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!

MDC offers free camping workshop June 16 near Parkville

Kansas City, Mo. – If you’ve never been camping, what gear to load in the car and where to camp can seem daunting, especially for families. But the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) can help anyone learn the basic gear and tips that can make camping successful and fun for all ages. MDC’s Parma Woods Shooting Range near Parkville will host a free Camping 101 workshop from 6 to 8 p.m. on Wednesday, June 16.

Load a vehicle with gear and food, head to a campground, and you’ll find yourself outdoors in nature _  but in a managed way. Campgrounds are usually mowed with level sites for tents or recreational vehicles. Many offer restrooms and showers. Some offer electricity and fresh water at campsites. Others simply provide a shady place away from hubbub to set up a tent. Either way, it’s usually a short walk from the vehicle to the campsite, which makes carrying gear and setup easier. MDC staff will discuss what gear is needed and tips for activities and staying comfortable while camping.

Backpacking is a challenging but doable type of camping in the wilds and off the beaten path. MDC staff will cover this outdoor adventure, too. If you can carry a lightweight tent, sleeping bag, food, water, and a few other necessities on your back you can backpack camp. MDC staff will provide information on how individuals and families can enjoy a hike topped by a sleepover in the woods.

The Camping 101 workshop is open to all ages. Children should be accompanied by adults. Registration is required. To register, visit https://short.mdc.mo.gov/ZHg. MDC’s Parma Woods Shooting Range offers outdoor skills classes. For more information about the range, visit https://short.mdc.mo.gov/ZHM.

The Sunklands - A True Missouri Treasure

The Sunklands, located in Shannon County, are enormous...over 40,000 acres or over 60 square miles in total, all situated in the heart of the Missouri Ozarks. Nearly three miles of the Current River run through this conservation area, and about a mile and a half of trout fishing on Barren Fork Creek are to be found as well.  One of the major outdoor magazines predicted within the last few years that a world record whitetail could come from the area.  Turkey hunting is extraordinary.

Trails exist for hiking, but they are not well mapped. Dispersed camping is permitted, but there are no facilities.  In other words, by and large, the Sunklands are true wilderness.

Sunklands Conservation Area
Photo by MDC Staff, courtesy Missouri Department of Conservation. 

The Sunklands get their name from a geographical feature that is unique, at least in terms of its size, to this one area. The sinkhole that gives the area its name is over a mile long, 600 feet wide, and 200 feet deep.  It is certainly the largest sinkhole in the Show-Me-State.

For more info on the sinkhole that gives the area its name, and how to locate it, visit here.

Getting to Sunklands Conservation Area is not overly difficult, but there are multiple different routes into the area. The directions I am providing here will get you into one side of the region.  You might want to look over a map on your own.  Again, this is absolutely one of Missouri's most beautiful areas, but it does not come with its arms open wide awaiting the visitor.  You will need to spend some time with maps, bring a compass and maybe GPS (but not just a GPS), and come with a sense of adventure.  You will be rewarded for your efforts!

Salem to Sunklands:

Camping on Missouri Conservation Areas

Family Camping amongst the shortleaf pines at Peck Ranch Conservation Area

There are some fairly incredible and underutilized camping opportunities across Missouri on Missouri Conservation Areas.  The really cool thing about this is that almost without exception, every county in Missouri has a conservation area where camping is permitted.

Though many conservation areas allow camping, some do not, and it should be noted that pretty much all the camping areas on MDC conservation area land are in the category of "primitive."

Many at least have outhouse type restrooms, but few if any even offer running water, let alone shower facilities like many state parks offer.  If that does not scare you off, then you just expanded your camping choices greatly in the Show-Me State!

Peck Ranch Campground

One of our favorites is Peck Ranch Conservation Area down in Carter and Shannon Counties, east and a little south of Eminence.  The area can be busy during deer seasons and even turkey season, and should probably just be avoided during special managed hunts held several times a year in the wildlife refuge portion.  A schedule for these hunts can be found here.

The main part of the campground is nestled into one of the most pristine stands of shortleaf pine trees that you will find anywhere in a campground setting.  Recreation opportunities in the surrounding areas abound.  The wildlife refuge now has an elk population.  A short drive away is one of Missouri's best swimming holes - Rocky Falls.  Within a 20 minute drive is some of

Missouri's best smallmouth bass fishing on the Current and Jacks Fork Rivers.  A section of the

View from firetower Stegall Mountain

famed Ozark Trail makes its way across Peck Ranch.  Finally, no visit to Peck is complete without a drive to the top of Stegall Mountain and climb as far as permitted up the steps of the resident firetower.  The views are amazing.

Just to bookend things, in the northern part of the state and a little west of Kirksville is Union Ridge Conservation Area.  It is one of the larger conservation areas in the northern part of Missouri at around 8000 acres.  There is fishing, hiking, hunting, and of course camping opportunities across this beautiful area.

Before you go, do a bit of research.  As mentioned before, some of these areas are open to camping and others are not. Also, quite a few have shooting ranges, which are fine, but may not fit into the tranquility you desire on a camping trip into nature.  To start research, visit the conservation atlas.

Rolling hills of Union Ridge Conservation Area

So, we encourage you to check out the camping opportunities available on these great areas.

Next, our series will begin to shift gears as we hone in on some unique areas, some of which we have mentioned already. The next in the series will come out June 21st, 2016.

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How are conservation areas important to you?

The Missouri Department of Conservation is in the process of updating management plans for conservation areas and invites public comments. To view management plans and share comments online, visit mdc.mo.gov/areaplans.  

The following draft conservation area management plans are available for public comment June 1-30, 2016.

Central Region

Danville Conservation Area Management Plan – Danville Conservation Area is 3,136 acres of woodland, upland forest, glade, grassland, bottomland forest, old field, cropland, and ephemeral wetlands in Montgomery County. Management is focused on providing quality natural communities that support diverse wildlife populations and provide outdoor recreational activities. Three individual campsites without amenities, one designated camping area with six defined campsites, five parking lots, two privies, and a 3 mile hiking trail are available for public use.  

Mansfield Conservation Area Management Plan  – Alice Ahart Mansfield Conservation Area is 80 acres of forest in Camden County. Management activities are focused on wildlife, forest, and woodland resources with an emphasis on healthy forests and compatible recreational opportunities. This area offers a parking lot and a 0.75 mile hiking trail for public use.

Kansas City Region

Pinhook Access Management Plan  – Pinhook Access is 4 acres of forest and grasslands in Pettis County. This area is managed to provide public fishing access to Muddy Creek for bank anglers. There is one parking lot for public use.

Northeast Region

Anderson & DuPont Conservation Areas Management Plan  – This plan includes both Edward Anderson Conservation Area (1,046 acres) & DuPont Reservation Conservation Area (1,320 acres) in Ralls and Pike Counties. These areas provide for multiple public uses and for conserving and managing the areas’ natural resources.

Shelby County Conservation Areas (Less Than 155 Acres) Management Plan  – These areas provide compatible outdoor recreational activities including hunting and fishing. Conservation areas included in this plan are Arrow-Wood Conservation Area, Fed Bollow Conservation Area, and Pin Oak Conservation Area.

Northwest Region

Crooked River Conservation Area Management Plan  – Crooked River Conservation Area is 1,420 acres of forest, open fields, woodland, old field, grassland, food plots, impounded water, wetland, and infrastructure in Ray County. This area is managed to provide quality upland habitat and associated wildlife while providing a variety of outdoor recreational opportunities for the public. There are seven parking lots, seven individual campsites, two fishing ponds, and one fishing lake for public use.

Nodaway County Community Lake Management Plan  – Nodaway County Community Lake is 320 acres of old field, lakes/ponds, grassland, cropland, forest, and woodland. The purpose of this area is to provide fishing and hunting opportunities for the public in and around the Maryville area. This area offers a concrete boat ramp, one fishing jetty, one privy, three parking areas, one designated primitive camping area, and 2.6 miles of hiking trails.

Ozark Region

Dan and Maureen Cover Memorial Wildlife Area Management Plan  – Dan and Maureen Cover Memorial Wildlife Area is 282 acres of forest, woodland, grassland, old field, warm-season grass field, and open water in Oregon County. This area is managed for a mosaic of grassland, woodland, and forest natural communities to provide a diversity of wildlife habitats and to provide compatible public recreation opportunities. This area provides a parking lot and 1 acre Cover Lake for public use.

Southeast Region

Coldwater Conservation Area Management Plan  – Coldwater Conservation Area is 10,738 acres of upland forest, woodland, and savanna in Wayne County. The purpose of this area is to provide outdoor recreational opportunities and to manage the area’s forest and field resources for the benefit of wildlife and timber production.

Take a look at management plans and share your thoughts online at mdc.mo.gov/areaplans. Thank you for your interest in the management of your Conservation Areas!

MDC teaches outdoor skills at Women's Spring Fling

Registration open for April 29-May 1 camp at Lake Doniphan near Excelsior Springs

Kansas City, Mo. – The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) will teach outdoor skills at the annual Women’s Spring Fling April 29 to May 1 at Lake Doniphan Conference and Retreat Center near Excelsior Springs, Mo. This weekend retreat provides a safe and friendly environment where women can learn about outdoor recreation.

   Participants will receive hands-on training for activities of their choice such as archery, atlatl, backpacking and camping, canoeing and kayaking, fishing, orienteering and geocaching, outdoor cooking, champion trees and leaf prints, and wild edibles. The Spring Fling is offered to women 18 and older. Young ladies ages 14 to 17 may also participate when accompanied by an adult woman.

   All training provided by MDC staff and volunteers is free. However, there is a $20 registration that is refundable at check in. The registration deadline is April 8.

   Lake Doniphan is a private retreat center, and fees are charged for lodging and meals. The cost depends on accommodations. The center offers hotel-style rooms, dormitory style, rustic cabins with electricity, and camping with electricity.

   MDC connects people with nature. Women’s Spring Fling offers a variety of outdoor activities during the heart of the spring season, a beautiful time to be outdoors.

   For information or to register, contact Lisa LaCombe at 816-655-6263, ext. 1332, orlisa.lacombe@mdc.mo.gov.

   For information about Lake Doniphan, visit http://lakedoniphan.com.

Conservation Area Management Comment Opportunities

How important are conservation areas to you?

The Missouri Department of Conservation is in the process of updating management plans for conservation areas and invites public comments. To view management plans and share comments online, visit mdc.mo.gov/areaplans.  

The following draft Conservation Area Management Plans are available for public comment from November 1-30, 2015. 

Northwest Region

Northwest Region Platte River Accesses - This plan includes thirteen accesses along the Platte River in Buchanan, Nodaway, Andrew, Clinton, and Worth counties. Some of the accesses include camping, concrete ramps, and privies. This area plan includes the following accesses: Agency Access, Bridgewater Access, Bristle Ridge Access, Burton Bridge Access, Elrod Mill Access, Hadorn Bridge Access, Keever Bridge Access, Lathrop Bridge Access, Midway Access, Rochester Falls Access, Rock Quarry Access, Saxton Access, and Sheridan Access.

Southeast Region

Flatwoods Conservation Area - Flatwoods Conservation area is 935 acres of upland forest and woodland in Wayne County. This area is managed to provide wildlife habitat, forest products, and compatible recreational opportunities. An archery range, Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) accessible and firearm range with parking lot (ADA accessible) are available for public use.

Reynolds County River Accesses - Reynolds County River Accesses include Centerville Access and Lesterville Access along the Black River. Centerville Access allows canoe launch access. 

Wilhelmina Conservation Area - Wilhelmina Conservation Area is 1,476 acres of bottomland forest, old tree plantations, and open land. The area includes three gravel parking lots and a small concrete pad with two picnic tables. Popular recreational activities include fishing, hunting, and hiking.

Yokum School Conservation Area - Yokum School Conservation Area is 160 acres of forest and woodland. This area includes a graveled parking lot, 1,320 feet of woods trail, 1 fishless pond, and 1 primitive camping area available for public use.

Southwest Region

Busiek State Forest and Wildlife Area (Idea Gathering Stage) - Busiek State Forest and Wildlife Area is 2700 acres of forest, woodland, old field, and glade. This area is heavily used by campers, horseback riders, hikers, and mountain bike users. Facilities at this area include a shooting range, 2 multi-use trails, 2 picnic tables, 4 parking lots, and 8 individual campsites. Busiek State Forest and Wildlife Area is accepting public comments prior to the development of its area management plan. The comment period for Busiek closes December 31.

Take a look at management plans and share your thoughts online at mdc.mo.gov/areaplans. Thank you for your interest in the management of your Conservation Areas!

Nine of Missouri’s state parks and historic sites awarded TripAdvisor’s Certificate of Excellence

The "Castle" at Ha Ha Tonka State Park (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Missouri State Parks was recently awarded nine Certificates of Excellence by TripAdvisor. This prestigious award recognizes establishments that consistently receive great TripAdvisor reviews from travelers.

Missouri state parks and historic sites receiving the recognition are: Bennett Spring State Park, Castlewood State Park, Deutschheim State Historic Site, Elephant Rocks State Park, Ha Ha Tonka State Park, Johnson’s Shut-Ins State Park, Roaring River State Park, Rock Bridge Memorial State Park, and Table Rock State Park and State Park Marina.

“The fact that our guests are having an outstanding experience is reflective of the great work being accomplished by staff,” said Bill Bryan, director of Missouri State Parks. “This type of recognition underscores the 97 percent approval rating we consistently receive from visitors. It’s our goal that every time a family visits a state park our historic site, they have fun and make great memories.”

The Certificate of Excellence Award was founded in 2010, and honors hospitality businesses that demonstrate hospitality excellence and represent the top quality of businesses listed on TripAdvisor. Honorees must maintain an overall TripAdvisor rating of at least four out of five bubbles on the site’s bubble rating system, have at least the minimum number of reviews necessary, and be listed on TripAdvisor for at least twelve months.

TripAdvisor is the world’s largest travel site. The site features visitors’ reviews of places to stay, visit and eat, and offers a ratings system as a guide for prospective visitors.

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Missouri State Parks providing opportunities for visitors to “Learn2” Camp

For the second year, Missouri State Parks is teaming up with The North Face’s Explore Your Parks Program to teach families how to have an enjoyable and safe camping experience with its Learn2 Camp program. The program provides expert answers and guidance to families who want to go camping but are

uncertain how and what equipment is needed.

This summer, 40 families will have the opportunity to participate in the program, which will be held at five different state parks during June. Workshops will be held at the following locations:

• June 1 – Robertsville State Park, Robertsville.
• June 8 – Trail of Tears State Park, Jackson.
• June 15 – Montauk State Park, Salem.
• June 22 – Arrow Rock State Historic Site, Arrow Rock.
• June 29 – Weston Bend State Park, Weston.

“During our first year, families across Missouri learned about camping and had a great experience getting more comfortable in nature,” Bill Bryan, director of Missouri State Parks, a division of the Missouri Department of Natural Resources. “We are excited to bring this program back for a second year so that even more people can learn the joys of camping in the great outdoors.”

In the Learn2 Camp program, Missouri State Parks will supply the camping equipment, instructors to teach basic camping skills, a campsite in a state park campground, recipes and a list of things campers should bring. Each family should bring food for meals, bedding, personal items such as soap, etc., and a willingness to learn and discover the outdoors.

To become one of the lucky families, tell us why your family wants to learn to camp in 500 words or less. Also, select your first and second choices for the Learn2 Camp program locations and dates. The application deadline is 5 p.m. on Monday, May 13, and the winners will be notified by Wednesday, May 15.

A family group is considered up to six people, with at least one person 18 years of age or older. Please include adequate adult supervision for children to ensure the program can be educational and enjoyable for everyone.

A $10 registration fee will apply to selected families. A camping coupon good for one free night stay in any Missouri State Parks campground will be awarded upon completion of the program.

To apply to be a Learn2 Camp program family or for more information on the program, go tomostateparks.com/learn2camp. For information about state parks and historic sites, visit mostateparks.com. Missouri State Parks is a division of the Missouri Department of Natural Resources.

Conservation Action January 2012

The Conservation Commission met Jan. 26 and 27 at Cape Girardeau. Commissioners present were:
Don R. Johnson, Festus, Chair
Don C. Bedell, Sikeston, Vice Chair
James T. Blair, IV, St. Louis, Member

ADMINISTRATION
The Commission:
Received the following presentations.
Ø An e-Permits status report from Permit Services Supervisor Greg Jones.
Ø A hunter-education program review from Outreach & Education Division Chief Mike Huffman.
Ø A habitat-management report from Forestry Division.
Approved entering into a contract with KAT Excavation Inc., Bates City, for the construction of the Lost Valley Fish Hatchery Ambient Pond Renovation project in Benton County at a total estimated cost of $943,910. Seventy-five percent of the cost of the project will be paid by the Federal Aid in Sportfish Restoration Program.
Approved conveying .014 acre of Burr Oak Woods Conservation Area in Jackson County to the City of Blue Springs for a road-improvement project, and granting the City of Blue Springs temporary construction easements on an additional .028 acre and .031 acre, respectively, until the project is complete.
Approved the advertisement and sale of an estimated 1,321,010 board feet of timber located on 519 acres of Compartment 4, Coldwater Conservation Area in Wayne County.
Suspended hunting, fishing and/or trapping privileges of 10 Missouri residents for Wildlife Code violations and affirmed actions taken by Missouri courts suspending privileges of one Missouri resident. Those whose privileges were suspended are:
Logan D. Byrn, Downing, all sport privileges, 1 year
James M. Cazzell, Keytesville, all sport privileges, 1 year
Johnny L. Collis Jr., Purdin, hunting and fishing, until 9/8/2013
Robert G. Hankey, Tipton, all sport privileges, 5 ½ years
Antonio L. Hayes, Moberly, all sport privileges, 3 years
Howard E. Jackson, Grandview, all sport privileges, 1 year
Buddy W. Kennedy, Aurora, all sport privileges, 2 years
Jeffrey C. Margis, Chillicothe, all sport privileges, 1 year
Jewell Rowland, Sedalia, all sport privileges, 1 year
Dakota C. Savage, California, all sport privileges, 1 year
Nathan D. Wolf, Amity, all sport privileges, 3 years
Approved the suspension or revocation of all hunting and fishing privileges of 271 people who are not in compliance with applicable child-support laws. Privileges suspended for noncompliance are reinstated once the Division of Child Support Enforcement notifies MDC that suspendees have come into compliance with the required laws.
Suspended privileges of 241 persons under the provisions of the Interstate Wildlife Violator Compact.
· Imposed hunting privilege suspensions of three years for two Missouri residents who injured other persons in hunting incidents. The hunters must complete a hunter-education training course before restoration of privileges.
· Reinstated the fishing privileges of one person. Revocation of hunting and trapping privileges remains in effect.
· Set the next regular Conservation Commission meeting for March 7 and 8.
- end –

This document is provided for public information only and is not an official record of the Missouri Department of Conservation or Missouri Conservation Commission.

Informational meeting planned Sept. 10 for Weston Bend State Park

 JEFFERSON CITY, MO., SEPT. 2, 2011 -- The public is invited to bring their ideas to an informational meeting on Saturday, Sept. 10 at Weston Bend State Park near Weston. The meeting will be held from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at the open shelter.

Representatives from the facility will provide information on future plans for facility and answer questions. Visitors are invited to share comments and suggestions about the facility.

The meeting is part of the ongoing effort to ensure public has input on facilities and services offered in state parks and historic sites.

Weston Bend State Park is located off of Highway 45 near Weston. People requiring special services or accommodations to attend the meeting can make arrangements by calling the site directly at 816-640-5443 or by calling the Department of Natural Resources toll free at 800-334-6946 (voice) or 800-379-2419 (Telecommunications Device for the Deaf).  For more information on Missouri state parks and historic sites, visit mostateparks.com.