Top Tent Camping near Lawson, MO

If you're looking for a place to pitch your tent near Lawson, look no further. The Dyrt can help you find the best tent campsites for your next trip. Whether you're looking for a quiet, dispersed site or an established camgpround with amenities, The Dyrt makes it easy to find the perfect place to pitch your tent.

Best Tent Sites Near Lawson, MO (5)

    Camper-submitted photo from Bonanza Conservation Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Bonanza Conservation Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Bonanza Conservation Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Bonanza Conservation Area

    1. Bonanza Conservation Area

    3 Reviews
    4 Photos
    29 Saves

    The Conservation Department created this area in 1968 with the purchase of 1,024 acres from several landowners. Later acquisitions of 924 acres have increased the area's current size. This conservation area was acquired in part through the Pittman-Robertson Wildlife Restoration Act administered by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Pittman-Robertson funds are generated from a federal excise tax on sporting arms and ammunition. Because of its size and diversity of habitat, Bonanza Conservation Area is managed for a wide range of game and nongame wildlife species. The area's open fields are managed by farming, haying and controlled burning. Other habitat management includes tree, shrub and grass plantings and selective timber harvest. Native grasses have been planted and managed to improve nesting habitat and winter cover. A few streams run through the area; the largest of these are Shoal Creek and Crabapple Creek. Bonanza Conservation Area is a Quail Restoration Landscape. This means additional emphasis is placed upon managing the area for early successional species such as Bobwhite quail.

    Area closed to bicycle use (and horseback riding) during all portions of the firearms deer hunting season and spring turkey hunting seasons.

    On department areas where camping is allowed, camping is limited to a period of 14 consecutive days in any 30-day period. Personal property must be removed at the end of the 14-day period. Unless a special use permit is obtained, total camping days on all department areas are limited to a total of 30 days within one calendar year. Groups of more than 10 people must obtain a special use permit prior to camping. To obtain a special use permit, contact the area manager at the phone number listed for this area in the area details section. Quiet hours are in effect in camping areas from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. daily. Visitors who are not occupying a campsite are required to leave the campground by 10 p.m. On camping areas with established campsites, only two camping or sleeping units are permitted in each site.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • Tents
    • Group
    • Equestrian
    Camper-submitted photo from Agency Conservation Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Agency Conservation Area

    2. Agency Conservation Area

    2 Reviews
    2 Photos
    15 Saves

    The land for this area was donated to the Conservation Department in 1991. The timbered property straddles Rock Creek Road. The north tract of the area offers walk-in access to the Platte River. A graveled parking lot is located south of the county road. Both tracts are prone to flooding.

    On department areas where camping is allowed, camping is limited to a period of 14 consecutive days in any 30-day period. Personal property must be removed at the end of the 14-day period. Unless a special use permit is obtained, total camping days on all department areas are limited to a total of 30 days within one calendar year. Groups of more than 10 people must obtain a special use permit prior to camping. To obtain a special use permit, contact the area manager at the phone number listed for this area in the area details section.

    Quiet hours are in effect in camping areas from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. daily. Visitors who are not occupying a campsite are required to leave the campground by 10 p.m. On camping areas with established campsites, only two camping or sleeping units are permitted in each site.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Tents
    • Group
    • Alcohol
    Camper-submitted photo from Honey Grove Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Honey Grove Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Honey Grove Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Honey Grove Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Honey Grove Campground

    3. Honey Grove Campground

    1 Review
    5 Photos
    1 Save

    Beautiful and quiet pastures surrounded by trees is where you and your family will make sweet memories this summer. Whether you like to fish, visit historical sites, star gaze, shop Amish goods in Jamesport, or just relax with friends and family, you will love your stay at Honey Grove Campground. We are located 5 minutes from the historic Adam-Ondi-Ahman and only 5 minutes from fishing and boating in The Grand River.

    Our bathroom features toilets, sinks, and hot showers. Three cabins (sleeping 4 each) look out over the wide open field to our historic brick silo. Each of these bunk houses include a picnic table and fire ring. Nine tent camp sites include shade, a picnic table and a fire ring for each site.

    Bring your own bedding, don't waste water, and leave the camp cleaner than you found it so that campers who follow you don't get stuck in a mess, but have a sweet vacation too. Welcome to our hive!

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Reservable
    • Tents
    • Trash

    $20 - $60 / night

    • No image available
      Camper-submitted photo from Tent Sites at Milo Farm
      Camper-submitted photo from Tent Sites at Milo Farm
      Camper-submitted photo from Tent Sites at Milo Farm
      Camper-submitted photo from Tent Sites at Milo Farm
      Camper-submitted photo from Tent Sites at Milo Farm
      Camper-submitted photo from Tent Sites at Milo Farm

      5. Tent Sites at Milo Farm

      Be the first to review!
      10 Photos
      9 Saves

      Tent camping at MILO FARM - SACRED LAND- The 50 acres of Milo Farm is a nature retreat with a cedar forest, a hardwood forest, 2 ponds, bohemian lodge, art studio, pool, barn, miles of trails, campsites & other buildings. Great for the spiritually minded with several meditation spots and portals. Check out the Hippie Trailer and Bunkhouse glamping options too!

      With our regular tent campsites you will have your own firepit, grill and picnic table. You'll be assigned either the entire campsite #1 or #2 in the east field of Milo Farm. These are family friendly! Each site is private and near the animal pen! Meet our goats and donkeys! There is an outhouse with compost toilet between the two campsites. Campsite #1 is bigger and can hold up to 6 tents. Campsite #2 is quant for a smaller group 1-2 tents.

      Ask about availability of boat and art cart golf cart rental if interested. Fill water jugs at spigots located at the animal pen or pool pump. Outdoor shower is by the pool pump as well.

      If you like being more secluded and like to primitive camp there are over 20 spots in the 22 acres of our Freedom Field on the west side of the property. You pick your location, pack in and pack out trash. There's a creek, big open sky, sunset watching opportunities and amazing energy in this field. There are no outhouses in Freedom Field. Water jugs can be filled at the lodge.

      Milo Farm is located in the country just 30 minutes from downtown Kansas City & 20 min from the sports stadiums.

      There's a short hike to the campsites, no parking near. So unfortunately camping buses, vans, RVs won't work for these locations.

      Full details will be sent with check-in information email!

      MILO FARM AMENITIES

      • Miles of trails to hike
      • Fresh air and nature to bask in
      • Many spots of interest to discover
      • 8 Fire pits to sing and make s'mores around
      • Events to join
      • Two stocked ponds to fish
      • Farm animals to pet & feed
      • Art cart golf cart you can rent
      • Paddle boat the south pond you can rent
      • Many fields for frisbee, kickball, football or softball game
      • Saltwater pool to splash in
      • Zen Garden meditation spot
      • Art Studio Shop to explore
      • Observatory to sky watch
      • Wildflowers and grasses to enjoy the pollinators in Freedom Field
      • Three creeks to explore
      • Tibetan Prayer Flag tree to contemplate under
      • Oracle card readings upon request
      • Mythical trails to find magic and spot fun trinkets in
      • Art class to join
      • Sculptures to admire
      • Cornhole and volleyball games to play
      • Outdoor cold water campers shower by pool pump
      • Pets
      • Fires
      • Reservable
      • Tents
      • Picnic Table
      • Firewood Available

      $25 - $40 / night


    Recent Tent Reviews In Lawson

    354 Reviews of 5 Lawson Campgrounds


    • Ioan P.The Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Trailside RV Park
      Oct. 12, 2024

      Trailside RV Park

      For one night, ok

      Is situated near very busy Hwy and rails road. It is a little tight but the stuff is very nice.

    • Jeff L.The Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Weston Bend State Park
      Sep. 13, 2024

      Weston Bend State Park

      Over nighters.

      We arrived around 1 pm and got the pull through site. It is a nice little park that will be closed from November 1, 2024 through April 14, 2025. An electric site was $25.00. The facilities were exceptionally clean and the camp hosts were very polite.

    • MThe Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Great Escape RV Park & Campground
      Aug. 12, 2024

      Great Escape RV Park & Campground

      Nice for overnight

      Just stopped for one night on our way east. Friendly host checked us in. Nice dog park with bench and shade. All sites are FHU. They offered to move us to a pull thru, but I picked our site based on proximity to the dog park, so I declined the move. We were in site 38, back-in 30 amp. Sites are a bit tight but no one next door so ok. I recommend for a stopover. Less fancy but nicer for dogs imo than Owl Creek which is one exit away. There is a pond for fishing (no license required) and a swimming pool.

    • DThe Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from A Country Charm RV Park
      Aug. 10, 2024

      A Country Charm RV Park

      A beautiful small little park

      Easy check in if you have made online reservations. Very well taken care of and clean. Great spot to visit the quilting stores here.

    • G
      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.

    • Angie A.The Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Pony Express Lake Conservation Area
      Jul. 10, 2024

      Pony Express Lake Conservation Area

      A beautiful spot by the lake

      Beautiful spot by the lake. Be sure to turn left at first sign to find campsites. Was a little frustrating that a family seemed to have taken up permanent residence and was obnoxious with the generator. Trash was overflowing and could use a little more attention. Clean vault toilets with TP. It was really beautiful with the sunset.

    • E
      Camper-submitted photo from Worlds of Fun Village
      Jul. 7, 2024

      Worlds of Fun Village

      Amazing memories here

      Beautiful park. Pay more for the pull through you’ll have tons of parking even if your rig is big. Our rig is 44 ft and we parked two 2500’s on the pad no problem. We reserve our days in advance and if we need to cancel we just change our reservation to a different date with no fees. The pool and clubhouse are well kept so are the bathrooms and laundry room. This Is our favorite campsite to date. So much to do.

    • Kevin C.The Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Bonanza Conservation Area
      Jul. 1, 2024

      Bonanza Conservation Area

      Parking lot camping only

      It is against their rules to camp anywhere but on a gravelly parking lot. We camped just off the road and got a citation. It's not really disbursed camping.

    • Terry D.The Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Weston Bend State Park
      Jun. 30, 2024

      Weston Bend State Park

      Short stay

      Very nice lots was a Lil disappointed because this camp site was in mid missori and the agent I contacted it from was in meridian ms and had never been there was told it would have water n 30 amp service but all that was there was 30 amp no water but it was really nice I didn't have time to stay long just the night .

    • Anne R.The Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Lincoln Lake RV Park
      Jun. 16, 2024

      Lincoln Lake RV Park

      Great overnight stop

      Beautiful spot on the lake. Clean campground, full hook-ups. Tent and RV friendly. Will stop here again!

    • Stephanie B.
      Camper-submitted photo from AOK Campground & RV Park
      Jun. 12, 2024

      AOK Campground & RV Park

      Great Spot To Stop

      Traveling through on a cross country trip. Needed a spot to camp from my motorcycle. I was given a giant secluded spot by the pond, separate from the RV area. Has a lovely looking pool that was open, clean showers, and fire wood for sale. The owners are extremely friendly and helpful. The only reason it isn't getting 5 stars is the proximity to the freeway, you can hear it very clearly (jake brakes and all) continuously.

    • JThe Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Wallace State Park
      Jun. 9, 2024

      Wallace State Park

      Small but beautiful.

      Small park with some very private sites and some very exposed sites. Nice showers and dump station.

    • Barbie G.The Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Weston Bend State Park
      Jun. 8, 2024

      Weston Bend State Park

      Site 26 is Peaceful

      This was our 2nd stay at Weston Bend SP. Both times, we had site 26, one of the few basic sites. While some of the other sites were very close to each other, this one is relatively isolated. It's big too. There's a vault toilet close by. It was clean and roomy. We didn't use the water but there are a few spigot throughout the campground. There's also a regular restroom near the campground entrance, but we didn't use it. We will definitely camp here again if we are passing through.

    • David L.The Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Pony Express Lake Conservation Area
      May. 10, 2024

      Pony Express Lake Conservation Area

      A Small Free Drive-in Campground

      This free campground has a water tap and a pit toilet. There are at least three first come first served campsites that have a picnic table and a fire ring.

    • Julie H.The Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from AOK Campground & RV Park
      May. 4, 2024

      AOK Campground & RV Park

      Lovely find!

      Very well cared for site. It's been well established for many years. I was visiting friends in St. Joe and was surprised to learn her parents used to came there many decades ago. It was a KOA and the new owners have kept it up to those standards. The owners/managers are friendly and acknowledged me by name when I walked up to register. A bit of freeway noise but not too bothersome, Great stay!

    • Bill F.The Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Pony Express Lake Conservation Area
      Apr. 15, 2024

      Pony Express Lake Conservation Area

      Great spot on the west side of the lake

      We drove by the east side campsite and it was packed. We ran into a local and he told us about a spot on the east side of the lake. An old boy scout camp. It wasn’t maintained but there was nobody there. Our dogs ran free and that was what we were looking for. We ran our generator at night because we had no neighbors. We were a mile from the lake so we drove around and had access to the lake.

    • Angela C.The Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Basswood Country RV Resort
      Apr. 8, 2024

      Basswood Country RV Resort

      Very mixed bag

      We booked a site here on our drive back East in August 2023. I saw “resort” and was like “Sign me up” after some real hot and grimy parks earlier in the trip.

      Ultimately, most of the amenities were closed by the time we arrived. The game room, the restaurant, and store were all closing or closed. My kids did get some pool time (it was a nice pool) and loved the blob (whatever you call the bounce pads). There was a nice playground, pavilion and courts.

      What is weird is that this is almost two parks - the front is the “resort” or old-fashioned campground, but where we were placed was in the back with what looked like a lot of long-term, single male residents. It was a longish-walk to front where the pool and store was and it definitely didn’t feel like a resort.

      There were spots open in the front closer to the pool and lake - if we had camped there I think the experience would have been different.

    • A
      Camper-submitted photo from Honey Grove Campground
      Mar. 7, 2024

      Honey Grove Campground

      Greatest hot dog roast ever

      Had a big fire outside one of the cabins today! Great company, warm flames, and hot dogs makes for a wonderful night, but the stars and beautiful weather seriously enhanced it like none other! The campground really felt comfortable and my whole family really enjoyed our stay!

    • Cassie B.
      Camper-submitted photo from Owl Creek Market and RV Park
      Mar. 1, 2024

      Owl Creek Market and RV Park

      We absolutely adored this campground.

      We spent about two weeks here around September . It’s well maintained and the staff was so friendly. If we are ever in the area we will definitely stay here again. The market is a great touch.

    • BLBJR
      Camper-submitted photo from Weston Bend State Park
      Feb. 17, 2024

      Weston Bend State Park

      Absolutely beautiful

      This place is absolutely beautiful great for taking your family but if you need RV parts or repairs stay away from Camping World they will rip you off or even if you want to purchase an RV read the reviews on them.

    • MThe Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Owl Creek Market and RV Park
      Jan. 19, 2024

      Owl Creek Market and RV Park

      Nice for overnight

      Stayed one night while traveling back to the east coast. It is a decent campground. The bath house was clean and showers were hot. Sites are close together. Mine had shade. There is a small dog park at the top of the hill. 

      I came late and left early, so didn't get to browse the cheese shop, but it looked nice. I would stay here again.

    • Jamie V.The Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Smiths Fork Recreation Area Camping
      Dec. 4, 2023

      Smiths Fork Recreation Area Camping

      Nice little campground below the dam at Smithville Lake

      We tried Smith Fork and liked it. The only downside is that some of the campsites are close together/congested, but that’s not necessarily a big negative. We have Verizon and service was good. Camp hosts were great!

    • Jamie V.The Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Crow's Creek Campground
      Dec. 4, 2023

      Crow's Creek Campground

      Great Campground near Smithville Lake

      Very nice campground and we’ve stayed here several times without any problems. The hosts are great too. We’ve stayed at sites in Loop C improved which have water and 50amp service. We have Verizon cell service and had no issues.

    • Stuart O.The Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Kansas City East-Oak Grove KOA
      Nov. 14, 2023

      Kansas City East-Oak Grove KOA

      Good spot

      We offer a perspective on RV camping "off peak" (late fall and early spring).  This KOA has a nice eastern exposure for morning sun, and lots of pull through sites.  On the downside, if you're sensitive to nearby road noise, there's a lot of Jake Brakes on I-70 which, at least in the absence of tree foliage, is all over the park.

    • Haley C.
      Camper-submitted photo from Smiths Fork Recreation Area Camping
      Nov. 2, 2023

      Smiths Fork Recreation Area Camping

      Great campground!

      Campground is great! Camp hosts Janet and Chris went above and beyond making Halloween perfect for our family. Been here several times and they are more than accommodating. Always a clean, safe and organized campground. Can’t wait until next year to see all of the events!



    Guide to Lawson

    Camping near Lawson, Missouri, offers a mix of beautiful scenery and family-friendly activities. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or a fun-filled adventure, there are several campgrounds to explore.

    What to do

    • Fishing and boating: Many campgrounds, like Crow's Creek Campground, are near Smithville Lake, making it easy to cast a line or take a boat out. One visitor mentioned, "We had a short walk to the lake for fishing, and the loop had a restroom."
    • Hiking: Trails are available at places like Watkins Mill State Park Campground, where you can enjoy the wooded areas. A camper noted, "New asphalt roads throughout the park; nice for walking, biking, etc."
    • Wildlife watching: The natural surroundings provide opportunities to see local wildlife. A reviewer at Wallace State Park Campground shared, "We woke up to a chorus of birds."

    What campers like

    • Clean facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained restrooms and showers. One visitor at Blue Springs Lake Campground said, "The bathrooms were quite clean!"
    • Friendly staff: Many campgrounds have helpful hosts. A camper at Knob Noster State Park Campground mentioned, "The camp hosts were LOVELY, some of the friendliest I’ve met."
    • Spacious sites: Campers enjoy having room to spread out. A review for Watkins Mill State Park Campground noted, "Sites are not right on top of each other."

    What you should know

    • Limited amenities: Some campgrounds, like Camp Branch Campground, may not have full hookups or showers. A visitor mentioned, "Tent sites are okay sized, and many are close to the water."
    • Road noise: Campgrounds near highways, such as Kansas City East-Oak Grove KOA, can be noisy. One camper said, "Close proximity to the interstate does come with some traffic noise."
    • Strict rules: Some parks have strict policies regarding passes and noise. A camper at Camp Branch Campground noted, "The rules are super strict when it comes to day passes."

    Tips for camping with families

    • Choose a family-friendly campground: Look for places with playgrounds and activities. A reviewer at Blue Springs Lake Campground mentioned, "We had a full hookup site located right by the playground."
    • Plan for outdoor fun: Bring games and outdoor toys to keep kids entertained. One camper at Watkins Mill State Park Campground suggested, "Be sure to get biscuits & gravy at 'The General Store' just down the road from the park entrance."
    • Pack insect repellent: Bugs can be a nuisance, especially in warmer months. A visitor at Wallace State Park Campground warned, "My only complaint were the ticks."

    Tips from RVers

    • Check site amenities: Make sure your chosen campground has the hookups you need. A camper at Crow's Creek Campground said, "We’ve stayed at sites in Loop C improved which have water and 50amp service."
    • Bring leveling blocks: Some sites may not be perfectly level. A reviewer at Weston Bend State Park Campground noted, "You will need leveling blocks on the gravel."
    • Stay connected: Check cell service availability if you need to stay in touch. A camper at Knob Noster State Park Campground mentioned, "Both AT&T and Verizon worked great."

    Camping near Lawson, Missouri, has something for everyone, from families to RV enthusiasts. Just remember to plan ahead and enjoy the great outdoors!

    Frequently Asked Questions

    • Which is the most popular tent campsite near Lawson, MO?

      According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Lawson, MO is Bonanza Conservation Area with a 3.7-star rating from 3 reviews.

    • What is the best site to find tent camping near Lawson, MO?

      TheDyrt.com has all 5 tent camping locations near Lawson, MO, with real photos and reviews from campers.