gc from Columbia, Mo. on 8/27/2008 12:27:32 PM:
Cliff,
As the above poster said, if you get just a few feet off the trail, you are generally on private property and run the risk of trespassing. HOWEVER, there are some property owners who allow people to camp on their land, with permission, of course. The bar in Steedman allows camping, the Davisdale Conservation Area between Rocheport and New Franklin has primitive camping. I am sure there are other areas, too. The best bet is to make a few phone calls and scout out various sites.