Best Dispersed Camping near Lathrop, MO

Dispersed camping near Lathrop, Missouri encompasses three main areas: Crooked River Conservation Area, Elrod Mill Access, and Atchison State Fishing Lake across the Kansas border. Crooked River Conservation Area permits free camping in designated areas without reservations or facilities. Missouri Department of Conservation manages this land where camping occurs in mowed areas with minimal development. Elrod Mill Access provides more remote dispersed camping opportunities for those seeking solitude, though with strict limitations on amenities and facilities. Atchison State Fishing Lake in neighboring Kansas rounds out the regional options with primitive camping near fishing access points.

Access to these dispersed camping locations requires preparation for primitive conditions. Crooked River features pit toilets but lacks drinking water, hookups, or trash service. Campers must pack in all supplies and pack out waste. Elrod Mill Access has no developed facilities whatsoever, demanding complete self-sufficiency from visitors. Road conditions to these areas are generally suitable for standard vehicles, though seasonal weather may affect accessibility. Fire regulations vary by site, with Crooked River permitting campfires while Elrod Mill prohibits them, requiring campers to check current restrictions before arrival.

These conservation areas provide quiet retreats away from established campgrounds. Fishing opportunities exist at all three locations, making them appealing for anglers seeking overnight options. Wildlife viewing and hunting (in season with proper permits) are additional activities available at Crooked River. According to a visitor, Crooked River offers "free camping in designated camping area per MO Dept of Conservation rules" with basic pit toilets and mowed camping areas. Another camper noted that Elrod Mill is "peaceful, off-the-beaten-path" and "best suited for folks who want a primitive camping experience and don't mind roughing it a little for the sake of solitude." Atchison State Fishing Lake receives praise for being exceptionally quiet, with one review stating it's "dead at night" despite daytime fishing activity.

Best Dispersed Sites Near Lathrop, Missouri (3)

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Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos near Lathrop, MO

3 Photos of 3 Lathrop Campgrounds


Dispersed Camping Reviews near Lathrop, MO

2 Reviews of 3 Lathrop 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.

  • RThe Dyrt PRO User
    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 Lathrop

Dispersed camping near Lathrop, Missouri offers opportunities for outdoor recreation without developed facilities. Located in northwest Missouri, the area sits at approximately 1,000 feet elevation with a humid continental climate featuring hot summers and cold winters. Seasonal conditions impact accessibility to camping areas, with spring often bringing muddy access roads while fall provides the most comfortable temperatures and minimal insect activity.

What to do

Nighttime wildlife observation: At Atchison State Fishing Lake, visitors experience exceptional quiet after sunset. "Some people come to fish during the day but it's dead at night," notes camper William M., creating ideal conditions for spotting nocturnal wildlife.

Bus camping opportunities: Larger vehicles can navigate to select areas despite terrain challenges. Rick M. describes his experience at Atchison State Fishing Lake: "I took my skoolie there... We drove down 322nd Rd. to get to our site near the bathrooms across from the maintenance building. That road is gradual enough that I was able to get my short bus down it safely without tipping over."

Conservation activities: Beyond overnight stays, camping areas function as wildlife management zones. Seasonal hunting requires appropriate permits, with different seasons for various game species. Public land regulations govern all activities.

What campers like

Management interaction: Rangers provide helpful information about regulations. One camper at Atchison State Fishing Lake appreciated this aspect: "The management guy here is pretty cool and he let me know that it's a 7 day stay not 14... hung out and pet my dog and talked to me for a little bit."

Unstructured camping setup: The lack of designated sites appeals to independent campers. At Elrod Mill Access, campers enjoy flexibility in choosing their exact location. "There's no developed campground here, but you can camp, and that's part of what makes it special," reports Sayler O.

True wilderness experience: Limited visitor traffic creates genuine solitude. Campers report entire nights without seeing other visitors, particularly during weekdays and non-summer months. The absence of light pollution provides excellent stargazing opportunities.

What you should know

Stay limits: Duration restrictions apply to conservation areas. For example, at Atchison State Fishing Lake, campers must observe specific timeframes: "The management guy here is pretty cool and he let me know that it's a 7 day stay not 14," reports Rick M.

Accessibility challenges: Road conditions require planning. Some areas feature steep approaches that may challenge larger vehicles or those without appropriate clearance, particularly after rainfall.

Restricted camping zones: At Crooked River Conservation Area, camping is permitted only in specific areas. Gary S. notes: "Free camping in designated camping area per MO Dept of Conservation rules," meaning campers cannot set up anywhere they choose.

Tips for camping with families

Bathroom planning: Limited facilities require preparation. While Crooked River offers basic toilets, Gary S. notes they provide only "pit toilets and mowed area for camping," making it advisable to bring sanitation supplies and explain facilities to children beforehand.

Activity scheduling: Conservation areas offer educational opportunities through wildlife observation. Morning and evening hours provide the best wildlife viewing, with designated hunting seasons requiring additional safety awareness.

Self-sufficiency preparation: No amenities means bringing everything needed. Elrod Mill particularly demands complete preparation, as Sayler O. explains: "There aren't any amenities—no bathrooms, no picnic tables, no hookups—so you'll need to come prepared and be self-sufficient."

Tips from RVers

Site location research: RV parking locations are limited to certain areas. One camper discovered confusion about proper camping zones at Atchison State Fishing Lake: "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. The website actually forbids anybody camping around the cabin."

Road gradient concerns: Access roads present challenges for larger vehicles. The approach gradient at some locations requires careful navigation, though Rick M. reports success: "That road is gradual enough that I was able to get my short bus down it safely without tipping over."

Water access planning: No hookups means managing water supplies independently. Free camping near Lathrop, Missouri requires bringing sufficient water for drinking, cooking, and basic hygiene, as no potable water sources exist at these sites.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Lathrop, MO is Crooked River Conservation Area with a 3.5-star rating from 3 reviews.

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

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