Winona is an ideal place for camping adventures of all kinds. Aside from great camping spots, you'll find hiking and many more outdoor experiences. Thinking of traveling with kids? You're in luck—Winona is surrounded by family-friendly activities. You're sure to find the perfect campground for your Winona camping trip.
"This area has access to the shores of the current river. No campsites, just the open rocky shores. You can park right on the shores and set up camp. Beware!"
"Pit toilets, dumpster, and water all on site but not at each camp. Great spot to car camp."
"This is a primitive camping area and there are a lot of partying people in and around this area plus frequent motorboat traffic. No amenities, many generators. Drive in, pick a spot and set up camp."
"Stayed at site 9 next to the river. No need to go find the scan and pay by the vault toilet all the sites have QR codes at the sites for scan and pay."
"We had a local with his hounds running around with a flashlight looking up trees for about an hour around 9PM. I'm guessing he was raccoon hunting...?"
"Totally alone with a gorgeous lake."
"It's way back on a little dirt road past some farm land and homes."
"No one around on this 5 degrees F night. Access road is steep but not rough."
"It has river access via a boat ramp and "dock". There are several level, clear places to camp with enough room for rv's. The road in is rough gravel and a big rv will be slow going."
"This was a very good location if you want some remote dispersed camping. I went on a Saturday night in January and only saw two people drive the forest service road."
"We were the only people along this forest service road and got the prettiest spot towards the end of the road overlooking the mountain across. This camping area is a hidden gem!"
"Although the old rv park across the water is nice and level, we ended up wanting to be closer to the water and there happened to be a trail."
"Wasn’t a bad drive in. Decent amount of wild life hanging around. Will probably hear the beaver if you stay at one of the two sites by the pond. Only saw one other group camping here while we did."
TravelerStumbled across this site in September (2016). It's way back on a little dirt road past some farm land and homes.
Only a few campsites, no picnic tables, a fire ring, some heavily shaded spots, a couple sites right on the river (but none are far away). You feel like you are in the wilderness! Water is crystal clear and cool, didn't see another camper all weekend. Had a few folks using the boat ramps, but otherwise very private.
Great stargazing on the beach and you'll see some bats too! Think they really helped keep the bugs off us all weekend, barely had any problems with those.
Seriously beautiful campsite, and near some excellent floating & gorgeous springs.
LegendBlue Spring is beautiful and cold! Aside from the over zealous teenagers jumping into the spring it was a nice visit.
This is a primitive camping area and there are a lot of partying people in and around this area plus frequent motorboat traffic. No amenities, many generators. Drive in, pick a spot and set up camp. There are so many areas to visit around the river this would be an excellent base camp or you could use it as a stop off on a float trip.
Eminence, MO is nearby and a good place to refuel and get stuff you need for your adventures. Make sure you get a paper map because phone signal can be iffy.
GuideThis area has access to the shores of the current river. No campsites, just the open rocky shores. You can park right on the shores and set up camp. Beware! The gravel settles if wet and many trailers and campers have gotten stuck here. 4wd is recommended. While their are no amenities, the location is beautiful. Very secluded
GuideArrived after dark. Found a level spot by the river, ground was frozen or it would have been muddy. No one around on this 5 degrees F night. Access road is steep but not rough.
TravelerThere is a small designated campground above the river bank sites described in the other review. The site typically costs 5 dollars a day but a sign up at the campground says fees are waved due to less services for COVID. Pit toilets, dumpster, and water all on site but not at each camp. Great spot to car camp.
TravelerThis was a very good location if you want some remote dispersed camping. I went on a Saturday night in January and only saw two people drive the forest service road. One on the Saturday afternoon I arrived and one on the Sunday morning I departed. There is a nice fire pit made of stones on the site and someone left some leveling blocks for your car as well. It had one of the best sunsets I’d seen in awhile. Being that far from civilization, there was no light pollution so seeing the stars and getting some night photos is possible. There was plenty of dead wood around the area so if you don’t bring enough firewood you can round up some.
One complaint about the site was I definitely heard gunshots in the area. Not sure if there was a gun range nearby or just some other campers further down the road having a good time. Just wasn’t the most comfortable thing since I was solo camping.
Like the previous review says it’s a 4x4 or AWD gravel road. I would not attempt with any other car.
AT&T service was spotty - basically nonexistent. So if you’re looking for a place to escape and unwind, this is a great location.
GuideWe were the only people along this forest service road and got the prettiest spot towards the end of the road overlooking the mountain across. This camping area is a hidden gem!
ScoutWay back off of a gravel road... There's at least two pull-offs that I've seen, I'm sure there's more. Disperse camping no facilities but it's nice back here... Fire pit... Not much company & free
TravelerThis site is accessible by AWD and 4x4 but I would hesitate to attempt it with any other car. The drive to the site from highway 32 is just over 6 miles on a forest service road (2363). There is a beautiful view of the valley to the south west and we were treated to an incredible sunset. Reasonably close to Johnson Shut Ins and Elephant Rock State park. This is a keeper.
Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Winona, Missouri, where nature enthusiasts can immerse themselves in the serene landscapes of the Ozarks. With a variety of locations offering unique experiences, campers can enjoy the great outdoors while embracing the freedom of primitive camping.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Winona, Missouri?
Several free dispersed camping options exist near Winona in the Ozarks. Cane Bluff River Access offers riverside camping down a dirt road past farmland, providing a true wilderness experience with a few primitive sites. Another excellent option is FS-2363 Dispersed Camping - Murphy Overlook, which features stunning valley views and secluded sites, though 4WD/AWD vehicles are recommended for the 6-mile forest service road. Both locations are free but have limited sites, so arriving early, especially on weekends, is advisable.
Are there any permits or regulations for dispersed camping in Winona, Missouri?
Dispersed camping near Winona follows standard National Forest and Ozark National Scenic Riverway regulations. At Blue Spring Backcountry Camping, camping is primitive with no permit required, though you should follow Leave No Trace principles. Whitten River Access similarly operates without formal permits. Generally, dispersed camping in this region allows a maximum stay of 14 consecutive days within a 30-day period. Campfires are permitted in existing fire rings but may be restricted during dry conditions. Always check with the Mark Twain National Forest office or Ozark National Scenic Riverway for current regulations before your trip.
What amenities are available at dispersed camping sites in Winona, Missouri?
Dispersed camping sites near Winona are primarily primitive with minimal amenities. Log Yard Campground Backcountry Camping has a small designated area with basic facilities including pit toilets, dumpsters, and water access, though not at individual sites. The standard fee is $5/day but has sometimes been waived during reduced services. Beaver Lake Recreation Area offers more remote dispersed sites with only basic fire rings. Most dispersed sites in the region have no facilities beyond existing fire rings, so campers should bring all necessary supplies and practice Leave No Trace principles.
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