Best Tent Camping near Independence, MO
Tent camping options surrounding Independence, Missouri include several primitive sites within conservation areas and city parks that offer varied camping experiences. Tent Sites at Milo Farm provides 22 dedicated tent sites with walk-in access, while conservation areas like Bonanza and Agency offer more rustic camping opportunities within driving distance of Independence. Hamilton City Lake, though basic, offers free tent camping in a natural setting.
Most tent camping areas near Independence feature minimal amenities consistent with primitive camping. Bonanza Conservation Area offers free camping but restricts tent placement to designated gravel parking areas. A camper observed that "it is against their rules to camp anywhere but on a gravelly parking lot," noting they received a citation when setting up elsewhere. Agency Conservation Area similarly provides limited space with a small gravel pullout serving as the primary camping area. Sites typically allow fires and permit pets, but many lack drinking water, toilets, and trash service. Campers should bring all necessary supplies including water and waste disposal bags.
The tent camping experience varies across sites near Independence. Hamilton City Lake provides a peaceful setting with shaded tent sites directly adjacent to fishing opportunities. According to a visitor, the area offers "plenty of room to spread out without worrying about noisy neighbors," though some road noise may be audible from nearby Highway 36. Bonanza Conservation Area sees seasonal use by hunters, particularly during deer season. Tree coverage provides welcome shade at many sites, though summer brings concerns about ticks and snakes, as noted in reviews of Agency Conservation Area. Most conservation areas close overnight from 10pm to 4am, limiting their use for extended stays. Walk-in tent sites at Milo Farm provide more dedicated tent camping facilities than the conservation areas, though these require reservations unlike the free dispersed options.
