Dispersed Camping in Franklin County, Missouri
Showing 25 locations in Franklin County.
Anytime Fitness Parking
A paved commercial parking lot in Washington, Missouri. Overnight parking may be permitted with explicit management consent, but stays are subject to local city ordinances.
Backpack Camp 3
Designated hike-in backpack campsite 3, nestled under a dense hardwood forest canopy on the Wilderness Trail loop.
Backpack Camp 4
Designated hike-in backpack campsite 4, situated along the quiet, wooded Wilderness Trail loop.
Backpack Camp 5
Designated hike-in backpack campsite 5, positioned in a quiet forest area along the Wilderness Trail loop.
Backpack Camp 6
Designated hike-in backpack campsite 6, offering a primitive spot to pitch a tent surrounded by trees.
Backpack Camp 7
Designated hike-in backpack campsite 7, located on the northern reaches of the Wilderness Trail loop.
Camp Trinity
A rural developed campground facility located south of New Haven, Missouri.
Cracker Barrel Sullivan
A standard highway restaurant offering limited overnight parking. There are a few designated RV spaces, with additional larger spots available at the back of the lot near the utility areas.
Devils Back Floats
A riverside campground and float outfitter offering campsites along the water.
Flagg Branch Ridge Road Dispersed Camping
Dispersed camping sites located along Flagg Branch Ridge Road in Mark Twain National Forest. The gravel road leads through dense woodland near the Ozark Trail, offering simple and serene sites.
Flying J Travel Center Sullivan
A standard commercial travel plaza offering overnight truck and RV parking. Facilities include an attached restaurant, convenience store, and 24-hour restrooms.
Klondike Park
A scenic county park offering primitive tent camping and small campervan overnight options. Located near Klondike Lake, this park provides lovely views and access to local trails, though large RVs are strictly prohibited due to tight spaces.
Little Brazil Dispersed Camping
Dispersed forest campsites located along the Little Brazil dirt road corridor in Mark Twain National Forest. This area offers private, secluded spots near local spring and trail networks.
Meramec Caverns Campground
A large, commercial developed campground directly adjacent to the historic Meramec Caverns attraction. Positioned along the Meramec River, it offers numerous pull-through and back-in spaces with water and electrical hookups. While convenient for cavern tours and river floating, the layout is highly exposed with minimal shade or privacy between sites.
Meramec State Park Campground
A spacious, well-equipped state park campground situated along the scenic Meramec River. It offers over 200 sites, including both basic tent camping and full-hookup RV sites. Facilities include paved access roads, modern restrooms, hot showers, and easy access to hiking trails and historic caves. The surrounding forest is home to local wildlife like white-tailed deer, making for a pleasant natural escape that is highly popular during the summer months.
Meramec State Park Wilderness Trail Backpack Camps
A network of designated, hike-in primitive camping sites along the Wilderness Trail in Meramec State Park. These quiet, secluded sites offer a wilderness backpacking experience within the Missouri hardwood forest. Campers must register at the park visitor center or office before starting their hike.
Meramec State Park Wilderness Trail Backpacking
Designated, walk-in primitive backpacking sites located along the Wilderness Trail loop in Meramec State Park. These scenic sites are set deep in the dense Missouri forest, offering high privacy for hikers. Vehicles must be parked at the designated trailhead.
New Haven Riverfront Park
A scenic municipal park located along the Missouri River in New Haven, offering free overnight stays for up to two nights. The site features a grassy lawn designated for tent camping and an adjacent gravel parking area suitable for camper vans and smaller rigs. Amenities include public flush toilets, a water spigot, picnic tables, and electrical outlets under the pavilion. Visitors should anticipate frequent and loud train noise throughout the night due to the active railroad line nearby.
New Haven Waterfront Parking
This waterfront parking area in the historic river town of New Haven offers municipal options for overnight stays, including the lower lot near the boat ramp. The location provides scenic views of the Missouri River and is a short walk to local breweries, shops, and restaurants. However, active railroad tracks run immediately adjacent to the parking areas, resulting in loud train noise throughout the night.
Pea Ridge Conservation Area Designated Primitive Sites
A quiet cluster of primitive designated campsites situated near a tranquil creek within the Pea Ridge Conservation Area. The site offers a peaceful woodland environment with direct creek access but lacks water, restrooms, or trash services. Camping is strictly restricted to designated spots and permitted only seasonally.
Robertsville State Park Campground
A charming and lush state park campground featuring 27 sites, with options for basic tent camping and electric hookups. Includes amenities like hot showers, flush toilets, and a dump station, though seasonal availability of specific facilities can vary.
RV Self Park
An innovative, fully automated self-service RV park located just off Interstate 44 in Sullivan, Missouri. Sites include full hookups and can be reserved and paid for online by the hour or day.
Saint Clair Dispersed Site
Basic dispersed campsite located in a wooded area near Saint Clair, Missouri. An ideal, minimal spot for a quick overnight stay in a natural setting.
St. Louis West / Historic Route 66 KOA Holiday
A fully developed commercial RV resort offering full hookups, showers, toilets, and close proximity to local attractions and Route 66 history.
Walmart Parking Sullivan
A standard commercial parking lot off Interstate 44 in Sullivan. Paved parking spaces are available on the far edges of the lot near the green space, though periodic overnight enforcement and security sweeps have been reported.