Montrose Missouri Conservation Area Dispersed Camping provides free pet-friendly camping with drive-in and walk-in access. The spacious grassy area accommodates tents and RVs with no designated campsites or fire rings, though campers report easily established fire pit areas to choose from. Pets must be kept under control while exploring the conservation area grounds. Show-Me Rest RV Park and Rutlader Outpost RV Park also welcome pets with full hookups and more amenities. Campgrounds near Butler regularly maintain their grounds, with visitors noting the mowed areas at Montrose provide plenty of room for dogs to run. Basic pit toilets are available at the conservation area, while RV parks offer more developed facilities including showers and trash service.
The conservation area attracts diverse wildlife including raccoons, beavers, deer, and various bird species that pets should be kept away from. Leashed dogs can explore the shoreline areas, though water shoes are recommended as the lake bottom is primarily muddy. Camping is prohibited after October 15 due to hunting season, an important consideration for pet owners. Local cats sometimes befriend campers at Montrose, with multiple reviews mentioning friendly felines in the area. For those seeking more amenities, I49 RV Park provides electric hookups, thirty-amp service, showers, and laundry facilities while still accommodating pets. The shallow lake at Montrose is suitable for fishing but primarily attracts wildlife rather than recreation, making it ideal for nature-oriented camping with pets.
"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."
"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."
$30 / night
"Clean, safe, and easy access from the highway, this is the perfect place to rest your head. Check them out, take some photos and leave them some love!"
"Located in east central Kansas on 2600 acre Lake LaCygne (cooling reservoir for KCPL coal-fired power plant). No swimming or skiing allowed, only fishing boats."
"Tucked in campsites with full hook ups. Great spot for kids to play but also great for couple wanting a spot. Bathhouse is really clean with hot water"
"Camp spots are lakeside and adjacent to the launch ramp."
"The road through the lake is gravel, and even though it rained almost 24 hours continuously the first night and all next day, it was starting to dry out the following day."
$45 - $55 / night
"Recently downsized our rig and selected this location for the initial shakedown. Had an easy to access pull through site that had 50/30 amp access, water and sewer."
"Perfect for short stopping or long stay because the Campground is close to. the interstate. We come back again."
$14 - $30 / night
"Our sie, B46, was close to a clean vault toilet (which has tp). Short walk to clean restroom/shower house; this building also has a laundry room."
"Truman Lake was flooded three years ago, since then Sparrowfoot has been completely updated with new water and 110V/30A/50A hook-ups."
"You’re also very close to Hillsdale State Park, but this location has a tornado shelter 🤣 The park: great store, laid out well, gravel sites. Some are back in but most are pull through."
"Great place, near Kansas City."
ScoutThis has everything you want! Nice camp host! Swimming beach! Showers & nice toilets & a tent area and a RV area to separate it. Most tent and RV spots have shade!!! Tens have electic & It's CHEAP !! 20$ for electric tent & camper! They have water spouts at the tent area as well!! A walking path & a park and a huge dog park!!!!
Love love love this place!!
TravelerKimmy’s is amazing! Always friendly and clean. Lots of activities for any outdoor adventures. Hiking kayaking swimming and lots of laughs come with Kimmy’s crew. They go out of their way to make your stay wonderful! If the pond on site is not big enough Stockton Lake is just minutes away or maybe you enjoy kayaking the Sac River is very close as well. Shuttle service is right up the road if needed. Keep your eyes peeled you may just find a message rock or two. We frequent Kimmy’s several times each summer and by far our absolute favorite campground in Missouri. And they are pet friendly too!
ScoutA couple miles down a secluded drive, nestled back in the woods right on the lake. Lots of trees, nice shower house. Camp host is friendly and laid back. Pet friendly, well lit. Our family felt safe.
Beautiful sunsets. Water is a little muddy but good for fishing. I would recommend for a family getaway or a fishing trip.
LegendWe read raving campground (CG) reviews on Osage Prairie, especially how nice the owners were. Based on reviews, we decided to spend three nights here to break up our way south for our annual RV maintenance appointment. Check in was easy and the lady was very friendly with a sense of humor. We were then escorted to pull through site 14 with FHUs. The way the long pull throughs work is that another trailer can back up to you. It was nice that the utilities and picnic tables were on opposite sides. We were told we probably would not get anyone in behind us. About 30 minutes after arrival, a small trailer came in without reservations and was placed right up behind us. We concur that the lady owner who checked us in was very nice. The other owner who escorted us to our site was, in our opinion, a little on the sarcastic side, especially after we had cut our turn on their grass getting into our site. This CG is an A-Typical overnighter where they cram you in. The park filled up every night after our Thursday arrival but we do realize they are in the business of making money. Good news is there were grass areas between sites so you can get slides and awnings out. WiFi was below average for a CG this size. No cable or OTA but after moving our satellite dish around to avoid trees we got it to connect. We got three bars on Verizon. The park is convenient to get on/off I-49 (exits 203 and 202A are both fine) but you’re going to get highway noise day and night. The CG is about 1/2 short termers and 1/2 long timers, and several of the long timer rigs gave the CG that “trailer park” look. I picked up numerous cigar and cigarette butts off our site to include trash in the little grill. We did not enjoy the older Dodge diesel trucks starting up at 5:00 AM to head out to work or wherever they were going. On a more positive side, they have a nice stable with one horse, which you can pet but not feed or ride (guess someone tried to ride him once upon a time). Shower and laundry facility looked clean. They have a little gift shop in the office containing a few camping supplies and leather goods. Again, from previous camper reviews, we thought Nevada (Nee-vay-dah) would be worth touring around but we were not impressed. We grocery shopped at Woods and Walmart and both were on the low side of okay. Our final “not impressed” came when we saw long timers letting their dogs do #2 in the tent area and not pick it up. Then they locked their 3 dogs in their trailer and left early Saturday and had not returned by the time we left the following Monday morning. Their poor dogs barked on and off all day and night. We informed the owner and he said he had told them in the past to not do that anymore. This place is definitely about the frosting, not the cake. We should have just stayed one night and moved on, but we stayed too long and experienced too much. We won’t be back.
ScoutIt 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.
RangerLess amenities than other near by State Parks, no playgrounds mainly and the sites aren't too close to the lake. Power only, so be prepared for that if you are looking for hook-ups. Overall, you can't beat Missouri state parks for beauty, cost and availability of trails to hike! Enjoying our stay here!
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. 🤣
GuideMissouri Department of Natural Resources has done an excellent job of taking care of this area and the surrounding wildlife. The Harry S Truman State Park is a treasure to relish and love. My family and I spent a week here and the place was amazing. Thank you Missouri Department of Natural Resources for your hard work.
TravelerCamp spots are lakeside and adjacent to the launch ramp.
Montrose Missouri Conservation Area offers dispersed camping in a rural setting about 30 miles southeast of Butler. Located in Henry County at approximately 800 feet elevation, the area experiences hot summers and moderate winters typical of western Missouri. The conservation area features a shallow artificial lake that serves primarily as wildlife habitat rather than recreational waters.
Wildlife observation: View local fauna at Montrose Missouri Conservation Area where visitors regularly encounter diverse species. One camper noted, "the area is surrounded by trees but the area is clean, nice soft grass, there is pecan an walnut trees so watch out for your heads when its fall." Wildlife viewing opportunities are abundant as "racoons, beavers, crane, squirrels, dear, owls an much more" frequent the area.
Fishing: Pack lightweight tackle for the shallow waters at Montrose. The muddy-bottomed lake is primarily suited for shoreline fishing. A visitor mentioned, "Shallow muddy water but it does attract wildlife. A bit of road noise but tolerable." While not ideal for serious anglers, casual fishing can be productive.
Arrowhead hunting: Search the shoreline for Native American artifacts. According to one camper at Montrose, "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." This activity provides an educational opportunity while exploring the conservation area.
Open camping layout: Enjoy flexible site selection at Sparrowfoot where campers appreciate the organized yet spacious design. One reviewer mentioned, "Nice updated campsites A Loop. Truman Lake was flooded three years ago, since then Sparrowfoot has been completely updated with new water and 110V/30A/50A hook-ups." The campground's layout allows for comfortable spacing between sites.
Quiet atmosphere: Experience peaceful evenings around Butler area campgrounds. At Linn County Park, campers report: "Lots of trees lots of wildlife. Had deer walk right through the campground when we were there." The natural setting creates opportunities for wildlife encounters during quiet moments.
Reasonable rates: Camp affordably near Butler without sacrificing basic amenities. At Montrose, campers enjoy completely free camping with basic facilities. For those seeking more amenities at budget prices, visitors to Show-Me Rest RV Park report, "Very friendly and accommodating owners. Low rates!" This provides economical options for weekend getaways or longer stays.
Seasonal restrictions: Check hunting schedules before planning fall camping trips. Multiple Montrose campers emphasized the importance of awareness during hunting season. One reviewer warned, "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."
Bathroom facilities: Prepare for rustic conditions at conservation areas and state parks. At Louisburg Middle Creek State Fishing Lake, "The vault toilet was clean" according to visitors, but facilities are basic. Pit toilets are standard at most conservation areas, with varying maintenance levels.
Cell service: Expect limited connectivity at most campgrounds near Butler. Campers at Linn County Park note, "if you have kids that go camping with you chances are your cell phones will not work so the kids probably will be very bored." Reception varies by carrier and exact location, with higher spots generally offering better service.
Playground access: Plan accordingly for recreation options as not all campgrounds have play equipment. Sparrowfoot offers facilities that families appreciate: "Loop B also has the playground which is right behind site B47. It's a newer playground and all equipment was nicely maintained. There are no swings."
Water activities: Bring water shoes for shoreline exploration near Butler. At Montrose, campers advise preparation for muddy conditions: "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."
Educational opportunities: Create nature scavenger hunts to engage children in the local ecosystem. The diverse wildlife at Osage Prairie RV Park provides learning opportunities. One reviewer noted they have "a nice stable with one horse, which you can pet but not feed or ride," adding an animal encounter for kids.
Leveling requirements: Bring blocks for uneven sites at area campgrounds. At Osage Prairie RV Park, RVers report: "needed two blocks to level, some mature trees, some short sites, some longer, make sure to ask for longer." Requesting specific site information during reservation is recommended.
Site spacing: Request specific locations when making reservations for optimal spacing. According to an RVer at Sparrowfoot, "I was at B lot Site 17 but would be better if water hookup was also at each site although public facet was close." Understanding site layouts helps maximize comfort during your stay.
Power options: Check amperage availability as service varies between parks. At Rutlader Outpost RV Park, a visitor detailed, "Full hook ups- power/water/sewer. 72 Sites: 30' wide, 60' long and level. 24 Sites are pull thru. All have 30 & 50 amp service." Knowing your power requirements before arrival ensures compatibility with available hookups.
Frequently Asked Questions
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According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near Butler, MO is Show-Me Rest RV Park with a 5-star rating from 2 reviews.
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