Conservation areas within driving distance of Lohman, Missouri offer primitive tent camping opportunities on public land managed by the Missouri Department of Conservation. Most sites have minimal amenities and follow first-come, first-served availability patterns. Several locations feature river access points with designated camping areas in grassy clearings. Seasonal considerations include high tick populations in summer months and occasional river flooding during spring.
What to do
Hiking and nature photography: Fiery Fork Conservation Area includes access to River Glade trailhead, though visitors should prepare for seasonal trail conditions. One camper noted: "Far from any city noise or roadway, there's two camp areas with many sites that are mowed/maintained with fire pits (and some concrete tables). Lots of beautiful hammock friendly trees, river access, and creek beds to play in."
Wildlife observation: Ben Branch Lake Conservation Area provides opportunities to spot local wildlife in natural settings. Campers regularly see deer and armadillos throughout the conservation area, particularly during early morning and evening hours.
River activities: Pikes Camp offers direct access to river recreation including fishing, wading and paddling. A reviewer states it's a "Great little river access. Has a shaded grassy area for camping. No power vault toilets."
What campers like
Natural solitude: Many conservation areas provide significant space between camping areas. At Fiery Fork Conservation Area, campers appreciate the "peace and tranquil" atmosphere, with one visitor noting it's a "Nice area to camp not crowded, plenty of space between camp sites, and peaceful. A nice place if your on a budget and just need a get away."
Free camping access: Conservation areas near Lohman typically don't charge camping fees. One camper at Fiery Fork described it as "exactly what we wanted since it was free and not crowded down close to Lake of the Ozarks."
Fishing opportunities: Multiple access points allow for both bank and wade fishing. A visitor to Fiery Fork observed: "The river access is really amazing though. It's a great place to launch a boat from or just to wade in a bit and fish. Fly fishing can be done easily from the bank or just by wading in a bit."
What you should know
Cell service limitations: Most conservation areas have limited or no cellular coverage. At Fiery Fork, a camper reported: "We had AT&T for our cell service and there was absolutely NO service there which was good to get away, but bad in an emergency. We were able to drive a couple of miles for a signal."
Unpredictable access during wet seasons: Roads to camping areas may become impassable after heavy rain. Jenny D. warns about Fiery Fork: "If the waters too high, there's a bridge into the site that could be flooded so watch the weather."
Limited site availability: Osage-Tavern Access has approximately "12-15 sites, small, just fire pits" according to one reviewer. Ben Branch Lake similarly offers only "5-7 spots" that "DO fill up quickly" especially on weekends.
Tips for camping with families
River play areas: Several sites feature shallow water access ideal for children. At Fiery Fork, a camper mentioned: "We decided it would be a nice place to bring our kids since there is quite a bit of 'beach' at the river access for them to play and see nature."
Open play spaces: Some conservation areas maintain mowed fields suitable for recreation. According to Whitney L., Fiery Fork had "shade, grass for dogs to play frisbee, parking right beside your spot, trails, access to the river, good hammock trees, flat-level surface!"
Pack for self-sufficiency: No potable water exists at most sites. A visitor to Water Mountain advises: "Lots of open space to camp and plenty of area to hike or use an ATV. Also it's on the river which is nice!" However, all water must be packed in for drinking and cooking.
Tips from RVers
Access road considerations: Gravel roads present challenges for larger vehicles. At Fiery Fork, Chrischelle N. recommends: "I don't recommend taking it until it gets some maintenance. It is overgrown and HIGH tick contact probability. I recommend smaller RVs due to the 2 miles of gravel and high water areas you go through to get there."
Limited hookup availability: Most conservation area tent camping near Lohman lacks any hookups. Standard RV utilities are not available, though some private campgrounds nearby offer limited electric service.
Site surface quality: Terrain varies significantly between locations. Ry M. described Fiery Fork access roads as "very sketchy for my 2008 Mazda 3" while Pamela B. noted Ben Branch Lake offers "Primitive Free Camping" with "fire rings" but "No water, hook ups or picnic tables."
