Tent campsites near Annada, Missouri sit along key waterways and conservation areas in east-central Missouri, about 85 miles northwest of St. Louis. Most primitive camping sites in this region experience seasonal challenges including summer humidity with temperatures typically reaching 85-90°F in July and August. Rain patterns affect site conditions, with spring bringing potential flooding at riverside locations.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: Vandalia Community Lake offers tent campsites with direct lake access. One camper noted, "Gorgeous little lake. Vault toilets. Our camp fire ring was shaped like a heart! Probably not on purpose but we liked it. Very quiet. Lots of fishing."
River watching: At Dupont Reservation Conservation Area, campers can observe Mississippi River traffic from their sites. A visitor mentioned, "This is a free primitive campground on the Mississippi River. Most sites have some sort of fire ring and a gravel spot to pull a vehicle in."
Hiking trails: Little Lost Creek Conservation Area features valley terrain with creek access. A camper described, "There is a great hike down into a valley with the actual Lost Creek at the bottom, completely worth the hard hike back up out of the valley."
What campers like
Affordable camping: Many conservation areas offer free or low-cost camping options. At McCully Heritage Project, a visitor shared, "Ten dollars a night helps maintain land and natural area, all donation, very family oriented."
Wildlife viewing: Tent campsites frequently allow wildlife sightings. At Vandalia Community Lake, a camper mentioned, "Gorgeous little lake. Vault toilets. Our camp fire ring was shaped like a heart! Probably not on purpose but we liked it. Very quiet. Lots of fishing. And we actually saw the cat!"
Spacious sites: Many primitive sites offer room to spread out. At Dupont Reservation Conservation Area, a camper noted, "The campsites are large and pretty well maintained. Not many tables are available. The one I used was wobbly, but held up."
What you should know
Seasonal closures: Most conservation area campgrounds close during hunting seasons. Little Lost Creek Conservation Area has specific restrictions as one camper explained, "The conservation area is closed to camping during various hunting seasons(I ran into a hunter scoping out his turkey hunting spot for the following week's hunt)."
Bathroom facilities: Most tent campsites near Annada feature basic toilet facilities. At William R. Logan Conservation Area, one camper reported, "The only vault toilet was closed and a porta potty was set next to that."
Wildlife encounters: Be prepared for wildlife interactions at tent camping areas. At Vandalia Community Lake, a visitor warned, "Bathrooms are fairly disgusting and full of spiders and there is a stray cat that stalks your food."
Insect activity: Bugs can be prevalent, especially near water. One Dupont Reservation camper cautioned, "This area WILL flood if the river floods; it WILL be buggy in the summer as the campground backs to a large wetlands area."
Tips for camping with families
Playgrounds available: Some areas offer family-friendly play equipment. At McCully Heritage Project, a visitor shared, "I just love the bridge across the pond. We had a picnic and the kids got to play on the playground equipment."
Site selection matters: Choose sites based on their proximity to facilities. At St. Charles County Klondike Park, a camper advised, "Tent camping only. There is water available in the park." Another mentioned, "Make sure to store your food securely overnight - the racoons are pretty thick and hungry at night."
Bring water: Most tent campsites require campers to bring drinking water. At William R. Logan Conservation Area, a visitor reported, "Free primitive campground near a lake in William Logan. No frills camping at about 8-10 sites near the main entrance off Route RA."
Tips from RVers
Size restrictions: Most conservation areas near Annada cannot accommodate large RVs. At William R. Logan Conservation Area, sites are described as basic with minimal space: "There is also a lollipop loop with some really primitive and obviously rarely used campsites in the woods behind the main camp area."
Alternative options: For RV camping with more amenities, travel farther from Annada. About 65 miles southwest at Dr. Edmund A. Babler Memorial State Park, a camper detailed, "What we liked about this campground was the comfortable feel of being at a state park with plenty of trees, hiking trails, space between sites, but also the convenience of having a level, paved site with electricity and television/phone reception."
