Tent campsites near Edgerton, Missouri are distributed across a variety of conservation areas and small lakes within Clay, Clinton, and Caldwell counties. The terrain consists primarily of rolling hills with wooded sections interspersed with prairie habitat. These camping areas experience a humid continental climate with hot summers and cold winters, making spring and fall the most comfortable seasons for outdoor activities.
What to do
**Fishing opportunities: Bonanza Conservation Area's fishing lake contains multiple species. As Lloyd W. notes, "Multiple campsites available along the highway, but the marked site is one of the best, right by a great fishing lake."
**Wildlife observation: The conservation areas serve as habitat for native wildlife. At Hamilton City Lake, visitors report seeing diverse aquatic life. According to one camper, "We also saw several turtles swimming around, which was a nice bonus."
**Hunting: During hunting seasons, some conservation areas become popular for deer hunting. At Bonanza Conservation Area, one visitor observed, "Deer hunting camp. Lots of city hunters with NO CONCEPT of safety during hunting."
What campers like
**Peaceful atmosphere: The tent campsites near Edgerton offer tranquility away from developed campgrounds. Hamilton City Lake campers appreciate that "We had plenty of room to spread out without worrying about noisy neighbors—it wasn't crowded at all, and we were the only campers overnight."
**Budget-friendly options: Most conservation areas offer free camping options. At Bonanza Conservation Area, you'll find "Awesome free camping in Northern Missouri," according to one reviewer.
**Shade coverage: Natural tree canopy provides relief from summer heat at many sites. Agency Conservation Area features "tree coverage for shade," which visitors appreciate during hot weather, while Honey Grove Campground provides a pleasant atmosphere for evening activities: "The campground really felt comfortable and my whole family really enjoyed our stay!"
What you should know
**Strict camping rules: Conservation areas enforce specific camping regulations. Kevin C. warns about Bonanza Conservation Area: "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."
**Limited facilities: Most sites offer minimal or no amenities. Agency Conservation Area has only "a small (~1/8 of an acre maybe) gravel pullout off the dirt road where the iconic brown fish and wildlife area guidelines and regulation signage are posted."
**Operating hours: Check for restricted access times. One visitor to Agency Conservation Area reported, "I guess the area is closed 10pm to 4 pm. Super small gravel parking lot. Moving to different site."
**Road conditions: Access roads can vary in quality. A camper at Agency Conservation Area found that "Getting here was easy and the roads leading to the CA were well maintained and not muddy even after a ton of rain earlier in the week."
Tips for camping with families
**Campfire activities: Evening gatherings around a fire can be enjoyable for families. At Honey Grove Campground, one visitor shared, "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!"
**Noise considerations: Some sites are near highways. At Hamilton City Lake, campers note the site "is fairly close to Highway 36, so you can hear some road noise."
**Wildlife watching opportunities: Children may enjoy observing local wildlife. Tent Sites at Milo Farm offers primitive tent sites with picnic tables and access to drinking water, making it suitable for families seeking basic amenities in a natural setting.
Tips from RVers
**Limited RV options: Most conservation areas are better suited for tent camping. Bonanza Conservation Area does accommodate RVs but has specific restrictions about where vehicles can park.
**Weather preparation: The area can experience significant rainfall. When planning an RV trip, note that roads "were well maintained and not muddy even after a ton of rain," according to one Agency Conservation Area visitor who brought "a square-drop camper."
**Hookup availability: For RVers needing utilities, Riverfront Camping Club offers ten sites with electric hookups (30 amp), drinking water, and toilets, providing more comfort than the primitive conservation area options.
