Best Dispersed Camping near Overland Park, KS

Dispersed camping near Overland Park, Kansas includes two primary locations within driving distance. Leavenworth Kansas State Fishing Lake offers primitive camping along a 160-acre lake, while Crooked River Conservation Area in neighboring Missouri provides free camping on conservation land. Both areas feature minimal amenities typical of dispersed camping, with designated areas for tent and RV camping. The Missouri Department of Conservation manages Crooked River, while the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks oversees the Leavenworth site.

Access to these areas varies by location. Leavenworth Kansas State Fishing Lake features gravel pull-off areas and a lakeside gravel road, with limited suitability for larger vehicles. A county road traverses the area and crosses the dam. Crooked River Conservation Area permits both drive-in and walk-in access. Camping at Leavenworth appears to have a 7-day limit based on camper reports, stricter than the 14-day standard at many public lands. Neither location provides drinking water, electric hookups, or sanitary dump stations.

These primitive sites attract visitors seeking quiet, natural settings. Leavenworth Kansas State Fishing Lake remains relatively uncrowded even during summer months. "Camped here several days in late June. There were very few campers, even on the weekends," noted one visitor. The lake offers fishing opportunities, with some campers arriving at dawn specifically for this activity. Crooked River Conservation Area provides a more rustic experience with "pit toilets and mowed area for camping," according to a review, plus hunting and fishing access. Both locations feature basic toilet facilities, though reviews indicate maintenance may be inconsistent. Leavenworth offers some shaded sites in forested areas and others with lake views, providing options for different camping preferences.