The Dyrt is here to help plan your best camping near Chula. Chula is a great camping destination for everyone. There are tons of nearby hikes, adventurous activities, and sights to see. Get the dirt on all the best camping near Chula. Browse campgrounds by amenities, site types, and more.
Camping is permitted only in designated areas and is limited to 14 consecutive days in a 30-day period. Quiet hours are effective from 10:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. daily. Visitors who are not occupying a campsite are required to leave the camp area by 10:00 p.m. Quiet hours are defined as the cessation of excessive noise from people or any mechanical device which causes disturbance to other campers. Groups of 10 campers or more must obtain a special use permit.
https://mdc.mo.gov/sites/default/files/2022-03/4601.pdf Fountain Grove Conservation Area sits in the floodplain of the Grand River and serves as an important migration stop for a variety of wildlife. It also plays an essential role in providing wintering habitat for Canada geese of the Eastern Prairie Population. The area was the first wetland area developed by the Conservation Commission and has grown from its original 3,433 acres in the 1940s to its present size of 7,906 acres. The area is managed to provide diverse wetland habitats, including marshes, bottomland forests, grain fields, oxbow lakes and sloughs. An active heron rookery is located along Locust Creek. Bald eagles are commonly seen on the area throughout the winter. The area also supports populations of rail, snipe, wood ducks, mourning doves, white-tailed deer, turkey, raccoon, beaver, river otter and many bird species.
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!
$20 - $60 / night
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.
$12 - $23 / night
Approximately 25 miles west of the Pony Express Conservation Area on the Missouri River is the original site of a settlement known as Blacksnake Hills, later to become the city of St. Joseph, where the Pony Express mail service began in 1860. In addition to providing public fishing and wildlife-based recreational opportunities near the St. Joseph and Kansas City metropolitan areas, Pony Express Conservation Area demonstrates the balanced relationship that can exist between agricultural operations and wildlife populations. Acquisition of land for Pony Express Conservation Area began in 1961. The Conservation Department has purchased additional tracts since then. The area includes 240-acre Pony Express Lake, which was opened to public fishing on January 1, 1966. In cooperation with the Natural Resources Conservation Service, construction of 45-acre Buffalo Bill Lake in the north part of the area was completed in 1987. The lake opened to public fishing in 1990 and features a concrete boat ramp, parking lot and facilities for visitors with disabilities.
Camping is permitted only in designated areas and is limited to 14 consecutive days in a 30-day period. Quiet hours are effective from 10:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. daily. Visitors who are not occupying a campsite are required to leave the camp area by 10:00 p.m. Quiet hours are defined as the cessation of excessive noise from people or any mechanical device which causes disturbance to other campers. Groups of 10 campers or more must obtain a special use permit.
https://mdc.mo.gov/sites/default/files/2022-03/4601.pdf Fountain Grove Conservation Area sits in the floodplain of the Grand River and serves as an important migration stop for a variety of wildlife. It also plays an essential role in providing wintering habitat for Canada geese of the Eastern Prairie Population. The area was the first wetland area developed by the Conservation Commission and has grown from its original 3,433 acres in the 1940s to its present size of 7,906 acres. The area is managed to provide diverse wetland habitats, including marshes, bottomland forests, grain fields, oxbow lakes and sloughs. An active heron rookery is located along Locust Creek. Bald eagles are commonly seen on the area throughout the winter. The area also supports populations of rail, snipe, wood ducks, mourning doves, white-tailed deer, turkey, raccoon, beaver, river otter and many bird species.
Legend
Conveniently off I35. Perfect for a quick overnight stop on your journey! Located at Love's so most things you could need are available there, some amenities shown in the photos. Not the quietest place but super easy to grab some breakfast and get on the road in the morning!
Stayed in my car with bed build here and felt safe staying here.
Scout
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.
Guide
We came here fully expecting rain and we got it. Only problem was we planned to tie up some tarps to sit under but we didn't know that it was against the rules to tie to the trees at these sites. luckily we made it work tieing to the roof of the table and a stump. As far as the camp ground its self, rules aside, it is amazing. All the tent sites are separated by trees and bushes so you get plenty of room to your self but they are close enough you can still connect with other groups if you want. Another great part about it is that there are walking paths through the woods from each site that meet up at a central restroom. The main bathrooms and showers are over by the office and are super nice but it is good that there are a couple stalls close for the middle of the night situations. Tons of walking trails are around and a decent playground for the kids as well. Overall loved this place.
Guide
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.
Scout
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!
Scout
Easy check in if you have made online reservations. Very well taken care of and clean. Great spot to visit the quilting stores here.
Guide
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.
Ranger
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.
Ranger
Stayed here for several days. Wonderful facility on the edge of Gallatin. Stores and gas just a mile away. A duck was the only full time resident of the park. We got several visits from the local residents. They were delightful. We were informed that the park and rec district has a recommended fee of $35/night. However, the city says it's a donation. So if you stay there and don't make a donation, that is between you and your conscience.
Ranger
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.
ScoutBeautiful spot on the lake. Clean campground, full hook-ups. Tent and RV friendly. Will stop here again!
LegendSmall park with some very private sites and some very exposed sites. Nice showers and dump station.
ScoutThis 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.
Scout
Facilities are available and very convenient and comfortable. Nice lake to swim and fish. Absolutely beautiful park and really nice trails. Thanks, Tina
TravelerWe 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.
Scout
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!
Traveler
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.
ScoutWe 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!!
Ranger
We camped out here for the weekend.
The campground is one circular lot with I think around 18 spots. Some are basic just for tents and some have water and or electric.
The ones on the inside of the circle have more space and are more open but you don't have any privacy. Most spots on the outside of the circle, especially on the north and west sides have more privacy but not as much space.
The grounds are well kept with grass while maintained.
I hiked on most of the trails in one day. I missed the memorial trail and boardwalk. Home that I walked on will maintained. Some of them are more difficult than others but none of them too strenuous.
Note about the lake - Once you get to the parking lot for the lake you'll see nothing but trees. On the east side of the parking lot (next to the state park signage/billboard) there are two trail heads. Take the one on the left. There's a quarter mile hike down to the lake. The way back is mostly uphill. Not too steep, but steep enough you might feel it if you don't do much hiking/walking.
Playground It had a nice playground for small kids including a little play area and some swing sets.
Restrooms There were two bathrooms present. One was a traditional drop toilet. It had a solar fan so surprisingly it did not have any smell. The other bathroom has a shower and the women's had two toilets and the men's had one toilet and a urinal. Everything was clean.
Dog-friendliness We did not take any dogs but we saw plenty of people who had dogs.
GuideBeautiful, 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.
Scout
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.
Scout
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.
Legend
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!
Legend
This campground is close to I35 and makes a great stop on road trips if you're heading south! Affordable and quiet.
RangerDeer hunting camp. Lots of city hunters with NO CONCEPT of safety during hunting.
Scout
Two hour notice! Super nice hosts and very helpful getting us settled in our spot. Very nice and neat Campground! We will definitely be back!
Guide
I stayed one night for an activity at the state park the following day. The shower houses had individual, private, large, and very clean facilities. It was not crowded at all. Campground #2 was the smaller of the two campgrounds. The spots seemed more fitting for RV’s vs tent but there were a couple of tents. I slept in my van so it wasn’t an issue for me. I may reconsider visiting this park for tent camping.
Camping near Chula, Missouri, offers a mix of beautiful landscapes and cozy campgrounds. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or a fun family getaway, there are plenty of options to explore.
Camping near Chula, Missouri, has something for everyone, from families to solo adventurers. Just remember to plan ahead and enjoy the great outdoors!
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Chula, MO?
According to TheDyrt.com, Chula, MO offers a wide range of camping options, with 41 campgrounds and RV parks near Chula, MO and 2 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Chula, MO?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Chula, MO is Pershing State Park Campground with a 4.1-star rating from 10 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Chula, MO?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 2 free dispersed camping spots near Chula, MO.
What parks are near Chula, MO?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 10 parks near Chula, MO that allow camping, notably Blue Springs Lake and Rathbun Lake.
