Top Free Dispersed Camping near Vienna, MO

Looking for the best Vienna dispersed camping? With The Dyrt, it's easy to find peaceful dispersed camping near Vienna. Search dispersed campsites you've visited before, or discover new spots and read camper reviews.

Best Dispersed Sites Near Vienna, MO (6)

    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
    127 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 Toronto Springs Dispersed
    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

    3. 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
    Camper-submitted photo from Courtois Creek Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Courtois Creek Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Courtois Creek Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Courtois Creek Dispersed

    4. Courtois Creek Dispersed

    2 Reviews
    4 Photos
    108 Saves
    Davisville, Missouri

    This section is the gateway to the Ozarks--starting at Onondaga Cave State Park and winding through the Huzzah State Forest/Conservation Area, opening into the lead district of Missouri and the Mark Twain National Forest, view variegated wildlife, flora, and scenery and end up at Hazel Creek on the south. This 45-mile long section includes 7.5 miles of state land north of the Narrows Trailhead, crosses private land at the Bass Resort, follows the Berryman Trail from about mile 22 through mile 32, and connects to the Trace Creek Section on the south at the Hazel Creek Trailhead. It is part of the over 220 mile continuous through-trail. Use caution after periods of rain as the creek crossings can be hazardous. This section of trail includes springs, creeks and other water locations, as well as some popular places for trailside camping.

    Dispersed camping is the term used for free camping anywhere in the National Forest OUTSIDE of a designated campground. Dispersed camping means there are no toilets, no structures, no trash cans, no treated water, and no fire grates. There are extra responsibilities required for this type of camp. It's a must to educate yourself before you try it, but we hope the adventure of dispersed camping in the Mark Twain National Forest calls to you!

    Pick a Campsite and follow the Leave No Trace Principles Camp 100 feet away from trails and water sources. Treat any water found in the area before consuming it. Human waste (Feces) must be buried at least 6 inches deep and covered. Pack out all of your garbage.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Dispersed
    • Alcohol
    • No image available
      • No image available

      Recent Dispersed Reviews In Vienna

      15 Reviews of 6 Vienna Campgrounds


      • 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.

      • Camper-submitted photo from Courtois Creek Dispersed
        April 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

      • Camper-submitted photo from Pine Ridge Recreation Area
        June 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.

      • Camper-submitted photo from Pine Ridge Recreation Area
        June 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.

      • 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

      • Camper-submitted photo from Pine Ridge Recreation Area
        September 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.

      • Camper-submitted photo from Pine Ridge Recreation Area
        August 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.

      • Camper-submitted photo from Pine Ridge Recreation Area
        February 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.

      • Camper-submitted photo from Pine Ridge Recreation Area
        September 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.

      • Camper-submitted photo from Pine Ridge Recreation Area
        April 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.

      • Camper-submitted photo from Pine Ridge Recreation Area
        July 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.

      • 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 Vienna

      Camping near Vienna, Missouri, offers a mix of beautiful scenery and fun activities for everyone. Whether you're looking to pitch a tent or park your RV, there are several campgrounds nearby that cater to different needs and preferences.

      What to do:

      • Hiking and Exploring Nature: Many campgrounds have trails for hiking. For example, at Meramec State Park Campground, visitors enjoy the Natural Wonders Trail, which is great for families. One reviewer mentioned, "The Cub Scouts loved the site, the Natural Wonders Trail, and the visitors’ center."

      • Fishing: If you love fishing, Bennett Spring State Park Campground is a great spot. A camper shared, "The Niangua River was gorgeous and so fun to swim in (clear all the way to the bottom)."

      • Caving Adventures: Check out Onondaga Cave State Park Campground for a unique experience. One visitor said, "Onondaga Cave is amazing with the new lighting; it just reopened."

      What campers like:

      • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained restrooms and showers. A review for Lake of the Ozarks State Park Campground noted, "Super showers & toilets. Clean. Friendly staff."
      • Friendly Staff: Many campgrounds have helpful staff. At Lazy Day Campground, a camper mentioned, "The owners are very friendly. Very well-kept campground."
      • Scenic Views: Campers enjoy beautiful landscapes. One review for Montauk State Park Campground highlighted, "The river is full of fish and people fishing for them. Swimming was probably allowed, but I'm sure the people fishing wouldn't have tolerated it."

      What you should know:

      • Limited Cell Service: Many campgrounds have poor cell reception. A visitor at Onondaga Cave State Park Campground noted, "No cell service from Verizon or T-Mobile."
      • Campsite Proximity: Some sites can be close together. A review for Cottonwoods RV Park & Campground mentioned, "The sites here are very close together, but long-term guests kept their sites nice and well organized."
      • Reservation Policies: Be aware of cancellation policies. One camper at Cottonwoods RV Park & Campground expressed frustration with their cancellation policy, stating, "Their reservation process raised concerns with their non-industry standard policy of requiring a 10-day notice for cancellations."

      Tips for camping with families:

      • Choose Sites Wisely: Look for sites that are close to bathrooms and activities. A family at Meramec State Park Campground suggested, "We will definitely go again but only if we get the site closer to the bathrooms."
      • Pack for Activities: Bring gear for fishing and hiking. One camper at Bennett Spring State Park Campground mentioned, "We enjoyed watching the fisherman & seeing all the beautiful trout."
      • Plan for Quiet Hours: Respect quiet hours to ensure a good experience for everyone. A visitor at Meramec Caverns appreciated that "quiet hours were enforced."

      Tips from RVers:

      • Check Hookups: Ensure your site has the necessary hookups. A review for Cottonwoods RV Park & Campground stated, "The utilities were in the middle of the pad and water pressure was decent."
      • Be Prepared for Crowds: Some campgrounds can get busy, especially on weekends. A visitor at Ozark Outdoors-Riverfront Resort noted, "I was still surprised by just how jam-packed and crowded the entire place is."
      • Bring Entertainment: With limited cell service, bring games or DVDs for downtime. A camper at Montauk State Park Campground mentioned, "If you want to have any entertainment, BRING DVDs."

      Camping near Vienna, Missouri, has something for everyone, from families to RV enthusiasts. With beautiful parks and friendly staff, it’s a great place to unwind and enjoy nature.

      Frequently Asked Questions

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

        According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Vienna, 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 Vienna, MO?

        TheDyrt.com has all 6 dispersed camping locations near Vienna, MO, with real photos and reviews from campers.