Map showing campground location near Black, Missouri

Camper submitted image from Panther Branch Primitive Campground

Panther Branch Primitive Campground

This hike-in primitive campground requires backpackers to carry gear approximately three miles along the Ozark Trail to reach the site. Located within Mark Twain National Forest, Panther Branch provides free camping with no reservations required. The site features a fire ring and sits near a waterway, though campers must bring water purification equipment as no treated water is available.

Reviewers note the campsite maintains cleanliness despite its primitive nature and offers quiet conditions away from road noise. The location places campers about three miles south of Big River Primitive Campground along the trail route. Backpackers should prepare for basic Leave No Trace camping and dig catholes at least 100 feet from water sources, making this spot suitable for experienced hikers comfortable with minimal facilities.

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Location

Public Campground

Panther Branch Primitive Campground is located in Missouri

Coordinates

37.683141 N
90.941734 W

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Connectivity

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Verified by 2 users
Last on 4/14/26
AT&TLTE
Some Coverage

Connectivity

T-Mobile
No Coverage
VerizonLTE
Some Coverage
Verified by 2 users
Last on 4/14/26
AT&TLTE
Some Coverage

Access

Hike-In
Backcountry sites.

Site Types

Tent Sites

Features

For Campers

Pets

Enjoy camping on government land. Limited or no services at this camping area.

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Contact

General Info

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Drive Time

1 hr 40 min from St. Louis, MO
1 hr 43 min from Cape Girardeau, MO
2 hrs 13 min from Jefferson City, MO
2 hrs 43 min from Columbia, MO

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2 Reviews

Jeremy G.

Guide

Reviewed Dec. 18, 2020

We could not find the campground

But we made our own and it was lovely. We made a ring for fire and withstood a lovely winter storm. Would recommend if you don’t mind primitive to its ultimate

Matt S.

Legend

Reviewed Sep. 21, 2017

OZARK TRAIL: Panther Branch

OZARK TRAIL: I backpacked 50 miles during spring break on the Ozark Trail between Council Bluff Lake and Johnson Shutins State park. When I planned the trip the only information for camping that was available were regulations requiring you to camp 100 feet from the trail.

I have to admit that the Ozark Trail Association provides amazing resources about the Ozark Trail but they fail to describe what has become primitive backcountry campsites all along the trail. Many of these sites are marked on the detailed National Geographic maps provided for free by the Association as water holes, but they are also clearly set up as campsites as well.

Make sure you bring a water purifier. It is some of the best tasting water I have ever had.

PANTHER BRANCH: Panther Branch is about three miles south of Big River, so if it is too early in the Day to stop you are not far from another campsite if you want to push forward. I thought Panther Branch was clean. It was close to a nice waterway and had a fire ring for a campfire. It was a pleasant quiet campsite Tip: Dig your cat hole before you go to sleep and make sure it is at least 100 feet from the water.