Best Dispersed Camping near Lake Lotawana, MO

If you're looking for a place to dispersed camp near Lake Lotawana, look no further. The Dyrt can help you find the best dispersed campsites for your next trip. You're sure to find the perfect dispersed campgrounds for your Missouri camping adventure.

Best Dispersed Sites Near Lake Lotawana, 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
    Camper-submitted photo from Crooked River Conservation Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Crooked River Conservation Area

    2. Crooked River Conservation Area

    1 Review
    4 Photos
    10 Saves
    Lawson, Missouri

    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
    • No image available

      3. Poague Campsite #5

      Be the first to review!
      1 Save
      Clinton, Missouri

      • 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

        4. Poague Campsite #3

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        1 Save
        Clinton, Missouri

        • 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

          5. Poague Campsite #4

          Be the first to review!
          Clinton, Missouri

          • 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)
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        Showing results 1-5 of 5 campgrounds

        Recent Dispersed Reviews in Lake Lotawana

        10 Reviews of 5 Lake Lotawana Campgrounds


        • GThe Dyrt PRO User
          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.The Dyrt PRO User
          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.The Dyrt PRO User
          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 The Dyrt PRO User
          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 Lake Lotawana

        Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Lake Lotawana, Missouri, where nature enthusiasts can enjoy the great outdoors without the constraints of traditional campgrounds. With a variety of options available, campers can find the perfect spot to unwind and connect with nature.

        Top Activities While Free Camping Near Lake Lotawana

        Dispersed Campers Should Check Out Montrose Missouri Conservation Area

        • This area offers a well-reviewed experience with amenities like pit toilets and trash disposal, making it a convenient choice for campers looking for basic facilities.
        • Visitors have reported friendly local wildlife, including a cat that has become a beloved companion for many campers, adding a unique touch to the experience at the Montrose Missouri Conservation Area Dispersed Camping.
        • The large grassy areas provide ample space for setting up tents or RVs, ensuring a comfortable stay for all types of campers.

        Tips for Free and Dispersed Camping Near Lake Lotawana, Missouri

        • Always pack out what you pack in, especially at the Poague Conservation Area, where some sites have been noted for litter, ensuring a cleaner environment for future visitors.
        • Be prepared for a rustic experience; many areas, like the Crooked River Conservation Area, do not offer amenities such as drinking water or toilets, so bring your own supplies.
        • Check local regulations regarding campfires and wildlife to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience while camping at these beautiful locations.

        Frequently Asked Questions

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

          According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Lake Lotawana, 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 Lake Lotawana, MO?

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