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Best Dispersed Camping in Missouri

116 Reviews

A hefty sum of forty-one state parks with more than 3,600 campsites makes camping in Missouri a breeze to plan and enjoy. Long known as “The Cave State,” Missouri has nearly 6,400 historic caves to offer the archeologists at heart. And with abundant shoreline space, water activities are surprisingly easy to find at Missouri campsites. So round up the crew and grab your gear – it’s time to make memories camping in Missouri!

Thanks to the Lake of the Ozarks, the state has over 1,150 miles of shoreline, making camping in Missouri a must for water lovers. Experience the Ozarks’ breathtaking outdoors in the beautiful Ozark Mountains at one of Elk River’s three campgrounds, which offer rafting, canoeing, camping and angling.

Looking for a little history lesson along with your camping adventure? Look no further than Missouri’s intricate cave scene. Meramec Caverns located in the Ozarks is a 4.5-mile cave system that has existed for the past 400 million years. Meramec Caverns is just one hour from the heart of St. Louis, and offers lodging, camping, and canoeing in addition to guided tours of the cave.

The quaint and historic Graham Cave State Park is just over an hour west of St. Louis, and offers a walk through ancient history along with year-round camping availability, five hiking trails, and over 386 scenic acres to explore. Take a trip down literature lane and visit the famous Mark Twain Cave near Hannibal, MO. Mark Twain, a Hannibal native himself, incorporates the maze-like cave in The Adventures of Tom Sawyer. Cave-lovers can also descend into the Onondaga Cave State Park to view towering stalagmites, stalactites, and active flowstones.

Get away and explore Missouri’s scenic shoreline spots and cave wonders. With The Dyrt, you can be sure to find the best camping in Missouri along the way.

Map showing campgrounds in MissouriExplore the Map

Best Dispersed Sites in Missouri (50)

    1. Pine Ridge Recreation Area

    13 Reviews
    New Bloomfield, MO
    Website
    +1 (573) 364-4621

    "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"

    "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"

    2. FS-2363 Dispersed Camping - Murphy Overlook

    11 Reviews
    Black, MO
    Website

    "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!"

    3. Montrose Missouri Conservation Area Dispersed Camping

    11 Reviews
    Urich, MO
    Website
    +1 (660) 885-6981

    "While free, dispersed sites, there are easily established fire pit areas to choose from Vault toilets were absolutely disgusting, thankfully we brought our own toilet paper."

    "this little off the beaten path camp ground his paved roads, boat access for 2 areas 1 near the damn which closes a gate after 10pm, we use the other area near the conservation station(although ive never"

    4. Log Yard Campground Backcountry Camping — Ozark National Scenic Riverway

    10 Reviews
    Van Buren, MO

    "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."

    5. Robert's Bluff

    9 Reviews
    Nelson, MO

    "Nice free camping to overnight if you are travelling on your RV, close to the highway but without noise. No toillets. Verizon signal works good."

    "Nice spot to camp for the night if you’re driving through Missouri. Not a terrible amount of mosquitos and the roads don’t get bad after an average rain"

    6. Blue Spring Backcountry Camping — Ozark National Scenic Riverway

    9 Reviews
    Mountain View, MO
    Website
    +1 (573) 323-4236

    "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."

    "This National Park Service campground has mostly walk-in tent sites - a few near the river were difficult to find."

    7. Grand Trace State Forest

    5 Reviews
    Davis City, IA
    Website

    "Good dispersed camping is hard to find in the midwest. This place feels like an oasis in  the middle of the desert. I only stayed one night while I was on my way back from the west coast."

    "No amenities and big enough spots to stay at plus a large “parking lot” to use. We’re 30 feet long with more than enough space."

    8. Brazil Creek Camping Area

    5 Reviews
    Potosi, MO
    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."

    "So it is primitive camping. There are lots of insects that will attack you on your walk, too..."

    9. Silo Access Area - O’Neil Creek

    5 Reviews
    Clarksville, MO
    Website

    "Very impressed with this beautiful location. The site is right on the Mississippi River! There are 13 sites for RVs and Travel Trailers. Three sites are curved to pull in and out easily."

    "Hidden Gem! No facilities, short drive into town."

    10. Courtois Creek Dispersed

    5 Reviews
    Davisville, MO
    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"

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Dispersed Camping Reviews in Missouri

116 Reviews of 50 Missouri Campgrounds

  • Fred S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 28, 2025

    Hercules Glades (Watch Tower)

    Nice campground with access to trails

    Camped here in mid-October 2025. Free national forest primitive campground. Walk-in tent sites, but was able to find a site at the far end to park my van at the site. It was at the Long Creek Trailhead. It was mid-week, so it was quiet and peaceful here. Only one other camper here during our visit who car-camped in a parking lot. Sites included a metal fire ring and table; some with tent pads. Hammock camping is possible depending on the site. My site had a grass and dirt surface. The vault toilet was clean and equiped with tp. No potable water. Hiking into the Hecules Glades Wilderness Area was wonderful. The trails into the wilderness area appear to be open to hikers, backpackers, hunters and equestrian riding. Hitching rails are available at the campground. Access to the campground on the forest road was good; a 2wd passenger car should be able to make it here. Overall, a nice, peaceful overnight stay.

  • Crystal C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 1, 2020

    Hercules-Glades Wilderness Area

    Hike in and camp, or just hike for day use!!

    This area is a wilderness area so camping is plentiful.  However in this particular are there is no organized campsite specifically.  Instead there are several areas where you can with permissions hike in and stay.  

    My suggestion for camping along this area are to check with local restrictions, there are some that you will want to make sure you know first hand.   Sometimes fire restrictions do change and these can be found at the beginning of the trails on the kiosks.   Some areas also are not permitted for overnight parking so you want to check those out before venturing into the wilderness for a lengthy time.

    Check with rangers of the area to make sure you are not in a register only or permit only area for camping!!  Very important in this region.

    Bring everything and then plot your course.

    The 4 mile hike is amazing and has many beautiful view points however it is also quite treacherous in some areas.    This area is also one which you will find many snakes lurking during warmer months so beware!!!!   

    I always suggest on wilderness hikes to not hike alone or camp alone but this one I found to be more problematic with limited to no cell service for assistance should you encounter danger.   

    Be careful but have fun!!!

  • Lee F.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 6, 2023

    Montrose Missouri Conservation Area Dispersed Camping

    Stinky toilet

    Large grassy area with plenty of room to set up a tent or camper. Right off the road, so no dirt roads to traverse. Signs were confusing as to whether it is ok to camp, but they didn't explicitly say no camping. The lake is really just a mud bog, so not very appealing unless you came to duck hunt. No picnic tables or fire pits. The pit toilet was really gross, but there was toilet paper.

  • T
    Nov. 29, 2017

    Hercules-Glades Wilderness Area

    Nicely private, but not a lot of scenery

    Hercules Glades Wilderness Area is part of mark Twain National Forest. It's a bit off the beaten path, but worth it for a day hike or a bit of backpacking.

    Since it's wilderness area, you can camp just about anywhere with few restrictions. There are a few primitive sites at the trailhead, no water or toilets.

    A few hundred yards from the Coy Bald Trailhead there is a fork in the trail. Going left gets you to the falls and the majority of the camp sites with the shortest route, about three miles.

    The trail is pretty rough and rocky with moderate elevation changes. I'd rate it on the low side of moderate difficulty.

    About a mile in you'll cross the river for the first time. There are camp sites with fire rings on both sides of the river. This is a scenic area with bluffs on one side of the river, but forested, so no views to speak of.

    About three miles in, you'll cross the river the second time. There are a number of camping areas with fire rings along the river.

    Downstream a few hundred feet are the falls that most people go to see. Unfortunately for us, there wasn't enough water for them to be running. There was enough water to wade around in and soak the feet. It was quite nice!

    The area is pretty and quiet, we saw only a handful of people in the two days we were there. The only issue was the ticks, they were the worst I'd dealt with in some time.

    All in all, a nice hike and a nice bit if camping. I'd go back to see the falls again.

  • Elaina M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 22, 2018

    Cane Bluff River Access

    Beautiful, primitive, secluded.

    Stumbled 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.

  • K
    Jul. 5, 2025

    Sugar Camp Lookout Tower Dispersed Area

    Acessable to all

    Pretty great spot! If you’re fortunate enough to be alone, this is a very large space, with a nice picnic table and a few fire pits. Completely surrounded by forest, so plenty of shade. Access road was a little rough, as in your typical dirt road, but posed 0 problems for our little economy car. I’ve had much worse for sure. The area is pretty secluded, with only a few cars driving through all day, so bear spray is absolutely necessary for peace of mind. Practice good bear prevention measures and you’re good to go for a free night stay, or several, happy camping!

  • Shelly S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Nov. 1, 2018

    Blue Spring Backcountry Camping — Ozark National Scenic Riverway

    Blue, blue, blue, cold, cold, cold

    Blue 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.

  • Annie C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 1, 2021

    Silo Access Area - O’Neil Creek

    Free river side camping.

    Primitive camping on the Mississippi River. This is mostly a wide gravel bar that you can set up camp on with great views of the big river. But there are no amenities, and few sites. The road through the campground is nicely graded and there is obviously some work being done to restore the flora- trees being planted, areas marked off for restoration. You will be very close to active train tracks, so bring your earplugs. Be sure to be self contained as there is no vault toilet or porta potty currently. The best sites are at the opposite ends of the flat circle where there are large gravel areas ideal for parking RV’s. The boat ramp was a bit of a mess with logs and sandbars, but I suspect the US Army Corps of Engineers are still in the process of cleaning this access area up from flooding from previous years.

  • Fred S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 29, 2025

    Blue Spring Backcountry Camping — Ozark National Scenic Riverway

    Free during winter season; otherwise, $10

    Camped for one night at site #7 on Oct 23, 2025. It turned out that this was the first night that camping fees were suspended for the winter season. This National Park Service campground has mostly walk-in tent sites - a few near the river were difficult to find. I parked my van in a small parking lot which serves sites 6 & 7 - just up the hill from the campground loop and vault toilet. The campsites include a table, metal fire ring and lantern pole. Sites 6 & 7 are close together, actually just one site with 2 tables and fire rings, good for a group campout. Except for a few fishermen who fished for a little while, I had the campground all to myself. Very quiet, peaceful night. I enjoyed fishing for smallmouth bass here. There is no potable water, and no hookups. Hammock camping and limited Starlink connectivity may be possible depending on the site. There is a his/hers vault toilet located in the center of the loop; it was clean and supplied with tp. Except for a small trash container in the vault toilet, there is no trash service at this campground; I took out the trash that I created as well as trash left by previous users. The gravel roads accessing this campground were in good condition during my visit. This is a beautiful location. There was some AT&T and T-Mobile service.

Guide to Missouri

Missouri offers a wealth of opportunities for those seeking the tranquility of dispersed camping, allowing adventurers to immerse themselves in nature without the constraints of traditional campgrounds.

Dispersed campers should check out Pine Ridge Recreation Area

  • Enjoy the clean, updated vault toilets and potable water at Pine Ridge Recreation Area, making it a convenient choice for a rustic getaway.
  • This area allows campfires and welcomes pets, perfect for families looking to enjoy the outdoors together.
  • With no permit required and free access, it’s an ideal spot for spontaneous camping trips.

Top activities while free camping in Missouri

  • Experience the beauty of the Ozarks at Blue Spring Backcountry Camping, where you can swim in crystal-clear waters and explore the surrounding trails.
  • For those seeking solitude, Murphy Overlook offers a peaceful environment with minimal traffic and stunning views, perfect for hiking and wildlife watching.
  • Fishing enthusiasts will appreciate the opportunities at McCormack Lake Recreation Area, known for its secluded spots and serene lake setting.

Tips for free and dispersed camping in Missouri

  • Be prepared for a primitive experience at Log Yard Campground, where you’ll need to bring your own water and firewood.
  • Keep an eye out for wildlife, as areas like Hercules-Glades Wilderness Area are home to various animals, including the occasional black bear.
  • Always check local regulations and conditions, especially in remote spots like Cane Bluff River Access, where access can be affected by weather and road conditions.

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