Best Dispersed Camping near Liberty, MO

Dispersed camping options near Liberty, Missouri include three conservation areas within driving distance. Crooked River Conservation Area, managed by the Missouri Department of Conservation, offers free camping in designated areas with basic amenities. The site features pit toilets and mowed camping areas, along with opportunities for hunting, fishing, and other outdoor activities. Campers must follow Missouri Department of Conservation rules regarding site use and camping duration.

Two Kansas State Fishing Lakes provide additional primitive camping opportunities. Leavenworth Kansas State Fishing Lake encompasses approximately 160 acres of water with gravel pull-off areas and a lakeside road. According to reviews, the site remains quiet even during peak season, with many visitors arriving at dawn for fishing. The area includes picnic tables and pit toilets, though maintenance can be inconsistent. State Lake Atchison offers a similarly peaceful experience with designated campsites located west of the cabin area, accessible via 322nd Road.

All three locations have specific regulations regarding fires, which are generally permitted in established fire rings only. None of these sites offer drinking water, electricity, or shower facilities. Visitors must pack in all necessary supplies and pack out all waste. The pit toilets available at these locations provide basic sanitation. Road conditions vary; several campers noted that larger RVs and vehicles may have difficulty navigating certain access points, particularly at Leavenworth Kansas State Fishing Lake. Weather conditions can change rapidly, so campers should check forecasts before departure and prepare for seasonal variations.

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Best Dispersed Sites Near Liberty, Missouri (3)

    1. Crooked River Conservation Area

    1 Review
    Lawson, MO
    23 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."

    2. Leavenworth Kansas State Fishing Lake

    4 Reviews
    Tonganoxie, KS
    40 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."

    3. Atchison State Fishing Lake

    2 Reviews
    Atchison, KS
    48 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 Liberty, MO

6 Photos of 3 Liberty Campgrounds


Dispersed Camping Reviews near Liberty, MO

5 Reviews of 3 Liberty 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!


Guide to Liberty

Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Liberty, Missouri, where nature enthusiasts can enjoy serene landscapes and outdoor adventures without the constraints of traditional campgrounds.

Scenic Fishing Opportunities for Dispersed Campers

  • For those who love fishing, the Leavenworth Kansas State Fishing Lake offers a peaceful setting with a small remote lake, perfect for casting a line and enjoying the tranquility of nature.

Tips for Free and Dispersed Camping Near Liberty, Missouri

  • If you're looking for a budget-friendly option, the Crooked River Conservation Area provides free camping in a designated area, allowing you to immerse yourself in the great outdoors without spending a dime.

Outdoor Activities While Free Camping Near Liberty

  • Adventurers can explore hunting and fishing opportunities at the Rockchester Falls Conservation Area, where the sound of the river enhances the camping experience and offers a variety of outdoor activities.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Liberty, MO is Crooked River Conservation Area with a 4-star rating from 1 review.

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

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