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Best Dispersed Camping near Riverside, MO

6 Reviews

Leavenworth Kansas State Fishing Lake and Crooked River Conservation Area provide the closest dispersed camping options to Riverside, Missouri. Both allow tent and RV camping with drive-in access, though neither offers hookups or drinking water. Crooked River Conservation Area offers free camping with designated areas, while Leavenworth requires a fee but provides picnic tables and basic toilets. Atchison State Fishing Lake, slightly farther north, offers similar primitive camping experiences.

Facilities are minimal across these locations. A camper at Leavenworth noted, "There is a brochure available online to help find the designated camping areas." Crooked River features pit toilets and mowed camping areas. Atchison has clean pit toilets near the camping area west of the cabin. Stay limits apply, with recent visitors reporting a 7-day maximum at both Leavenworth and Atchison State Fishing Lakes. The areas remain quiet with limited traffic, primarily from day visitors fishing at the lakes.

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Best Dispersed Sites Near Riverside, Missouri (3)

    1. Leavenworth Kansas State Fishing Lake

    4 Reviews
    Tonganoxie, KS
    28 miles
    Website
    +1 (785) 887-6882

    "There's sun by the bathrooms, and there's shade in the forested campground."

    "I assume they went fishing at the lake. Bathroom was a little rough but manageable."

    2. Crooked River Conservation Area

    3 Reviews
    Lawson, MO
    35 miles
    Website
    +1 (660) 646-6122

    "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."

    3. Atchison State Fishing Lake

    2 Reviews
    Atchison, KS
    43 miles

    "Clean pit toilets. Will definitely be back."

    "I took my skoolie there, and I thought we were supposed to park near the cabin, however, it's the part to the left of the cabin that we are supposed to camp at."

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Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos near Riverside, MO

6 Photos of 3 Riverside Campgrounds

Dispersed Camping Reviews near Riverside, MO

6 Reviews of 3 Riverside Campgrounds

  • GThe Dyrt PRO User
    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.

  • John G.The Dyrt PRO User
    Apr. 1, 2024

    Leavenworth Kansas State Fishing Lake

    Quiet spot

    This is a small remote lake of about 160 acres water area. A county road takes you through the area and across the dam. There are gravel pull off areas and a lakeside gravel road. The pit toilet is not well maintained. Not suitable for larger vehicles.

  • RThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 16, 2025

    Leavenworth Kansas State Fishing Lake

    7-day limit. No trash cans or water, but it's free.

    There's sun by the bathrooms, and there's shade in the forested campground. Everything is as great as it can be, aside from missing trash cans, and ideally water and grey dump, but that's usually rare to find water and a grey dump at a free site.

    I'm starting to think that Kansas has a 7-day limit instead of a 14 because this is the second time that a Kansas park official came to the door and said we need to leave. So I'm going to treat all Kansas places as a 7-day limit.

  • Kevin C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 22, 2024

    Leavenworth Kansas State Fishing Lake

    Nice and quiet

    Camped here several days in late June. The were very few campers, even on the weekends. Many slept in their cars and left at first light. I assume they went fishing at the lake. Bathroom was a little rough but manageable.

  • Reagan G.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 12, 2025

    Leavenworth Kansas State Fishing Lake

    Great Site

    This site was easy to find and had a beautiful view of the lake! There is a brochure available online to help find the designated camping areas! We were the only people in the area we parked at! It even had a privy to use for the bathroom!

  • R
    Oct. 18, 2025

    Crooked River Conservation Area

    Not much here

    There is really only one campsite, although there is enough room for probably four campsites, but I arrived when a group had leery spread out over the entire campsite. I camped a little down the road in a grassy area to avoid being inconsiderate of the people already setup.

Guide to Riverside

Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Riverside, Missouri, where nature enthusiasts can enjoy serene landscapes and a variety of outdoor activities. This area offers unique spots for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

Tips for free and dispersed camping near Riverside, Missouri

  • The Crooked River Conservation Area provides free camping opportunities with designated areas for pitching tents and RVs, making it an ideal choice for budget-conscious campers.

Scenic fishing spots for dispersed campers

Remote locations for a quiet getaway

  • If you're seeking solitude, the Atchison State Fishing Lake is a great option, featuring a tranquil setting where you can unwind and enjoy nature without the distractions of modern amenities.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Riverside, MO?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Riverside, MO is Leavenworth Kansas State Fishing Lake with a 4-star rating from 4 reviews.

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

TheDyrt.com has all 3 dispersed camping locations near Riverside, MO, with real photos and reviews from campers.

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