Best Dispersed Camping near Union, MO
Dispersed camping near Union, 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. Courtois Creek Dispersed offers creekside camping in a more remote setting, while Timberline Lake Dispersed provides lakeside camping opportunities. Lone Spring Trail offers backpacking campsites with established fire rings. These areas accommodate both tent and RV camping, though amenities are minimal.
Road conditions vary significantly between sites. Brazil Creek is accessible via standard vehicles and sits approximately 20-30 minutes from the highway. According to reviews, Courtois Creek requires high-clearance vehicles as the access road resembles "more of an ATV trail than a road" with numerous washouts and obstacles. Timberline Lake similarly requires AWD vehicles to navigate rough gravel roads. Cell service is limited; AT&T works at Brazil Creek while other carriers may require signal boosters.
All sites permit campfires when no burn bans are in effect. Campers should pack out all trash as no collection services exist. Several campers noted Brazil Creek's proximity to the Berryman Trail system, making it popular for mountain biking, hiking, and horseback riding. ATV use is permitted on roads with proper safety equipment. The remote nature of these sites means visitors should stock supplies in nearby towns like Sullivan or Bourbon before arrival. Water must be carried in or filtered from natural sources. Pets are allowed at all locations, though wildlife encounters are possible, particularly near creeks and waterways.