Best Dispersed Camping near Pleasanton, KS
Dispersed camping options near Pleasanton, Kansas include several free sites in neighboring Missouri conservation areas. Montrose Missouri Conservation Area provides primitive camping on large grassy areas suitable for tents and RVs. The sites are accessible via paved roads with no difficult terrain to navigate. According to reviews, the area features a lake that attracts wildlife, though water levels can be shallow and muddy. Poague Conservation Area offers six free dispersed sites with a 14-day stay limit, some large enough to accommodate RVs.
These conservation areas permit fires in established fire rings. Several campers noted that at Montrose, campers should "be kind and put up rocks that you can find along the shore" to create fire spots. Facilities are minimal, with pit toilets available but no picnic tables, fire rings, or potable water. The vault toilets receive mixed reviews regarding cleanliness and maintenance. Visitors should pack out all trash, as accumulation has been reported at some sites, particularly in the Poague Conservation Area.
Important seasonal restrictions apply to these areas. Montrose Conservation Area prohibits camping after October 15 due to hunting season, with signage that may not be immediately visible to arriving campers. Fishing is also restricted during duck season. The areas support diverse wildlife including raccoons, beavers, cranes, squirrels, deer, and owls. The shallow lake at Montrose attracts waterfowl. Campers report generally quiet conditions with minimal ranger presence, though rangers do conduct occasional drive-through checks. Cell service is available in most areas, with Verizon reported to work well.
