Fishing, swimming, and hiking draw campers to Drury-Mincy Conservation Area near Kirbyville, Missouri, where a stream about two miles down Gunnison Road has several accessible swimming holes. The campground sits on a gravel road off Highway J, and the entrance is easy to miss since there are no signs marking it from the main road. Reviewers consistently note that the steep, graveled entry drive can challenge lower-clearance vehicles, so drivers should approach slowly and with caution.
Around 13 first-come, first-served sites are spread across the area, most with fire rings and picnic tables. The sites include pull-through spots large enough for smaller RVs as well as open grass pads suited to tents. No water or electric hookups are available at the site, and the nearest town for resupply runs roughly 25 minutes away. Cell coverage is workable for most carriers, with AT&T and Verizon users reporting two to three bars and enough signal to stream video.
The campground stays quiet on weekdays but can fill quickly during hunting seasons, as one recent visitor found every site occupied during the opening week of spring turkey season. Campers exploring campgrounds around Kirbyville will find this one among the few free options in the area with maintained facilities. Nearby alternatives include Beaver Creek (MO) to the northeast and Hidden Valley RV Park to the northwest. As one reviewer put it, "no electric or water so come prepared." Drury-Mincy works best for self-sufficient campers who want free, no-frills access to Ozarks recreation without crowds.
Description
Drury-Mincy Conservation Area is in southern Taney County, southeast of Branson, off of Route J. The area, located in the heart of the White River glade region, was the Conservation Department's first deer refuge. The area is named for early landowner Frank Drury and the settlement of Mincy. The Commission leased the land in 1939, then purchased it in 1987. At present, the area is comprised of 5,599 acres which includes a portion of Bull Shoals Lake managed lands. By the turn of the century, deer numbers had dwindled to the point that Missouri could claim only 14 herds. One of these lived in the Drury-Mincy area. The area was purchased by a private landowner in 1929, who worked with the Department to increase deer numbers. From 1939 through 1959, Drury-Mincy deer were successfully used to restore populations statewide. The Drury-Mincy area, one of three areas that supported flocks of native wild turkeys, provided 300 turkeys for statewide restoration projects during the 1960s. Bluestem glades and post oak woodlands dominated the rolling hills. Mincy, Fox, and Bee creeks meander through stands of wild cane on their way to Bull Shoals Lake. Purple beardtongue, fringetree, and Ashe juniper are among the unusual plants found on the area.
Primitive camping is permitted in designated camping area only. Campers are limited to 14 consecutive days in a 30-day period. Groups of more than 10 campers are required to obtain a special use permit.
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsDrury-Mincy Conservation Area is located in Missouri near Kirbyville
Coordinates
36.55307466 N
93.10815 W
Connectivity
T-Mobile5GGood CoverageVerified by 1 userLast on 8/6/26
VerizonLTESome Coverage- AT&TLTESome CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 8/6/26
Connectivity
- T-Mobile5GGood CoverageVerified by 1 userLast on 8/6/26
- VerizonLTESome Coverage
- AT&TLTESome CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 8/6/26
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
- Hike-InBackcountry sites.
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Dispersed
Features
For Campers
- ADA Access
- Trash
- Picnic Table
- Phone Service
- Toilets
- Alcohol
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Pull-Through Sites
- 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 Drury-Mincy Conservation Area needs a permit.
Drive Time
- 58 min from Springfield, MO
- 1 hr 56 min from Joplin, MO
- 1 hr 57 min from Fayetteville, AR
- 2 hrs 42 min from Fort Smith, AR
