Top Tent Camping near Chillicothe, MO

Searching for a tent campsite near Chillicothe? With The Dyrt, it's easy to find Chillicothe campgrounds for you and your tent. Would you prefer a quiet dispersed site or an established camgpround with amenities? Either way, The Dyrt makes it easy to find the perfect place to pitch your tent.

Best Tent Sites Near Chillicothe, MO (3)

    Camper-submitted photo from Bonanza Conservation Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Bonanza Conservation Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Bonanza Conservation Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Bonanza Conservation Area

    1. Bonanza Conservation Area

    3 Reviews
    4 Photos
    29 Saves

    The Conservation Department created this area in 1968 with the purchase of 1,024 acres from several landowners. Later acquisitions of 924 acres have increased the area's current size. This conservation area was acquired in part through the Pittman-Robertson Wildlife Restoration Act administered by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Pittman-Robertson funds are generated from a federal excise tax on sporting arms and ammunition. Because of its size and diversity of habitat, Bonanza Conservation Area is managed for a wide range of game and nongame wildlife species. The area's open fields are managed by farming, haying and controlled burning. Other habitat management includes tree, shrub and grass plantings and selective timber harvest. Native grasses have been planted and managed to improve nesting habitat and winter cover. A few streams run through the area; the largest of these are Shoal Creek and Crabapple Creek. Bonanza Conservation Area is a Quail Restoration Landscape. This means additional emphasis is placed upon managing the area for early successional species such as Bobwhite quail.

    Area closed to bicycle use (and horseback riding) during all portions of the firearms deer hunting season and spring turkey hunting seasons.

    On department areas where camping is allowed, camping is limited to a period of 14 consecutive days in any 30-day period. Personal property must be removed at the end of the 14-day period. Unless a special use permit is obtained, total camping days on all department areas are limited to a total of 30 days within one calendar year. Groups of more than 10 people must obtain a special use permit prior to camping. To obtain a special use permit, contact the area manager at the phone number listed for this area in the area details section. Quiet hours are in effect in camping areas from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. daily. Visitors who are not occupying a campsite are required to leave the campground by 10 p.m. On camping areas with established campsites, only two camping or sleeping units are permitted in each site.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • Tents
    • Group
    • Equestrian
    Camper-submitted photo from Honey Grove Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Honey Grove Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Honey Grove Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Honey Grove Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Honey Grove Campground

    2. Honey Grove Campground

    1 Review
    5 Photos
    1 Save

    Beautiful and quiet pastures surrounded by trees is where you and your family will make sweet memories this summer. Whether you like to fish, visit historical sites, star gaze, shop Amish goods in Jamesport, or just relax with friends and family, you will love your stay at Honey Grove Campground. We are located 5 minutes from the historic Adam-Ondi-Ahman and only 5 minutes from fishing and boating in The Grand River.

    Our bathroom features toilets, sinks, and hot showers. Three cabins (sleeping 4 each) look out over the wide open field to our historic brick silo. Each of these bunk houses include a picnic table and fire ring. Nine tent camp sites include shade, a picnic table and a fire ring for each site.

    Bring your own bedding, don't waste water, and leave the camp cleaner than you found it so that campers who follow you don't get stuck in a mess, but have a sweet vacation too. Welcome to our hive!

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Reservable
    • Tents
    • Trash

    $20 - $60 / night

    • No image available

    Recent Tent Reviews In Chillicothe

    126 Reviews of 3 Chillicothe Campgrounds


    • Bobby B.
      Camper-submitted photo from Grand Trace State Forest
      Oct. 2, 2024

      Grand Trace State Forest

      Quiet Missouri Conservation Area

      In Amish country. About eight fire rings. Probably could park anywhere and camp regardless of rings. 2 OCT 24 and been here five days and saw only two other campers. One night and two night stays for them. Safe place although I am a manly man so I do not worry. Safe for females I mean. About 30 minutes to Bethany proper where civilization is. 3 bar Verizon reception.

    • GThe Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Lake Paho
      Aug. 28, 2024

      Lake Paho

      Sparsly Used Dark sky Campsite

      Very nice view of the lake, lots of campsites around the lake. Not many lights around and no big cities and a low horizon so it’s a good place to visit for a visual observation night with a telescope or binos. Only one other camper at my campsite when I visited, so it’s a good weekend retreat from the city life. This is a primitive campsite; there are two waterless bathrooms and 8 or so gravel spots at site B on the Eastern side of the lake.

    • Sammy P.
      Camper-submitted photo from Mussel Fork Conservation Area
      Aug. 22, 2024

      Mussel Fork Conservation Area

      Overnight stop

      Had a great stealth camping experience here. Road was gravelled all the way down and opened up to a big gravel lot. I could tell there were a few other paths I could take but the grass was a little overgrown and it was already dark out, so I just car camped in the gravel lot. Had no issues and didn’t see or hear anyone else!

    • DThe Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from A Country Charm RV Park
      Aug. 10, 2024

      A Country Charm RV Park

      A beautiful small little park

      Easy check in if you have made online reservations. Very well taken care of and clean. Great spot to visit the quilting stores here.

    • G
      Camper-submitted photo from Crooked River Conservation Area
      Jul. 18, 2024

      Crooked River Conservation Area

      Missouri Department of Conservation Area, free camping

      Free camping in designated camping area per MO Dept of Conservation rules. Pit toilets and mowed area for camping. Hunting, fishing and other outdoor activities inside the area.

    • Angie A.The Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Pony Express Lake Conservation Area
      Jul. 10, 2024

      Pony Express Lake Conservation Area

      A beautiful spot by the lake

      Beautiful spot by the lake. Be sure to turn left at first sign to find campsites. Was a little frustrating that a family seemed to have taken up permanent residence and was obnoxious with the generator. Trash was overflowing and could use a little more attention. Clean vault toilets with TP. It was really beautiful with the sunset.

    • Kevin C.The Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Bonanza Conservation Area
      Jul. 1, 2024

      Bonanza Conservation Area

      Parking lot camping only

      It is against their rules to camp anywhere but on a gravelly parking lot. We camped just off the road and got a citation. It's not really disbursed camping.

    • Anne R.The Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Lincoln Lake RV Park
      Jun. 16, 2024

      Lincoln Lake RV Park

      Great overnight stop

      Beautiful spot on the lake. Clean campground, full hook-ups. Tent and RV friendly. Will stop here again!

    • JThe Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Wallace State Park
      Jun. 9, 2024

      Wallace State Park

      Small but beautiful.

      Small park with some very private sites and some very exposed sites. Nice showers and dump station.

    • David L.The Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Pony Express Lake Conservation Area
      May. 10, 2024

      Pony Express Lake Conservation Area

      A Small Free Drive-in Campground

      This free campground has a water tap and a pit toilet. There are at least three first come first served campsites that have a picnic table and a fire ring.

    • Bill F.The Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Pony Express Lake Conservation Area
      Apr. 15, 2024

      Pony Express Lake Conservation Area

      Great spot on the west side of the lake

      We drove by the east side campsite and it was packed. We ran into a local and he told us about a spot on the east side of the lake. An old boy scout camp. It wasn’t maintained but there was nobody there. Our dogs ran free and that was what we were looking for. We ran our generator at night because we had no neighbors. We were a mile from the lake so we drove around and had access to the lake.

    • A
      Camper-submitted photo from Honey Grove Campground
      Mar. 7, 2024

      Honey Grove Campground

      Greatest hot dog roast ever

      Had a big fire outside one of the cabins today! Great company, warm flames, and hot dogs makes for a wonderful night, but the stars and beautiful weather seriously enhanced it like none other! The campground really felt comfortable and my whole family really enjoyed our stay!

    • JThe Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Watkins Mill State Park
      Oct. 18, 2023

      Watkins Mill State Park

      Peaceful

      We stayed Sunday-Wednesday and it was very peaceful. Sites are not right on top of each other and it looks like they all have a fire pit and picnic table. There are only a handful of paved spots and you will need leveling blocks on the gravel. Showers and bathrooms are clean and the hosts are very nice. New asphalt roads throughout the park; nice for walking, biking, etc. Be sure to get biscuits & gravy at “The General Store” just down the road from the park entrance.

    • Betsy T.
      Camper-submitted photo from Pershing State Park
      Aug. 14, 2023

      Pershing State Park

      Busy but Nice

      You can reserve online or with an attendant on site! Spots are small but all shaded. A raccoon ended up tearing through our trash but that was the only negative here! Take the last spot on the loop for extra privacy and to be close to the restrooms.

    • M
      Camper-submitted photo from Wallace State Park
      May. 30, 2023

      Wallace State Park

      Very lovely little state park

      We got in late, so the automatic gates were closed, but we got lucky and someone else came out so we were able to get to our campsite. It was very quiet during the night and we woke up to a chorus of birds. The bathrooms are pristine- nicer than some restaurants or hotels I’ve been to. We stayed in campsite 2 and took the trail down to the lake. It was very small, but the water was clear and we saw no trash! We could see the fish in the water! Overall a very lovely stay- we will be back!!

    • Isabel M.
      Camper-submitted photo from Pony Express Lake Conservation Area
      Apr. 25, 2023

      Pony Express Lake Conservation Area

      East Campground is Beautiful

      Beautiful, peaceful, very quiet. Heard some coyotes at night and lots of birds in the morning. Bathroom was stocked and as clean as you’d expect. All the hunters we saw were on the west side of the conservation area, though there is a fishing area on the other side of the east campground loop. Some day use picnic areas as well, but in April our only neighbors were fellow campers. I imagine with more people it would be a bit cramped, but not so much so that I would turn away. I would absolutely camp here again. Good T-Mobile and Verizon service.

    • Dylan H.
      Camper-submitted photo from Quail Ridge RV Park
      Apr. 19, 2023

      Quail Ridge RV Park

      Clean, Conveniently Located, Level Park

      Park has underwent a full makeover. Electrical, plumbing, surfaces all have been updated. Level, full-hookup, pull-through sites. First come first serve basis, always sites available unless if a holiday or abnormally buys traffic.

    • r
      Camper-submitted photo from Pony Express RV
      Mar. 15, 2023

      Pony Express RV

      Pony Express RV Park

      This is a 12-month open RV Park. I live here full time. Most sites offer 30 and 50 Amp, Water and Sewer. WiFi has improved. The owner is on site daily and is very attentive.

    • Ashley F.The Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Papa's Alpacas Campsites
      Jan. 12, 2023

      Papa's Alpacas Campsites

      Meet alpacas, goats and donkeys!

      Ashley here with The Dyrt. We're excited to welcome this partner to our platform. Randy is your host, and would love to take you on a tour on his farm. There are 4 sites in total, all with stunning 360  rolling hill views. A shared toilet and shower are available! Check them out and post some pictures here. Happy Camping!

    • r
      Camper-submitted photo from Crowder State Park
      Aug. 25, 2022

      Crowder State Park

      Nice park and campground

      Very nice area. The camping spots are relatively level and are mainly concrete or asphalt. The park hosts are friendly and helpful. The bathrooms and showers are very very clean. Even the vault bathroom next to our site wasn’t that nasty.

    • Deb M.
      Camper-submitted photo from Crowder State Park
      Jul. 25, 2022

      Crowder State Park

      Nice, but some pretty small sites

      This worked great as an overnight stop on our way to MN. We were there midweek during the off-season, so our nice pull-thru site was fine. Some sites were small and open. Bathrooms were closed for the season, but the building looked pretty new.

    • Lloyd W.The Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Bonanza Conservation Area
      Jul. 17, 2022

      Bonanza Conservation Area

      Awesome free camping in Northern Missouri

      Used to stay here as a kid during deer season, recently came back to it to explore some more. Multiple campsites available along the highway, but the marked site is one of the best, right by a great fishing lake. Very quite, no amenities.

    • Terry
      Camper-submitted photo from Wallace State Park
      Jul. 16, 2022

      Wallace State Park

      Second visit site 54

      Clean campground clean bathrooms . Power hookup no water or sewer at site but both are available in the campground. $21 a night for seniors

    • Jill T.
      Camper-submitted photo from Van Meter State Park
      Jun. 20, 2022

      Van Meter State Park

      Fun weekend family camping

      Clean, well cared for campground. The even numbered sites are really big and back up to big open grassy area with shade trees. The odd numbered sites are smaller and may hold water after a rain, but more private. Bring plenty of bug spray. The campground is right by a marsh and it is REALLY buggy. Several short hikes in the park that are appropriate for kids and dogs.

    • Whitney L.
      Camper-submitted photo from Fountain Grove Conservation Area
      Jun. 7, 2022

      Fountain Grove Conservation Area

      Pretty little area for free *but not private* camping in MO

      This area is near where I assume MDC stores their equipment, so the area is a bit busy but they have picnic tables and fire rings at the camping sites and they were well maintained (grass mowed, good gravel roads etc.). Not a lot of options for shade but a few :)



    Guide to Chillicothe

    Camping near Chillicothe, Missouri, offers a variety of beautiful spots for outdoor enthusiasts. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or a fun family getaway, there are plenty of campgrounds to explore.

    What to do:

    • Hiking and Biking: Many campgrounds, like Watkins Mill State Park Campground, have paved roads perfect for walking and biking. One visitor mentioned, “New asphalt roads throughout the park; nice for walking, biking, etc.”
    • Fishing and Swimming: At Crow's Creek Campground, you can enjoy fishing and swimming. A reviewer noted, “Very nice campground and we’ve stayed here several times without any problems.”
    • Exploring Historic Sites: The Arrow Rock State Historic Site Campground is close to a historic town, making it a great spot for those interested in history. One camper shared, “The walk or drive to the historic town literally park of the park was a surprise.”

    What campers like:

    • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained restrooms and showers. A visitor at Wallace State Park Campground said, “The bathrooms are pristine- nicer than some restaurants or hotels I’ve been to.”
    • Friendly Hosts: Many campgrounds have welcoming staff. A reviewer at Long Branch State Park Campground mentioned, “The camp host was helpful in providing firewood and was very attentive of the sites.”
    • Spacious Sites: Campers enjoy having room to spread out. One camper at Smiths Fork Recreation Area Camping noted, “Campground is great! Can’t wait until next year to see all of the events!”

    What you should know:

    • Reservations Recommended: Some campgrounds fill up quickly, especially on weekends. A visitor at Kansas City East-Oak Grove KOA advised, “Good overnight stay, we wouldn’t stay longer than that, but definitely a good and convenient place for overnight.”
    • Limited Amenities: Not all campgrounds have full hookups or markets nearby. A camper at Camp Branch Campground mentioned, “The website for this park is ancient. Couldn't get anything booked online because the website wouldn't cooperate.”
    • Seasonal Access: Some campgrounds are only open during certain months. For example, Smiths Fork Recreation Area Camping operates from April 15 to October 15.

    Tips for camping with families:

    • Kid-Friendly Activities: Look for campgrounds with playgrounds or swimming areas. A family at Long Branch State Park Campground enjoyed, “Nice playground. Kind host. Fabulous showers!”
    • Plan for Meals: Some campgrounds have markets nearby, while others do not. A visitor at Owl Creek Market and RV Park said, “The market is a great touch.”
    • Bring Outdoor Games: Having games on hand can keep kids entertained. A camper at Watkins Mill State Park Campground suggested, “Be sure to get biscuits & gravy at ‘The General Store’ just down the road from the park entrance.”

    Tips from RVers:

    • Check Site Sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site. A reviewer at Kansas City East-Oak Grove KOA noted, “Sites are close together. Mine had shade.”
    • Look for Full Hookups: Some campgrounds offer only partial hookups. A camper at Crow's Creek Campground mentioned, “While some amenities are lacking, no full hookups, many with power only.”
    • Be Prepared for Noise: Campgrounds near highways can be noisy. A visitor at Kansas City East-Oak Grove KOA said, “Close proximity to the interstate does come with some traffic noise.”

    Camping near Chillicothe, Missouri, has something for everyone, from families to solo adventurers. With a bit of planning, you can enjoy the great outdoors and make lasting memories.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    • Which is the most popular tent campsite near Chillicothe, MO?

      According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Chillicothe, MO is Bonanza Conservation Area with a 3.7-star rating from 3 reviews.

    • What is the best site to find tent camping near Chillicothe, MO?

      TheDyrt.com has all 3 tent camping locations near Chillicothe, MO, with real photos and reviews from campers.