Best Tent Camping near Lewistown, MO
Conservation areas and state parks surrounding Lewistown, Missouri provide several options for tent camping enthusiasts. Hunnewell Lake Conservation Area, located about 15 miles northeast of Lewistown, offers free primitive tent campsites in an open grassy setting with lake views. For backcountry tent camping experiences, Long Branch State Park's Backpack Campsites provide hike-in tent-only options along the Bee Trace Trail. Tent campers seeking riverside experiences can find primitive sites at Dupont Reservation Conservation Area (also known as Ted Shanks Conservation Area), which features tent camping along the Mississippi River.
Sites at Hunnewell Lake feature basic amenities suitable for tent camping, including fire rings, picnic tables, and vault toilets. Campers should note that finding level ground can be challenging as the campground slopes toward the lake. Potable water is available behind the ranger station. At Long Branch State Park, the backpacking campsite sits at the peninsula tip with space for multiple tents and trees suitable for hammocks. The primitive tent sites at Dupont Reservation typically include simple fire rings with gravel parking spots, though amenities are minimal with only basic vault toilets available. Weather conditions significantly impact accessibility, particularly after heavy rains when dirt roads may become difficult to navigate.
According to reviews, Hunnewell Lake Conservation Area primarily attracts tent campers and remains relatively uncrowded, with one visitor noting they were "the only one there" during a February stay. The area offers free rowboats and canoes for recreation, requiring only that campers bring their own life jackets. At Long Branch State Park's backpacking site, a camper reported that "both the hike into the campsite and out the next morning were pretty easy," making it suitable for beginners trying backcountry tent camping. Tent campers at Dupont Reservation enjoy riverside views where "all sites front the river, shaded by trees," though occasional train noise and seasonal flooding should be considered when planning a visit. Wildlife observations, including barred owls, coyotes, and waterfowl, enhance the tent camping experience throughout these areas.
