Tent camping near Long Lane, Missouri offers access to conservation areas and primitive sites across the central Missouri Ozarks region. The area sits at elevations between 1,000-1,300 feet and features karst topography with numerous springs and streams feeding into nearby lakes. Winter camping requires preparation for temperatures that regularly drop below freezing from November through March, while summer highs consistently reach 90°F with high humidity.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: Fiery Fork Conservation Area provides river access where campers can fish directly from the banks. According to Amanda, "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 by wading in a bit."
Wildlife observation: The less-crowded conservation areas provide excellent wildlife viewing opportunities. At Fiery Fork Conservation Area, one camper noted they were "able to see some wildlife while staying there as well. Armadillos, deer, and a few different bird types could be found easily."
Water recreation: McCubbins Point features a public boat ramp that provides lake access. A visitor mentioned the "public boat ramp nice cooking spots" though noted the area can become "a bit crowded" during peak season.
What campers like
Affordability: Budget-conscious campers appreciate the free camping options. Shannon at Fiery Fork Conservation Area described it as "a nice place if your on a budget and just need a get away."
Natural features: The river access points receive positive mentions from multiple campers. One reviewer at Fiery Fork noted "the river access is really amazing" and mentioned there is "quite a bit of 'beach' at the river access for them to play and see nature."
Campsite spacing: Less developed areas offer more space between sites. Nick G. reported about his April stay at Fiery Fork: "There were a few campers, but I'd be very surprised if this place isn't loud and packed in the summer."
What you should know
Cell service limitations: Connectivity is extremely limited at most conservation areas. A camper at Fiery Fork Conservation Area warned: "We have AT&T for our cell service and there was absolutely NO service there which was good to get away, but bad in an emergency."
Road conditions: Access roads to primitive sites can present challenges. One camper described the road to Fiery Fork as "very sketchy for my 2008 Mazda 3," while another noted "2 miles of gravel and high water areas you go through to get there."
Waste management: Most conservation areas lack trash facilities. Erick H. warned campers to expect "some spots with trash, especially around the fire. There is no dumpster so be prepared to take your trash with you."
Trail maintenance: Some trails may be overgrown during growing season. A camper at Fiery Fork advised: "The road nearest the first camp site leads to the River Glade trailhead. I don't recommend taking it until it gets some maintenance. It is overgrown and HIGH tick contact probability."
Tips for camping with families
River play areas: Look for camping near shallow water access points. A parent visiting Fiery Fork Conservation Area 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."
Hammock options: Several sites offer good tree spacing for hammocks. Whitney L. noted Firey Fork provided "good hammock trees" while another camper mentioned: "I used a hammock found a perfect spot for it."
Low-crowds camping: Visit during weekdays or off-season for quieter experiences. Jenny D. described Fiery Fork as "far from any city noise or roadway" with "two camp areas with many sites that are mowed/maintained with fire pits."
Tips from RVers
Size restrictions: Conservation areas near Long Lane accommodate only smaller recreational vehicles. A camper at DnD Campground Lakeside recommended "smaller RVs due to the 2 miles of gravel and high water areas you go through to get there."
Seasonal flooding: Low-lying areas may become inaccessible during wet periods. Jenny cautioned about Fiery Fork: "If the waters too high, there's a bridge into the site that could be flooded so watch the weather."
Facility availability: Most primitive sites have limited amenities for RVs. Fiery Fork provides "fire rings and tables" with "a vault toilet available" but no hookups or dumping facilities.
