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Established Camping

Hunnewell Lake Conservation Area

7 Reviews
CAMPER SUMMARY PRESENTED BYFord

Hunnewell Lake Conservation Area, near Hunnewell, Missouri, is a solid spot for those looking to enjoy some free camping. With grassy sites, picnic tables, and fire pits, it’s a straightforward setup that lets you focus on the great outdoors without breaking the bank.

The area features a lovely lake where you can paddle around in free boats, provided you bring your own life jacket. Campers have mentioned the peaceful vibe, with plenty of ducks around, making it a nice backdrop for a relaxing stay. Just keep in mind that the campground can slope toward the lake, so finding a level spot might take a little effort.

For those who enjoy fishing, there’s a fish hatchery nearby, although it might be closed during your visit. While some campers noted that the rules about quiet hours could use a bit more enforcement, the overall atmosphere remains friendly and laid-back. If you’re looking for a simple, no-frills camping experience, Hunnewell Lake Conservation Area is worth checking out.

Location

Hunnewell Lake Conservation Area is located in Missouri

Detail location of campground

Directions

From Hunnewell, take Route Z north 3 miles to the area.

Address

6503 Highway Z
Hunnewell, MO 63443

Coordinates

39.71172709 N
91.86280255 W

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Connectivity

Presented byT-Mobile SatelliteT-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoorsLearn More
  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile
    No Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    VerizonLTE
    Some Coverage
    Verified by 2 users
  • signal strength bars
    AT&TLTE
    Some Coverage

Detours Nearby

LOCAL FAVORITES PRESENTED BYToyota Trucks
Frank Russell Campground

Frank Russell Campground

37 min away

Indian Lake Park

Indian Lake Park

1 hr 29 min away

Drive Time

Presented byToyota Trucks

Connectivity

Presented byT-Mobile SatelliteT-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoorsLearn More
  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile
    No Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    VerizonLTE
    Some Coverage
    Verified by 2 users
  • signal strength bars
    AT&TLTE
    Some Coverage

Access

  • Drive-In
    Park next to your site

Site Types

  • Tent Sites
  • Standard (Tent/RV)
  • Group
  • Tent Cabin

Features

For Campers

  • ADA Access
  • Trash
  • Picnic Table
  • Phone Service
  • Drinking Water
  • Toilets
  • Pets
  • Fires

For Vehicles

  • Big Rig Friendly

FREE established camping

Enjoy camping on government land. Limited or no services at this camping area.

PERMIT might be REQUIRED

We curate permit requirements across the US for our PRO members. Try PRO to see if Hunnewell Lake Conservation Area needs a permit.

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Contact

General Info

Reservations

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Reviews

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58%
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4.0

out of 5

7 Reviews

D
Reviewed Jul. 31, 2025

Lousy, over-rated

Yes, the price is right (free), but this was not a great experience. Might be fun if you are into fishing; I am not. I just wanted a quiet place to camp for a night on my route from New Mexico to Chicago. Sites are open and close together. Other campers were loud into the night. There are some large maintenance buildings blocking the view of the lake, so it's not particularly pretty at the campsites. Plus I came away with a ton of bug bites. Happy to get on my way after a not-so-restful night.

TThe Dyrt PRO User
Reviewed Mar. 1, 2025

Great place to stay

Stayed for two nights. Beautiful lake and being it was the end of February I was the only one there. Highly recommend

Month of VisitFebruary
Matthew H.
Reviewed Oct. 19, 2021

Free camping at its finest

Nice campground, mainly tenting but Eva are welcome. Grass sites, fire pit and picnic tables. Lake with free paddle boats(do need life preservers) and fish hatchery across the street. Free potable water and dump station behind ranger station. Generators are ok just make sure they are not too loud and try to if possible running them only when needed

Month of VisitOctober
C
Reviewed Sep. 19, 2021

Free is a good price

Campground consists of open grassy areas with picnic tables and fire grates. Very nice lake, but some industrial type structures interfere with the view from the campground. The campground slopes toward the lake, so finding level ground is a challenge. We stayed Saturday night and there were several open spots. The rules about quiet time are not enforced and some idjit ran his loud generator until 1 am. We ended up moving away from him at 11:30.

Siteunmarked
Month of VisitSeptember
P
Reviewed Oct. 20, 2018

Free camping and boats. Fish Hatchery, Lake.

Another cool find in Missouri. Lake in Conservation Area. Doesn't offer much but it was a bit out of the way. Campground was free. Sites are close together. Some spots more shaded than others. They had rowboats and canoes you could paddle around in. You just needed your own life jacket. The boats were free. There was a shelter with picnic tables by the lake. I like hiking and wished there was a trail that went all around the lake but was only able to go a partial, short way. Still a nice place to stay. Quiet. Looked like there was a ranger station there and fish hatchery but it was closed the two days we were there. So I don't know what all was in the building. Clean pit toilets. Lots of ducks on the lake.

Month of VisitMay
Showing results 1-7 of 7 reviews

Frequently Asked Questions

Is camping allowed at Hunnewell Lake Conservation Area?

Yes, camping is allowed at Hunnewell Lake Conservation Area and it's completely free of charge. The campground features open grassy areas with designated sites. While the sites are relatively close together, some offer more shade than others. The area welcomes both tent campers and RVs, though the terrain slopes toward the lake which can make finding level ground challenging. Generators are permitted but should be operated at reasonable noise levels to respect other campers.

What facilities are available at Hunnewell Lake for campers?

Hunnewell Lake Conservation Area provides basic camping facilities including picnic tables and fire grates at each site. The campground offers vault toilets and a dump station with potable water located behind the ranger station. The grassy camping area is regularly maintained and mowed. Though amenities are limited, the simplicity is part of its appeal. The sites are positioned on sloping ground facing the lake, which may require some leveling for comfortable camping.

Where is Hunnewell Lake located in Missouri?

Hunnewell Lake Conservation Area is located in northeast Missouri. It features a serene lake setting that makes it a nice stopover point for travelers. The conservation area is somewhat out of the way, providing a quieter outdoor experience. For specific directions, contact the Missouri Department of Conservation, as the exact location isn't specified in available information.

What outdoor activities can I do at Hunnewell Conservation Area?

Hunnewell Conservation Area offers several outdoor activities centered around its beautiful lake. Fishing is popular, with the lake being well-stocked. Visitors can enjoy free paddleboats and canoes available for use on the lake (personal life preservers required). There's also a fish hatchery across from the main area that's worth exploring. The tranquil setting is perfect for wildlife observation, especially during off-peak seasons when fewer visitors are present. Hiking opportunities exist around the lake, though dedicated trail information is limited.

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