Scrivner Road Conservation Area is a 1,500-acre public land located in Cole County, approximately 25 miles from Brumley, Missouri. The terrain features a mix of hardwood forests, open fields, and river access points with elevations ranging from 700 to 850 feet. Horse camping sites are situated along the river with natural clearings for trailer parking and primitive camping setups.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: The Paddy Creek Recreation Area offers multiple creek access points from campsites. "There is some good hiking here. There is a dispersed spot and a formal campground. The formal campground is the better spot to stay at," notes Vegan T. from Lead Mine Conservation Area.
Floating trips: Gasconade River provides slower-moving water ideal for leisurely floating. "The six mile float on the gasconade was lovely. The river moves slow, so if you're used to floating 16 miles on the spring fed Jacks Fork or Current, halfing that will be plenty," explains Delanie J. from Froggys River Resort.
Wildlife viewing: Early morning and evening offer prime wildlife spotting hours along the trails. "In the morning, a bald eagle flew up the river," shares Mike G., who camped at Froggys River Resort.
What campers like
Natural water features: Multiple conservation areas provide river and creek access. "Creek is spring fed so water is always cooler than most creeks," says Aaron T. about Paddy Creek Recreation Area.
Privacy between sites: Many local campgrounds offer secluded camping spots. "We've been camping here for 3-4 years now and we are still amazed at how quiet and secluded it is. We love being able to have an escape from the world and forced to not have our electrons since there is no service," notes Lyric O. from Paddy Creek Recreation Area.
Horse-friendly terrain: Conservation areas around Brumley provide suitable ground for horses. "This Missouri Conservation area is a Swiss Army knife of rugged of the path camping. Rivers, Lakes, Gun range, Horses and hiking can all be enjoyed here," says Josh S. about Scrivner Road Conservation Area.
What you should know
Limited facilities: Most conservation areas offer minimal amenities. "Typical primitive campground with toilets, bear-proof trash cans, and camp sites with fire rings and picnic tables, but not much else. Didn't see any water faucets near our site," explains Josh C. about Paddy Creek Recreation Area.
Access limitations: Trailer parking is restricted by terrain and pad size. "Parking pads are short and lined with huge boulders. Worked fine for our 16ft TT big rigs probably not so much," advises Cheryl M. from Paddy Creek Recreation Area.
First-come availability: Horse camping near Brumley operates without reservations. "$5 recommendation donation for the night. Stayed at this campground as a halfway point hiking the Big Piney Trail loop," notes Josh C. about Paddy Creek Recreation Area.
Tips for camping with families
River swimming spots: Find safe water access for children. "The river has a couple nice gravel bars for swimming. All the RV sites are electric/water so you have to use the on site dump station," mentions Ken K. from Riverfront Campground and Canoe.
Site selection: Choose specific sites for better amenities or access. "Arrive early for a good spot. We stayed in spot 20 which had its own path to the river," recommends Kura O. about Paddy Creek Recreation Area.
Wildlife awareness: Prepare children for wildlife encounters. "Our first time here we got to experience the amazing raccoons which made for a pretty funny story later," shares Lyric O. from Paddy Creek Recreation Area.
Tips from RVers
Size restrictions: Most equestrian camping areas have limited space for larger rigs. "Vault toilet clean and stocked. No fee just donations. Dollar General and a gas station located in nearby Roby. No cell service at cg. Had to drive up the hill to get a signal," notes Cheryl M. about Paddy Creek Recreation Area.
Hookup availability: Plan for limited or no hookups at conservation areas. "I spent the weekend here mid September. Each site has a paved parking spot big enough for my truck and 25ft camper. I would say it could fit up to a 35ft trailer," explains Gregory from Paddy Creek Recreation Area.
Supply planning: Stock up before arrival as services are limited. "There isn't much in the 20 miles before you get to the campgrounds, but there is firewood for sale (self-serve) 10-15 minutes before," advises Kura O. about Paddy Creek Recreation Area.
