Are you planning a dispersed camping trip to Plato? We've got you covered. Dispersed camping means that no facilities or amenities are provided, so that you can truly disconnect and get back to nature. From secluded to easily reachable, we offer dispersed campsites near Plato just for you.
Backcountry camping on Jacks Forks River
Few regions today preserve the wild and natural beauty of the Ozarks as well as Sunklands. Sunklands Conservation Area combined the former Sunklands-Burr Oak Basin Natural Area and Skunk Pond, Hartshorn, and Shannondale conservation areas with Kerr-McGee land. Sunklands is valuable for its array of native plant and animal species. The area is the only known habitat in Missouri for monkshood, a showy purple wildflower. Several upland ponds or sinkholes contain water and form a marshy area. The wetlands are rare and important homes to salamanders and other amphibians that require a fish-free habitat. Open Camping - Walk-in/Float-in/Backpack Designated Camping Sites
Remember to LNT when dispersed camping. https://www.fs.usda.gov/activity/mtnf/recreation/camping-cabins/?recid=21644&actid=34
Many people enjoy the solitude and peaceful experience of camping away from large groups of people. Dispersed camping is the term used for free camping anywhere in the National Forest OUTSIDE of a designated campground and at least 100 feet from any administrative site to include trails, buildings and designated recreational areas. Dispersed camping means there are no toilets, no structures, no trash cans, no treated water, and no fire grates. There are extra responsibilities required for this type of camp. It's a must to educate yourself before you try it, but we hope the adventure of dispersed camping in the Mark Twain National Forest calls to you!
Scout
Completely free clean and shaded couldn’t ask for better
Traveler
Great quiet site. 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. Be mindful that it is tick season now. We had a few on the dog by the end of the first day.
Scout
Ok place to camp, pretty secluded, old campground but most spots no longer seemed camp friendly, as new tree growth has taken over. Seems to be a guy living in a rv at the end of the road which is really close to the one camping friendly spot, kinda kills the dispersed camping vibe.
TravelerAlthough 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. Easy to get in but could be tricky for a small car to get out (boulders, trees, incline and possible rain/mud) 4x4 recommend. Great spot right next to the dam. Very quiet. Lots of beavers in the pond. Fire wood is abundant. A few fire rings in place at location.
Guide
This is an olen camping area as it’s in a conversation area. There are no sites you just pick your spot. We had a great time exploring the outdoors- saw no other people and only heard nature and airplanes
Guide
A beautiful spot. It is an old abandoned forest campground. I believe it was last maintained in the 80's. It is overgrown in some spots, but most are intact, some still with the site numbers. Lots of wildlife. I saw several deer, a couple beavers in the pond, racoons, and on the last day a bear and 2 cubs. So keep that in mind. 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. A small class c or travel trailer might make it into a few sites, best for vans and tents
Guide
What an awesome place to see very cold water , camp sites are a little Ricky but manageable, does get to be a very busy spot in the summer
LegendBlue 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.
RangerAbsolutely love this place. We set up camp and paddled down river. We then got treated to a impromptu harmonica concert in a cave! Only in the Ozarks people. It was epic!
LegendPrimitive campsites in all the locations along Ozark National Waterway. They are well maintained and the staff you speak with is friendly and informative. Pound Mill is easier to drive into and a mile-ish hike to Blue Spring.take your water shoes, the river is awesome!!
ScoutWe 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! I love how close it is to the lake and the city.
RangerThis was the hottest campground I have ever been in my life. It was 109 and extremely humid. I've heard that in the winter, it's freezing cold. Perfect! The water was very warm to swim in, and is also a good place to fish for crappie and catfish.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Plato, MO?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Plato, MO is Blue Spring Backcountry Camping — Ozark National Scenic Riverway with a 4.3-star rating from 6 reviews.
What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Plato, MO?
TheDyrt.com has all 7 dispersed camping locations near Plato, MO, with real photos and reviews from campers.
