Best Dispersed Camping near Robertsville, MO

Dispersed camping near Robertsville, Missouri features several free primitive sites within Mark Twain National Forest. Brazil Creek Camping Area provides basic amenities with vault toilets but no drinking water or hookups. The area supports both tent and RV camping with drive-in access. Courtois Creek Dispersed and Timberline Lake Dispersed sites offer more remote experiences with creek or lakeside camping opportunities.

Vehicle access varies significantly between sites. Brazil Creek is accessible via standard vehicles and sits approximately 20-30 minutes from the highway. According to campers, Courtois Creek requires high-clearance vehicles with all-wheel drive capability. As one visitor noted, "The road isn't a road so much as an ATV trail. All-wheel drive and it was too hard on my Subaru." Timberline Lake similarly requires AWD vehicles to navigate the gravel access roads.

Cell service is limited throughout the region. AT&T coverage has been reported at Brazil Creek, while other carriers may require signal boosters. Most sites permit fires in established rings when no burn bans are in effect. Campers should pack out all trash and bring sufficient water, as no potable sources exist at these locations. Several visitors recommend water purifiers for creek water.

The area offers recreational opportunities including mountain biking on the Berryman Trail, hiking, and horseback riding. Brazil Creek features "miles of trails for mountain biking, horse riding, or just hiking," as noted by a recent visitor. ATV use is permitted on designated roads with proper safety equipment. Supplies should be purchased in Sullivan or Bourbon before arrival, as these sites are remote from services. Pets are allowed at all locations.

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Best Dispersed Sites Near Robertsville, Missouri (5)

    1. Brazil Creek Camping Area

    4 Reviews
    Potosi, MO
    32 miles
    Website
    +1 (573) 364-4621

    "Very nice free camp ground that is suitable for any type of camping.

    The Ranger, who was very nice, had good service with AT&T, I had TMobile at my campsite with a booster."

    "Good access to the Berryman Trail. There is a creek running along the camping area with a road along the opposite side. Park for the day or camp overnight to get an early start."

    2. Courtois Creek Dispersed

    5 Reviews
    Davisville, MO
    37 miles
    Website

    "First thing you see when you turn off the highway is a tiny Baptist (first red flag) church and graveyard to set the tone."

    "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"

    3. Timberline Lake Dispersed - Mark Twain National Forest

    1 Review
    Davisville, MO
    39 miles

    "Peaceful night, very off the beaten path, need AWD to get there on gravel roads. There is a boat launch that’s steep and rough."

    4. Big River Primitive Campground

    2 Reviews
    Belleview, MO
    50 miles
    Website
    +1 (573) 438-5427

    "OZARK TRAIL: I backpacked 50 miles during spring break on the Ozark Trail between Council Bluff Lake and Johnson Shutins State park."

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Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos near Robertsville, MO

3 Photos of 5 Robertsville Campgrounds


Dispersed Camping Reviews near Robertsville, MO

9 Reviews of 5 Robertsville Campgrounds


  • Chelsea G.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jan. 7, 2025

    Courtois Creek Dispersed

    Heavy on the Hills Have Eyes vibes

    First of all this is way down Berryman Rd. Go look up Michael Berryman (RIP) and his movies, then come back to me.

    Got that picture? Ok great.

    First thing you see when you turn off the highway is a tiny Baptist (first red flag) church and graveyard to set the tone.

    If that doesn't put you off, make sure your car can handle terrain and you can handle your car. This is barely a road. It's a trail of moguls for your tires. Fallen trees and branches that narrow the lane and threaten to scrape the sides of your vehicle. One tree overhead barely cleared my car. Puddles that could be who know how deep or what's in them (I may be the red flag here). You can not turn around anywhere on this road; you have to go to the end where there's a loop or worst case scenario reverse out while ideally not in a state of panic.

    I however as a cultist who worships at the altar of my Subaru's cargo hatch forged ahead because gotta get that creekside spot.

    Anyway I got to the site without popping any tires and half set up before going for a walk. There's not a lot of walkable ground out there, really just the flat ground around the campsites and the road. Road was barely even an option. Water-filled pits made the muddy road difficult to traverse and eventually prevented me from going any further. The brush and reedy grass were too thick to walk through safely to get around, and in places the roadside embankments were too steep and loose to climb up and around puddles.

    I did see a big ol mudbug, which was cool, but it was terribly quiet out there during my short walk. I was glad to get back to my car, where up the low cliff on the opposite side of the creek was a nicer-looking house with the sounds of people hanging out on the deck.

    As night fell and the animal sounds picked up, I decided to sleep in my car instead of the tent. If you're ever out and you hear the animals and insects go silent, and then the next thing you hear is dogs barking, you should also probably sleep in your car.

    After a hot and filling foil wrap dinner, I enjoyed some of the good green, because who doesn't like a sleep aid that also activates the amygdala, especially in these particular conditions. I'm soaking up the stars and the moon and the sound of running water, when suddenly I heard a heavy-bodied splash in the creek right by me.

    And when I tell you I bolted to the car so fast leaving behind a tangled trail of chair, blanket, charger cable, etc

    Because the shore on my side of the creek is flat. Waltz right on up from the creek. Nope not here not me.

    Anyway nothing ended up happening, I slept fine, woke up to a bright sun and beautiful view. I did still get out of there pretty fast.

    ⭐5/7 might go spook myself again

  • Nicholas H.The Dyrt PRO User
    Apr. 26, 2025

    Courtois Creek Dispersed

    Unpassable road

    The road to get there isn't a road so much as a ATV trail. All wheel drive and it was too hard on my Subaru. Mostly washed out

  • Pat F.
    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

  • Matt S.
    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.

  • J
    Aug. 13, 2025

    Courtois Creek Dispersed

    Not gatekeeping this place.

    I don't live anywhere near here so I'm not going to keep this place a secret. The other reviews make this place seem terrible. I drive a Toyota Highlander and I did the road with no problem. It is not an ATV trail! There was 1 big puddle and 1 sharp rocky turn that I just went slow through. No problem. Probably couldn't do it towing a camper though.

    We were the only people camping there until the next afternoon when a couple families came down with kids to swim and float. The water is amazing. Great for fly fishing and cast fishing.

    Can hear a road and trucks passing fairly nearby. Right across the water on top of a hill is a big house that was chainsawing the next morning but we never saw anyone.

    The dogs got to run and swim.

    Obviously, no bathrooms, electricity or amenities but not far from a town.

    Try it out, it's beautiful.

  • Jeremy G.
    Dec. 18, 2020

    Big River Primitive Campground

    Clean water, peaceful surroundings

    Easy to find. Clean crisp water from the river at its origin. Quiet and perfect.


Guide to Robertsville

Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Robertsville, Missouri, where nature meets tranquility. With a variety of scenic spots, outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy a range of activities while embracing the great outdoors.

Top Activities While Free Camping Near Robertsville

  • Experience miles of trails for mountain biking, hiking, and horseback riding at Brazil Creek Camping Area, making it a perfect spot for adventure seekers.

Tips for Free and Dispersed Camping Near Robertsville, Missouri

  • When visiting Courtois Creek Dispersed, remember to stock up on supplies in nearby Sullivan or Bourbon, as the area is quite remote and lacks services.

Dispersed Campers Should Check Out Lone Spring Trail Backpacking Campsite

Frequently Asked Questions

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

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Robertsville, MO is Brazil Creek Camping Area with a 4.3-star rating from 4 reviews.

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

TheDyrt.com has all 5 dispersed camping locations near Robertsville, MO, with real photos and reviews from campers.