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

Sunklands Conservation Area

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.

Courtois Creek  Dispersed

Ozark Outdoors 

Little Scotia Pond

Loggers Lake

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.

FS-2363 Dispersed Camping - Murphy Overlook

Searching for a dispersed camping spot in Missouri? The Dyrt showcases a diverse selection of places to camp, including remote dispersed camping to boondocking and everything in between. These scenic and easy to access Missouri campsites are perfect for dispersed campers.

Missouri

The Best Dispersed Camping in Missouri

Planning a dispersed camping trip near Salem? Dispersed camping means that no facilities or amenities are provided, so that you can truly disconnect and get back to nature. Find dispersed campsites you've visited before, or discover new spots from other campers.

Salem

The Best Dispersed Camping Near Salem, Missouri

Mark Twain National Forest Paddy Creek Recreation Area

Ruby’s Landing sets 5.6 miles North of Waynesville MO on HWY 17. We are a full-service campground with cabins, RV hookups, fully stocked store, water, sewer and electric hooks ups for RV and tents, 5 and 10-mile floats, Rafts, Kayaks, Canoes, and tubes. We have a wedding chapel, community building and open air pavilion. We have a nice playground for the kids and offer shuttle service for private vessels. The fishing is great, the Gasconade River is scenic and the atmosphere is relaxing.

Ruby's Landing

Blue Spring Ranch

Apple Jacks 21

Whether you're an RVer or tent camper, St. Louis, MO is a great place to post up for the weekend—or longer. St. Louis is a great camping destination for everyone. There are tons of nearby hikes, adventurous activities, and sights to see. Ready to plan your adventure? Check out our campgrounds near St. Louis and user-submitted reviews.

St. Louis

The Best Camping Near St. Louis | Missouri Campgrounds

Looking for the best campgrounds near Springfield, MO? Camping, hiking, biking: however you want to spend your days near Springfield, you'll find great campgrounds with The Dyrt. Find the best campgrounds near Springfield, MO. Read reviews from campers like you and find your perfect campsite.

Springfield

The Best Camping Near Springfield, Missouri

Whether you're a tent camper, an RVer, or just passing through, Independence, MO has a lot to offer. There's so much to see and do, from exhilarating hikes or bike rides to exploring the local dining and shopping. Get the dirt on all the best camping near Independence. Browse campgrounds by amenities, site types, and more.

Independence

The Best Camping Near Independence, Missouri

Central Missouri has a surprise for outdoor enthusiasts: It’s home to some of the best camping in the state. Near Columbia, MO, there are a number of conservation areas along the Missouri River. Rock Bridge Memorial State Park is minutes from the city and offers a fun and educational experience for children and adults. There are plenty of scenic trails to hike, bike, or explore on horseback. The park is home to fascinating natural features, including a cave system, and is one of the many opportunities to explore the outdoors near Columbia. A number of campgrounds are located around the city with amenities and campsites to accommodate the type of camping you're looking for, whether you want to stay closer or farther from the city lights.

Columbia

The Best Camping Near Columbia, Missouri

The Dyrt is here to help plan your best camping near Lee's Summit. Lee's Summit is a great camping destination for everyone. There are tons of nearby hikes, adventurous activities, and sights to see. Find the best campgrounds near Lee's Summit, plus reviews and photos from other campers like you.

Lee's Summit

The Best Camping Near Lee's Summit, Missouri

Searching for the best camping near O'Fallon, MO? Camping, hiking, biking: however you want to spend your days near O'Fallon, you'll find great campgrounds with The Dyrt. Ready to plan your adventure? Check out our campgrounds near O'Fallon and user-submitted reviews.

O'Fallon

The Best Camping Near O'Fallon, Missouri

Looking for the best campgrounds near St. Joseph, MO? There are tons of hikes and other fun activities to partake in, as well as sights to see and explore. At The Dyrt, campers like you share their favorite spots, plus tips and photos. No matter where you're headed in St. Joseph, you'll find the best spot for you and your camping crew.

St. Joseph

The Best Camping Near St. Joseph, Missouri

Looking for the best campgrounds near St. Charles, MO? Discover secluded campsites where you can reconnect with nature. Or maybe you like to bring your family and friends along. Either way, there are St. Charles campgrounds just for you. Get the dirt on all the best camping near St. Charles. Browse campgrounds by amenities, site types, and more.

St. Charles

The Best Camping Near St. Charles, Missouri

Whether you're a tent camper, an RVer, or just passing through, Blue Springs, MO has a lot to offer. There are tons of hikes and other fun activities to partake in. Experience some of the most stunning views that Missouri camping has to offer. You're sure to find the perfect spot for your Missouri camping adventure.

Blue Springs

The Best Camping Near Blue Springs, Missouri

Florissant, MO is a great camping destination for adventurers of all types. There are tons of hikes and other fun activities to partake in, as well as sights to see and explore. You're sure to find the perfect spot for your Missouri camping adventure.

Florissant

The Best Camping Near Florissant, Missouri

Searching for the best camping near Mark Twain National Forest, MO? Camping, hiking, biking: however you want to spend your days near Mark Twain National Forest, you'll find great campgrounds with The Dyrt. Ready to plan your adventure? Check out our campgrounds near Mark Twain National Forest and user-submitted reviews.

Mark Twain National Forest

The Best Camping Near Mark Twain National Forest, Missouri

The Dyrt is here to help plan your best camping near Ozark National Scenic Riverways. Discover secluded campsites where you can reconnect with nature. Or maybe you like to bring your family and friends along. Either way, there are Ozark National Scenic Riverways campgrounds just for you. Find the best campgrounds near Ozark National Scenic Riverways, plus reviews and photos from other campers like you.

Ozark National Scenic Riverways

The Best Camping Near Ozark National Scenic Riverways, Missouri

Searching for the best camping near Harry S. Truman Lake, MO? Camping, hiking, biking: however you want to spend your days near Harry S. Truman Lake, you'll find great campgrounds with The Dyrt. Find the best campgrounds near Harry S. Truman Lake, MO. Read reviews from campers like you and find your perfect campsite.

Harry S. Truman Lake

The Best Camping Near Harry S. Truman Lake, Missouri

Are you in need of a campground near Mark Twain Lake, MO? Mark Twain Lake is filled with the activities, sights, and experiences to make everyone in your crew a happy camper. Get the dirt on all the best camping near Mark Twain Lake. Browse campgrounds by amenities, site types, and more.

Mark Twain Lake

The Best Camping Near Mark Twain Lake, Missouri

Stockton Lake is an ideal place for camping adventures of all kinds. There are tons of hikes and other fun activities to partake in. Experience some of the most stunning views that Missouri camping has to offer. Find the best campgrounds near Stockton Lake, MO. Read helpful reviews and tips to find the perfect camping option for you and your crew.

Stockton Lake

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Looking for the best campgrounds near Wappapello Lake, MO? Enjoy the scenic camping, fun activities, and sights and sounds of Wappapello Lake. Search nearby campsites and find top-rated spots from other campers.

Wappapello Lake

The Best Camping Near Wappapello Lake, Missouri

Are you in need of a campground near Table Rock Lake, MO? There are tons of hikes and other fun activities to partake in. Experience some of the most stunning views that Missouri camping has to offer. Search nearby campsites and find top-rated spots from other campers.

Table Rock Lake

The Best Camping Near Table Rock Lake, Missouri

Searching for the best camping near Cochiti Lake, MO? Cochiti Lake is filled with the activities, sights, and experiences to make everyone in your crew a happy camper. Find the best campgrounds near Cochiti Lake, plus reviews and photos from other campers like you.

Cochiti Lake

The Best Camping Near Cochiti Lake, Missouri

Whether you're a tent camper, an RVer, or just passing through, Millwood Lake, MO has a lot to offer. Discover secluded campsites where you can reconnect with nature. Or maybe you like to bring your family and friends along. Either way, there are Millwood Lake campgrounds just for you. Find the best campgrounds near Millwood Lake, plus reviews and photos from other campers like you.

Millwood Lake

The Best Camping Near Millwood Lake, Missouri

Lake Okeechobee, MO is a great camping destination for adventurers of all types. Enjoy the scenic camping, fun activities, and sights and sounds of Lake Okeechobee. Find the best campgrounds near Lake Okeechobee, MO. Read reviews from campers like you and find your perfect campsite.

The Best Dispersed Camping in Salem

Top Campgrounds in Salem (11)

1.

Little Scotia Pond

2.

Sunklands Conservation Area

3.

Loggers Lake

4.

Courtois Creek Dispersed

5.

Mark Twain National Forest Paddy Creek Recreation Area

6.

FS-2363 Dispersed Camping - Murphy Overlook

7.

Ozark Outdoors

8.

Ruby's Landing

9.

Blue Spring Ranch

10.

Apple Jacks 21

Dispersed Campgrounds in Salem, Missouri

Recent Dispersed Reviews In Salem

89 Reviews of 11 Salem Campgrounds