Primitive camping near Garden City, Missouri centers around conservation areas with basic amenities and seasonal restrictions. The surrounding terrain features rolling hills interspersed with lakes and wetlands at approximately 850 feet elevation. Weather conditions vary dramatically by season, with summer temperatures regularly exceeding 90°F and high humidity levels making spring and fall more comfortable for tent camping.
What to do
Wildlife photography opportunities: Montrose Conservation Area attracts numerous bird species including cranes and owls. One visitor notes, "There is a super sweet local cat who befriended me here and made my visit so much better. I had some mechanical issues with my car and Kampground Kittah tried to help."
Arrowhead hunting: The conservation areas contain Native American artifacts according to locals. As one camper at Montrose Missouri Conservation Area shared, "One of the locals stopped by my site to look for arrowheads. Apparently, she has found a lot in the area so that's a good activity if the kids are bored."
Fishing access: Multiple access points exist for shore fishing, particularly at the dam area. "Big lake, several sites to choose, good fishing, pit toilets," reports one camper about the fishing conditions, though water quality varies seasonally.
Blackberry picking: Fall visitors can forage for wild berries in designated areas. A regular visitor mentions, "There is loads of wildlife to see... there's also blackberries in the fall."
What campers like
Quiet, spacious sites: The dispersed camping areas provide ample space between sites. A camper at Poague Campsite #5 shared, "This is great secluded spot, right off the highway. Perfect for what I was looking for to car camp."
Stargazing conditions: Limited light pollution creates excellent night sky viewing. One camper enthusiastically described, "The stars were beautiful, the 'sites' were spacious and well spread out, and there is lots of shade."
Easy access from paved roads: Many sites can be reached without extensive off-road driving. A visitor noted, "Large grassy area with plenty of room to set up a tent or camper. Right off the road, so no dirt roads to traverse."
Free camping: All conservation areas offer no-cost camping options with varying stay limits. "Beautiful Campsites on the opposite side of the boat drops and free," commented one budget-conscious visitor.
What you should know
Seasonal hunting restrictions: Camping at conservation areas becomes limited during hunting seasons. "There is no camping allowed after October 15 due to hunting season. This was not on the website and was not seeable in dust when arriving late on a small sign in the bushes," warns a visitor at Montrose Missouri Conservation Area.
Water conditions: Lakes tend to be shallow with muddy bottoms. One camper observed, "Nice city park campground. Location was nice and quiet with beautiful views of lake. Bathrooms were terrible. Verizon service was good."
Bathroom facilities: When available, vault toilets may have maintenance issues. A visitor reported, "Bathrooms were fine. It's free camping so it was great that there were bathrooms at all."
Signage confusion: Rules and site boundaries aren't always clearly marked. One camper mentioned, "Signs were confusing as to whether it is ok to camp, but they didn't explicitly say no camping."
Tips for camping with families
Supply your own amenities: Conservation areas lack developed facilities. According to a visitor, "No picnic tables or fire pits. The pit toilet was really gross, but there was toilet paper."
Local resupply options: Nearby towns offer unusual combination stores. As one camper discovered, "If you're looking for a good wine, you can find some at the local auto parts store. I am not kidding! I think it's Rick's Auto Parts and their liquor is priced very reasonably."
Create temporary fire rings: Some areas permit fires with proper containment. A regular visitor at Montrose Missouri Conservation Area advises, "There are some fire spots but be kind and put up rocks that you can find along the shore."
Bring water shoes: Lake bottoms are typically muddy and may contain debris. "You can fish, boat and swim but I recommend water shoes. The water is very shallow most the time it's only chest deep out in the middle," notes one experienced visitor.
Tips from RVers
Accessible loops for larger vehicles: Some conservation areas can accommodate RVs despite limited development. "You could definitely get a big rig in and out of here on the looped gravel roads," reported one RVer.
Short-term stays recommended: Limited amenities make these areas better for overnight rather than extended stays. A passing RVer advised, "Nice location for an overnight stop but not much more."
Toilet paper supply: Bring your own bathroom supplies as facilities are inconsistently stocked. "Vault toilets were absolutely disgusting, thankfully we brought our own toilet paper," shared one prepared camper.
Generator usage: Check current regulations as policies on generator use vary by location and season. "Mowed, TP stocked, plenty of firewood and room for dogs to run," noted a visitor at Montrose Missouri Conservation Area, but didn't mention generator allowances.
