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Best Dispersed Camping near Ozark, MO

10 Reviews

Dispersed camping near Ozark, Missouri centers primarily in Mark Twain National Forest, particularly within the Hercules-Glades Wilderness Area. This region features several primitive camping options requiring no reservations or fees. Blair Ridge Road offers pull-off sites for those seeking quick access to wilderness areas. The Sugar Camp Lookout Tower Dispersed Area provides additional options for free camping. These areas typically have minimal or no facilities, following true dispersed camping principles on public forest service land.

Most access roads to dispersed sites in the Ozark region require careful navigation, with Blair Ridge Road and routes to Hercules Glades featuring dirt or gravel surfaces. High clearance vehicles are recommended for some locations, though standard vehicles can reach certain areas like the Hercules Glades Watch Tower trailhead. Camping areas lack amenities such as drinking water, showers, or hookups. Fire restrictions vary seasonally, with established fire rings at some locations. Campers must pack out all trash and follow leave-no-trace principles.

The Hercules-Glades Wilderness offers a blend of forested areas and open meadows with hiking opportunities. Visitors highlight the seclusion as a primary attraction. The area includes notable features like falls and swimming holes along a four-mile hike. Cell service varies by location, with full Verizon coverage reported at Blair Ridge Road sites. Sugar Camp Lookout Tower area provides space for multiple vehicles and established fire rings in a forested setting. One camper noted it's "beautiful and peaceful" while another mentioned "only a few cars driving through all day" at Sugar Camp, emphasizing the remote experience typical of the region.

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Best Dispersed Sites Near Ozark, Missouri (6)

    1. Hercules-Glades Wilderness Area

    4 Reviews
    Bradleyville, MO
    30 miles
    Website

    "This area is a wilderness area so camping is plentiful.  However in this particular are there is no organized campsite specifically.  "

    "Hercules Glades Wilderness Area is part of mark Twain National Forest. It's a bit off the beaten path, but worth it for a day hike or a bit of backpacking."

    2. Hercules Glades (Watch Tower)

    3 Reviews
    Bradleyville, MO
    29 miles

    "We got here on a pretty hilly/twisty road late at night, found a spot close to the trailhead and had a quiet, peaceful night sleep. We saw just one other camper with a trailer close to the inlet."

    "Nice camping spots at the trailhead for Hercules glades. It was a beautiful, quiet area."

    3. Blair Ridge Rd Dispersed

    1 Review
    Greeson Lake, AR
    30 miles
    Website
    +1 (573) 364-4621

    "Tried to camp out before backpacking through Hercules Glade Wilderness but the trailheads were packed (weekend). There are two fire rings along this road. Both locations have full bars (Verizon)."

    4. Hercules Lookout Tower Trail

    Be the first to review!
    Bradleyville, MO
    29 miles

    5. Sugar Camp Lookout Tower Dispersed Area

    2 Reviews
    Eagle Rock, MO
    48 miles

    "Completely surrounded by forest, so plenty of shade. Access road was a little rough, as in your typical dirt road, but posed 0 problems for our little economy car. I’ve had much worse for sure."

    "Mark Twain National Forest is always a great getaway. This location is tucked away from the main road and is easy to get to. Could easily get 4 rigs + in the sight."

    6. Pine Hollow 1045 Dispersed Camping

    1 Review
    Eagle Rock, MO
    47 miles

    "Excellent little campsite great for a couple tents at most we camped using a rooftop tent and it was a great spot. Very quite very clean unlike some other sites in the area."

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Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos near Ozark, MO

2 Photos of 6 Ozark Campgrounds

Dispersed Camping Reviews near Ozark, MO

10 Reviews of 6 Ozark Campgrounds

  • Crystal C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 1, 2020

    Hercules-Glades Wilderness Area

    Hike in and camp, or just hike for day use!!

    This area is a wilderness area so camping is plentiful.  However in this particular are there is no organized campsite specifically.  Instead there are several areas where you can with permissions hike in and stay.  

    My suggestion for camping along this area are to check with local restrictions, there are some that you will want to make sure you know first hand.   Sometimes fire restrictions do change and these can be found at the beginning of the trails on the kiosks.   Some areas also are not permitted for overnight parking so you want to check those out before venturing into the wilderness for a lengthy time.

    Check with rangers of the area to make sure you are not in a register only or permit only area for camping!!  Very important in this region.

    Bring everything and then plot your course.

    The 4 mile hike is amazing and has many beautiful view points however it is also quite treacherous in some areas.    This area is also one which you will find many snakes lurking during warmer months so beware!!!!   

    I always suggest on wilderness hikes to not hike alone or camp alone but this one I found to be more problematic with limited to no cell service for assistance should you encounter danger.   

    Be careful but have fun!!!

  • T
    Nov. 29, 2017

    Hercules-Glades Wilderness Area

    Nicely private, but not a lot of scenery

    Hercules Glades Wilderness Area is part of mark Twain National Forest. It's a bit off the beaten path, but worth it for a day hike or a bit of backpacking.

    Since it's wilderness area, you can camp just about anywhere with few restrictions. There are a few primitive sites at the trailhead, no water or toilets.

    A few hundred yards from the Coy Bald Trailhead there is a fork in the trail. Going left gets you to the falls and the majority of the camp sites with the shortest route, about three miles.

    The trail is pretty rough and rocky with moderate elevation changes. I'd rate it on the low side of moderate difficulty.

    About a mile in you'll cross the river for the first time. There are camp sites with fire rings on both sides of the river. This is a scenic area with bluffs on one side of the river, but forested, so no views to speak of.

    About three miles in, you'll cross the river the second time. There are a number of camping areas with fire rings along the river.

    Downstream a few hundred feet are the falls that most people go to see. Unfortunately for us, there wasn't enough water for them to be running. There was enough water to wade around in and soak the feet. It was quite nice!

    The area is pretty and quiet, we saw only a handful of people in the two days we were there. The only issue was the ticks, they were the worst I'd dealt with in some time.

    All in all, a nice hike and a nice bit if camping. I'd go back to see the falls again.

  • K
    Jul. 5, 2025

    Sugar Camp Lookout Tower Dispersed Area

    Acessable to all

    Pretty great spot! If you’re fortunate enough to be alone, this is a very large space, with a nice picnic table and a few fire pits. Completely surrounded by forest, so plenty of shade. Access road was a little rough, as in your typical dirt road, but posed 0 problems for our little economy car. I’ve had much worse for sure. The area is pretty secluded, with only a few cars driving through all day, so bear spray is absolutely necessary for peace of mind. Practice good bear prevention measures and you’re good to go for a free night stay, or several, happy camping!

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 27, 2018

    Hercules Glades (Watch Tower)

    Rustic with great hiking

    This is a good place for hiking/backpacking. There are several sites around the access road and miles of hiking trails. The only ammenities are some fire rings and 1 toilet. It's a beautiful area but fairly remote and immediate services. Again, good for backpacking/hiking.

  • ‘Chelle S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Nov. 4, 2024

    Sugar Camp Lookout Tower Dispersed Area

    Beautiful and Peaceful

    Mark Twain National Forest is always a great getaway. This location is tucked away from the main road and is easy to get to. Could easily get 4 rigs + in the sight. Established fire ring (be mindful of burn bans). Close to Roaring River and Table Rock lake.

  • Ramie W.
    Sep. 1, 2018

    Hercules-Glades Wilderness Area

    Hercules Glades

    I did the Coy Bald hike and loved it. Most of the trail was fairly easy to navigate, however the areas of open meadows were a little more difficult to find where it picks back up. The falls are a great rock feature when it’s dry and beautiful when they’re flowing.

  • Conceptual S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Mar. 6, 2023

    Blair Ridge Rd Dispersed

    Secluded

    Tried to camp out before backpacking through Hercules Glade Wilderness but the trailheads were packed (weekend). There are two fire rings along this road. Both locations have full bars (Verizon). Little to no man made noise but be respectful, there is a private residence at the end of the road.

  • Anna W.
    Aug. 8, 2021

    Hercules Glades (Watch Tower)

    Quiet and easy

    We got here on a pretty hilly/twisty road late at night, found a spot close to the trailhead and had a quiet, peaceful night sleep. We saw just one other camper with a trailer close to the inlet. Just a quick stop on our way, we didn’t hike long in the morning but the trail seemed quiet and secluded; we didn’t see anyone else.

  • Kaci C.
    May. 30, 2019

    Hercules Glades (Watch Tower)

    Lovely secluded area

    Nice camping spots at the trailhead for Hercules glades. It was a beautiful, quiet area.

Guide to Ozark

Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Ozark, Missouri, where nature enthusiasts can enjoy serene landscapes and a variety of outdoor activities. This area offers several unique spots for those looking to escape into the wilderness.

Dispersed campers should check out Hercules-Glades Wilderness Area

  • Hercules-Glades Wilderness Area allows for camping almost anywhere, providing a true back-to-nature experience. You can explore various hiking trails and find your perfect spot to set up camp.
  • Be prepared for a four-mile hike that features stunning viewpoints, but keep in mind that some sections can be treacherous, so proper footwear is essential.
  • Wildlife is abundant here, including snakes during warmer months, so it's wise to stay alert while hiking and camping.

Scenic hiking trails while free camping near Ozark

  • The Coy Bald hike is a favorite among visitors, offering a mix of easy navigation and challenging terrain, with beautiful rock features along the way. You can find more information on this trail at Hercules Glades (Watch Tower).
  • Along the trails, you’ll encounter picturesque shut-ins and swimming holes, perfect for a refreshing dip after a long hike. The Hercules Lookout Tower Trail is another great option for those seeking scenic views.
  • The area is relatively quiet, allowing for a peaceful hiking experience, with only a handful of fellow campers spotted during visits.

Waterfalls and natural features for dispersed campers

  • The waterfalls in the Hercules Glades area are a major draw, especially when flowing, providing a stunning backdrop for your camping experience. Check out the Sugar Camp Lookout Tower Dispersed Area for access to these natural wonders.
  • Campers can find several primitive sites along the river, complete with fire rings for evening campfires. This makes for a cozy atmosphere under the stars.
  • Be mindful of the ticks in the area, as they can be prevalent, especially during warmer months. It's advisable to take precautions while enjoying the beautiful surroundings.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Ozark, MO is Hercules-Glades Wilderness Area with a 4.5-star rating from 4 reviews.

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

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

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