Dispersed camping near Pomona, Missouri offers rustic experiences in the Mark Twain National Forest and along the Current River within the Ozark National Scenic Riverways. Located in the heart of the Missouri Ozarks at elevations ranging from 600 to 1,400 feet, this region experiences hot, humid summers and cool winters. Many primitive sites require navigation across small creeks that can rise quickly after rainfall, creating challenging access conditions.
What to do
River activities: The Current River provides excellent swimming, paddling, and fishing opportunities at Log Yard Campground. "This place is like a hidden treasure. Lots of space on the bank to have privacy from other campers, the river was blue and super pretty," notes a camper at Log Yard Campground.
Wildlife viewing: Watch for the reintroduced elk herd near Log Yard Campground. "If you're lucky, you may see the local elk herd. They reintroduced elk in this area a few years ago," according to a visitor.
Stargazing: With minimal light pollution, Sunklands Conservation Area provides exceptional night sky viewing. A visitor reports, "We had a great time exploring the outdoors - saw no other people and only heard nature and airplanes."
Swimming: Blue Spring offers uniquely cold water even during summer heat. A camper noted, "This was the hottest campground I have ever been in my life. It was 109 and extremely humid... The water was very warm to swim in, and is also a good place to fish for crappie and catfish."
What campers like
Privacy and seclusion: Weekday camping at McCormack Lake Rec Area offers solitude. "Had the whole place to ourselves on a Thursday night, for the most part," reports one visitor. Another camper mentions, "Some people showed up for day use, but the sites were empty. Totally alone with a gorgeous lake."
River access: Many sites provide direct water access for recreation. At Cane Bluff River Access, a camper describes, "A big rock pad with a rope swing and a great place to dive in."
Natural springs: The region's clear springs are a major attraction. "What an awesome place to see very cold water," notes a visitor at Blue Spring Backcountry Camping.
Cave explorations: The area offers unique geological features to discover. One camper at Blue Spring shares, "We set up camp and paddled down river. We then got treated to an impromptu harmonica concert in a cave! Only in the Ozarks people. It was epic!"
What you should know
Site reservation process: Some sites require on-site payment using QR codes. At Blue Spring Backcountry Camping, "To reserve for $10 per night you have to leave your things at the site and drive down to find the QR code by the bathrooms and book the site."
Road conditions: High clearance vehicles are necessary for accessing many sites. "4 wheel drive is recommended. You have to cross a creek to get to this location. If the weather moves in, it would be wise to pack up and move out while you can," warns a camper at Log Yard Campground.
Campsite verification: Some areas marked as dispersed camping in apps have been converted to day-use only. At Noblett Lake, a visitor discovered, "Most of the sites on this app that say there's dispersed camping in this area are wrong. They've been turned into day use only areas."
No cell service: Be prepared to disconnect completely. A camper at Cane Bluff River Access states, "You feel like you are in the wilderness! Water is crystal clear and cool, didn't see another camper all weekend."
Tips for camping with families
Primitive site selection: Choose sites with vault toilets for easier family camping. "Primitive campsites in all the locations along Ozark National Waterway. They are well maintained and the staff you speak with is friendly and informative," notes a visitor to Blue Spring.
Midweek timing: For a quieter experience with children, avoid weekends at popular spots. At Blue Spring Backcountry Camping, a camper advises, "It's beautiful but overwhelmingly noisy and busy on the weekend... If you can get a chill few days in the week it's really wonderful and peaceful."
Water shoes: Pack appropriate footwear for river activities. "Take your water shoes, the river is awesome!!" recommends a camper.
Wildlife education: Prepare children for bat sightings at dusk. "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," shares a visitor at Cane Bluff.
Tips from RVers
Generator awareness: Some primitive sites allow generators, but consider neighboring campers. At Log Yard Campground, one tent camper noted, "The only annoying thing was that when I stayed with my tent on the rocks by the water, all the way at the end, I could still hear the person at the very first campsite with RV generator humming very loudly and it took away a lot of the ambiance of the place."
Site conditions: Many dispersed camping areas near Pomona have uneven terrain challenging for trailers. A visitor warns, "Beware! The gravel settles if wet and many trailers and campers have gotten stuck here. 4wd is recommended."
Backup plans: Weather can change access conditions quickly. "If the creek comes up, you may not be able to cross it again," cautions a Log Yard Campground visitor.
