Best Dispersed Camping near Edwardsville, KS

Dispersed camping options near Edwardsville, Kansas include three notable sites within reasonable driving distance. Leavenworth Kansas State Fishing Lake provides primitive camping along a 160-acre lake with gravel pull-off areas and a lakeside road. State Lake Atchison features designated campsites near piers with clean pit toilets and minimal overnight visitors. Crooked River Conservation Area in Missouri offers free camping in designated areas under Missouri Department of Conservation rules. All three locations permit tent camping, with Leavenworth and Crooked River also accommodating small RVs.

These primitive sites have limited facilities. No drinking water is available at any location, so campers must bring adequate supplies. Pit toilets exist at all three sites, though maintenance quality varies. According to reviews, Leavenworth's facilities are "a little rough but manageable," while State Lake Atchison maintains "clean pit toilets." Fires are permitted at all locations, but visitors should check current fire restrictions before arrival. The areas experience typical Kansas weather patterns with hot summers and cold winters.

Vehicle access differs between sites. Leavenworth Kansas State Fishing Lake has county road access across the dam but is "not suitable for larger vehicles" per visitor reports. State Lake Atchison requires careful navigation, particularly for larger rigs. One camper noted, "We drove down 322nd Rd. to get to our site near the bathrooms across from the maintenance building. That road is gradual enough that I was able to get my short bus down it safely." Crooked River Conservation Area permits both drive-in and walk-in access. All sites tend to be uncrowded, with multiple reviews mentioning peaceful conditions and few overnight campers, particularly on weekdays.