at Little Scotia Pond, where you can enjoy solitude and the beauty of the surrounding wilderness.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Winona, Missouri?

Several free dispersed camping options exist near Winona in the Ozarks. Cane Bluff River Access offers riverside camping down a dirt road past farmland, providing a true wilderness experience with a few primitive sites. Another excellent option is FS-2363 Dispersed Camping - Murphy Overlook, which features stunning valley views and secluded sites, though 4WD/AWD vehicles are recommended for the 6-mile forest service road. Both locations are free but have limited sites, so arriving early, especially on weekends, is advisable.

Are there any permits or regulations for dispersed camping in Winona, Missouri?

Dispersed camping near Winona follows standard National Forest and Ozark National Scenic Riverway regulations. At Blue Spring Backcountry Camping, camping is primitive with no permit required, though you should follow Leave No Trace principles. Whitten River Access similarly operates without formal permits. Generally, dispersed camping in this region allows a maximum stay of 14 consecutive days within a 30-day period. Campfires are permitted in existing fire rings but may be restricted during dry conditions. Always check with the Mark Twain National Forest office or Ozark National Scenic Riverway for current regulations before your trip.

What amenities are available at dispersed camping sites in Winona, Missouri?

Dispersed camping sites near Winona are primarily primitive with minimal amenities. Log Yard Campground Backcountry Camping has a small designated area with basic facilities including pit toilets, dumpsters, and water access, though not at individual sites. The standard fee is $5/day but has sometimes been waived during reduced services. Beaver Lake Recreation Area offers more remote dispersed sites with only basic fire rings. Most dispersed sites in the region have no facilities beyond existing fire rings, so campers should bring all necessary supplies and practice Leave No Trace principles.

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