Camping

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camping
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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.

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Guidelines for Camping on MDC Areas

Check the Dates

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.

Bring Your Own Necessities

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.

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Before You Go

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.

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Know The Rules
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  • Campers can stay up to 14 consecutive days in any 30-day period and must remove all personal property at the end of the 14-day period. Each camper is limited to 30 total camping days within one calendar year on all department lands.
  • On those areas with established campsites, only two camping or sleeping units are permitted in each site.
  • Walk-in (dispersed) campers should camp at least 100 yards from parking lots and roads.
  • Pack out at least as much as you pack in, and don’t burn trash in campfires.
  • Check the regulations for the specific area where you want to camp. Some areas allow open dispersed camping (walk-in-, float-in-, or backpack-type camping) while others allow camping only in designated sites. Some areas require a special use permit for all camping.
  • Groups of more than 10 people camping on conservation lands must obtain a special use permit.
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Respect Your Neighbors

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.

Keep Fire Contained; Use Local Firewood

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.

Properly Dispose of Human Waste

If no latrine is available at your campsite, follow these steps to properly dispose of human waste:

  • Choose a spot that is at least 200 feet away from a trail, water source, or campsite.
  • Make a hole about 4 inches wide and 6 to 8 inches deep to contain the waste.
  • When finished, completely cover the hole, and do not leave any toilet paper visible on top of the ground.
Be Bear Aware

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.

Plan For Emergencies

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.

Report Misuse

To report any misuse of the area, contact the Conservation Agent assigned to the county where you observed the issue.

Great Places For Camping

Events

Find events near you.
Registration period: March 18 - April 2
Date: Wednesday, April 3, 2024 10:00 am - Wednesday, April 3, 2024 12:00 pm
Location: First Baptist Church of Greenfield

Get a taste of tradition and learn some camp cooking the old fashioned way.

This event is for all who want to know more about cooking with Dutch Ovens; those cast iron black pots that make food taste so delicious!

Learn the basics of Dutch Oven cooking and sample your way to a newfound interest in traditional camp cooking.

Whether you are a "seasoned" expert or are thinking about getting started, this event is for you.
Registration period: January 13 - April 3
Date: Thursday, April 4, 2024 2:30 pm - Thursday, April 4, 2024 3:00 pm
Location: Online only
Cooking outdoors is a great complement to many other outdoor activities. Whether you are camping, fishing, hunting, or enjoying your backyard, this program will add another element to your outdoor experience. This session will focus on the common equipment needed for cooking any fish and different cooking methods.
Registration period: January 13 - April 10
Date: Thursday, April 11, 2024 2:30 pm - Thursday, April 11, 2024 3:00 pm
Location: Online only
Cooking outdoors is a great complement to many other outdoor activities. Whether you are camping, fishing, hunting, or enjoying your backyard, this program will add another element to your outdoor experience. This session will focus on frying fish, including the different types of oil, seasonings, and methods.
Registration period: January 13 - April 17
Date: Thursday, April 18, 2024 2:30 pm - Thursday, April 18, 2024 3:00 pm
Location: Online only
Cooking outdoors is a great complement to many other outdoor activities. Whether you are camping, fishing, hunting, or enjoying your backyard, this program will add another element to your outdoor experience. In this session, we will discuss different methods, techniques, and ingredients to grill or bake fish.
Registration period: March 1 - April 4
Date: Saturday, April 20, 2024 8:00 am - Saturday, April 20, 2024 9:30 am
Location: Lake City Shooting Range

What a great way to spend an early Spring morning! Come join us for a delicious breakfast from a Dutch oven over coals and learn how to make a tasty Dutch oven dessert for later. 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!

Registration period: February 20 - April 21
Date: Saturday, April 20, 2024 8:00 am - Sunday, April 21, 2024 1:00 pm
Location: Paddy Creek Wilderness and Big Piney Trail

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. 8 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. 8 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 13 (6:00pm-8:00pm) which is around five weeks prior to the trip to introduce the group and discuss trip preparation and logistics. A supply list will be emailed to you if you need any backpacking equipment or gear. You will also be required to submit a survey of your past outdoor skills experience, as well as submit an emergency medical form in case of any emergency while on trail.

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 the instructor.

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!
Registration period: January 13 - April 24
Date: Thursday, April 25, 2024 2:30 pm - Thursday, April 25, 2024 3:00 pm
Location: Online only
Cooking outdoors is a great complement to many other outdoor activities. Whether you are camping, fishing, hunting, or enjoying your backyard, this program will add another element to your outdoor experience. In this session, we will look at smoking, canning, pickling, and salt fish to name a few.
Registration period: February 16 - May 9
Date: Saturday, May 11, 2024 10:00 am - Saturday, May 11, 2024 11:30 am
Location: Shaw Nature Reserve

This event will cover simple fire making methods, cooking utensils, food options and how to cook using a tin can. Toward the end of the program, participants will have an opportunity to put into practice what they’ve learned.

All planning to attend the event should register separately. Children younger than fifteen years of age must be accompanied by an adult. If you have any questions, please contact the host.

We look forward to having you join us!
Registration period: March 7 - May 10
Date: Saturday, June 1, 2024 6:00 am - Sunday, June 2, 2024 12:00 pm
Location: Montauk State Park

Missouri Disabled Sportsem will be hosting eight (8) mobility impaired individuals for a weekend of trout fishing at Montauk State Park.

Mentors, track chairs, daily trout tag, fishing equipment, and room & board will be provided for the selected participants.

Our group will be staying at a near by campground Friday night through Sunday morning. Selected participants can book their own accomidations if camping is not an option for them.

The eight selected participants will be notified of their inclusion to the event approximately two-weeks prior.
Registration period: March 15 - June 22
Date: Saturday, June 22, 2024 11:00 am - Saturday, June 22, 2024 12:30 pm
Location: Cape Girardeau Nature Center
With the start of summer comes frogs singing throughout the night around our ponds. One in particular is bull frogs. We’ll learn about bull frog life history and the frog gigging season before making some delicious frog leg mole tacos. We’ll also learn how to make your own tortillas.