Camping

camping

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.

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.

Know The Rules
  • 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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tent camping
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Marshmellows by a fire
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tent camping
Marshmellows by a fire
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grilling at camp

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.
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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

Niangua CA
Niangua Conservation Area
Webster
Niangua Conservation Area is in Webster County, approximately 30 miles east of Springfield and&
See more places for Camping

Events

Find events near you.
Outdoor Cooking: Wild Game Cooking
Registration period: January 9 - February 12
Date: Thursday, February 13, 2025 6:00 pm - Thursday, February 13, 2025 7:30 pm
Location: Online only
Wild game is a great source of protein and offers many health benefits over store purchased products. Due to several factors, these meats often require a different cooking approach to make the best possible table fare. Join us in this virtual classroom as we discuss some of the popular wild game meats available in Missouri and how you can go about preparing some of these.
Outdoor Cooking: Dutch Oven Bread
Registration period: November 21 - February 22
Date: Saturday, February 22, 2025 1:00 pm - Saturday, February 22, 2025 3:00 pm
Location: Cape Girardeau Nature Center
Learning to bake bread can be daunting. Now imagine adding the challenge of traditional cooking methods and coals to the equation. During this program we will get hands on with a simple bread recipe and focus on understanding how you can develop the recipe of your dreams. Portions of this program will be held outdoors so please dress for the weather.
Hiking: Backpacking Basics
Registration period: January 16 - February 23
Date: Thursday, February 27, 2025 3:30 pm - Thursday, February 27, 2025 4:30 pm
Location: Scenic Regional Library - Pacific Branch

Join us for tips on how and what to pack for your next hiking adventure. Learn features to look for in a backpack, fun places to explore in Missouri, and details about our upcoming spring hiking challenge at La Barque Creek Conservation Area.

This program is the first 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 La Barque 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

Pond to Plate: Virtual: Fish Cooking Equipment Needed
Registration period: January 14 - March 24
Date: Tuesday, March 25, 2025 12:00 pm - Tuesday, March 25, 2025 12:30 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.
Orienteering and GPS: Compass and Map
Registration period: January 16 - March 23
Date: Thursday, March 27, 2025 11:00 am - Thursday, March 27, 2025 12:30 pm
Location: Caldwell Memorial Wildlife Area

The compass is an excellent tool to help you reach your destination, identify your location, and map your route. Learn how to do all three by joining us at for this free orienteering program. Included will be a treasure hunt for free giveaways. This event will take place outdoors, so be sure to come prepared with proper footwear, clothing attire for gravel trails, and water.

All planning to attend the event should register separately. Children younger than sixteen years of age must be accompanied by an adult.

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 La Barque 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

Pond to Plate: Virtual: Frying Fish
Registration period: January 14 - March 31
Date: Tuesday, April 1, 2025 12:00 pm - Tuesday, April 1, 2025 12:30 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.
Outdoor Cooking: Cooking your Catch: Trout
Registration period: August 26 - April 3
Date: Thursday, April 3, 2025 6:00 pm - Thursday, April 3, 2025 7:00 pm
Location: Online only
With the start of Trout season upon us come join us online to learn new recipes and techniques to cooking your catch. Registration is required. Participants will receive a class link the morning of the program via E-mail; please check your regular and junk E-mail folders.
Pond to Plate: Virtual: Grilling Fish
Registration period: January 14 - April 7
Date: Tuesday, April 8, 2025 12:00 pm - Tuesday, April 8, 2025 12:30 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.
Birds: Intro to Birding
Registration period: January 16 - April 6
Date: Wednesday, April 9, 2025 9:00 am - Wednesday, April 9, 2025 10:00 am
Location: Rockwoods Reservation

Join us for a beginner bird ID program and discover the various feathered visitors you’re likely to encounter throughout the year in the state of Missouri. This program reviews 20+ common Missouri birds, their physical characteristics, and what foods they’re attracted to. Also, tips will be provided on how to create a bird-friendly environment to attract birds to your backyard. At the end of the program, an optional bird hike along some of Rockwood Reservation's paths will be offered.

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 La Barque 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

Pond to Plate: Virtual: Fish Cooking - Other Methods
Registration period: January 14 - April 14
Date: Tuesday, April 15, 2025 12:00 pm - Tuesday, April 15, 2025 12:30 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.