Camping is a great way to unplug, recharge, and connect with nature. More than 300 of Missouri’s conservation areas offer camping for those looking for a more adventurous, primitive experience. All camping on conservation areas is free, and most camping is first come, first served. Be sure to have a backup plan in case the spot where you want to camp is already occupied.
Be aware of hunting seasons. Some areas will be busier during these seasons and may have temporary trail or road closures. Also, some areas expand or restrict camping during firearm hunting seasons.
Sometimes designated campgrounds will provide fire rings, picnic tables, dumpsters, and latrines, but more often camping on conservation areas is primitive with little or no facilities provided. Also, no RV hookups are provided at any department area. Campers should expect to bring their own water.
Before planning a trip in the spring or fall, check Places to Go for information on the specific conservation area where you wish to camp to see if the area allows camping or has restrictions during hunting seasons.
Quiet hours are from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. daily. Visitors who are not occupying a campsite must leave the campground by 10 p.m. During quiet hours, campers should not make any excessive noise, both personally or with mechanical devices, that disturbs other campers.
Know how to keep from starting a wildfire when you camp. Visit Make Your Camp Firewise for guidelines, and remember to use local firewood for campfires to keep from spreading tree-killing pests and diseases across the state.
If no latrine is available at your campsite, follow these steps to properly dispose of human waste:
While black bear attacks are extremely rare, it’s wise to follow a few precautions now that these bears have made a comeback in Missouri. Visit Camping and Hiking in Black Bear Country to learn ways to stay safe when camping and hiking where there might be black bears.
Bring a first aid kit, and have a plan in place in case of emergency. Remember that you are responsible for your safety and the safety of those around you.
To report any misuse of the area, contact the Conservation Agent assigned to the county where you observed the issue.
Join MDC Staff for our Introduction to Backpacking Program where we will hike in Paddy Creek Wilderness along the Big Piney north loop to the south loop (approx. 11 miles) with primitive overnight camping along the trail. Trail map can be found at: https://usfs-public.app.box.com/v/PaddyCreekWildernessTrails. Please note that the full length of the Big Piney Trail is 17.5 miles. As this is an introductory program, we will hike the north section from Roby Lake and take the connector loop to the south trail - approx. 11 miles - and primitive camp along the southern section.
Expect the Ozark Hills terrain of steeper climbs to beautiful overlooks as well as hikes along ridge tops and down into valleys. We will be camping along an overlook of the southern loop. Participants will need to filter water along the trail and hike their water supply to the campsite on the ridge. There will also be several creek crossings. Be prepared to bring a spare pair of sandals when crossing the creeks.
Since this is an Introductory Backpacking Program, all gear and equipment can be provided for participants. We will conduct a MANDATORY virtual check-in on March 25 (6:30pm-8:00pm) which is around four weeks prior to the trip to introduce the group and discuss trip preparation and logistics.
All family or friend groupings will be responsible for carrying their own gear, including water filter, stove, tent, sleeping bag, and sleeping pad. You are responsible for packing your own food - this will be discussed in our virtual check-in - and you will be shown how to hang a bear-bag and filter water while on trail. We will be outside for the entirety of this program.
If you have any questions or concerns, please email Sam Stewart the instructor at sam.stewart@mdc.mo.gov.
Thank you and our hope and goal is for each of you to be more inspired to explore the trails around you - whether that is through practicing your backpacking skills during this trip or taking longer day hikes. We want you to know that you have access in many ways to our beautiful natural resources!
Join us for a 3-mile hike through the forests and glades of LaBarque Creek Conservation Area. Take a scenic break with a relaxing lunch near the midway point and test your bird and plant ID skills while exploring the winding paths of this beautiful area. Uneven trails and steep terrain necessitate use of proper footwear. Also be sure to dress adequately for the weather as it could be potentially cold.
This program is one of several in our new Outdoor Skills Series (see detailed list below). Whether you’re seeking to connect more to nature or hone your outdoor skills, these classes are for you. Sign up for some or all and get to meet others that share your interests in the outdoors!
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Outdoor Skills Series Location Date Time
1. Backpacking Basics Pacific Library 2/27/2025 3:30-4:30
2. Compass and Map Caldwell Memorial WA 3/27/2025 11:00-12:30
3. Bird ID for Beginners Rockwoods Reservation 4/9/2025 9:00-10:00
4. Hike Conservation Area LaBarque Creek CA 4/26/2025 10:00-2:00
5. Outdoor Cooking Rockwoods Reservation 5/7/2025 10:00-11:30
6. Discover Nature Fishing 1 Shaw Nature Reserve 5/9/2025 10:00-12:00
7. Tree ID + Guided Hike Caldwell Memorial WA 5/13/2025 10:00-12:00
8. Knot Tying Caldwell Memorial WA 5/23/2025 10:00-11:30
9. Primitive Camping 101 Caldwell Memorial WA 5/23/2025 12:00-1:00
10. Archery Rockwoods Reservation 6/10/2025 10:00-11:00
11. Atlatl Rockwoods Reservation 6/10/2025 11:30-12:30
Join us to learn basic outdoor cooking. This event will cover simple fire making methods, cooking utensils, food options and how to cook using a backpacking wood stove. Toward the end of the program, participants will have an opportunity to put into practice what they’ve learned and enjoy some oatmeal and hot chocolate.
All planning to attend the event should register separately. Children younger than fifteen years of age must be accompanied by an adult. Be sure to dress appropriately for the weather.
This program is one of several in our new Outdoor Skills Series (see detailed list below). Whether you’re seeking to connect more to nature or hone your outdoor skills, these classes are for you. Sign up for some or all and get to meet others that share your interests in the outdoors!
___________________________________________________________________________
Outdoor Skills Series Location Date Time
1. Backpacking Basics Pacific Library 2/27/2025 3:30-4:30
2. Compass and Map Caldwell Memorial WA 3/27/2025 11:00-12:30
3. Bird ID for Beginners Rockwoods Reservation 4/9/2025 9:00-10:00
4. Hike Conservation Area LaBarque Creek CA 4/26/2025 10:00-2:00
5. Outdoor Cooking Rockwoods Reservation 5/7/2025 10:00-11:30
6. Discover Nature Fishing 1 Shaw Nature Reserve 5/9/2025 10:00-12:00
7. Tree ID + Guided Hike Caldwell Memorial WA 5/13/2025 10:00-12:00
8. Knot Tying Caldwell Memorial WA 5/23/2025 10:00-11:30
9. Primitive Camping 101 Caldwell Memorial WA 5/23/2025 12:00-1:00
10. Archery Rockwoods Reservation 6/10/2025 10:00-11:00
11. Atlatl Rockwoods Reservation 6/10/2025 11:30-12:30
Come join us to learn fishing basics!
Lesson 1: Equipment, Casting and Proper Fish Handling combines instruction with hands-on fishing to teach young anglers and families basic fishing techniques and skills. Participants will learn how to properly and safely cast a spincast fishing rod, parts of a fishing rod, how to fasten basic fishing tackle and how to properly handle and release a fish. Fishing equipment and bait/lures will be provided.
This program is one of several in our new Outdoor Skills Series (see detailed list below). Whether you’re seeking to connect more to nature or hone your outdoor skills, these classes are for you. Sign up for some or all and get to meet others that share your interests in the outdoors!
___________________________________________________________________________
Outdoor Skills Series Location Date Time
1. Backpacking Basics Pacific Library 2/27/2025 3:30-4:30
2. Compass and Map Caldwell Memorial WA 3/27/2025 11:00-12:30
3. Bird ID for Beginners Rockwoods Reservation 4/9/2025 9:00-10:00
4. Hike Conservation Area LaBarque Creek CA 4/26/2025 10:00-2:00
5. Outdoor Cooking Rockwoods Reservation 5/7/2025 10:00-11:30
6. Discover Nature Fishing 1 Shaw Nature Reserve 5/9/2025 10:00-12:00
7. Tree ID + Guided Hike Caldwell Memorial WA 5/13/2025 10:00-12:00
8. Knot Tying Caldwell Memorial WA 5/23/2025 10:00-11:30
9. Primitive Camping 101 Caldwell Memorial WA 5/23/2025 12:00-1:00
10. Archery Rockwoods Reservation 6/10/2025 10:00-11:00
11. Atlatl Rockwoods Reservation 6/10/2025 11:30-12:30
Improve your tree identification skills while enjoying a short, guided hike at Caldwell Memorial Wildlife Area.
Join MDC Forester Cody Bailey as he explores the unique identifying characteristics of more than 20 of Missouri’s most common tree species. Learn about the important benefits each provides to people as well as animals and habitat. Perfect for families, hikers, and nature lovers. Reserve your spot today and connect with the forest in a whole new way!
This program is one of several in our new Outdoor Skills Series (see detailed list below). Whether you’re seeking to connect more to nature or hone your outdoor skills, these classes are for you. Sign up for some or all and get to meet others that share your interests in the outdoors!
___________________________________________________________________________
Outdoor Skills Series Location Date Time
1. Backpacking Basics Pacific Library 2/27/2025 3:30-4:30
2. Compass and Map Caldwell Memorial WA 3/27/2025 11:00-12:30
3. Bird ID for Beginners Rockwoods Reservation 4/9/2025 9:00-10:00
4. Hike Conservation Area LaBarque Creek CA 4/26/2025 10:00-2:00
5. Outdoor Cooking Rockwoods Reservation 5/7/2025 10:00-11:30
6. Discover Nature Fishing 1 Shaw Nature Reserve 5/9/2025 10:00-12:00
7. Tree ID + Guided Hike Caldwell Memorial WA 5/13/2025 10:00-12:00
8. Knot Tying Caldwell Memorial WA 5/23/2025 10:00-11:30
9. Primitive Camping 101 Caldwell Memorial WA 5/23/2025 12:00-1:00
10. Archery Rockwoods Reservation 6/10/2025 10:00-11:00
11. Atlatl Rockwoods Reservation 6/10/2025 11:30-12:30
Can’t tie a knot so you tie a lot? This course is designed to show you how to tie the 10 most basic knots for the outdoors. We will explain and demonstrate what each knot is used for, and let you have hands on practicing tying each knot.
This program is one of several in our new Outdoor Skills Series (see detailed list below). Whether you’re seeking to connect more to nature or hone your outdoor skills, these classes are for you. Sign up for some or all and get to meet others that share your interests in the outdoors!
___________________________________________________________________________
Outdoor Skills Series Location Date Time
1. Backpacking Basics Pacific Library 2/27/2025 3:30-4:30
2. Compass and Map Caldwell Memorial WA 3/27/2025 11:00-12:30
3. Bird ID for Beginners Rockwoods Reservation 4/9/2025 9:00-10:00
4. Hike Conservation Area LaBarque Creek CA 4/26/2025 10:00-2:00
5. Outdoor Cooking Rockwoods Reservation 5/7/2025 10:00-11:30
6. Discover Nature Fishing 1 Shaw Nature Reserve 5/9/2025 10:00-12:00
7. Tree ID + Guided Hike Caldwell Memorial WA 5/13/2025 10:00-12:00
8. Knot Tying Caldwell Memorial WA 5/23/2025 10:00-11:30
9. Primitive Camping 101 Caldwell Memorial WA 5/23/2025 12:00-1:00
10. Archery Rockwoods Reservation 6/10/2025 10:00-11:00
11. Atlatl Rockwoods Reservation 6/10/2025 11:30-12:30
Have you ever wanted to camp outside in a more traditional way but weren't sure of how to go about it? Or perhaps you're an experienced camper seeking to learn a few more additional tips and tricks for enjoying your nighttime get away in the outdoors. Whether you're a camping novice or a long-time nature enthusiast, you're sure to leave with some helpful takeaways. Join us at Caldwell Memorial Wildlife Area and learn about site selection, camping gear options, primitive camping methods, and the art of hammocking.
This program is one of several in our new Outdoor Skills Series (see detailed list below). Whether you’re seeking to connect more to nature or hone your outdoor skills, these classes are for you. Sign up for some or all and get to meet others that share your interests in the outdoors!
___________________________________________________________________________
Outdoor Skills Series Location Date Time
1. Backpacking Basics Pacific Library 2/27/2025 3:30-4:30
2. Compass and Map Caldwell Memorial WA 3/27/2025 11:00-12:30
3. Bird ID for Beginners Rockwoods Reservation 4/9/2025 9:00-10:00
4. Hike Conservation Area LaBarque Creek CA 4/26/2025 10:00-2:00
5. Outdoor Cooking Rockwoods Reservation 5/7/2025 10:00-11:30
6. Discover Nature Fishing 1 Shaw Nature Reserve 5/9/2025 10:00-12:00
7. Tree ID + Guided Hike Caldwell Memorial WA 5/13/2025 10:00-12:00
8. Knot Tying Caldwell Memorial WA 5/23/2025 10:00-11:30
9. Primitive Camping 101 Caldwell Memorial WA 5/23/2025 12:00-1:00
10. Archery Rockwoods Reservation 6/10/2025 10:00-11:00
11. Atlatl Rockwoods Reservation 6/10/2025 11:30-12:30What a great way to spend an beautiful Spring evening! Come join us for a delicious snack/dinner cooked over coals in a cast iron Dutch oven. Then you will learn how to make a tasty Dutch oven dessert. While we wait for the dessert to cook, there will be fun activities for the kids and adults. Bring your camp chairs and an appetite!
