Tent camping near Holts Summit, Missouri offers primitive options along the Gasconade and Osage Rivers. Most campsites sit at elevations between 500-700 feet in rolling Ozark foothills terrain with hot summers and moderate spring and fall temperatures. Road access to many conservation areas requires driving on gravel roads that can become difficult during heavy rainfall periods.
What to do
Float trips on Gasconade River: Access the water at Fredericksburg Ferry Access where campers can put in canoes or kayaks for day trips. "Fredericksburg Access is a free campground with about 10 primitive sites. Grassy coverage with a mix of gravel or grass pull-ins," writes Jaxsen B.
Target practice: Visit Scrivner Road Conservation Area for outdoor shooting activities. "This Missouri Conservation area is a Swiss Army knife of rugged of the path camping. Rivers, Lakes, Gun range, Horses and hiking can all be enjoyed here," notes Josh S.
Stargazing: Clear night skies provide excellent viewing opportunities at several campsites. "Lots of trees but still great stargazing at night. We even saw a few meteors!" reports Jaxsen B. about Fredericksburg Ferry Access.
Fishing: Multiple access points along rivers offer good fishing opportunities. Ben Branch Lake Conservation Area provides lake fishing with relatively easy shoreline access. The Osage River access points are popular for catfish during summer months.
What campers like
River proximity: Osage-Tavern Access provides direct water access. "Probably about 12-15 sites, small, just fire pits. Has 1 bathroom and place for trash. Right along the river so nice if your looking for water," according to Casey.
Uncrowded weekday options: Many conservation area campgrounds remain relatively empty during weekdays. "I arrived at 6 on a Saturday (post labor day) and plenty of sites available," reports Casey about Osage-Tavern Access.
Clean facilities: Some locations maintain their vault toilets well. At Fredericksburg Ferry Access, campers note the grounds are "Quiet and always kept clean," according to mitzi B.
Level terrain: Most sites feature relatively flat areas ideal for tent setup. "Ground is very level and not super rocky so this is a great site for tents," writes Jaxsen B. about camping at Fredericksburg Ferry.
What you should know
Limited amenities: Come prepared with all supplies. "Vault toilets available. Quiet. No water, hook ups or picnic tables, but fire rings. Wish people would understand pack in pack out and not leave trash!" notes Pamela B. about Ben Branch Lake Conservation Area.
Site availability: Conservation areas have limited designated sites. "The camping Spots DO fill up quickly as there are only like 5-7 spots," warns Lori S. about Ben Branch Lake.
Water access challenges: River swimming requires caution. "The swim there requires crossing a moderately sized river that is relatively swift. This is fine for people who swim well but not recommended for young children or weak swimmers especially without flotation devices," explains Jaxsen B.
Drive preparation: Many access roads are unpaved. "8 miles is dirt but my Nissan Rogue did fine," reports Casey about getting to Osage-Tavern Access.
Tips for camping with families
Wildlife watching opportunities: Water Mountain provides open spaces for nature observation. "Lots of open space to camp and plenty of area to hike or use an ATV. Also it's on the river which is nice!" writes Caleb G.
Avoid certain locations: Some riverside areas can be problematic for children. "Unless you enjoy loud noise, drunks, busy traffic, guns being shot off at all hours of the night and a massive cloud of bugs, avoid this campsite," warns Pamela B. about Rollins Ferry Access.
Supply runs: Know where to find necessities. "45m to nearest Walmart or tractor supply, so plan ahead. Food, fire starter logs, and lighter fuel available at Thriftway (about 30 min), firewood and ice at Casey's, and McDonald's all in Linn (all 30m) if you need anything," advises Jaxsen B.
Bathroom facilities: Most locations offer only basic vault toilets. At Ben Branch, visitors comment that "The bathrooms just say if you know You Know," notes Lori S., suggesting families should prepare for rustic conditions.
Tips from RVers
Size restrictions: Most conservation area access points have limited space for larger vehicles. At Pikes Camp, the camping area is described as a "Great little river access. Has a shaded grassy area for camping," by Josh S., but note the limited turning radius for larger rigs.
Power options: Almost no locations offer electrical hookups. For RVers requiring power, bring sufficient battery capacity or a generator where permitted.
Weekend traffic considerations: Expect more activity around campsites Friday through Sunday. "On a weekend, Its gonna be loud! Lots of ATVs up and down the Gravel Road," warns Lori S. about Ben Branch Lake Conservation Area.
Cell service: Most areas maintain workable connectivity. "Had service of at least 2-3 bars entire time," reports Pamela B. about Ben Branch Lake, allowing RVers to stay connected even in these primitive camping locations.
