Mark Twain National Forest encompasses backcountry camping options near Reeds Spring, Missouri, where campers can find free sites throughout the wilderness areas. The forest terrain features elevation ranges between 700-1,600 feet with a mix of hardwood forest and open glades. Winter temperatures typically range from 20-40°F while summer temperatures often reach 85-95°F with high humidity.
What to do
Hiking trails network: The Hercules-Glades Wilderness Area offers extensive hiking options with varying difficulty levels. A visitor to Hercules Glades Wilderness Area noted, "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."
Swimming holes: During warmer months, natural water features provide cooling opportunities. A camper at Radium Springs Firetower Camp shared, "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."
Four-season exploration: The area can be enjoyed year-round with proper preparation. According to one experienced visitor at Hercules Glades Wilderness Area, "I have hiked all four seasons and even spent a December wedding anniversary there with my husband. Our daughters, now in their forties grew up hiking those trails."
What campers like
Solitude and quiet: The remote nature of dispersed camping near Reeds Spring provides peaceful experiences. A camper at Pine Hollow 1045 Dispersed Camping described it as an "Excellent little campsite great for a couple tents at most... Very quiet very clean unlike some other sites in the area."
Wildlife viewing: The wilderness areas support diverse animal populations. One visitor to Hercules Glades Watch Tower mentioned, "We didn't see anyone else," highlighting the undisturbed natural setting that supports wildlife.
Natural water features: Seasonal waterfalls and streams enhance the camping experience. A Hercules Glades camper explained, "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!"
What you should know
Fire safety requirements: Fire restrictions may apply seasonally. As one camper at Blair Ridge Rd Dispersed advised, "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."
Trail navigation challenges: Some hiking routes can be difficult to follow. A hiker reported, "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."
Tick prevention: Insect protection is essential in warmer months. One camper warned, "The only issue was the ticks, they were the worst I'd dealt with in some time."
Cell service variability: Connectivity differs between camping areas. A Blair Ridge Rd camper noted, "Both locations have full bars (Verizon)," though service is typically limited throughout most of the forest.
Tips for camping with families
Trail difficulty assessment: Choose hiking routes appropriate for children's abilities. One visitor to Hercules Glades Wilderness Area described, "The trail is pretty rough and rocky with moderate elevation changes. I'd rate it on the low side of moderate difficulty."
Safety precautions: Remote camping requires extra preparation. A camper advised, "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."
Wildlife awareness: Teach children about proper behavior in bear country. According to a Radium Springs camper, "Practice good bear prevention measures and you're good to go for a free night stay, or several."
Tips from RVers
Access road limitations: Many dispersed sites have challenging entry points. A Pine Hollow camper warned, "Don't recommend bringing anything too large down the road; camper van would be fine but would be difficult with a full size rig or towing anything much larger than a pop up."
Space considerations: Some areas can accommodate multiple vehicles. A visitor to Sugar Camp Lookout Tower noted, "Could easily get 4 rigs + in the sight. Established fire ring (be mindful of burn bans)."
Level parking assessment: Not all sites provide flat surfaces for larger vehicles. One camper observed, "There is a second site just down the little pull off but it's not level so would be a last resort."
