Top Free Dispersed Camping near Holden, MO

If you're looking for a place to dispersed camp near Holden, look no further. Dispersed camping gets you off the grid so you can disconnect from the hecticness of everyday life. Each dispersed site offers quick access to one or more of Holden's most popular destinations.

Best Dispersed Sites Near Holden, MO (5)

    Camper-submitted photo from Montrose Missouri Conservation Area Dispersed Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from Montrose Missouri Conservation Area Dispersed Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from Montrose Missouri Conservation Area Dispersed Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from Montrose Missouri Conservation Area Dispersed Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from Montrose Missouri Conservation Area Dispersed Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from Montrose Missouri Conservation Area Dispersed Camping

    1. Montrose Missouri Conservation Area Dispersed Camping

    9 Reviews
    29 Photos
    193 Saves

    Camping limited to 14 days

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Standard (Tent/RV)
    • Dispersed
    • Trash
    • Toilets
    • No image available

      2. Poague Campsite #5

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      1 Save

      • Camping is permitted in posted parking lots. • No littering. • No fireworks. • No open fires except in areas designated open to camping. • No free-running pets. Dogs must be leashed or confined when not being used for hunting. • Motor vehicles are restricted to graveled roadways and parking areas. • Destroying, cutting or removing vegetation is prohibited. Nuts, berries, fruits, edible wild greens and mushrooms may be taken only for personal consumption. • No target shooting allowed. • Trail and game cameras are prohibited.

      • Reservable
      • RVs
      • Tents
      • Standard (Tent/RV)
      • No image available

        3. Poague Campsite #3

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        1 Save

        • Camping is permitted in posted parking lots. • No littering. • No fireworks. • No open fires except in areas designated open to camping. • No free-running pets. Dogs must be leashed or confined when not being used for hunting. • Motor vehicles are restricted to graveled roadways and parking areas. • Destroying, cutting or removing vegetation is prohibited. Nuts, berries, fruits, edible wild greens and mushrooms may be taken only for personal consumption. • No target shooting allowed. • Trail and game cameras are prohibited.

        • RVs
        • Tents
        • Standard (Tent/RV)
        • No image available

          4. Poague Campsite #4

          Be the first to review!

          • Camping is permitted in posted parking lots. • No littering. • No fireworks. • No open fires except in areas designated open to camping. • No free-running pets. Dogs must be leashed or confined when not being used for hunting. • Motor vehicles are restricted to graveled roadways and parking areas. • Destroying, cutting or removing vegetation is prohibited. Nuts, berries, fruits, edible wild greens and mushrooms may be taken only for personal consumption. • No target shooting allowed. • Trail and game cameras are prohibited.

          • RVs
          • Tents
          • Standard (Tent/RV)
          Camper-submitted photo from Crooked River Conservation Area
          Camper-submitted photo from Crooked River Conservation Area

          5. Crooked River Conservation Area

          1 Review
          4 Photos
          10 Saves

          The Conservation Department purchased Crooked River Conservation Area property in 1983 with funds from the 1/8 of 1% Design for Conservation sales tax. The area includes forest/woodland, several small ponds, and three miles of frontage on Crooked River. The area's diverse habitats create an ideal home for many species of wildlife, including deer, turkey, quail, squirrels, and songbirds.

          • Pets
          • Fires
          • Phone Service
          • RVs
          • Tents
          • Group

        Recent Dispersed Reviews In Holden

        10 Reviews of 5 Holden Campgrounds


        • G
          Camper-submitted photo from Crooked River Conservation Area
          Jul. 18, 2024

          Crooked River Conservation Area

          Missouri Department of Conservation Area, free camping

          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.

        • Megan C.
          Camper-submitted photo from Montrose Missouri Conservation Area Dispersed Camping
          Jan. 20, 2024

          Montrose Missouri Conservation Area Dispersed Camping

          Decent spot

          It was quiet. We enjoyed our stay. I read about the black cat that was found there in the other review. It was still there when we camped in late December and quite hungry. Very friendly and needing love. We brought him home with us and he is the most amazing cat. Took a while to get litter trained but I’m glad we opened up our home to him before the bad weather got here. Thanks to this site, we found our new family member! Thanks to whoever posted.

        • AThe Dyrt PRO User
          Camper-submitted photo from Montrose Missouri Conservation Area Dispersed Camping
          Aug. 28, 2023

          Montrose Missouri Conservation Area Dispersed Camping

          I Made a Kittah Friend

          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. 🤣

          Bathrooms were fine. It’s free camping so it was great that there were bathrooms at all.

          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.

          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. 😄 If your car’s broken down and you can’t drive, I guess you might as well drink and Rick’s there to help you out with both. 🤣

        • Lee F.The Dyrt PRO User
          Camper-submitted photo from Montrose Missouri Conservation Area Dispersed Camping
          May. 6, 2023

          Montrose Missouri Conservation Area Dispersed Camping

          Stinky toilet

          Large grassy area with plenty of room to set up a tent or camper. Right off the road, so no dirt roads to traverse. Signs were confusing as to whether it is ok to camp, but they didn't explicitly say no camping. The lake is really just a mud bog, so not very appealing unless you came to duck hunt. No picnic tables or fire pits. The pit toilet was really gross, but there was toilet paper.

        • Charles N.
          Camper-submitted photo from Montrose Missouri Conservation Area Dispersed Camping
          Apr. 25, 2023

          Montrose Missouri Conservation Area Dispersed Camping

          Amazing experience!

          We got to campsite pretty late, so when everyone was unpacked we went straight to bed. shortly after we all passed out from the long and beautiful 16 hour drive, we started hearing all the wildlife and I will never forget waking up in the most beautiful place. Was a picture perfect moment, Colorado springs will forever hold a spot in my, and my family's memories. have fun and safe travels!

        • Leni K.
          Camper-submitted photo from Montrose Missouri Conservation Area Dispersed Camping
          Jun. 6, 2022

          Montrose Missouri Conservation Area Dispersed Camping

          Great Secluded Dispersed Camping

          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. Thankfully we were not shot! While free, dispersed sites, there are easily established fire pit areas to choose from Vault toilets were absolutely disgusting, thankfully we brought our own toilet paper. Easily accessible car camping. Not too many other campers at the other site where we spotted some RVs. Overall the remote location, gorgeous scenery and with a couple boats makes for a great weekend.

        • Sarah
          Camper-submitted photo from Montrose Missouri Conservation Area Dispersed Camping
          Nov. 29, 2020

          Montrose Missouri Conservation Area Dispersed Camping

          montrose conservation area missouri

          this little off the beaten path camp ground his paved roads, boat access for 2 areas 1 near the damn which closes a gate after 10pm, we use the other area near the conservation station(although ive never seen anyone there) park rangers are mostly non existent , they do drive through, they are quite nice an most the time never stop just smile an wave, there some fire spots but be kind an put up rocks that you can find along the shore, there is bathroom facilities and a dumpster behind the conservation building.

          the area is surrounded by trees but the area is clean, nice soft grass, there are pecan an walnut trees so watch out for your heads when its fall lol . you can fish, boat and swim but i recommend  water shoes. the water is very shallow most the time its only chest deep out in the middle. 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. 

          all in all a very nice quiet little free camp area. we go all the time.



        Guide to Holden

        Camping near Holden, Missouri, offers a mix of beautiful landscapes and family-friendly activities. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventure-filled getaway, there are several campgrounds nearby that cater to different needs.

        What to do:

        • Fishing and boating: Many campgrounds, like Crow's Creek Campground, are close to lakes, making them perfect for fishing and boating. One camper mentioned, "We had a short walk to the lake for fishing, and the loop had a restroom."
        • Hiking: Explore the trails at Watkins Mill State Park Campground. A visitor shared, "New asphalt roads throughout the park; nice for walking, biking, etc."
        • Wildlife watching: Campers at Blue Springs Lake Campground enjoy spotting local wildlife. One review noted, "The area was clean and the bathrooms well maintained, if not a bit older perhaps."

        What campers like:

        • Clean facilities: Campers appreciate well-kept restrooms and showers. A review for Knob Noster State Park Campground stated, "The bathrooms are nice, fully functioning toilet, sink, and shower."
        • Friendly staff: Many visitors mention the helpfulness of campground hosts. One camper at Arrow Rock State Historic Site Campground said, "The camp host was helpful in providing firewood and was very attentive of the sites."
        • Spacious sites: Campers enjoy having enough space between sites. A review for Lake Jacomo - Fleming Park mentioned, "Some sites are not very level so bring blocks, but shade is tough to find."

        What you should know:

        • Reservation challenges: Some campgrounds have outdated websites, making it hard to book online. A camper at Camp Branch Campground noted, "The website for this park is ancient. Couldn't get anything booked online because the website wouldn't cooperate."
        • Limited amenities: Not all campgrounds offer full hookups. A visitor at Longview Campground mentioned, "Only electrical hookup (which wasn’t a big deal since we were in hose length of the drinking water)."
        • Wildlife encounters: Be prepared for some wildlife. One camper at Blue Springs Lake Campground shared a story about "snakes of all sizes and large insects."

        Tips for camping with families:

        • Choose family-friendly campgrounds: Look for places with playgrounds and activities for kids. A review for Watkins Mill State Park Campground highlighted, "We had a full hookup site located right by the playground and it was perfect for our family."
        • Plan for outdoor fun: Bring games and outdoor toys to keep kids entertained. One camper at Crow's Creek Campground mentioned, "Great spot for family camping!"
        • Pack snacks and drinks: Having food on hand can make family outings easier. A visitor at Lake Jacomo - Fleming Park said, "Nice and quiet, perfect for a family picnic."

        Tips from RVers:

        • Check site levels: Some campgrounds have uneven sites. A review for Kansas City East-Oak Grove KOA noted, "If you're sensitive to nearby road noise, there's a lot of Jake Brakes on I-70."
        • Bring leveling blocks: This is essential for a comfortable stay. A camper at Knob Noster State Park Campground advised, "Sites list grade so you can find an even surface for your vehicle."
        • Stay connected: Check for cell service availability. One visitor at Crow's Creek Campground mentioned, "We have Verizon cell service and had no issues."

        Camping around Holden, MO, has something for everyone, whether you're in a tent or an RV. Just remember to check the specific campground details and reviews to make the most of your trip!

        Frequently Asked Questions

        • Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Holden, MO?

          According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Holden, MO is Montrose Missouri Conservation Area Dispersed Camping with a 4.4-star rating from 9 reviews.

        • What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Holden, MO?

          TheDyrt.com has all 5 dispersed camping locations near Holden, MO, with real photos and reviews from campers.