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Best Dispersed Camping near Mark Twain National Forest

43 Reviews

Mark Twain National Forest has several dispersed camping options for a basic outdoor stay. Log Yard Campground gives backcountry campers good access to the Ozark National Scenic Riverway. These sites have no facilities, so you'll need to bring everything and follow Leave No Trace practices. You must camp at least 100 feet from water and roads to protect the environment. Many remote spots require high-clearance vehicles to reach, especially after rain when roads get muddy. Fire rules change throughout the year based on weather, so check before you go. You can stay up to 14 days in one spot while exploring the forest. Summer gets pretty hot here, making spring and fall better for most people. Winter camping is quieter and cooler if that's what you prefer. Make sure to bring all supplies since stores are far from most camping areas. Take all your trash with you when you leave to keep the woods clean. Always double-check current rules before your trip since public land regulations can change.

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Little Scotia Pond 4x4 Dispersed Site

Little Scotia Pond 4x4 Dispersed Site

1 hr 10 min away

Turner's mill

Turner's mill

1 hr 10 min away

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Best Dispersed Sites Near Mark Twain National Forest (18)

    1. Blue Spring Backcountry Camping — Ozark National Scenic Riverway

    7 Reviews
    Mountain View, MO
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (573) 323-4236

    "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."

    "We visit this campground multiple times a year and it's always a positive experience. My parents have ano rv and they allow us to camp in a tent next to them!"

    2. Log Yard Campground Backcountry Camping — Ozark National Scenic Riverway

    10 Reviews
    Van Buren, MO
    16 miles

    "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!"

    "Pit toilets, dumpster, and water all on site but not at each camp. Great spot to car camp."

    3. Sunklands Conservation Area

    1 Review
    Hartshorn, MO
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (573) 226-3616

    4. McCormack Lake Rec Area

    4 Reviews
    Alton, MO
    20 miles
    Website
    +1 (573) 364-4621

    "We had a local with his hounds running around with a flashlight looking up trees for about an hour around 9PM. I'm guessing he was raccoon hunting...?"

    "Totally alone with a gorgeous lake."

    5. Cane Bluff River Access

    3 Reviews
    Alton, MO
    21 miles
    Website

    "It's way back on a little dirt road past some farm land and homes."

    6. blue springs back country river access

    Be the first to review!
    Mountain View, MO
    13 miles

    7. Whitten River Access

    2 Reviews
    Alton, MO
    27 miles

    "No one around on this 5 degrees F night. Access road is steep but not rough."

    "It has river access via a boat ramp and "dock". There are several level, clear places to camp with enough room for rv's. The road in is rough gravel and a big rv will be slow going."

    8. Little Scotia Pond 4x4 Dispersed Site

    2 Reviews
    Bunker, MO
    30 miles
    Website
    +1 (573) 364-4621

    "Although the old rv park across the water is nice and level, we ended up wanting to be closer to the water and there happened to be a trail."

    "Wasn’t a bad drive in. Decent amount of wild life hanging around. Will probably hear the beaver if you stay at one of the two sites by the pond. Only saw one other group camping here while we did."

    9. Little Scotia Pond

    1 Review
    Bunker, MO
    30 miles
    Website

    "There's a trail that leads off by the old damn that leads to an old gravesite with stones from the 1800's. Hard to find, bit rewarding. If you like solitude love this place."

    10. FS-2363 Dispersed Camping - Murphy Overlook

    11 Reviews
    Black, MO
    44 miles
    Website

    "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."

    "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!"

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Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos near Mark Twain National Forest

36 Photos of 18 Mark Twain National Forest Campgrounds

Dispersed Camping Reviews near Mark Twain National Forest

43 Reviews of 18 Mark Twain National Forest 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 Mark Twain National Forest

Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Mark Twain National Forest in Missouri, where nature lovers can find solitude and adventure. With a variety of locations offering unique experiences, this area is perfect for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle.

Scenic River Access for Dispersed Campers

  • Log Yard Campground offers a remote camping experience along the Current River, where you can enjoy stunning views and the chance to see local wildlife, including elk.
  • At Blue Spring Backcountry Camping, you can immerse yourself in the beauty of cold, clear waters while enjoying the vibrant scenery that surrounds you.
  • The Cane Bluff River Access provides a beautiful setting with crystal-clear waters, ideal for swimming and relaxing in a serene environment.

Top Activities While Free Camping Near Mark Twain National Forest

  • Kayaking and fishing are popular activities at Whitten River Access, where you can enjoy the Eleven Point River's beauty while camping in a primitive setting.
  • For those who love hiking, the Sunklands Conservation Area is perfect for exploring nature without the distractions of other campers, allowing you to fully appreciate the wilderness.
  • Swimming and diving can be enjoyed at Cane Bluff River Access, where a rock pad and rope swing make for a fun day by the water.

Tips for Free and Dispersed Camping Near Mark Twain National Forest, Missouri

  • Be prepared for a lack of amenities at places like Log Yard Campground, where you’ll need to bring your own water and supplies for a comfortable stay.
  • If you’re looking for privacy, consider visiting during the week or off-peak seasons, as weekends can attract more visitors, especially at popular spots like Blue Spring Backcountry Camping.
  • Always check the weather before heading out, especially when crossing creeks to access sites like Log Yard, as conditions can change rapidly and affect your ability to camp safely.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I find dispersed camping in Mark Twain National Forest?

Mark Twain National Forest offers several excellent dispersed camping options. FS-2363 Dispersed Camping - Murphy Overlook provides remote camping with beautiful mountain views, though it requires AWD or 4x4 vehicles to access the 6-mile forest service road. For water access, Log Yard Campground Backcountry Camping offers shore camping along the Current River with rocky beaches where you can park and set up camp. Other dispersed options include Cane Bluff River Access, Whitten River Access, Beaver Lake Recreation Area, and Blue Spring Backcountry Camping. Most sites feature primitive conditions with fire rings but no amenities, providing true wilderness experiences. Be prepared for rough roads, bring all necessary supplies, and remember to follow Leave No Trace principles. Dispersed camping in the forest is typically free but always check current regulations before your trip.

Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Mark Twain National Forest?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Mark Twain National Forest is Blue Spring Backcountry Camping — Ozark National Scenic Riverway with a 4.3-star rating from 7 reviews.

What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Mark Twain National Forest?

TheDyrt.com has all 18 dispersed camping locations near Mark Twain National Forest, with real photos and reviews from campers.

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