Best Dispersed Camping near Silex, MO
Dispersed camping near Silex, Missouri offers several primitive sites with varying amenities and access. Silo Access Area - O'Neil Creek provides free riverside camping directly on the Mississippi River with 13 designated sites suitable for RVs and travel trailers. Lone Spring Trail Backpacking Campsite features several tent areas with metal fire pits. Ranacker Conservation Area rounds out the available options with basic dispersed camping opportunities. These sites are primarily drive-in accessible.
All three locations permit campfires, though visitors must bring their own firewood. No drinking water is available at any of these sites, requiring campers to pack in all necessary water. According to reviews, Silo Access Area sits on a wide gravel bar with views of the Mississippi River and ongoing restoration work. Several campers noted the proximity to active train tracks, with trains passing 3-4 times daily. The area has one small trash bin but no restroom facilities, making self-contained camping essential.
The Silo Access Area features a large boat ramp and freshly paved areas. Mosquitoes are prevalent, particularly during warmer months. The site offers opportunities to observe river traffic, including barges and riverboats. Campers report that the best RV parking spots are located at opposite ends of the flat circle where large gravel areas accommodate vehicles. Lone Spring Trail Backpacking Campsite is reservable, while the other locations operate on a first-come, first-served basis. For navigation purposes, note that Silo Access Area is marked as such at the entrance but appears as O'Neil Creek on some maps, located approximately one mile north off Route 79 from Calumet Creek access.
