Dispersed camping near Lee's Summit, Missouri primarily centers on Missouri Department of Conservation lands within a 60-mile radius. These primitive camping areas feature minimal amenities and operate under specific seasonal regulations. Most sites close during hunting seasons or have restricted access during certain months, requiring campers to verify current status before arrival. Many conservation areas maintain basic vault toilets but lack drinking water facilities.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: Leavenworth State Fishing Lake offers access to a 160-acre lake with multiple species. "This is a small remote lake of about 160 acres water area. A county road takes you through the area and across the dam," notes camper John G.
Wildlife viewing: The conservation areas attract diverse wildlife, particularly at dawn and dusk. "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," reports one Montrose visitor.
Artifact hunting: Some locations contain historical artifacts according to locals who frequent the areas. "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," shares Andi P.
What campers like
Space and privacy: Montrose Conservation Area provides open areas with room to spread out. "The stars were beautiful, the 'sites' were spacious and well spread out, and there is lots of shade. You could definitely get a big rig in and out of here on the looped gravel roads," writes camper Sav.
Night sky viewing: The remote locations offer minimal light pollution for stargazing. "We started hearing all the wildlife and I will never forget waking up in the most beautiful place. Was a picture perfect moment," shares Charles N. about his camping experience.
Convenience to highways: Many sites provide quick access from major roads. "Poague Campsite #5 is great secluded spot, right off the highway. Perfect for what I was looking for to car camp," explains Logan M.
What you should know
Bathroom conditions vary significantly: Facilities range from acceptable to problematic. "Bathrooms were fine. It's free camping so it was great that there were bathrooms at all," notes Andi P. at Montrose, while others report "Vault toilets were absolutely disgusting, thankfully we brought our own toilet paper."
Strict stay limits: Crooked River Conservation Area and similar sites enforce maximum stays. "I'm going to treat all Kansas places as a 7-day limit," advises one camper after being asked to leave.
Undesignated camping areas: Many conservation areas lack clearly marked sites. "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," explains Roy A.
Seasonal closures: Conservation areas frequently close during hunting seasons. "Big lake, several sites to choose, good fishing, pit toilets. The sign says NO FISHING after Oct.14 because of duck season. Open for camping," reports T N.
Tips for camping with families
Bring water supplies: No dispersed camping areas near Lee's Summit provide potable water. "Not much more. Nice location for an over night stop but not much more," advises a camper about facilities.
Pack all essentials: Most sites have minimal infrastructure. "Large grassy area with plenty of room to set up a tent or camper. Right off the road, so no dirt roads to traverse. No picnic tables or fire pits," reports Lee F.
Check hunting seasons: Verify hunting schedules before planning family trips. "Signs were confusing as to whether it is ok to camp, but they didn't explicitly say no camping," notes one visitor, highlighting the importance of research.
Tips from RVers
Level parking available: Leavenworth Kansas State Fishing Lake offers suitable spaces for overnight stays. "Pulled in late and left early. Lots of level grassy space available, and the lake looked really nice," reports Katie B.
Size limitations: Most conservation area access roads accommodate smaller rigs only. "Not suitable for larger vehicles," warns John G. about certain lake access roads.
No hookups or dump stations: Prepare for self-contained camping. "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," explains Rick M.
