Best Dispersed Camping in Missouri

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.

Best Dispersed Sites in Missouri (45)

    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

    10 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

    8 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. Blue Spring Backcountry Camping — Ozark National Scenic Riverway

    7 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."

    "We visit this campground multiple times a year and it's always a positive experience. My parents have ano rv and they allow us to camp in a tent next to them!"

    6. Robert's Bluff

    5 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."

    "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."

    7. 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."

    8. Three Creeks Conservation Area

    7 Reviews
    Ashland, MO
    Website
    +1 (573) 815-7900

    "An easy and beautiful spot to camp for free near I-70. About 15 minutes of a stunning drive away from the interstate. Plenty of sites, lots, and places to rest for the night. All free and secluded!"

    9. Hercules-Glades Wilderness Area

    4 Reviews
    Bradleyville, MO
    Website

    "This area is a wilderness area so camping is plentiful.  However in this particular are there is no organized campsite specifically.  "

    "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."

    10. Courtois Creek Dispersed

    4 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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Showing results 1-10 of 45 campgrounds

Dispersed Camping Reviews in Missouri

98 Reviews of 45 Missouri Campgrounds



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.