Best Dispersed Camping near New Florence, MO

Dispersed camping near New Florence, Missouri includes several free primitive sites at Pine Ridge Recreation Area in the Cedar Creek District of Mark Twain National Forest. Campers can access additional backcountry options at Lone Spring Trail Backpacking Campsite and Silo Access Area along the Mississippi River. Three Creeks Conservation Area previously allowed dispersed camping but recent visitor reports indicate camping may now be prohibited with signs posted. Round Prairie Interpretive Site and Ranacker Conservation Area provide additional public land access points.

Access to most dispersed sites requires navigating gravel and occasionally chalky roads. Pine Ridge Recreation Area features vault toilets, potable water, and designated sites with picnic tables and fire pits, though it remains primitive with no hookups or showers. Silo Access Area provides riverside camping with no facilities except a boat ramp and minimal trash collection. The primitive nature extends to Lone Spring Trail sites, which feature only metal fire rings. Several locations have seasonal considerations, with Pine Ridge Recreation Area potentially closed during winter months. Recent information suggests Pine Ridge may now charge $15 per night rather than operating on a donation basis.

These primitive camping areas offer varying levels of seclusion and natural features. Pine Ridge Recreation Area provides hiking trails through pine forests with spacious sites, though some visitors note occasional noise from neighboring properties. According to one visitor, "It was a nice quiet area with designated camping spots and not too far from any stores." Silo Access Area offers Mississippi River views with opportunities to watch barges and river traffic, though trains pass nearby several times daily. A camper noted, "This site is a great place to watch that amazing river pass by." Many sites lack cell service, and mosquitoes can be prevalent, particularly at riverside locations.

Best Dispersed Sites Near New Florence, Missouri (6)

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Dispersed Camping Reviews near New Florence, MO

19 Reviews of 6 New Florence 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.

  • Curtis M.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 22, 2018

    Pine Ridge Recreation Area

    Pines Pines Pines impressive

    Set in the Cedar Creek District of the mark Twain National Forest this campground is perfect for a night stay or a backpacking trip. On site camp hostess and privy. Great hammock camping

  • Charlotte B.
    Jul. 9, 2018

    Pine Ridge Recreation Area

    great trails

    Love the trails and the secluded spots. There usually are always people camping, even in the winter. Also, there are no electric sites so dont forget your generator. My husband and I have felt a little unsafe. We once had another camper come into our site and not want to leave.

  • L
    Feb. 9, 2020

    Pine Ridge Recreation Area

    Peaceful

    Stayed 2 nights, blacktop rv site, back in, w table, fire pit, grill on pit as well as seperate on pedestal, covered table for storage  or prep, also picnic table, water faucet, dumpsters, vault toilet.  Stayed in Oct so it was not busy, there were a few tents, hiking trail lots of shade.  Nice country road drive in and out.

  • Michael M.
    Jun. 18, 2021

    Pine Ridge Recreation Area

    Nice semi-quite place to overnight.

    All and all nice place. Some roads are gravel and chalky leading there (my cars still covered and I'm in Colorado now!) Pit Toilets were nice, one for campground. 2 potable water sites. Campsites were not well defined and judging by the beer cans in some site fire rings it might get rowdy on the weekend.

  • 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.

  • Chrischelle N.
    Sep. 8, 2020

    Pine Ridge Recreation Area

    Great Campground

    Pros: Free!! Close to Columbia but far enough away for a getaway. Easy to find from the road, even in the dark. Fire pits and picnic tables are there. Vault toilets and running water available. Hiking trailhead at the entrance of the campground. Camping spots are spaced out enough.

    Cons: Can hear lawn-mowing and Gun shots from neighboring properties in the early morning. Still not the end of the world. Definitely fills up on the weekends.

    I stayed at #3 and it was a very spacious private spot. If you have kids/dogs I recommend spot #4 it has a long strip of playroom for running around without disturbing other spaces. 2 week maximum stay.


Guide to New Florence

Primitive camping near New Florence, Missouri offers options across several conservation areas within a 30-mile radius. Most sites sit between 500-800 feet elevation with clay and limestone soil that can become muddy after rain. The region experiences hot summers with temperatures regularly reaching 90°F, while winters can drop below freezing, affecting site availability and road conditions.

What to do

Hiking trails exploration: Pine Ridge Recreation Area features multiple trails through pine forests suitable for day hikes. "This campground is pretty stripped down. There are vault toilets and that's it for amenities. However, it is also one of my favorites close to home to hike," notes Jenn L., who recommends bringing your own firewood for overnight trips.

River watching: Visitors to Silo Access Area can observe commercial river traffic on the Mississippi. "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," reports JIll, who recommends using Google Maps to find it since it's also marked as Oneil Creek.

Wildlife observation: The forests and waterways support diverse wildlife including deer, turkey, and waterfowl. One camper at Three Creeks Conservation Area mentioned: "Spent two weeks totally submersed in nature. Had to scope out the area to find a suitable spot to set up camp."

What campers like

Spacious designated sites: Pine Ridge Recreation Area offers well-defined camping spots with amenities. "Camping spots are distant, clean, large, and quaint," notes Ruby W. about Three Creeks. She adds, "We as two young women felt extremely safe. Following the trails down, there are plenty of access points to creeks to purify water!"

Access to water features: Many sites provide creek or river access. "Rocky natural stone steps take you down to the wide rocky creek. Almost deep enough for a swim! A local said that there are swimming holes up/down the stream," explains Lucille W., who stopped at Three Creeks during a road trip.

Budget-friendly options: Most primitive camping areas have no or minimal fees. According to Michael M. about Lone Spring Trail Backpacking Campsite, "The site has several areas to setup a tent has a metal fire pit. I will be going back next year."

What you should know

Recent fee changes: Some previously free sites now charge fees. Ron R. reports about Pine Ridge: "I arrived at the site in April of 2025, and was greeted with a locked gate and signage stating rates are $15 per night. Envelopes and lock box are in place."

Limited facilities: Expect truly primitive conditions at most sites. Annie C. cautions about Silo Access Area: "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."

Access challenges: Roads to sites can be difficult to navigate. Michael M. notes about Pine Ridge: "Some roads are gravel and chalky leading there (my cars still covered and I'm in Colorado now!) Pit Toilets were nice, one for campground. 2 potable water sites."

Seasonal closures: Winter access can be limited. A camper named AC reported: "Closed for the season" about Pine Ridge in mid-October, suggesting seasonal availability varies.

Tips for camping with families

Choose sites with play areas: Some campsites offer more room for children. Chrischelle N. recommends: "If you have kids/dogs I recommend spot #4 it has a long strip of playroom for running around without disturbing other spaces" at Pine Ridge Recreation Area.

Security considerations: Some areas have reported safety issues. Charlotte B. shares her experience at Pine Ridge Recreation Area: "My husband and I have felt a little unsafe. We once had another camper come into our site and not want to leave."

Noise factors: Be prepared for various noise sources depending on location. Ron R. notes about Three Creeks: "The Columbia Regional Airport is about 4-5 miles from this location. There is air traffic overhead. Columbia airport is rather small so other than rotary wing aircraft (helicopters) from the hospital, it's not too bad."

Tips from RVers

Site selection for larger vehicles: Matthew H. advises about Silo Access Area: "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."

Specific RV parking information: Cyndy & Selena R. provide detailed information: "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. The area is freshly paved and undergoing reforestation."

Mosquito protection: RVers should come prepared for insects, especially near water. "Mosquitoes are prevalent," warns Cyndy & Selena R. about their riverside camping experience, making proper screening and repellent essential for comfort.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near New Florence, MO?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near New Florence, MO is Pine Ridge Recreation Area with a 3.8-star rating from 13 reviews.

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

TheDyrt.com has all 6 dispersed camping locations near New Florence, MO, with real photos and reviews from campers.