Best Dispersed Camping near Monroe City, MO

Dispersed camping options near Monroe City, Missouri include free primitive sites at Silo Access Area - O'Neil Creek, located directly on the Mississippi River. This U.S. Army Corps of Engineers managed area provides riverside camping with minimal development and no reservations required. The area features approximately 13 primitive sites suitable for tents and recreational vehicles, with a boat ramp providing direct river access. A second option, Ranacker Conservation Area, offers additional dispersed camping opportunities, though with fewer documented amenities.

Access roads to Silo Access Area are well-maintained with recent improvements including fresh pavement and ongoing reforestation efforts. Most campsites are situated on a wide gravel bar with views of the Mississippi River. Neither location provides drinking water, electric hookups, or sewer connections. Campers must be self-contained as there are no showers at either site. While Silo Access Area has vault toilets and a trash bin, Ranacker Conservation Area has only basic toilet facilities with no trash service. Fires are permitted at Silo Access Area, but campers should bring their own firewood and water supplies.

These primitive camping areas provide direct access to the Mississippi River, making them popular with anglers and boaters. Wildlife viewing opportunities include watching river traffic such as barges and riverboats passing by. The proximity to railroad tracks means occasional train noise, particularly at Silo Access Area. The camping experience focuses on river views and simplicity rather than amenities. "This site is a great place to watch that amazing river pass by. You sit and watch the barges and various things float by," noted one visitor. Another camper mentioned, "Very impressed with this beautiful location. The site is right on the Mississippi River, but mosquitoes are prevalent."

Best Dispersed Sites Near Monroe City, Missouri (2)

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Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos near Monroe City, MO

3 Photos of 2 Monroe City Campgrounds


Dispersed Camping Reviews near Monroe City, MO

5 Reviews of 2 Monroe City 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 Monroe City

Primitive camping near Monroe City, Missouri centers on the Mississippi River's western shore. The area sits at approximately 500 feet elevation with summer temperatures averaging 85-90°F. Both camping locations are subject to seasonal flooding, particularly during spring runoff when river levels can rise significantly.

What to do

River fishing access: At Silo Access Area - O'Neil Creek, campers can utilize the large boat ramp for launching vessels onto the Mississippi. "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," notes Annie C.

Wildlife observation: The river corridor attracts diverse bird species, particularly during migration seasons. "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," reports Matthew H.

River transportation viewing: The Mississippi River serves as a major commercial waterway with frequent barge traffic. Campers mention the entertainment value: "You sit and watch the barges and various things float by. Really great," writes Jill.

What campers like

Direct river access: The proximity to the Mississippi River ranks as the top feature among visitors to Ranacker Conservation Area, with unrestricted river views from most sites.

No-cost accommodations: Campers appreciate the free camping option. "Hidden Gem! No facilities, short drive into town," writes Bryan T. about Silo Access Area.

Spacious parking areas: Several designated sites accommodate larger vehicles. "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," explains Cyndy & Selena R.

What you should know

Limited facilities: Primitive camping near Monroe City, Missouri requires self-sufficiency. "Be sure to be self contained as there is no vault toilet or porta potty currently," warns Annie C. about Silo Access Area - O'Neil Creek.

Insect preparation: Mosquitoes are prevalent near the river, especially during warmer months. Bring adequate repellent and screening options.

Navigation challenges: The access points may not align with GPS directions. "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," advises Jill.

Tips for camping with families

Surface considerations: The camping area consists primarily of gravel surfaces. "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.

Noise factors: Railroad proximity creates periodic disruptions. "You are close to the RR tracks but there aren't that many trains," notes Jill at Silo Access Area.

Vehicle requirements: Silo Access Area may present challenges for tent camping. "Can beat free and great views," mentions Matthew H., but also cautions, "Not for tents... bring your rv, water and a generator."

Tips from RVers

Site selection strategy: Certain locations offer superior parking and views. "The best sites are at the opposite ends of the flat circle where there are large gravel areas ideal for parking RV's," recommends Annie C.

Self-contained requirements: No hookups or water sources exist at these sites. "No water, no electrical hookups, and no bathrooms. There is 1 small trash bin," notes Cyndy & Selena R., emphasizing the need for RVers to arrive with full tanks and supplies.

Access road condition: Recent improvements have enhanced vehicle access. "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," reports Annie C.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Monroe City, MO?

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