Best Dispersed Camping near Sturgeon, MO

Searching for a dispersed campsite near Sturgeon? Find the best information on dispersed campgrounds near Sturgeon, including photos, reviews, and tips. Find dispersed campsites you've visited before, or discover new spots from other campers.

Best Dispersed Sites Near Sturgeon, MO (5)

    Camper-submitted photo from Pine Ridge Recreation Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Pine Ridge Recreation Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Pine Ridge Recreation Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Pine Ridge Recreation Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Pine Ridge Recreation Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Pine Ridge Recreation Area

    1. Pine Ridge Recreation Area

    12 Reviews
    35 Photos
    131 Saves
    New Bloomfield, Missouri

    This area is located in a pine forest and provides a campground and picnic area while serving as a trailhead to the 36-mile Cedar Creek Trail. Four picnic sites and 8 campsites are provided. Larger grassy area can provide small groups such as scouts.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • ADA Access
    • Dispersed
    • Trash
    Camper-submitted photo from Three Creeks Conservation Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Three Creeks Conservation Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Three Creeks Conservation Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Three Creeks Conservation Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Three Creeks Conservation Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Three Creeks Conservation Area

    2. Three Creeks Conservation Area

    6 Reviews
    8 Photos
    50 Saves
    Ashland, Missouri

    Walk-in primitive camping is allowed year round except during modern firearms deer season. During modern firearm deer season, hunters may camp along roads and around parking lots. Camping along roads and in-and-around parking lots is otherwise prohibited. Groups of more than 10 campers require a special use permit.

    Three Creeks Conservation Area is in Boone County (halfway between Columbia and Ashland). The area takes its name from the three creeks that run through the area: Turkey Creek, Bass Creek, and Bonne Femme Creek. The rugged forest features scenic bluffs, intermittent streams, geologic formations, and old eastern red cedar trees. Three Creeks Conservation Area was considered for purchase as a result of substantial public input and interest in protecting the general Three Creeks area from further urban development, which would destroy its appearance and natural features. Moreover, Three Creeks Conservation Area was acquired to maintain and manage representative plant and animal communities and to provide outdoor recreational and educational opportunities in an urbanizing region of central Missouri. Much of the land in the general area was purchased by freed slaves following the Civil War. Generally, the tracts were small (usually 40 or 80 acre parcels). Land which could be seeded to pasture for grazing or plowed with a horse was farmed into the 1930's when many families could no longer support themselves on the small tracts of land. Many had to sell their property due to the economic conditions during the Depression. The reduction in the number of landowners has continued up to the present time. Seven identifiable house sites have been located on the initial 685 acres.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • No image available
      Camper-submitted photo from Robert's Bluff
      Camper-submitted photo from Robert's Bluff
      Camper-submitted photo from Robert's Bluff
      • No image available
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      Showing results 1-5 of 5 campgrounds

      Recent Dispersed Reviews in Sturgeon

      16 Reviews of 5 Sturgeon Campgrounds


      • Christian D.The Dyrt PRO User
        Camper-submitted photo from Robert's Bluff
        Jun. 8, 2024

        Robert's Bluff

        Quiet and Free

        Don’t mistake this for the RV hookup site at Roberts Bluff. It’s a bit further down the road and called Roberts Bluff Access. You will eventually see signs for a Conservation site.

        There were about 4/5 spots to pull/back into. Its a small space and really close to the river where you can see huge trout and turtles swimming. There is even a boat ramp.

      • DThe Dyrt PRO User
        Camper-submitted photo from Robert's Bluff
        Sep. 13, 2023

        Robert's Bluff

        Awesome spot for getting in late

        Great spot on my road trip west! Put in some miles and didn’t get in until about 2am and this was easy to find and great spots away from the highway but also didn’t have to trek far away

      • RThe Dyrt PRO User
        Camper-submitted photo from Robert's Bluff
        Sep. 4, 2023

        Robert's Bluff

        Good for over night

        Decided to take my time heading from Southern WA to Southern IN and this is the best dispersed camping I’ve seen on this trip. I’ll definitely stop here again if I’m ever heading down I-70, and hopefully I’ll have my RV with me.

      • DThe Dyrt PRO User
        Camper-submitted photo from Robert's Bluff
        Jun. 10, 2023

        Robert's Bluff

        Quiet and nice place

        Nice free camping to overnight if you are travelling on your RV, close to the highway but without noise. No toillets. Verizon signal works good.

      • RThe Dyrt PRO User
        Camper-submitted photo from Pine Ridge Recreation Area
        May. 15, 2023

        Pine Ridge Recreation Area

        Fantastic

        I’ve been going from one campsite to the next for a few weeks now and this place is the best. Clean updated vault toilets. Potable water and we’ll kept sites.

      • Mashleys B.
        Camper-submitted photo from Pine Ridge Recreation Area
        Jun. 21, 2021

        Pine Ridge Recreation Area

        Nice campsite!

        Went here on a sunday night. Only two other campers. Toilets, dumpster, and water pump present. Only bummer was lots of ticks and there must be a gun range nearby, which set off our dog's anxiety.

      • Michael M.
        Camper-submitted photo from Pine Ridge Recreation Area
        Jun. 18, 2021

        Pine Ridge Recreation Area

        Nice semi-quite place to overnight.

        All and all nice place. Some roads are gravel and chalky leading there (my cars still covered and I'm in Colorado now!) Pit Toilets were nice, one for campground. 2 potable water sites. Campsites were not well defined and judging by the beer cans in some site fire rings it might get rowdy on the weekend.

      • Michelle H.
        Camper-submitted photo from Pine Ridge Recreation Area
        May. 31, 2021

        Pine Ridge Recreation Area

        I loved it

        It was a nice quiet area designated camping spots and not too far from any stores very clean working bathrooms we really enjoyed ourselves there we'll be looking forward to going back

      • Chrischelle N.
        Camper-submitted photo from Pine Ridge Recreation Area
        Sep. 8, 2020

        Pine Ridge Recreation Area

        Great Campground

        Pros: Free!! Close to Columbia but far enough away for a getaway. Easy to find from the road, even in the dark. Fire pits and picnic tables are there. Vault toilets and running water available. Hiking trailhead at the entrance of the campground. Camping spots are spaced out enough.

        Cons: Can hear lawn-mowing and Gun shots from neighboring properties in the early morning. Still not the end of the world. Definitely fills up on the weekends.

        I stayed at #3 and it was a very spacious private spot. If you have kids/dogs I recommend spot #4 it has a long strip of playroom for running around without disturbing other spaces. 2 week maximum stay.

      • FThe Dyrt PRO User
        Camper-submitted photo from Pine Ridge Recreation Area
        Aug. 6, 2020

        Pine Ridge Recreation Area

        Pine Ridge Dispersed camping at Mark Twain National Forest

        There was easy access to the campground. There were designated spots to camp that had a picnic table and camp grill. Didn't like people just sitting in parked cars in the campground. Quite place to camp for the night.

      • L
        Camper-submitted photo from Pine Ridge Recreation Area
        Feb. 9, 2020

        Pine Ridge Recreation Area

        Peaceful

        Stayed 2 nights, blacktop rv site, back in, w table, fire pit, grill on pit as well as seperate on pedestal, covered table for storage  or prep, also picnic table, water faucet, dumpsters, vault toilet.  Stayed in Oct so it was not busy, there were a few tents, hiking trail lots of shade.  Nice country road drive in and out.

      • Jenn L.
        Camper-submitted photo from Pine Ridge Recreation Area
        Sep. 27, 2019

        Pine Ridge Recreation Area

        My absolute favorite place close to home.

        This campground is pretty stripped down. There are vault toilets and that's it for amenities. However, it is also one of my favorites close to home to hike. The campsites are always clean, but you almost always find litter in the fire rings. You have to gather your own wood or bring approved stuff in, but it is perfect for a quick overnight trip.

      • Josh S.
        Camper-submitted photo from Pine Ridge Recreation Area
        Apr. 17, 2019

        Pine Ridge Recreation Area

        Great dry dock area

        Wonderful open areas for camping. Fire pits aplenty. Great hiking trails to meadows and forest. Several sites all first come first serve. No power and vault toilets. Donation camping so late night arrivals can get scetchy.

      • Charlotte B.
        Camper-submitted photo from Pine Ridge Recreation Area
        Jul. 9, 2018

        Pine Ridge Recreation Area

        great trails

        Love the trails and the secluded spots. There usually are always people camping, even in the winter. Also, there are no electric sites so dont forget your generator. My husband and I have felt a little unsafe. We once had another camper come into our site and not want to leave.

      • Curtis M.The Dyrt PRO User
        Camper-submitted photo from Pine Ridge Recreation Area
        May. 22, 2018

        Pine Ridge Recreation Area

        Pines Pines Pines impressive

        Set in the Cedar Creek District of the mark Twain National Forest this campground is perfect for a night stay or a backpacking trip. On site camp hostess and privy. Great hammock camping



      Guide to Sturgeon

      Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Sturgeon, Missouri, where nature awaits with serene landscapes and a chance to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Here are some great options for your next outdoor adventure.

      Tips for free and dispersed camping near Sturgeon, Missouri

      • Make sure to check for any signs indicating camping restrictions, as some areas may have specific rules, like at Three Creeks Conservation Area, where visitors have reported confusion about camping availability.
      • Prepare for muddy conditions, especially in areas like Franklin Island, which can experience seasonal flooding. Bring appropriate gear to ensure a comfortable stay.
      • Always carry out what you bring in, as many dispersed camping spots, including Robert's Bluff, lack trash disposal facilities. Keeping the area clean helps preserve its natural beauty.

      Dispersed campers should check out Robert's Bluff

      • Robert's Bluff offers a peaceful environment with easy access to the river, perfect for fishing enthusiasts looking to catch trout and turtles.
      • With no designated facilities, campers can enjoy a truly rustic experience, making it ideal for those seeking solitude away from crowded sites.
      • The area is accessible by vehicle, allowing for a convenient stop for those traveling along I-70, as noted by visitors who appreciated its easy findability.

      Beautiful scenery and hiking opportunities at Three Creeks Conservation Area

      • The fall foliage at Three Creeks Conservation Area creates a stunning backdrop for outdoor activities, making it a favorite among families.
      • While the area is beautiful, be prepared for a bit of a search to find camping spots, as some visitors have noted the lack of clear signage.
      • The hiking trails here are a highlight, offering a chance to explore the natural surroundings, though some trails may need maintenance according to recent reviews.

      Frequently Asked Questions

      • Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Sturgeon, MO?

        According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Sturgeon, MO is Pine Ridge Recreation Area with a 3.9-star rating from 12 reviews.

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

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