Montrose Missouri Conservation Area offers primitive equestrian camping options 40 miles southwest of Harrisonville, Missouri. The area's terrain features rolling hills at approximately 850 feet elevation with a mix of oak woodland and open grassland. Campers will find unmarked primitive sites along gravel roads that circle the small lake, with wildlife frequent visitors throughout the camping areas.
What to do
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Montrose Conservation Area attracts diverse wildlife throughout the year. One camper noted, "there is loads of wildlife to see an arent much scared of humans, racoons, beavers, crane, squirrels, dear, owls an much more. theres also blackberries in the fall" at Montrose Missouri Conservation Area.
Arrowhead hunting: The area has archaeological significance with artifacts often found by visitors. A camper mentioned, "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" during their stay at Montrose Conservation Area.
Fishing opportunities: The lake at Montrose provides fishing access, though water levels vary seasonally. According to visitors at Knob Noster State Park Campground, "Clearfork Lake was great for fishing for us!" This park is located within reasonable driving distance of Harrisonville and offers additional fishing options.
What campers like
Spacious camping areas: The horse camping areas near Harrisonville provide ample room for equestrian setups. A camper at Montrose noted, "Large grass area available for tents or campers. No specific camp locations. No fire rings or picnic tables." Another mentioned, "the 'sites' were spacious and well spread out, and there is lots of shade."
Night sky visibility: Many equestrian campgrounds in rural Missouri offer excellent stargazing opportunities. At Montrose Missouri Conservation Area, a visitor enthusiastically shared, "the stars were beautiful, the 'sites' were spacious and well spread out, and there is lots of shade."
Affordable camping options: Most horse-friendly camping areas near Harrisonville are budget-friendly. A camper at Lake Jacomo - Fleming Park shared, "Both electric and primitive sites are available. The bathrooms are the nicest campground bathrooms I've ever used - large, clean, and not communal."
What you should know
Seasonal hunting closures: Hunting activities affect camping availability in some areas. A camper cautioned, "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."
Bathroom conditions vary: Facilities at equestrian campgrounds range from well-maintained to very basic. At Linn County Park, a visitor noted, "shower house/ rest room we're clean for the most part but a little rundown." Another camper at Montrose mentioned, "Vault toilets were absolutely disgusting, thankfully we brought our own toilet paper."
Terrain and accessibility: Most horse camping areas have unpaved access roads that can become difficult after rain. According to one camper at Montrose, "Shallow muddy water but it does attract wildlife. A bit of road noise but tolerable. Perfect for our one night stay."
Tips for camping with families
Wildlife encounters: Prepare children for interactions with local animals. A visitor at Hillsdale State Park shared, "Beautiful sunsets. Water is a little muddy but good for fishing. I would recommend for a family getaway or a fishing trip."
Cell service limitations: Most equestrian camping areas have limited or no connectivity. At Linn County Park, a camper warned, "Also if you have kids that go camping with you chances are your cell phones will not work so the kids probably will be very bored lol."
Nearby activities: When staying at horse campgrounds near Harrisonville, plan day trips to surrounding areas. At Lake Jacomo, one camper noted, "Nice little campground tucked away just outside Kansas City. Close to everything but far enough that it's still really camping."
Tips from RVers
Site accessibility: Many horse campgrounds can accommodate RVs despite primitive conditions. At Montrose, a camper observed, "you could definitely get a big rig in and out of here on the looped gravel roads."
Hookup availability: Most equestrian-friendly campgrounds offer limited or no hookups. At Pony Express RV Park LLC, a visitor reported, "Has full hookups with pull thur sites. Older shower house, but was nice and clean, friendly staff."
Weather considerations: Be prepared for changing conditions. A camper at Knob Noster State Park shared, "Hard to give an accurate account for our stay due to it raining basically the entire time. When it wasn't raining the sites were nice and spacious and relatively level. Made for easy set up and break down."
