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Best Dispersed Camping near Ozark National Scenic Riverways

48 Reviews

Dispersed camping is available at several locations along the Current River in Ozark National Scenic Riverways. Log Yard Campground offers primitive camping directly on the riverbank, with no designated sites - campers simply choose spots on the rocky shores. Four-wheel drive is recommended as "the gravel settles if wet and many trailers and campers have gotten stuck here," according to visitor reviews. Blue Spring provides similar riverside camping with access for swimming and paddling, though sites are difficult to locate and cost $10 per night when not in winter season.

Sunklands Conservation Area offers free primitive camping in a more secluded setting where visitors report "seeing no other people and only hearing nature." For those needing minimal facilities, McCormack Lake Recreation Area provides free camping with vault toilets, trash service, picnic tables, and drinking water. Most dispersed sites throughout the region allow fires and pets, though amenities are extremely limited. Cell service is virtually nonexistent at most locations, and many access roads require high-clearance vehicles, especially after rainfall when creek crossings can become impassable.

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Best Dispersed Sites Near Ozark National Scenic Riverways (20)

    1. Log Yard Campground Backcountry Camping — Ozark National Scenic Riverway

    10 Reviews
    Van Buren, MO
    12 miles

    "This area has access to the shores of the current river. No campsites, just the open rocky shores. You can park right on the shores and set up camp. Beware!"

    "Pit toilets, dumpster, and water all on site but not at each camp. Great spot to car camp."

    2. Blue Spring Backcountry Camping — Ozark National Scenic Riverway

    11 Reviews
    Mountain View, MO
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (573) 323-4236

    "This is a primitive camping area and there are a lot of partying people in and around this area plus frequent motorboat traffic. No amenities, many generators. Drive in, pick a spot and set up camp."

    "This National Park Service campground has mostly walk-in tent sites - a few near the river were difficult to find."

    3. Sunklands Conservation Area

    1 Review
    Hartshorn, MO
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (573) 226-3616

    4. McCormack Lake Rec Area

    4 Reviews
    Alton, MO
    22 miles
    Website
    +1 (573) 364-4621

    "We had a local with his hounds running around with a flashlight looking up trees for about an hour around 9PM. I'm guessing he was raccoon hunting...?"

    "Totally alone with a gorgeous lake."

    5. Cane Bluff River Access

    3 Reviews
    Alton, MO
    25 miles
    Website

    "It's way back on a little dirt road past some farm land and homes."

    6. Little Scotia Pond 4x4 Dispersed Site

    2 Reviews
    Bunker, MO
    26 miles
    Website
    +1 (573) 364-4621

    "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."

    "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."

    7. Little Scotia Pond

    1 Review
    Bunker, MO
    27 miles
    Website

    "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."

    8. FS-2363 Dispersed Camping - Murphy Overlook

    11 Reviews
    Black, MO
    39 miles
    Website

    "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."

    "We were the only people along this forest service road and got the prettiest spot towards the end of the road overlooking the mountain across. This camping area is a hidden gem!"

    9. blue springs back country river access

    Be the first to review!
    Mountain View, MO
    19 miles

    10. Whitten River Access

    2 Reviews
    Alton, MO
    29 miles

    "No one around on this 5 degrees F night. Access road is steep but not rough."

    "It has river access via a boat ramp and "dock". There are several level, clear places to camp with enough room for rv's. The road in is rough gravel and a big rv will be slow going."

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Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos near Ozark National Scenic Riverways

44 Photos of 20 Ozark National Scenic Riverways Campgrounds

Dispersed Camping Reviews near Ozark National Scenic Riverways

48 Reviews of 20 Ozark National Scenic Riverways Campgrounds

  • Elaina M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 22, 2018

    Cane Bluff River Access

    Beautiful, primitive, secluded.

    Stumbled across this site in September (2016). It's way back on a little dirt road past some farm land and homes.

    Only a few campsites, no picnic tables, a fire ring, some heavily shaded spots, a couple sites right on the river (but none are far away). You feel like you are in the wilderness! Water is crystal clear and cool, didn't see another camper all weekend. Had a few folks using the boat ramps, but otherwise very private.

    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.

    Seriously beautiful campsite, and near some excellent floating & gorgeous springs.

  • Shelly S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Nov. 1, 2018

    Blue Spring Backcountry Camping — Ozark National Scenic Riverway

    Blue, blue, blue, cold, cold, cold

    Blue Spring is beautiful and cold! Aside from the over zealous teenagers jumping into the spring it was a nice visit.

    This is a primitive camping area and there are a lot of partying people in and around this area plus frequent motorboat traffic. No amenities, many generators. Drive in, pick a spot and set up camp. There are so many areas to visit around the river this would be an excellent base camp or you could use it as a stop off on a float trip.

    Eminence, MO is nearby and a good place to refuel and get stuff you need for your adventures. Make sure you get a paper map because phone signal can be iffy.

  • Fred S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 29, 2025

    Blue Spring Backcountry Camping — Ozark National Scenic Riverway

    Free during winter season; otherwise, $10

    Camped for one night at site #7 on Oct 23, 2025. It turned out that this was the first night that camping fees were suspended for the winter season. This National Park Service campground has mostly walk-in tent sites - a few near the river were difficult to find. I parked my van in a small parking lot which serves sites 6 & 7 - just up the hill from the campground loop and vault toilet. The campsites include a table, metal fire ring and lantern pole. Sites 6 & 7 are close together, actually just one site with 2 tables and fire rings, good for a group campout. Except for a few fishermen who fished for a little while, I had the campground all to myself. Very quiet, peaceful night. I enjoyed fishing for smallmouth bass here. There is no potable water, and no hookups. Hammock camping and limited Starlink connectivity may be possible depending on the site. There is a his/hers vault toilet located in the center of the loop; it was clean and supplied with tp. Except for a small trash container in the vault toilet, there is no trash service at this campground; I took out the trash that I created as well as trash left by previous users. The gravel roads accessing this campground were in good condition during my visit. This is a beautiful location. There was some AT&T and T-Mobile service.

  • Dave N.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 15, 2020

    Log Yard Campground Backcountry Camping — Ozark National Scenic Riverway

    Camping on river

    This area has access to the shores of the current river. No campsites, just the open rocky shores. You can park right on the shores and set up camp. Beware! The gravel settles if wet and many trailers and campers have gotten stuck here. 4wd is recommended. While their are no amenities, the location is beautiful. Very secluded

  • Linda C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jan. 21, 2025

    Whitten River Access

    Spent a cold night here

    Arrived after dark. Found a level spot by the river, ground was frozen or it would have been muddy. No one around on this 5 degrees F night. Access road is steep but not rough.

  • A
    Oct. 31, 2020

    Log Yard Campground Backcountry Camping — Ozark National Scenic Riverway

    Good place to stop for a few days

    There is a small designated campground above the river bank sites described in the other review. The site typically costs 5 dollars a day but a sign up at the campground says fees are waved due to less services for COVID. Pit toilets, dumpster, and water all on site but not at each camp. Great spot to car camp.

  • BThe Dyrt PRO User
    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.

  • Shea B.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 2, 2022

    FS-2363 Dispersed Camping - Murphy Overlook

    Peaceful and remote

    We were the only people along this forest service road and got the prettiest spot towards the end of the road overlooking the mountain across. This camping area is a hidden gem!

  • Greg H.
    Sep. 8, 2021

    Beaver Lake Recreation Area

    Nice place, well off the beaten path.

    Way back off of a gravel road... There's at least two pull-offs that I've seen, I'm sure there's more. Disperse camping no facilities but it's nice back here... Fire pit... Not much company & free

Guide to Ozark National Scenic Riverways

Dispersed camping near Ozark National Scenic Riverways in Missouri offers a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in nature while enjoying the freedom of primitive camping. With stunning landscapes and a variety of sites, this area is perfect for outdoor enthusiasts seeking adventure.

Tips for free and dispersed camping near Ozark National Scenic Riverways in Missouri

Scenic spots for dispersed campers

  • The McCormack Lake Rec Area provides a picturesque setting with a secluded lake, perfect for fishing and relaxing away from the crowds.
  • For those seeking a more rugged experience, Little Scotia Pond 4x4 Dispersed Site offers a tranquil pond surrounded by nature, ideal for wildlife watching and enjoying the serenity of the outdoors.
  • Campers at Sunklands Conservation Area can explore vast open spaces with no designated sites, allowing for a truly immersive experience in nature.

Dispersed campers should check out Blue Spring

  • Known for its stunning blue waters, Blue Spring Backcountry Camping is a popular spot for swimming and enjoying the refreshing spring water.
  • The area can get busy during the summer, so visiting during off-peak times can enhance your experience and provide a quieter atmosphere.
  • Campers have noted the vibrant scenery and the opportunity to engage in various water activities, making it a must-visit for those looking to enjoy the beauty of the Ozarks.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where are the best locations for dispersed camping in Ozark National Scenic Riverways?

The Ozark National Scenic Riverways offers several excellent dispersed camping locations. Log Yard Campground Backcountry Camping — Ozark National Scenic Riverway provides direct access to the Current River with open rocky shores where you can park and set up camp (4WD recommended). FS-2363 Dispersed Camping - Murphy Overlook offers remote sites with stunning valley views and beautiful sunsets, though it requires AWD or 4x4 vehicles to access. Other noteworthy spots include Blue Spring Backcountry Camping, Cane Bluff River Access, and Whitten River Access—all providing riverfront primitive camping experiences with varying levels of seclusion and natural beauty.

Can you camp anywhere along Lake of the Ozarks for free?

No, you cannot camp anywhere along Lake of the Ozarks for free. Unlike Ozark National Scenic Riverways, Lake of the Ozarks is primarily surrounded by private property, state parks, and commercial campgrounds that require fees. Blue Spring Backcountry Camping — Ozark National Scenic Riverway and Whitten River Access are examples of free or low-cost dispersed camping, but they're located along the Current River in the Riverways system, not Lake of the Ozarks. Lake of the Ozarks State Park offers developed campgrounds for a fee, and dispersed camping is generally not permitted around the lake's shoreline. Always check local regulations and property boundaries before setting up camp in any area.

Is free camping allowed in Ozark National Scenic Riverways?

Yes, free camping is allowed in designated dispersed areas throughout Ozark National Scenic Riverways. Cane Bluff River Access offers free primitive camping with no facilities except fire rings in a wilderness setting. Beaver Lake Recreation Area provides free dispersed camping accessible via gravel roads with multiple pull-off areas. Some locations like Log Yard typically charge a $5 daily fee, but these fees have occasionally been waived during special circumstances. Most dispersed sites are primitive with no amenities, so be prepared to pack in everything you need and pack out all waste. The riverways offer numerous free backcountry camping options for those seeking an authentic outdoor experience.

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