Dispersed camping options near Holden, Missouri include several primitive campsites in state conservation areas within a 30-mile radius. The terrain consists primarily of prairie land interspersed with stands of oak and hickory trees, with elevation ranging from 800-900 feet above sea level. Most free camping locations receive between 40-45 inches of annual precipitation, creating muddy conditions during spring months that may affect accessibility to certain camping areas.
What to do
Wildlife observation: Visit during dawn or dusk for optimal viewing opportunities at Montrose Missouri Conservation Area. The shallow lake attracts diverse wildlife despite water conditions. According to visitor Sav, "the stars were beautiful, the 'sites' were spacious and well spread out, and there is lots of shade."
Fishing: Pack water shoes for comfort when fishing at Montrose Missouri Conservation Area. One regular camper notes, "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."
Artifact hunting: Search after rainfall for potential archaeological finds. A visitor to 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."
What campers like
Privacy between sites: No designated boundaries at most conservation areas provide flexibility for setup. At Montrose, campers appreciate that "the 'sites' were spacious and well spread out, and there is lots of shade. you could definitely get a big rig in and out of here on the looped gravel roads."
Accessibility: Easy road access to Poague Campsite #5 makes it convenient for quick overnight stays. A visitor commented, "This is great secluded spot, right off the highway. Perfect for what I was looking for to car camp."
Night sky viewing: Low light pollution creates excellent stargazing opportunities. According to one camper at Montrose, "the stars were beautiful" and another visitor at Crooked River Conservation Area noted the "free camping in designated camping area per MO Dept of Conservation rules. Pit toilets and mowed area for camping."
What you should know
Seasonal restrictions: Check current regulations before planning a trip as rules may change. A camper at Montrose warns, "Big lake, several sites to choose, good fishing, pit toilets. The sign says NO FISHING after Oct.14 because of duck season. Open for camping."
Facility conditions vary widely between conservation areas and can change throughout the year. One visitor to Montrose Missouri Conservation Area reported, "Vault toilets were absolutely disgusting, thankfully we brought our own toilet paper. Easily accessible car camping."
Wildlife encounters: Prepare for local fauna which may approach campsites. A visitor shared, "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."
Tips for camping with families
Bring portable toilet facilities due to inconsistent bathroom conditions. A camper at Montrose noted, "The pit toilet was really gross, but there was toilet paper," while another mentioned, "Bathrooms were fine. It's free camping so it was great that there were bathrooms at all."
Consider shorter stays with children as amenities are limited. One visitor suggested Montrose is a "Nice location for an over night stop but not much more," adding that the "Location was nice and quiet with beautiful views of lake. Bathrooms were terrible. Verizon service was good."
Pack entertainment options for kids as established recreation facilities are minimal. At Poague Campsite #5, the secluded nature means children will need to create their own fun, with one camper noting it's "Perfect for what I was looking for to car camp."
Tips from RVers
Suitable for various RV sizes but prepare for primitive conditions. According to a Montrose visitor, "you could definitely get a big rig in and out of here on the looped gravel roads," though another notes it's a "Large grass area available for tents or campers. No specific camp locations. No fire rings or picnic tables."
Ground conditions affect accessibility particularly after rainfall. At Montrose, the "paved roads, boat access for 2 areas" provide good access points, but interior areas may become muddy, especially near the lake described as "shallow muddy water but it does attract wildlife."
