Best Dispersed Camping near Bucyrus, KS

Dispersed camping near Bucyrus, Kansas includes two main options within driving distance: Leavenworth Kansas State Fishing Lake and Montrose Missouri Conservation Area. Both locations offer primitive camping with minimal amenities in natural settings. The Leavenworth site features a 160-acre lake with gravel pull-off areas and a lakeside gravel road, while Montrose Conservation Area provides large grassy areas suitable for tents and campers without designated sites.

Access to these dispersed camping areas varies by location. Leavenworth Kansas State Fishing Lake has a county road crossing the dam with gravel pull-offs, though the area is not suitable for larger vehicles. Montrose Conservation Area is accessible via paved roads with no difficult terrain to navigate. Both locations enforce camping limits, with Leavenworth reportedly having a 7-day maximum stay. Neither location provides drinking water, and campers should note that Montrose Conservation Area prohibits camping after October 15 due to hunting season, though this restriction may not be clearly marked.

These primitive camping areas provide different experiences based on their settings. Leavenworth offers a quiet environment with lake views and few other campers. "This site was easy to find and had a beautiful view of the lake," noted one visitor. Montrose Conservation Area features more spacious camping with shade trees and wildlife viewing opportunities. The area has looped gravel roads that can accommodate larger vehicles. "The stars were beautiful, the sites were spacious and well spread out, and there is lots of shade," according to a recent review. Both locations have pit toilets, though maintenance quality varies. Campers should be prepared for basic conditions with no amenities such as picnic tables, fire rings, or trash service at either location.

Best Dispersed Sites Near Bucyrus, Kansas (2)

    1. Leavenworth Kansas State Fishing Lake

    4 Reviews
    Tonganoxie, KS
    37 miles
    Website
    +1 (785) 887-6882

    "There's sun by the bathrooms, and there's shade in the forested campground."

    "I assume they went fishing at the lake. Bathroom was a little rough but manageable."

    2. Montrose Missouri Conservation Area Dispersed Camping

    11 Reviews
    Urich, MO
    49 miles
    Website
    +1 (660) 885-6981

    "While free, dispersed sites, there are easily established fire pit areas to choose from Vault toilets were absolutely disgusting, thankfully we brought our own toilet paper."

    "this little off the beaten path camp ground his paved roads, boat access for 2 areas 1 near the damn which closes a gate after 10pm, we use the other area near the conservation station(although ive never"

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Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos near Bucyrus, KS

11 Photos of 2 Bucyrus Campgrounds


Dispersed Camping Reviews near Bucyrus, KS

15 Reviews of 2 Bucyrus Campgrounds


  • Lee F.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 6, 2023

    Montrose Missouri Conservation Area Dispersed Camping

    Stinky toilet

    Large grassy area with plenty of room to set up a tent or camper. Right off the road, so no dirt roads to traverse. Signs were confusing as to whether it is ok to camp, but they didn't explicitly say no camping. The lake is really just a mud bog, so not very appealing unless you came to duck hunt. No picnic tables or fire pits. The pit toilet was really gross, but there was toilet paper.

  • Leni K.
    Jun. 6, 2022

    Montrose Missouri Conservation Area Dispersed Camping

    Great Secluded Dispersed Camping

    There is no camping allowed after October 15 due to hunting season. This was not on the website and was not seeable in dust when arriving late on a small sign in the bushes. Thankfully we were not shot! While free, dispersed sites, there are easily established fire pit areas to choose from Vault toilets were absolutely disgusting, thankfully we brought our own toilet paper. Easily accessible car camping. Not too many other campers at the other site where we spotted some RVs. Overall the remote location, gorgeous scenery and with a couple boats makes for a great weekend.

  • Sarah The Dyrt PRO User
    Nov. 29, 2020

    Montrose Missouri Conservation Area Dispersed Camping

    montrose conservation area missouri

    this little off the beaten path camp ground his paved roads, boat access for 2 areas 1 near the damn which closes a gate after 10pm, we use the other area near the conservation station(although ive never seen anyone there) park rangers are mostly non existent , they do drive through, they are quite nice an most the time never stop just smile an wave, there some fire spots but be kind an put up rocks that you can find along the shore, there is bathroom facilities and a dumpster behind the conservation building.

    the area is surrounded by trees but the area is clean, nice soft grass, there are pecan an walnut trees so watch out for your heads when its fall lol . you can fish, boat and swim but i recommend  water shoes. the water is very shallow most the time its only chest deep out in the middle. there is loads of wildlife to see an arent much scared of humans, racoons,beavers, crane, squirrels,dear,owls an much more. theres also blackberries in the fall. 

    all in all a very nice quiet little free camp area. we go all the time.

  • John G.The Dyrt PRO User
    Apr. 1, 2024

    Leavenworth Kansas State Fishing Lake

    Quiet spot

    This is a small remote lake of about 160 acres water area. A county road takes you through the area and across the dam. There are gravel pull off areas and a lakeside gravel road. The pit toilet is not well maintained. Not suitable for larger vehicles.

  • T
    Oct. 15, 2022

    Montrose Missouri Conservation Area Dispersed Camping

    Beautiful!!!

    Big lake, several sites to choose, good fishing, pit toilets. The sign says NO FISHING after Oct.14 because of duck season. Open for camping. Mowed, TP stocked, plenty of firewood and room for dogs to run.

  • Mark D.The Dyrt PRO User
    Apr. 25, 2025

    Montrose Missouri Conservation Area Dispersed Camping

    Enjoyed Our Stay

    Large grass area available for tents or campers. No specific camp locations. No fire rings or picnic tables. Pit toilets are as expected.

    Shallow muddy water but it does attract wildlife. A bit of road noise but tolerable. Perfect for our one night stay.

  • AThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 28, 2023

    Montrose Missouri Conservation Area Dispersed Camping

    I Made a Kittah Friend

    There is a super sweet local cat who befriended me here and made my visit so much better. I had some mechanical issues with my car and Kampground Kittah tried to help. 🤣

    Bathrooms were fine. It’s free camping so it was great that there were bathrooms at all.

    One of the locals stopped by my site to look for arrowheads. Apparently, she has found a lot in the area so that’s a good activity if the kids are bored.

    If you’re looking for a good wine, you can find some at the local auto parts store. I am not kidding! I think it’s Rick’s Auto Parts and their liquor is priced very reasonably. 😄 If your car’s broken down and you can’t drive, I guess you might as well drink and Rick’s there to help you out with both. 🤣

  • RThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 16, 2025

    Leavenworth Kansas State Fishing Lake

    7-day limit. No trash cans or water, but it's free.

    There's sun by the bathrooms, and there's shade in the forested campground. Everything is as great as it can be, aside from missing trash cans, and ideally water and grey dump, but that's usually rare to find water and a grey dump at a free site.

    I'm starting to think that Kansas has a 7-day limit instead of a 14 because this is the second time that a Kansas park official came to the door and said we need to leave. So I'm going to treat all Kansas places as a 7-day limit.

  • Charles N.The Dyrt PRO User
    Apr. 25, 2023

    Montrose Missouri Conservation Area Dispersed Camping

    Amazing experience!

    We got to campsite pretty late, so when everyone was unpacked we went straight to bed. shortly after we all passed out from the long and beautiful 16 hour drive, we started hearing all the wildlife and I will never forget waking up in the most beautiful place. Was a picture perfect moment, Colorado springs will forever hold a spot in my, and my family's memories. have fun and safe travels!


Guide to Bucyrus

Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Bucyrus, Kansas, where nature enthusiasts can find serene spots to unwind and connect with the outdoors. With a variety of locations offering unique experiences, campers can enjoy fishing, wildlife, and peaceful surroundings.

Dispersed campers should check out Leavenworth Kansas State Fishing Lake

Top activities while free camping near Bucyrus

Wildlife watching for dispersed campers

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Bucyrus, KS?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Bucyrus, KS is Leavenworth Kansas State Fishing Lake with a 4-star rating from 4 reviews.