Best Dispersed Camping near Potosi, MO

Looking for the best dispersed camping near Potosi? Here you'll find a diverse selection of places to camp, including remote dispersed camping to boondocking, and everything in-between. You're sure to find the perfect dispersed campsite for your Missouri excursion.

Best Dispersed Sites Near Potosi, MO (7)

    Camper-submitted photo from FS-2363 Dispersed Camping - Murphy Overlook
    Camper-submitted photo from FS-2363 Dispersed Camping - Murphy Overlook
    Camper-submitted photo from FS-2363 Dispersed Camping - Murphy Overlook
    Camper-submitted photo from FS-2363 Dispersed Camping - Murphy Overlook
    Camper-submitted photo from FS-2363 Dispersed Camping - Murphy Overlook
    Camper-submitted photo from FS-2363 Dispersed Camping - Murphy Overlook

    1. FS-2363 Dispersed Camping - Murphy Overlook

    10 Reviews
    29 Photos
    261 Saves
    Black, Missouri

    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. 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!

    Picking a Campsite

    If you are going to an area where others have camped, pick a site that's been used before. If there is no existing campsite, then follow these Leave No Trace guidelines:

    Camp on bare soil if possible, to avoid damaging or killing plants and grass. Camp 100 feet away from any water source - plants near water and water sources are fragile. Camp 100 feet away from any administrative site (Trails, Recreational Areas and/or Building). Campfires

    Many wildfires are caused by human activity, including escaped fires from dispersed campers. Campfires are allowed UNLESS there are fire restrictions in effect-know before you go!

    Use camp stoves when possible Use existing fire rings if they exist; NEVER LEAVE A FIRE UNATTENDED.
    When ashes are COLD and DEAD OUT, scatter outside of the campsite before you leave. If you don't bring wood, collect only dead/downed wood. Please never cut any live trees.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Brazil Creek Camping Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Brazil Creek Camping Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Brazil Creek Camping Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Brazil Creek Camping Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Brazil Creek Camping Area

    2. Brazil Creek Camping Area

    3 Reviews
    5 Photos
    33 Saves
    Potosi, Missouri

    The campsites are located on the right-hand side of the road. This is part of a trail area - camping is allowed.

    Dispersed camping is allowed along the trail.

    Dispersed camping is the term used for free camping anywhere in the National Forest OUTSIDE of a designated campground.

    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!

    Pick a Campsite and follow the Leave No Trace Principles
    Camp 100 feet away from trails and water sources.
    Treat any water found in the area before consuming it.
    Human waste (Feces) must be buried at least 6 inches deep and covered.
    Pack out all of your garbage.

    For more information on Dispersed Camping visit our dispersed camping page which has information on picking a campsite, how to protect water quality, and campfires!

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • ADA Access
    • RVs
    • Tents
    Camper-submitted photo from Courtois Creek Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Courtois Creek Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Courtois Creek Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Courtois Creek Dispersed

    3. Courtois Creek Dispersed

    2 Reviews
    4 Photos
    111 Saves
    Davisville, Missouri

    This section is the gateway to the Ozarks--starting at Onondaga Cave State Park and winding through the Huzzah State Forest/Conservation Area, opening into the lead district of Missouri and the Mark Twain National Forest, view variegated wildlife, flora, and scenery and end up at Hazel Creek on the south. This 45-mile long section includes 7.5 miles of state land north of the Narrows Trailhead, crosses private land at the Bass Resort, follows the Berryman Trail from about mile 22 through mile 32, and connects to the Trace Creek Section on the south at the Hazel Creek Trailhead. It is part of the over 220 mile continuous through-trail. Use caution after periods of rain as the creek crossings can be hazardous. This section of trail includes springs, creeks and other water locations, as well as some popular places for trailside camping.

    Dispersed camping is the term used for free camping anywhere in the National Forest OUTSIDE of a designated campground. 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!

    Pick a Campsite and follow the Leave No Trace Principles Camp 100 feet away from trails and water sources. Treat any water found in the area before consuming it. Human waste (Feces) must be buried at least 6 inches deep and covered. Pack out all of your garbage.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Dispersed
    • Alcohol
    Camper-submitted photo from Big River Primitive Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Big River Primitive Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Big River Primitive Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Big River Primitive Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Big River Primitive Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Big River Primitive Campground

    4. Big River Primitive Campground

    2 Reviews
    9 Photos
    31 Saves
    Belleview, Missouri

    Backcountry Primitive Campsite next to a water source with a fire ring. All garbage must be carried out

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Little Scotia Pond 4x4 Dispersed Site
    Camper-submitted photo from Little Scotia Pond 4x4 Dispersed Site
    Camper-submitted photo from Little Scotia Pond 4x4 Dispersed Site
    Camper-submitted photo from Little Scotia Pond 4x4 Dispersed Site
    Camper-submitted photo from Little Scotia Pond 4x4 Dispersed Site
    Camper-submitted photo from Little Scotia Pond 4x4 Dispersed Site

    5. Little Scotia Pond 4x4 Dispersed Site

    2 Reviews
    6 Photos
    31 Saves
    Bunker, Missouri

    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!

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • RVs
    • Tents
    • Standard (Tent/RV)
    Camper-submitted photo from Little Scotia Pond

    6. Little Scotia Pond

    1 Review
    1 Photo
    74 Saves
    Bunker, Missouri
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • ADA Access
    • Dispersed
    • Alcohol
    • No image available

    Recent Dispersed Reviews in Potosi

    17 Reviews of 7 Potosi Campgrounds


    • Kevin C.The Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from FS-2363 Dispersed Camping - Murphy Overlook
      Jul. 14, 2024

      FS-2363 Dispersed Camping - Murphy Overlook

      Nice private location

      Nice road and very isolated camp sites. I only found two camping spots. Both are very small where only expert drivers can turn around a trailer. We were here two days and did not see or hear anyone.

    • Chris J.
      Camper-submitted photo from Little Scotia Pond 4x4 Dispersed Site
      Apr. 15, 2024

      Little Scotia Pond 4x4 Dispersed Site

      Great site

      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.

    • Malik H.The Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Little Scotia Pond 4x4 Dispersed Site
      Mar. 7, 2024

      Little Scotia Pond 4x4 Dispersed Site

      Great “off the pavement” spot

      Although 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.

    • Sean A.
      Camper-submitted photo from FS-2363 Dispersed Camping - Murphy Overlook
      Jul. 31, 2023

      FS-2363 Dispersed Camping - Murphy Overlook

      Pretty and Remote (Saw a black bear)

      I'd recommend something AWD or be comfortable with momentum style driving, don't need clearance just need the traction on some of the hills. Once there you see no one, hear nothing and have the place to yourself. Great view. Not large, this is not a multi-car big group place. I'd say 2 small car MAX.

      Saw an adult black bear when we left, only about 0.5 a mile from camp. Ran across the road in front of us. Keep that in mind!

    • B
      Camper-submitted photo from FS-2363 Dispersed Camping - Murphy Overlook
      Jan. 29, 2023

      FS-2363 Dispersed Camping - Murphy Overlook

      Very quiet and remote

      This was a very good location if you want some remote dispersed camping. I went on a Saturday night in January and only saw two people drive the forest service road. One on the Saturday afternoon I arrived and one on the Sunday morning I departed. There is a nice fire pit made of stones on the site and someone left some leveling blocks for your car as well. It had one of the best sunsets I’d seen in awhile. Being that far from civilization, there was no light pollution so seeing the stars and getting some night photos is possible. There was plenty of dead wood around the area so if you don’t bring enough firewood you can round up some.

      One complaint about the site was I definitely heard gunshots in the area. Not sure if there was a gun range nearby or just some other campers further down the road having a good time. Just wasn’t the most comfortable thing since I was solo camping.

      Like the previous review says it’s a 4x4 or AWD gravel road. I would not attempt with any other car.

      AT&T service was spotty - basically nonexistent. So if you’re looking for a place to escape and unwind, this is a great location.

    • Jason F.
      Camper-submitted photo from FS-2363 Dispersed Camping - Murphy Overlook
      Aug. 12, 2022

      FS-2363 Dispersed Camping - Murphy Overlook

      Gorgeous solitude

      This site is accessible by AWD and 4x4 but I would hesitate to attempt it with any other car. The drive to the site from highway 32 is just over 6 miles on a forest service road (2363). There is a beautiful view of the valley to the south west and we were treated to an incredible sunset. Reasonably close to Johnson Shut Ins and Elephant Rock State park. This is a keeper.

    • Pat F.The Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Courtois Creek Dispersed
      Apr. 7, 2022

      Courtois Creek Dispersed

      Very peaceful and pleasant and very beautiful

      We arrived on Wednesday and camped for a couple of days, very beautiful and peaceful and just gorgeous, no toilets and no electricity and no cell signal but it was amazing

    • Dave N.
      Camper-submitted photo from Little Scotia Pond
      Jun. 29, 2020

      Little Scotia Pond

      Paradise for nature lovers

      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

    • Matt S.
      Camper-submitted photo from Big River Primitive Campground
      Sep. 21, 2017

      Big River Primitive Campground

      OZARK TRAIL: Make sure you stay at Big River

      OZARK TRAIL: I backpacked 50 miles during spring break on the Ozark Trail between Council Bluff Lake and Johnson Shutins State park. When I planned the trip the only information for camping that was available were regulations requiring you to camp 100 feet from the trail.

      I have to admit that the Ozark Trail Association provides amazing resources about the Ozark Trail but they fail to describe what has become primitive backcountry campsites all along the trail. Many of these sites are marked on the detailed National Geographic maps provided for free by the Association as water holes, but they are also clearly set up as campsites as well.

      Make sure you bring a water purifier. It is some of the best tasting water I have ever had.

      BIG RIVER: Make sure you plan your trip so that you can spend the night at Big River. It is an easy hike from Council Bluff Lake and is at the bottom of a hill. Big River isn't really a river but it is a reliable creek with a beautiful setting. It has a nice fire pit with plenty of large logs for seating. It can hold about ten campers comfortably. Tip: Dig your cat hole before you go to sleep and make sure it is at least 100 feet from the water.



    Frequently Asked Questions

    • Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Potosi, MO?

      According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Potosi, MO is FS-2363 Dispersed Camping - Murphy Overlook with a 4.8-star rating from 10 reviews.

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

      TheDyrt.com has all 7 dispersed camping locations near Potosi, MO, with real photos and reviews from campers.