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Montrose Missouri Conservation Area offers free dispersed camping on a large grassy area near a lake, about 30 minutes from Butler. The sites have no designated boundaries, allowing campers to select their own spots with ample room for tents and RVs. The area features pit toilets that receive mixed reviews regarding cleanliness, though toilet paper is typically available. No picnic tables, fire rings, or water hookups are provided, though fires are permitted and campers commonly create makeshift fire pits using rocks found along the shoreline.
The conservation area provides both drive-in and walk-in access for tent and RV camping. Visitors should note seasonal restrictions, particularly during hunting season. A camper commented, "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." The shallow lake offers fishing opportunities until mid-October when fishing closes for duck season. The 14-day free camping limit applies throughout the area. Nearby Poague Conservation Area provides additional dispersed camping options with six free sites, though recent visitors have noted trash issues at some locations.
"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."
"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"
"Wonderful free campsites overlooking a lake. There is a boat dock and outhouse. It is primitive and you need to pack your trash out, but it’s beautiful, free, and not far off the highway."
"Despaired, camping on quaint little lake for fishing, Kayaking sites have firings and gravel pull outs. vaulted restroom, no water or power"
"This is great secluded spot, right off the highway. Perfect for what I was looking for to car camp."
"Easy access driving from KC to Springfield for a quick overnight boondock. Place was totally empty but I felt secure. Evidence of teenage behavior was apparent so not sure if it is always so quiet."
GuideLarge 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.
RangerThere 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.
Travelerthis 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.
TravelerBig 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.
TravelerLarge 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.
GuideThere 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. 🤣
ScoutWe 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!
GuideNice 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.
Guidethe 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.
Montrose Missouri Conservation Area provides free camping on a gravel loop road system that accommodates both tents and RVs. Wildlife viewing opportunities abound as the conservation area attracts raccoons, beavers, cranes, deer, and owls throughout the year. The shallow lake rarely exceeds chest depth even in the center, making it suitable for casual anglers but limiting for serious boating activities.
Arrowhead hunting: Local residents frequently search the conservation area for Native American artifacts. A camper at Montrose Missouri Conservation Area noted, "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."
Wildlife observation: The conservation area attracts diverse wildlife throughout the seasons. According to a camper, "there is loads of wildlife to see an arent much scared of humans, racoons, beavers, crane, squirrels, dear, owls an much more." Early morning and dusk provide optimal viewing times.
Stargazing: The minimal light pollution creates excellent stargazing conditions. A visitor commented, "the stars were beautiful, the 'sites' were spacious and well spread out, and there is lots of shade."
Spacious camping areas: The open layout allows campers to choose their preferred spot with ample separation. One camper at Poague Campsite #5 noted it was a "great secluded spot, right off the highway. Perfect for what I was looking for to car camp."
Seasonal foraging: Fall visitors can gather natural foods in certain areas. A regular visitor explained, "there are pecan an walnut trees so watch out for your heads when its fall lol. theres also blackberries in the fall."
Quick highway access: Both conservation areas offer convenient access from main roads without requiring travel on rough secondary roads. A camper mentioned, "Large grassy area with plenty of room to set up a tent or camper. Right off the road, so no dirt roads to traverse."
Confusing signage: Several campers report unclear or contradictory signage regarding camping rules. One visitor to Montrose Missouri Conservation Area observed, "Signs were confusing as to whether it is ok to camp, but they didn't explicitly say no camping."
Variable toilet conditions: Toilet facilities receive widely varying reports from visitors. One camper stated, "Bathrooms were fine. It's free camping so it was great that there were bathrooms at all," while another noted they "were absolutely disgusting, thankfully we brought our own toilet paper."
Limited water access: The lake quality may not meet expectations for swimming. A camper described it as "really just a mud bog, so not very appealing unless you came to duck hunt." Water shoes are recommended by frequent visitors who advise, "you can fish, boat and swim but i recommend water shoes."
Pack extra supplies: With minimal facilities, bring all essentials including toilet paper, water, and food. One parent at Poague Campsite #3 suggested establishing a comfortable base camp with shade structures during summer months.
Use established fire areas: Despite no formal fire rings, previous campers have created usable spots. A visitor noted, "While free, dispersed sites, there are easily established fire pit areas to choose from."
Monitor water depth: The shallow lake makes supervised water play possible for families with young children. According to a regular visitor, "the water is very shallow most the time its only chest deep out in the middle."
Suitable for various RV sizes: The large open areas and gravel roads can accommodate different RV classes. A camper observed, "you could definitely get a big rig in and out of here on the looped gravel roads."
Limited amenities planning: RVers should prepare for self-contained camping. "No specific camp locations. No fire rings or picnic tables," noted one RVer, emphasizing the need to bring all supplies.
Consider noise factors: Highway proximity creates some background noise at certain sites. As one RVer mentioned, "A bit of road noise but tolerable. Perfect for our one night stay."
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Butler, MO?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Butler, MO is Montrose Missouri Conservation Area Dispersed Camping with a 4.4-star rating from 12 reviews.
What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Butler, MO?
TheDyrt.com has all 5 dispersed camping locations near Butler, MO, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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