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Live TrafficFree Camping in Missouri
By Nathan Swartz
Small city parks offering free electric hookups, national forests named for America's greatest writer, roadside rest stops that welcome overnighters, and plenty of business parking lots provide a healthy network of places to find camping for free in the Show-Me State.
See a map of all free camping in Missouri.
Boondocking in Mark Twain National Forest
Nestled in the Ozarks, and with a handful of camping sites placing RVers near attractions like the Ozark National Scenic Riverways and access to the Ozark Trail, Mark Twain National Forest holds some of the best recreation areas and dispersed camping in the state. Despite being free, many spots--like Paddy Creek Recreation Area and Pinewoods Lake Campground--provide a modicum of amenities, such as picnic tables, fire rings, and vault toilets.
In addition to these designated camping areas, the forest also has free, dispersed camping such as that you'll find at Sulphur Springs near Greenville, Missouri. Mark Twain is likely your best opportunity to find a wide array of wild camping opportunities, positioned firmly in the Midwest's most famous mountain range.
Free Camping via Missouri's Department of Fish & Wildlife
The bulk of free campsites in Missouri are found on lands managed by the Department of Fish & Wildlife. From campgrounds with designated spots, including fire rings, to wide open grassy fields down long dirt roads, over a dozen of these camping areas can be found throughout the state. As the governing agency's name implies, fishing and hunting are popular activities; however, many of them also offer access to hiking, mountain biking, and waterborne sports.
Missouri is home to nearly 40 state parks that offer camping; however, none of them provide it free of charge. Therefore, between the Department of Fish & Wildlife and a few other similar state agencies, one can find plenty of land protected by the state that doesn't require camping fees. Free camping exists within Missouri's protected areas like Robert E. Talbot Conservation Area and Whetstone Camping Area, both of which include managing game via hunting as part of their conservation efforts.
Much of the state's rivers are also protected by the Missouri Department of Natural Resources, such as found at Rochester Falls or Elam Bend Conservation Area, both found on the western side of the state.
Free Camping Near Gateway Arch National Park
Despite being located in the center of a city with a population of 300,000 people, you can still find a no-cost camping area only 20 minutes outside of one of the United States' newest national parks. Don't expect rustic forest living or even something officially run by the National Park Service, though. Camping near Gateway Arch National Park comes in the form of a parking lot at the . It may be best to call ahead first, as the exact details for who can or cannot stay overnight in the parking lot seem to change with short notice. Other parking lot camping options in St Louis include a Cracker Barrel about half an hour west of the Gateway Arch and a Walmart 45 minutes south.
Recent Missouri Free Campsite Reviews
Blackwater, MO
Harriman Hill Access
Jun 06, 2024
"5 Stars! "
Excellent spot. The insect noises along with frogs, fish jumping is so relaxing. The road noise from I-70 is loud but we kept the ac/fan running so couldn’t hear it inside the rv. We hung out at the boat ramp & went fishing. Hubby caught a little perch. We’re pulling a 27 foot trailer & 4dr. Truck. The 1st site fits 80 feet. Grass was cut. ...
Read More
Osborn, MO
Pony Express Lake Conservation Area
Jun 05, 2024
"Great Little Stay"
We were here just one night but it was very pleasant. Well maintained. Adequate space between sites. The spots we stayed in were laid out kind of weird but once we figured it out it was great. I believe there will be new owners beginning June 1, 2024.
Osborn, MO
Pony Express Lake Conservation Area
Jun 01, 2024
"Popular With Locals "
We stayed on a Friday night. The camping area was full so we parked across from them along with a couple other campers. No one came and told us we had to leave so I guess it was ok. Lots of cars coming and going until about midnight. Pit toilets were pretty trashed.
Williamsburg, MO
Whetstone Shooting Range Camping Area
May 29, 2024
"Good Spot For The Night. "
Arrived after dark. Road in is gravel, a little dusty but to be expected. We stayed in the open gravel lot. Lots of space to maneuver. We have a 30ft tt. Did not have cell service with T-Mobile.
Osborn, MO
Pony Express Lake Conservation Area
May 27, 2024
"Gorgeous Spot"
Cell service is good enough for text and talk; the views are the most peaceful ever.
FAQs
Can I Go Boondocking in Missouri? You can go boondocking just about anywhere, so it's more a matter of how you'll be boondocking. Some boondockers are only looking for a free place to stay the night, in which case parking lots are a perfectly acceptable option.
Is boondocking legal in Missouri? ›
Can I Go Boondocking in Missouri? You can go boondocking just about anywhere, so it's more a matter of how you'll be boondocking. Some boondockers are only looking for a free place to stay the night, in which case parking lots are a perfectly acceptable option.
What is the best free camping app? ›
The Best Apps for Boondocking
- 1 – Campendium App. Main Features: RV Parks and Boondocking Spots. Parking Lots that Allow Boondockers. Tent Camping. ...
- 2 – AllStays App. Main Features: Paid and Free Campgrounds. Propane Refill Locations. ...
- 3 – Storm Shield App. Main Features: Track Multiple Locations. Hourly Weather Forecast.
Here are the absolute best boondocking states that we've experienced after years of living on the road full-time.
- Utah. Utah is one of the best boondocking states I've ever experienced. ...
- Arizona. Known for its unreal sunsets and beautiful buttes, Arizona primitive camping will surely blow you away. ...
- California. ...
- Montana.
Avoid camping near lone trees, mountaintops, high ridges, and other likely lightning targets. Away from animal trails, nests, or habitats. Not at the bottom of a canyon or valley, where the air is coldest and humid. Far from insect breeding grounds like stagnant water, ponds, or swamps.
Can you sleep overnight at Missouri rest stops? ›
No “recreational camping” is allowed. Missouri: Overnight parking is permitted at Missouri rest areas. Montana: The state welcomes travelers at its rest areas to beat drowsiness and increase safety.
What is the difference between boondocking and camping? ›
“Boondocking is dispersed camping on public land,” Sheehy explained in a 2020 article. “Dispersed camping is camping outside of a designated campground, on lands that are managed for this purpose.” For the van life and RV communities, boondocking means camping in an area without hookups.
Which is better, Campendium or Dyrt? ›
I did like the look and feel of the Dyrt's amenities design a bit more. It seemed to have a quicker reference image which resonated with me as a user. It also seemed to have a bit more overall information than Campendium which featured 11 options versus the 16 on the Dyrt.
What is freeroam? ›
free roam (plural free roams) (video games) A game mode where players can explore the game environment at will, rather than following a fixed story line. The right to move without restrictions throughout a specific locale.
Is aircamp a free app? ›
Cost: Free
With Aircamp, you can access over 8000 campsites and caravan parks Australia-wide. Find the perfect campsite and contact them for availability. Browse photos, upload your own, save campsites and review your favourite destinations.
2023's Best States for Camping in America
| Best States for Camping |
|---|
| Rank | State |
|---|
| 1 | California |
| 2 | Washington |
| 3 | Texas |
2 more rowsMar 9, 2023
You can camp on most BLM land for up to 14 days, even if there are grazing or mining claims (just watch out for cow pies), unless otherwise posted. Most BLM lands are in these 12 western states: Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, Utah, Washington and Wyoming.
What does BLM mean for Boondocking? ›
BLM stands for Bureau of Land Management. BLM is responsible for millions of acres of public land, most of it in the western states, and it is perfect for both full-amenity RV camping and boondocking. BLM lands are incredibly diverse, including livestock grazing, timber harvesting, and energy resources.
What is the rule #1 of camping? ›
When it comes to camping, the rule #1 is to respect nature and leave no trace behind. This essential principle guarantees the preservation of the environment and promotes a sustainable outdoor experience for all. Upholding this rule is vital for maintaining the beauty of campsites and protecting wildlife habitats.
What are the 5 W's of camping? ›
There are five important factors of wilderness survival to take into account to stay safe and stay comfortable. The five factors include: wind, water, widowmakers, wood, and wildlife. These factors are referred to as the “5 W's.”
How to find free camping usa? ›
State parks, city parks, and county parks sometimes maintain free camping areas. So do entities like water management districts, trust lands, conservation areas. Smaller US federal agencies like the Army Corps of Engineers and the Bureau of Reclamation have a few campsites, too.
Can you live in an RV on your own land in Missouri? ›
Mississippi: Mississippi allows you to live in an RV as long as you obtain permission from the property owner and stay within the restrictions set by your local government. Missouri: Missouri law states that the RV should be parked on a site that you own or lease and isn't visible from any public road.
Does Missouri have BLM land? ›
Given the fact that there is no BLM land in Missouri, one might be inclined to think that there are few opportunities for dispersed camping on public lands.
