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Best Dispersed Camping near Washington, MO

7 Reviews

Several dispersed camping options exist near Washington, Missouri in the Mark Twain National Forest, primarily focused around creek areas and trail access points. Brazil Creek Recreation Area provides free primitive camping with access to mountain biking and hiking trails. Courtois Creek Dispersed camping area offers creekside sites, while Timberline Lake features lakeside dispersed camping opportunities. Lone Spring Trail includes backpacking campsites that can be reserved. These public lands permit tent camping and some areas accommodate RVs in designated zones.

Access roads to dispersed sites vary significantly in quality and may present challenges for standard passenger vehicles. Courtois Creek requires careful navigation as several campers report the access road resembles an ATV trail with washouts, puddles, and rough terrain. A camper noted, "The road to get there isn't a road so much as an ATV trail. All wheel drive and it was too hard on my Subaru." Brazil Creek Recreation Area has better accessibility but remains remote from services. Timberline Lake similarly requires all-wheel drive on gravel roads with a "steep and rough" boat launch. Most areas have no cell service, drinking water, or restroom facilities beyond vault toilets at Brazil Creek.

These primitive camping areas attract visitors seeking seclusion and natural settings. Brazil Creek provides shade and creek access but campers should be prepared for insects, as one visitor mentioned: "Aggressive horseflies and mosquitoes. Lots of sewer flies in the vault toilet." Courtois Creek offers swimming and fishing opportunities in a peaceful setting. A recent camper shared, "The water is amazing. Great for fly fishing and cast fishing." Timberline Lake provides a "secluded lake" experience for those willing to navigate the rough access roads. While these areas lack amenities, they offer proximity to trails and waterways. Most sites have no Verizon signal coverage, and campers should bring all necessary supplies as the locations are remote from commercial services.

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Best Dispersed Sites Near Washington, Missouri (4)

    1. Brazil Creek Camping Area

    4 Reviews
    Potosi, MO
    39 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
    44 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. Lone Spring Trail Backpacking Campsite(s)

    1 Review
    Troy, MO
    36 miles
    Website
    +1 (636) 528-7247

    4. Timberline Lake Dispersed - Mark Twain National Forest

    1 Review
    Davisville, MO
    47 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."

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Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos near Washington, MO

2 Photos of 4 Washington Campgrounds

Dispersed Camping Reviews near Washington, MO

7 Reviews of 4 Washington 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.
    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 Washington

Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Washington, Missouri, where nature lovers can find serene spots away from the hustle and bustle. With a variety of locations offering unique experiences, you're sure to find the perfect place to unwind.

Tips for free and dispersed camping near Washington, Missouri

Dispersed campers should check out Brazil Creek Camping Area

  • Brazil Creek Camping Area offers miles of trails for hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding, making it an ideal base for outdoor adventures.

Scenic views await at Courtois Creek Dispersed

  • Nestled right by the river, Courtois Creek Dispersed provides a picturesque setting for those seeking peace and tranquility in nature, perfect for a relaxing getaway.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

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

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

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