Camper submitted image from Montrose Missouri Conservation Area Dispersed Camping - 1

View Photos

Camper submitted image from Montrose Missouri Conservation Area Dispersed Camping - 2
Roads
Camper submitted image from Montrose Missouri Conservation Area Dispersed Camping - 3
Camping
Camper submitted image from Montrose Missouri Conservation Area Dispersed Camping - 4
Nature
Camper submitted image from Montrose Missouri Conservation Area Dispersed Camping - 5
Water
Unlock Planning Tools in App
pro

Free Camping Collection

Dispersed Camping

Montrose Missouri Conservation Area Dispersed Camping

CAMPER SUMMARY PRESENTED BYFord

Montrose Missouri Conservation Area Dispersed Camping, near Montrose, Missouri, is a laid-back spot perfect for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle. This area offers free camping with a large grassy space where you can set up your tent or RV, making it a great choice for a peaceful retreat.

Visitors have enjoyed the quiet atmosphere and the chance to connect with nature. Many have mentioned the local wildlife, including a friendly cat that seems to have made the campground its home. One camper shared, “I made a kittah friend,” highlighting the unique charm of the area. While the facilities are basic, with pit toilets and no running water, the natural beauty and serene environment more than make up for it.

Fishing and boating are popular activities here, with a lake that draws in those looking to cast a line. Just be aware that the lake can be shallow, so water shoes are recommended. Campers have also enjoyed exploring the area for arrowheads, adding a bit of adventure to their stay. If you’re in the mood for a drink, you might even find some surprisingly good wine at the local auto parts store nearby.

With its scenic views and relaxed vibe, Montrose Missouri Conservation Area is a solid choice for anyone looking to unwind in nature. Just remember to bring your own supplies and be prepared for a more rustic experience.

Fee Info

Free

Reservation Info

None

Suggest an Edit

Location

Montrose Missouri Conservation Area Dispersed Camping is located in Missouri

Detail location of campground

Coordinates

38.30914646 N
93.97116255 W

Open in Google Maps

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
    Verizon
    No Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    AT&TLTE
    Some Coverage

The Dyrt Alerts

Get reservations at sold-out campgrounds.

Learn More
Presented byT Mobile

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
    Verizon
    No Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    AT&TLTE
    Some Coverage

Access

  • Drive-In
    Park next to your site
  • Walk-In
    Park in a lot, walk to your site.

Site Types

  • Tent Sites
  • RV Sites
  • Standard (Tent/RV)
  • Dispersed
  • Group
  • Equestrian

Features

For Campers

  • ADA Access
  • Trash
  • Phone Service
  • Toilets
  • Alcohol
  • Pets
  • Fires

For Vehicles

  • Pull-Through Sites

DISPERSED CAMPING

Enjoy dispersed camping on government land and leave no trace. Pack in and pack out. No (or limited) services at this camping area. Permit may be required.


PERMIT might be REQUIRED

We curate permit requirements across the US for our PRO members. Try PRO to see if Montrose Missouri Conservation Area Dispersed Camping needs a permit.

Contact

General Info


2025 Detourist Giveaway

Presented byToyota Trucks

Review Campgrounds. Win Prizes.

Enter to Win

Reviews

Add Review

5 Stars

4 Stars

3 Stars

2 Stars

1 Star

64%
28%
0%
10%
0%

4.5

out of 5

11 Reviews

Reviewed Jul. 3, 2025

GORGEOUS

the stars were beautiful, the “sites” were spacious and well spread out, and there is lots of shade. you could definitely get a big rig in and out of here on the looped gravel roads.

Siten/a
Month of VisitJuly
Reviewed Apr. 25, 2025

Enjoyed Our Stay

Large grass area available for tents or campers. No specific camp locations. No fire rings or picnic tables. Pit toilets are as expected.

Shallow muddy water but it does attract wildlife. A bit of road noise but tolerable. Perfect for our one night stay.

Month of VisitApril
Reviewed Jan. 20, 2024

Decent spot

It was quiet. We enjoyed our stay. I read about the black cat that was found there in the other review. It was still there when we camped in late December and quite hungry. Very friendly and needing love. We brought him home with us and he is the most amazing cat. Took a while to get litter trained but I’m glad we opened up our home to him before the bad weather got here. Thanks to this site, we found our new family member! Thanks to whoever posted.

Month of VisitDecember
  • Review photo of Montrose Missouri Conservation Area Dispersed Camping by Megan C., January 20, 2024
  • Review photo of Montrose Missouri Conservation Area Dispersed Camping by Megan C., January 20, 2024
  • Review photo of Montrose Missouri Conservation Area Dispersed Camping by Megan C., January 20, 2024
Reviewed Aug. 28, 2023

I Made a Kittah Friend

There is a super sweet local cat who befriended me here and made my visit so much better. I had some mechanical issues with my car and Kampground Kittah tried to help. 🤣

Bathrooms were fine. It’s free camping so it was great that there were bathrooms at all.

One of the locals stopped by my site to look for arrowheads. Apparently, she has found a lot in the area so that’s a good activity if the kids are bored.

If you’re looking for a good wine, you can find some at the local auto parts store. I am not kidding! I think it’s Rick’s Auto Parts and their liquor is priced very reasonably. 😄 If your car’s broken down and you can’t drive, I guess you might as well drink and Rick’s there to help you out with both. 🤣

Siteopen
Month of VisitAugust
  • Review photo of Montrose Missouri Conservation Area Dispersed Camping by Andi P., August 28, 2023
  • Review photo of Montrose Missouri Conservation Area Dispersed Camping by Andi P., August 28, 2023
  • Review photo of Montrose Missouri Conservation Area Dispersed Camping by Andi P., August 28, 2023
  • (7) View All
Reviewed May. 6, 2023

Stinky toilet

Large grassy area with plenty of room to set up a tent or camper. Right off the road, so no dirt roads to traverse. Signs were confusing as to whether it is ok to camp, but they didn't explicitly say no camping. The lake is really just a mud bog, so not very appealing unless you came to duck hunt. No picnic tables or fire pits. The pit toilet was really gross, but there was toilet paper.

Month of VisitMay
Reviewed Apr. 25, 2023

Amazing experience!

We got to campsite pretty late, so when everyone was unpacked we went straight to bed. shortly after we all passed out from the long and beautiful 16 hour drive, we started hearing all the wildlife and I will never forget waking up in the most beautiful place. Was a picture perfect moment, Colorado springs will forever hold a spot in my, and my family's memories. have fun and safe travels!

SiteB4
Month of VisitMay
  • Review photo of Montrose Missouri Conservation Area Dispersed Camping by Charles N., April 25, 2023
Reviewed Oct. 15, 2022

Beautiful!!!

Big lake, several sites to choose, good fishing, pit toilets. The sign says NO FISHING after Oct.14 because of duck season. Open for camping. Mowed, TP stocked, plenty of firewood and room for dogs to run.

Site…right on the lake
Month of VisitOctober
  • Review photo of Montrose Missouri Conservation Area Dispersed Camping by T N., October 15, 2022
  • Review photo of Montrose Missouri Conservation Area Dispersed Camping by T N., October 15, 2022
  • Review photo of Montrose Missouri Conservation Area Dispersed Camping by T N., October 15, 2022
  • (4) View All
Reviewed Sep. 26, 2022

One night stop

Nice city park campground. Location was nice and quiet with beautiful views of lake. Bathrooms were terrible. Verizon service was good. No other amenities. Nice location for an over night stop but not much more.

Month of VisitSeptember
  • Review photo of Montrose Missouri Conservation Area Dispersed Camping by Ron P., September 26, 2022
  • Review photo of Montrose Missouri Conservation Area Dispersed Camping by Ron P., September 26, 2022
  • Review photo of Montrose Missouri Conservation Area Dispersed Camping by Ron P., September 26, 2022
Reviewed Jun. 6, 2022

Great Secluded Dispersed Camping

There is no camping allowed after October 15 due to hunting season. This was not on the website and was not seeable in dust when arriving late on a small sign in the bushes. Thankfully we were not shot! While free, dispersed sites, there are easily established fire pit areas to choose from Vault toilets were absolutely disgusting, thankfully we brought our own toilet paper. Easily accessible car camping. Not too many other campers at the other site where we spotted some RVs. Overall the remote location, gorgeous scenery and with a couple boats makes for a great weekend.

Siteboat launch area
Month of VisitOctober
  • Review photo of Montrose Missouri Conservation Area Dispersed Camping by Leni K., June 6, 2022
  • lake
    Play button icon
  • Review photo of Montrose Missouri Conservation Area Dispersed Camping by Leni K., June 6, 2022
  • (8) View All
Reviewed Apr. 10, 2022

Worth it

Beautiful Campsites on the opposite side of the boat drops and free.

Site0
Month of VisitMay
Reviewed Nov. 29, 2020

montrose conservation area missouri

this little off the beaten path camp ground his paved roads, boat access for 2 areas 1 near the damn which closes a gate after 10pm, we use the other area near the conservation station(although ive never seen anyone there) park rangers are mostly non existent , they do drive through, they are quite nice an most the time never stop just smile an wave, there some fire spots but be kind an put up rocks that you can find along the shore, there is bathroom facilities and a dumpster behind the conservation building.

the area is surrounded by trees but the area is clean, nice soft grass, there are pecan an walnut trees so watch out for your heads when its fall lol . you can fish, boat and swim but i recommend  water shoes. the water is very shallow most the time its only chest deep out in the middle. there is loads of wildlife to see an arent much scared of humans, racoons,beavers, crane, squirrels,dear,owls an much more. theres also blackberries in the fall. 

all in all a very nice quiet little free camp area. we go all the time.

  • Review photo of Montrose Missouri Conservation Area Dispersed Camping by Sarah , November 29, 2020
  • Review photo of Montrose Missouri Conservation Area Dispersed Camping by Sarah , November 29, 2020

Frequently Asked Questions

What facilities are available at Montrose Lake Conservation Area for camping?

Montrose Lake Conservation Area offers basic facilities for dispersed camping. The area has vault toilets (pit toilets) that are typically maintained with toilet paper. There are no designated campsites with amenities like fire rings or picnic tables, but there are established fire pit areas created by previous campers. The conservation area features paved and gravel roads with a looped design that provides good access. While facilities are minimal, the spacious grassy areas provide plenty of room for tents and campers. No hookups or water sources are available, so campers should come prepared with everything they need.

What fishing and recreational activities are permitted at Montrose Lake?

Fishing is permitted at Montrose Lake most of the year, though it's prohibited after October 14 due to duck hunting season. The lake supports good fishing opportunities, though water conditions can be muddy at times. Beyond fishing, the area is popular for duck hunting in season, wildlife observation, and bird watching. The conservation area attracts various wildlife, making it great for nature photography. Boating is allowed with two boat access areas available—one near the dam (which closes its gate after 10pm) and another near the conservation station. The open spaces also provide room for dogs to run and play. Always check current regulations as activities may have seasonal restrictions.

How do I find secluded camping spots at Montrose Lake Conservation Area?

To find secluded camping at Montrose Lake Conservation Area, head to the opposite side of the boat launch areas where you'll find more privacy. The conservation area features spacious grassy areas with well-spread-out spots under shade trees. The looped gravel roads make it easy to access different areas and find your preferred level of seclusion. Since there are no designated sites, you can choose your own spot based on your privacy preferences. Evening and nighttime offer particularly peaceful experiences with minimal visitor traffic, making it ideal for stargazing and enjoying wildlife sounds.

Is camping at Montrose Lake in Missouri free or is there a fee?

Camping at Montrose Lake Conservation Area is completely free. There are no fees required to camp in this dispersed camping area. This makes it an excellent option for budget-conscious campers looking for no-cost camping in Missouri. While the camping is free, remember that amenities are minimal, with only vault toilets provided. No reservations are needed—simply arrive and select an available spot in the large grassy areas. Note that camping is not permitted after October 15 due to hunting season, so plan your visit accordingly.