Wilderness Camping in Missouri: A Nature Lover's Paradise

If you're an outdoor enthusiast seeking a wilderness adventure, Missouri offers some of the most beautiful and diverse landscapes for camping. From the rolling hills of the Ozarks to the serene waters of its many rivers and lakes, Missouri's wilderness areas provide the perfect backdrop for an unforgettable camping experience. Here's everything you need to know about wilderness camping in the Show-Me State.

CAMPING MISSOURI'S 8 DESIGNATED WILDERNESS AREAS

Discovering Missouri’s Wilderness Gems

Missouri is home to a variety of state parks, conservation areas, and national forests that cater to wilderness campers. Here are a few standout locations:

1. Mark Twain National Forest: Spanning over 1.5 million acres, Mark Twain National Forest is a haven for wilderness campers. With its vast woodlands, scenic trails, and numerous waterways, this forest offers countless spots for setting up camp. The solitude and beauty of the forest make it ideal for those looking to truly disconnect from the hustle and bustle of daily life.

2. Ozark National Scenic Riverways: Known for its crystal-clear rivers, the Ozark National Scenic Riverways is a prime location for river camping. The Current and Jacks Fork Rivers flow through this area, providing excellent opportunities for canoeing, kayaking, and fishing. Primitive campsites along the riverbanks allow you to immerse yourself in nature.

3. Eleven Point National Wild and Scenic River: Another gem for river enthusiasts, the Eleven Point River offers rugged and remote camping experiences. The river's scenic beauty and the surrounding forest create a tranquil setting for a wilderness escape.

Preparing for Your Wilderness Camping Adventure

Before heading out, it's essential to prepare adequately for a wilderness camping trip. Here are some tips to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience:

1. Research and Plan: Familiarize yourself with the area you plan to visit. Obtain maps, check for any regulations or permits required, and plan your route. It's also wise to inform someone of your itinerary and expected return date.

2. Pack Wisely: When camping in the wilderness, packing the right gear is crucial. Essentials include a reliable tent, sleeping bag, portable stove, water filtration system, and a first-aid kit. Don't forget to pack enough food and water, as well as appropriate clothing for varying weather conditions.

3. Leave No Trace: Practicing Leave No Trace principles is vital to preserving the natural beauty of Missouri's wilderness areas. Pack out all trash, minimize campfire impact, and respect wildlife and other campers. Leaving the area as you found it ensures it remains pristine for future visitors.

Embracing the Wilderness Experience

Wilderness camping in Missouri is about more than just setting up a tent in a remote location; it's about fully immersing yourself in nature. Here are some activities to enhance your camping experience:

1. Hiking and Exploring: Missouri's wilderness areas are crisscrossed with hiking trails that offer stunning views and opportunities to encounter wildlife. From short day hikes to multi-day treks, there's something for every level of hiker.

2. Fishing and Boating: Many of Missouri's rivers and lakes are perfect for fishing and boating. Whether you're casting a line for trout in a clear stream or paddling along a serene river, the water activities are endless.

3. Stargazing: Away from the light pollution of cities, Missouri's wilderness areas offer incredible stargazing opportunities. Bring a telescope or simply lie back and enjoy the night sky filled with stars.

Conclusion

Wilderness camping in Missouri is a rewarding experience that allows you to connect with nature and find peace and solitude. Whether you're a seasoned camper or a newcomer to the wilderness, the Show-Me State's natural beauty and diverse landscapes provide the perfect setting for an outdoor adventure. So pack your gear, leave the crowds behind, and discover the wild side of Missouri. Happy camping!

Hunting Mark Twain National Forest

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General Information:
Mark Twain National Forest is divided into nine main areas spread across southern Missouri. These areas make up a total of approximately 1.5 million acres. Approximately 100,000 of these acres are roadless and/or Wilderness/National Scenic Riverways acreage. Hunting is regulated on these lands by the Missouri Department of Conservation, although wildlife habitat is mostly managed by the USFS. Because regulations change, and areas can be redesignated, it is vital to make certain that you know the regulation in the areas you will hunt. For example, some areas allow horseback and/or ATV travel and a few do not.

Options:

• Cedar Creek

This area is approximately 15,000 acres and is the northernmost section of Mark Twain. It is also situated relatively closely to a sizable population center in Columbia and Jefferson City. Having said this, there are some good opportunities here. There are plenty of areas where a hunter can go here where they will not be overrun by others, but it does require some advanced scouting.

There are three accesses with facilities managed by the Forest Service in this section, but there are some other adjoining land public accesses with hunting opportunities. The three USFS accesses are Carrington Pits, Dry Fork, and Pine Ridge. Also in the area is a conservation area including and surrounding Little Dixie Lake and Earthquake Hollow Conservation Area.

The Carrington Pits area is open year round. For more information and maps, call 573-592-1400 (Fulton Office).

Another resource for great hunting opportunities in the area is the Cedar Creek Trail, a trail of total of 36 miles in length. Directions from Fulton, Missouri are: take Hwy. 54 south to Route H; west to Rt. J, south to Rt. Y, west to Pine Ridge Recreation Area. Horse users, travel to Dry Fork Campground, located 4 miles northeast on County Road 361. Or from Columbia MO, take Hwy 63 south to County Road AB (Barnes Chapel Road), left to Ginn Lane, right to Ginn Road Trail Head. A TRAIL MAP is available from the USFS.

Campgrounds include Pine Ridge Recreation Area (includes Cedar Creek Trailhead) and Dry Fork Recreation Area (alternative Cedar Creek Trailhead).

• Houston/Rolla Section

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This section is comprised of approximately 190,000 acres. There are also multiple opportunities here. This is really getting into Ozark Country and is made up of hardwood forests spread across rolling hills. There are lots of deer, but they are spread out and scouting, as always, is critical. This area has some pressure, but there are plenty of off-the-beaten-path areas. A hunter willing to work a bit can really have a wilderness hunting experience here.

Included in this area is the Paddy Creek Wilderness Area (approx. 7019 acres) and the Big Piney Trail. Big Piney Trail is in Paddy Creek Wilderness. The total of the two sections of this trail are seventeen miles and provide many launching off points for a truly secluded hunting experience. There is a campground at Paddy Creek Recreation Area with 23 total sites. The Recreation area closes December 1. Also, keep in mind that the wilderness area is a Leave No Trace area. Please follow the tenets of this directive to keep others positive about the hunting community. Maps in various formats and in a variety of downloadable files can be found by following the link Paddy Creek Wilderness Maps. This is through Wilderness.net. Directions to the area are from Rolla, take Hwy 63 south about 35 miles to Hwy 32 and turn west. Drive 3.7 miles to Hwy N, which branches to the right. Drive 2.1 miles to Hwy AF, turn left. Hwy AF turns into Slabtown Road and passes close to a farmhouse, almost making the road look like a driveway. Continue driving for 7.5 miles until you see the sign for Big Piney Trail Camp, turn left. The trail is often used by horses/trailriders, so be cautious.

The main office for this district can be reached at 417-967-4194.

• Potosi, Salem and Fredrictown Sections

These are actually managed as two sections of Mark Twain National Forest. They are in roughly the same area and I will look at opportunities in both areas. In the Potosi/Fredricktown section there are two designated wilderness areas. One is the Bell Mountain Wilderness and the other is the Rockpile Mountain Wilderness. The Bell Mountain Wilderness is approximately 9000 acres in size and is in the St. Francois Mountains, and contains some of the higher elevations in Missouri. A very nice brocuhre of Bell Mountain Wilderness area is available HERE (PDF Form). Camping is allowed in the area following the designated rules and the Leave No Trace ethic. There are two trailheads accessing the wilderness. Directions to each are from Potosi. To the FT 12 Trailhead, take Hwy 21 South 18 miles to Hwy 32. Take Hwy 32 West 8 miles to Hwy A. Take Hwy A South approx 1/4 mile to first Forest Road SE Go approx 1/4 mile SE to site. To the Hwy A Trailhead, take Hwy 8 one mile East to Hwy 21. Go South on Hwy 21 for 11 miles. Or take Hwy 21 South for 17 miles to Hwy 32. Take Hwy 32 West for 8 miles to Hwy A. Take Hwy A approx 5 miles South to site.

Also in the Potosi/Fredricktown section is the Rockpile Mountain Wilderness. This area is a bit smaller, but still has plenty of room at approximately 4,000 acres. Trails are more limited (only about 2 miles of maintained trail), perhaps of benefit to the hunter attempting to escape the crowds. A brochure for the area is available HERE. The directions to the area are, from Fredericktown via Highway 67 :south to County Road C, then about 10 miles on C to County road 406. Follow 406 to Forest Road 2124.

The Salem area just south of the Potosi section, is a vast area of multiple hunting opportunities. There are numerous developed campgrounds as well as areas where the hunter can find solitiude. As in most areas of the Ozark Region, the hunter will benefit from a thorough effort at scouting with particular interest paid to water sources.

• Poplar Bluff Section

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This section is approximately 150,000 acres in size. Lake Wappappello is on the eastern border of the section of forest and the Black River runs through the area between generally the northwest corner and the southeast corner. As with the other areas of Mark Twain National Forest, there are many private land inholdings within the broad boundaries of the forest. Maps and knowledge/scouting of the area are essential.

There are several forest service camping areas as well as a conservation area or two managed by the Missouri Department of Conservation. One such conservation area is Bradley A. Hammer Memeorial Conservation Area (PDF Format). As of the most recent regulations, it should be noted that regular firearms deer hunting was not permitted. As always, familiarize yourself thoroughly with the state and area regulations for each area you will hunt as they do vary. To access this area, from Williamsville take County Road 417 to County Road 419. Turn right and go .5 mile to County Road 424. Turn right again and go .25 mile to the entrance. It is relatively small in area, but allows primitive camping in designated areas and could be a good base camp area.

• Eleven Point Section

The Eleven Point Ranger District of Mark Twain National Forest is around 180,000 acres and includes some of the most neautiful and rugged terrain in Missouri. Embedded in this section of forest is the Eleven Point Wild and Scenic River area and the Irish Wilderness. There are numerous methods by which the hunter can approach deer hunting in this area, including via canoe on the Eleven Point River. Should you choose this method, we strongly suggest getting familiar with the sections of the river that are at least mildly challenging. Canoe rentals are widely available in the area.

There are numerous trails and campgrounds in this section of forest. If you will be floating the river, there are several choices. One of our favorites is Greer Crossing. This campground is open year round.

More Hunting information can be found Here.