Best Dispersed Camping in Missouri
Looking for the best Missouri dispersed camping? Find everything from dispersed backcountry camping to boondocking with The Dyrt. Search nearby dispersed sites or find top-rated spots from other campers.
Best Dispersed Sites in Missouri (44)
1. Pine Ridge Recreation Area
New Bloomfield, Missouri12 Reviews•35 Photos•133 SavesThis 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
2. FS-2363 Dispersed Camping - Murphy Overlook
Black, Missouri10 Reviews•29 Photos•264 SavesMany people enjoy the solitude and peaceful experience of camping away from large groups of people. 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!
Picking a Campsite
If you are going to an area where others have camped, pick a site that's been used before. If there is no existing campsite, then follow these Leave No Trace guidelines:
Camp on bare soil if possible, to avoid damaging or killing plants and grass. Camp 100 feet away from any water source - plants near water and water sources are fragile. Camp 100 feet away from any administrative site (Trails, Recreational Areas and/or Building). Campfires
Many wildfires are caused by human activity, including escaped fires from dispersed campers. Campfires are allowed UNLESS there are fire restrictions in effect-know before you go!
Use camp stoves when possible Use existing fire rings if they exist; NEVER LEAVE A FIRE UNATTENDED.
When ashes are COLD and DEAD OUT, scatter outside of the campsite before you leave. If you don't bring wood, collect only dead/downed wood. Please never cut any live trees.- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- Dispersed
3. Montrose Missouri Conservation Area Dispersed Camping
Urich, Missouri9 Reviews•29 Photos•194 SavesCamping limited to 14 days
- Pets
- Fires
- RVs
- Tents
- Group
- Equestrian
4. Log Yard Campground Backcountry Camping — Ozark National Scenic Riverway
Van Buren, Missouri8 Reviews•34 Photos•271 SavesDispersed Camping
- Pets
- Fires
- Dispersed
- Alcohol
5. Blue Spring Backcountry Camping — Ozark National Scenic Riverway
Mountain View, Missouri6 Reviews•15 Photos•94 SavesBackcountry camping on Jacks Forks River
- Pets
- Fires
- Reservable
- ADA Access
- Dispersed
- Picnic Table
6. Robert's Bluff
Nelson, Missouri5 Reviews•3 Photos•61 Saves- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- ADA Access
- RVs
- Tents
7. Hercules-Glades Wilderness Area
Bradleyville, Missouri4 Reviews•7 Photos•119 SavesHercules Glades Wilderness Area is 12,413 acres of the most scenic and unique country in the Midwest. Its combination of open grassland, forested knobs, steep rocky hillsides, and narrow drainages offers unusual beauty and a measure of solitude within easy reach of wilderness lovers. The area is characterized by shallow droughty soils and limestone rock outcroppings. Eastern red cedar and oak trees are interspersed with open glades supporting native tall prairie grasses. Redbud and dogwood provide beautiful spring flowers, while smoke tree and maple put on vivid fall colors. A variety of wildlife species live within the Hercules Glades including white-tailed deer, raccoons rabbits, squirrels, turkey, quail, songbirds, lizards and snakes. Copperheads and rattlesnakes may be encountered. Roadrunners, collared lizards, tarantulas, wild hogs and black bears are some of the more uncommon wildlife residents. Limit your party size to 10 persons. No camping within 100 feet of trails, water sources and other camps.Practice Leave No Trace outdoor ethics; Never tie stock directly to trees. No motorized or mechanized equipment allowed. Trails: From the trailheads there is 32 miles of maintained trails which follows along open glades, forested ridgetops and Long Creek, the primary drainage of the area. Cross country hiking in other parts of the area is allowed. Key attractions along the trail include Long Creek Falls, panoramic views of the Ozarks countryside, and a variety of native communities including open limestone glades and mixed forests. Rating: More Difficult to Most Difficult with steep terrain, stream crossings, sparsely marked trail, and elevations from 600 to 1200 feet. Length: 32 miles Best Seasons: Fall, winter, and spring. Leave No Trace: Pack out what you pack in. Restrictions: Foot and Horse only. Safety: No drinking water is available at parking areas or along the trail; bring what you will need, or be prepared to sterilize water you find. During temperate months, be prepared for biting insects, poison ivy and high temperatures. Be advised of hunting seasons. Avoid using the trail during excessively wet periods. Surface Type: Unsurfaced, native material.
- Pets
- Fires
- Dispersed
- Alcohol
8. Silo Access Area - O’Neil Creek
Clarksville, Missouri4 Reviews•15 Photos•57 Saves- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- Dispersed
- Trash
- Toilets
9. Three Creeks Conservation Area
Ashland, Missouri6 Reviews•8 Photos•50 SavesWalk-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
10. Brazil Creek Camping Area
Potosi, Missouri3 Reviews•5 Photos•35 SavesThe campsites are located on the right-hand side of the road. This is part of a trail area - camping is allowed.
Dispersed camping is allowed along the trail.
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.For more information on Dispersed Camping visit our dispersed camping page which has information on picking a campsite, how to protect water quality, and campfires!
- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- ADA Access
- RVs
- Tents
Recent Dispersed Reviews in Missouri
84 Reviews of 44 Missouri Campgrounds
Ryan T.
Scout
Robert's Bluff
Nice stay for a night
Traveling to Tennessee from Utah. This was a nice place to rest for the night
‘Chelle S.
Guide
Sugar Camp Lookout Tower Dispersed Area
Beautiful and Peaceful
Mark Twain National Forest is always a great getaway. This location is tucked away from the main road and is easy to get to. Could easily get 4 rigs + in the sight. Established fire ring (be mindful of burn bans). Close to Roaring River and Table Rock lake.
- BBrayden W.
Traveler
FS-2363 Dispersed Camping - Murphy Overlook
Great spot to get away!
Super beautiful and very quiet, no traffic comes through at all. Lots of animal noises around but all together super peaceful
Joseph A.Traveler
Log Yard Campground Backcountry Camping — Ozark National Scenic Riverway
Remote camp on the river
Log yard is a Backwoods camping area on the current river. 4 wheel drive is recommended. You have to cross a creek to get to this location. If the weather moves in. It would be wise to pack up and move out while you can. If the creek comes up, you may not be able to cross it again. There is one good established campsite at this location and 2 not so good ones. The area changes after a flood, and the campsites have to be reestablished. There is a boat ramp at this location that is a favorite hang out of the locals. They will drink, play loud music, and leave trash lay around. This stretch of the current is 25-hp boat territory. There will be boat traffic on the river on the weekends. Log yard is part of the Ozark scenic river ways, which is FEDERAL LAND. You may have an encounter with a forest ranger at this campsite. If you do, they will ask for your info and have you establish a Backwoods campsite. Be respectful and don't upset the Rangers. They don't play in the Ozark scenic river ways. This camp is beautiful and wild. NO CELL SERVICE. If you're lucky, you may see the local elk herd. They reintroduced elk in this area a few years ago. Get out and enjoy what Missouri has to offer
- ZZachary C.Scout
Toronto Springs Dispersed
Primitive camping
Completely free clean and shaded couldn’t ask for better
- VVikki B.Traveler
Log Yard Campground Backcountry Camping — Ozark National Scenic Riverway
Beautiful spot, noisy campers
The scenery of this dispersed camping area is definitely a five star for the area. Nice view and access to the Current River. Plenty of stars out at night. There is an area of more traditional campground spaces you come across first but the dispersed style spots are further down the road. There’s still a $10/night fee. Even though there are fire rings all along the rocky beach, locals use this area as a boat launch and park their trucks and trailers in the camping areas. The campers who came in late on our last night destroyed the peaceful ambiance; loud kids running all over and pulling branches down from living trees, loud music past quiet hours and most running generators. That downgraded my rating from five stars overall. This would be a great place midweek or off season but definitely not going back during peak times due to the discourteous people.
- GGary S.Guide
Crooked River Conservation Area
Missouri Department of Conservation Area, free camping
Free camping in designated camping area per MO Dept of Conservation rules. Pit toilets and mowed area for camping. Hunting, fishing and other outdoor activities inside the area.
Kevin C.
RangerFS-2363 Dispersed Camping - Murphy Overlook
Nice private location
Nice road and very isolated camp sites. I only found two camping spots. Both are very small where only expert drivers can turn around a trailer. We were here two days and did not see or hear anyone.
- Christian D.Scout
Robert's Bluff
Quiet and Free
Don’t mistake this for the RV hookup site at Roberts Bluff. It’s a bit further down the road and called Roberts Bluff Access. You will eventually see signs for a Conservation site.
There were about 4/5 spots to pull/back into. Its a small space and really close to the river where you can see huge trout and turtles swimming. There is even a boat ramp.
Chris J.TravelerFS-2363 Dispersed Camping - Murphy Overlook
Nice and quiet
Great spot. Found 2 decent campsites along this road. Had cell service at this location.
- Chris J.Traveler
Little Scotia Pond 4x4 Dispersed Site
Great site
Great quiet site. 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. Be mindful that it is tick season now. We had a few on the dog by the end of the first day.
- FFrank G.Traveler
Sulphur Springs Dispersed
Beautiful River site for parking or dispersed
We stopped here chasing the 2024 eclipse. Easy to find. No cost. About 20 parking spaces, a vault toilet, and a boat launch. Open for solar panels, but tree cover around the lot. Only about 5 parking spaces are not on a slant. Places in the trees for tents. Absolutely beautiful views up and down the river. A single fire pit on the river’s edge. No road noise to speak of because it is way in the distance and rare at night. Fireflies and owls into the night. Mist on the water in the morning: just beautiful. T mobile service has 3 of 4 bars. There is no apparent Verizon service.
- RRichard F.Scout
Beaver Lake Recreation Area
Ticks, pigs, and limited spots
This area is beautiful and overall I recommend it but we did have trouble finding a flat spot. I think they're only five or six decent spots total. We met a local who warned us of wild pigs that will charge you and a lot of ticks in the forest.
- JJoshScout
Sycamore Loop Dispersed
Ok place
Ok place to camp, pretty secluded, old campground but most spots no longer seemed camp friendly, as new tree growth has taken over. Seems to be a guy living in a rv at the end of the road which is really close to the one camping friendly spot, kinda kills the dispersed camping vibe.
Malik H.TravelerLittle Scotia Pond 4x4 Dispersed Site
Great “off the pavement” spot
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. Easy to get in but could be tricky for a small car to get out (boulders, trees, incline and possible rain/mud) 4x4 recommend. Great spot right next to the dam. Very quiet. Lots of beavers in the pond. Fire wood is abundant. A few fire rings in place at location.
Megan C.Scout
Montrose Missouri Conservation Area Dispersed Camping
Decent spot
It was quiet. We enjoyed our stay. I read about the black cat that was found there in the other review. It was still there when we camped in late December and quite hungry. Very friendly and needing love. We brought him home with us and he is the most amazing cat. Took a while to get litter trained but I’m glad we opened up our home to him before the bad weather got here. Thanks to this site, we found our new family member! Thanks to whoever posted.
Mike L.Traveler
Julian Tower Lookout
National Forest - Old Julian Lookout Tower site - Tower Removed
There is not much here other than a place to camp for free. There is one two-path logging road suitable for hiking and mountain biking back into the woods. It leads to a T where additional two-path logging road.
- aalexis M.Guide
34 Bridge Recreation Area
Beautiful view-large creek
Road can be a little rough in spots after it rains. 1/2 bars with Verizon. Limited spots to set up tent. Only flaw is the sound of traffic.
- DDaniel C.Scout
Robert's Bluff
Awesome spot for getting in late
Great spot on my road trip west! Put in some miles and didn’t get in until about 2am and this was easy to find and great spots away from the highway but also didn’t have to trek far away
- RRichard M.Scout
Robert's Bluff
Good for over night
Decided to take my time heading from Southern WA to Southern IN and this is the best dispersed camping I’ve seen on this trip. I’ll definitely stop here again if I’m ever heading down I-70, and hopefully I’ll have my RV with me.
- AAndi P.Guide
Montrose Missouri Conservation Area Dispersed Camping
I Made a Kittah Friend
There is a super sweet local cat who befriended me here and made my visit so much better. I had some mechanical issues with my car and Kampground Kittah tried to help. 🤣
Bathrooms were fine. It’s free camping so it was great that there were bathrooms at all.
One of the locals stopped by my site to look for arrowheads. Apparently, she has found a lot in the area so that’s a good activity if the kids are bored.
If you’re looking for a good wine, you can find some at the local auto parts store. I am not kidding! I think it’s Rick’s Auto Parts and their liquor is priced very reasonably. 😄 If your car’s broken down and you can’t drive, I guess you might as well drink and Rick’s there to help you out with both. 🤣
Sean A.TravelerFS-2363 Dispersed Camping - Murphy Overlook
Pretty and Remote (Saw a black bear)
I'd recommend something AWD or be comfortable with momentum style driving, don't need clearance just need the traction on some of the hills. Once there you see no one, hear nothing and have the place to yourself. Great view. Not large, this is not a multi-car big group place. I'd say 2 small car MAX.
Saw an adult black bear when we left, only about 0.5 a mile from camp. Ran across the road in front of us. Keep that in mind!
Cyndy & Selena R.Guide
Silo Access Area - O’Neil Creek
Great quiet location ON the Mississippi River
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. Site 13 is large enough for 2 RVs. There is a large boat ramp. The area is freshly paved and undergoing reforestation. However, there are a lot of trees. No water, no electrical hookups, and no bathrooms. There is 1 small trash bin. Mosquitoes are prevalent.
- RRalph S.Guide
Whitten River Access
Great place for kayakers
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. However, I've seen so good size rv's there. It's free and first come camping. There's a vault toilet. It's otherwise primitive camping. Our group kayaks in during trout fishing trips and have never had a problem finding a place to camp. The Eleven Point River is beautiful and cold. Some of the best outdoor fun for adventurous people.
- DDaniela E.Scout
Robert's Bluff
Quiet and nice place
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.
- RRandy M.Traveler
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.
Lee F.GuideMontrose 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.
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.