Best Tent Camping near Excelsior Springs, MO
Tent campsites around Excelsior Springs, Missouri include several primitive options with varying amenities and landscapes. Hamilton City Lake offers free tent camping with peaceful lakeside sites and good fishing opportunities, while Bonanza Conservation Area provides basic camping on a gravelly parking area. Agency Conservation Area features a small gravel pullout for tent camping but limited designated spaces beyond the main area.
Most tent camping sites near Excelsior Springs are primitive with minimal facilities. Hamilton City Lake has no formal amenities but provides good shade from numerous trees and direct lake access for fishing. Bonanza Conservation Area requires campers to stay in designated areas, with one visitor noting, "It is against their rules to camp anywhere but on a gravelly parking lot." Some conservation areas have specific operational hours, as Agency Conservation Area reportedly closes between 10 pm and 4 am. Visitors should bring all necessary supplies including water, as drinking water is unavailable at most sites.
Tent campers at Hamilton City Lake enjoy a quiet setting with good fishing opportunities directly from their campsite. According to one visitor, "We were able to fish right from our spot and caught some bluegill and a big crappie." The site offers tree coverage for shade and typically sees few other campers, though some road noise from nearby Highway 36 may be audible. Bonanza Conservation Area provides a more rustic experience with a lake for fishing, though several reviewers mentioned concerns about safety during hunting season. For those seeking more amenities, Honey Grove Campground offers tent sites with water, electric hookups, toilets, and showers, though it's not a free option like the conservation areas. The tent camping landscape varies significantly across these locations, from parking lot-style primitive setups to more traditional campsites with basic facilities.