Primitive campsites around Brumley, Missouri cluster near the Osage River watershed. This region includes several conservation areas with minimal amenities where campers can experience quiet seclusion. The terrain features wooded areas with river access points across multiple conservation areas maintained by the Missouri Department of Conservation.
What to do
Fishing access: Pikes Camp offers direct river access with a shaded grassy camping area. "Great little river access. Has a shaded grassy area for camping. No power vault toilets," notes Josh S. after visiting.
Target shooting: Scrivner Road Conservation Area combines camping with outdoor recreation options including a handgun and rifle range. According to visitor Josh S., "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."
Water recreation: Osage-Tavern Access provides camping with convenient water activities. "Right along the river so nice if your looking for water," reports Casey, who found about 12-15 small sites with fire pits available even on a weekend. The site includes a bathroom and trash disposal facilities.
What campers like
Seclusion: Paydown Access offers quiet camping away from crowds. Charlotte B. described it as "Beautiful, very secluded, and we were the only ones there," though she noted police occasionally patrol the area, suggesting some visitors may use it for partying.
Riverside camping: Water Mountain features open camping spaces with river frontage. Caleb G. experienced "Lots of open space to camp and plenty of area to hike or use an ATV. Also it's on the river which is nice!"
Budget-friendly options: Conservation areas near Brumley require no camping fees. Jenny D. noted about Fiery Fork that it's "Far from any city noise or roadway, there's two camp areas with many sites that are mowed/maintained with fire pits (and some concrete tables)."
What you should know
Road conditions: Several conservation areas have challenging access roads. As Ry M. experienced at Fiery Fork: "The road down was very sketchy for my 2008 Mazda 3. It's a very simple campground but in a great location near the ozarks."
Seasonal considerations: Summer visits require tick prevention. "Ticks galore!" warns Erick H. about Fiery Fork. Fall camping during hunting season affects campground atmosphere, as Whitney L. noted: "We camped at Firey Fork in the autumn of 2021. It was during deer hunting season and we only had one neighbor."
Trash management: Many campgrounds lack trash service. Wally B. observed at Fiery Fork: "Much of the area was covered in trash. Bring extra trash bags!" Similar reports come from other conservation areas, so plan to pack out all waste.
Tips for camping with families
Beach areas: Some river access points have natural beach areas for children. Amanda reports about Fiery Fork: "We decided it would be a nice place to bring our kids since there is quite a bit of 'beach' at the river access for them to play and see nature."
Wildlife viewing: Conservation areas offer wildlife viewing opportunities. "Armadillos, deer, and a few different bird types could be found easily," notes Amanda from a Fiery Fork visit, making it educational for children.
Communication planning: Cell service is unreliable in tent camping areas. "We were able to see some wildlife while staying there as well... We had AT&T for our cell service and there was absolutely NO service there which was good to get away, but bad in an emergency," warns Amanda.
Tips from RVers
Size limitations: Conservation area roads restrict larger RVs. Chrischelle N. advises about Fiery Fork: "I don't recommend taking it until it gets some maintenance. It is overgrown and HIGH tick contact probability... I recommend smaller RVs due to the 2 miles of gravel and high water areas you go through to get there."
Space between sites: Several campgrounds offer reasonable separation between sites. Nick G. notes about Fiery Fork: "I stayed here for a few days in April. There were a few campers, but I'd be very surprised if this place isn't loud and packed in the summer."
Weekend planning: Arrive early for weekend camping. Casey found at Osage-Tavern Access: "I arrived at 6 on a Saturday (post labor day) and plenty of sites available. A couple of families/kids here but not too loud. 8 miles is dirt but my Nissan Rogue did fine."
