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Best Dispersed Camping near Union, MO

7 Reviews

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.

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Best Dispersed Sites Near Union, Missouri (4)

    1. Brazil Creek Camping Area

    4 Reviews
    Potosi, MO
    32 miles
    Website
    +1 (573) 364-4621

    "Very nice free camp ground that is suitable for any type of camping.

    The Ranger, who was very nice, had good service with AT&T, I had TMobile at my campsite with a booster."

    "Good access to the Berryman Trail. There is a creek running along the camping area with a road along the opposite side. Park for the day or camp overnight to get an early start."

    2. Courtois Creek Dispersed

    5 Reviews
    Davisville, MO
    36 miles
    Website

    "First thing you see when you turn off the highway is a tiny Baptist (first red flag) church and graveyard to set the tone."

    "We arrived on Wednesday and camped for a couple of days, very beautiful and peaceful and just gorgeous, no toilets and no electricity and no cell signal but it was amazing"

    3. Timberline Lake Dispersed - Mark Twain National Forest

    1 Review
    Davisville, MO
    39 miles

    "Peaceful night, very off the beaten path, need AWD to get there on gravel roads. There is a boat launch that’s steep and rough."

    4. Lone Spring Trail Backpacking Campsite(s)

    1 Review
    Troy, MO
    43 miles
    Website
    +1 (636) 528-7247
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Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos near Union, MO

2 Photos of 4 Union Campgrounds

Dispersed Camping Reviews near Union, MO

7 Reviews of 4 Union Campgrounds

  • Chelsea G.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jan. 7, 2025

    Courtois Creek Dispersed

    Heavy on the Hills Have Eyes vibes

    First of all this is way down Berryman Rd. Go look up Michael Berryman (RIP) and his movies, then come back to me.

    Got that picture? Ok great.

    First thing you see when you turn off the highway is a tiny Baptist (first red flag) church and graveyard to set the tone.

    If that doesn't put you off, make sure your car can handle terrain and you can handle your car. This is barely a road. It's a trail of moguls for your tires. Fallen trees and branches that narrow the lane and threaten to scrape the sides of your vehicle. One tree overhead barely cleared my car. Puddles that could be who know how deep or what's in them (I may be the red flag here). You can not turn around anywhere on this road; you have to go to the end where there's a loop or worst case scenario reverse out while ideally not in a state of panic.

    I however as a cultist who worships at the altar of my Subaru's cargo hatch forged ahead because gotta get that creekside spot.

    Anyway I got to the site without popping any tires and half set up before going for a walk. There's not a lot of walkable ground out there, really just the flat ground around the campsites and the road. Road was barely even an option. Water-filled pits made the muddy road difficult to traverse and eventually prevented me from going any further. The brush and reedy grass were too thick to walk through safely to get around, and in places the roadside embankments were too steep and loose to climb up and around puddles.

    I did see a big ol mudbug, which was cool, but it was terribly quiet out there during my short walk. I was glad to get back to my car, where up the low cliff on the opposite side of the creek was a nicer-looking house with the sounds of people hanging out on the deck.

    As night fell and the animal sounds picked up, I decided to sleep in my car instead of the tent. If you're ever out and you hear the animals and insects go silent, and then the next thing you hear is dogs barking, you should also probably sleep in your car.

    After a hot and filling foil wrap dinner, I enjoyed some of the good green, because who doesn't like a sleep aid that also activates the amygdala, especially in these particular conditions. I'm soaking up the stars and the moon and the sound of running water, when suddenly I heard a heavy-bodied splash in the creek right by me.

    And when I tell you I bolted to the car so fast leaving behind a tangled trail of chair, blanket, charger cable, etc

    Because the shore on my side of the creek is flat. Waltz right on up from the creek. Nope not here not me.

    Anyway nothing ended up happening, I slept fine, woke up to a bright sun and beautiful view. I did still get out of there pretty fast.

    ⭐5/7 might go spook myself again

  • Nicholas H.The Dyrt PRO User
    Apr. 26, 2025

    Courtois Creek Dispersed

    Unpassable road

    The road to get there isn't a road so much as a ATV trail. All wheel drive and it was too hard on my Subaru. Mostly washed out

  • Pat F.
    Apr. 7, 2022

    Courtois Creek Dispersed

    Very peaceful and pleasant and very beautiful

    We arrived on Wednesday and camped for a couple of days, very beautiful and peaceful and just gorgeous, no toilets and no electricity and no cell signal but it was amazing

  • J
    Aug. 13, 2025

    Courtois Creek Dispersed

    Not gatekeeping this place.

    I don't live anywhere near here so I'm not going to keep this place a secret. The other reviews make this place seem terrible. I drive a Toyota Highlander and I did the road with no problem. It is not an ATV trail! There was 1 big puddle and 1 sharp rocky turn that I just went slow through. No problem. Probably couldn't do it towing a camper though.

    We were the only people camping there until the next afternoon when a couple families came down with kids to swim and float. The water is amazing. Great for fly fishing and cast fishing.

    Can hear a road and trucks passing fairly nearby. Right across the water on top of a hill is a big house that was chainsawing the next morning but we never saw anyone.

    The dogs got to run and swim.

    Obviously, no bathrooms, electricity or amenities but not far from a town.

    Try it out, it's beautiful.

Guide to Union

Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Union, Missouri, where nature enthusiasts can enjoy serene landscapes and a variety of outdoor activities. These spots offer a chance to escape the hustle and bustle while immersing yourself in the great outdoors.

Dispersed campers should check out Brazil Creek Camping Area

  • Brazil Creek Camping Area features miles of trails perfect for mountain biking, hiking, and horseback riding, making it an ideal spot for adventure seekers.

Tips for free and dispersed camping near Union, Missouri

  • Be prepared for a remote experience at Courtois Creek Dispersed, where you'll find no amenities like toilets or trash disposal, so plan accordingly.

Scenic views and tranquility at Lone Spring Trail Backpacking Campsite(s)

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Union, MO?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Union, MO is Brazil Creek Camping Area with a 4.3-star rating from 4 reviews.

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

TheDyrt.com has all 4 dispersed camping locations near Union, MO, with real photos and reviews from campers.

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