Best Tent Camping near Chillicothe, MO
Tent campgrounds near Chillicothe, Missouri offer a mix of free primitive sites and developed camping areas. The region features both established camping at Bonanza Conservation Area, a fishing-focused destination with lakeside sites, and Hamilton City Lake, which provides free dispersed camping with water access. Honey Grove Campground represents a more developed option with amenities for tent campers seeking basic facilities.
Tent sites at Bonanza Conservation Area are limited to designated areas, primarily on gravelly surfaces in parking lot-style sites according to regulations. A review mentioned that "it is against their rules to camp anywhere but on a gravelly parking lot" and campers who set up elsewhere have received citations. Hamilton City Lake offers more natural settings with shaded tent sites adjacent to the water, though road noise from nearby Highway 36 may be noticeable. Most primitive tent sites lack amenities like toilets, drinking water, or trash service, requiring campers to pack in supplies and pack out waste.
Free tent camping locations provide good fishing access and natural surroundings. The tent sites at Hamilton City Lake feature ample shade from mature trees and direct lake access for fishing, where visitors have caught bluegill, crappie, and bass. One camper noted that "we had plenty of room to spread out without worrying about noisy neighbors—it wasn't crowded at all." For campers seeking more amenities, Honey Grove Campground provides 24 tent sites with drinking water, electric hookups, showers, toilets, and designated fire rings. This established campground is reservable and allows pets but charges a fee. Tent campers throughout the region should prepare for variable weather conditions and bring sufficient water, particularly at the primitive sites that offer no services.
