Montrose Missouri Conservation Area provides free camping opportunities about 10 miles from Lowry City, Missouri. The conservation area features several unmarked sites where visitors can set up camp on grassy terrain. Seasonal restrictions apply, particularly during hunting season when portions of the area become off-limits. The shallow lake attracts diverse wildlife including raccoons, beavers, cranes, deer, and owls.
What to do
Wildlife observation and photography: Montrose Conservation Area attracts numerous wildlife species throughout the year. A visitor noted, "There is loads of wildlife to see and aren't much scared of humans, raccoons, beavers, crane, squirrels, dear, owls and much more."
Seasonal foraging: Fall visitors can gather wild foods at Montrose Missouri Conservation Area. "There are pecan and walnut trees so watch out for your heads when it's fall," reports one camper, who also mentioned, "There's also blackberries in the fall."
Arrowhead hunting: This unique activity provides entertainment for all ages. At Montrose, one visitor shared, "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."
Fishing opportunities: The Little Niangua River at Mule Shoe Conservation Area provides additional fishing access. According to a review, "The Little Niangua River is part of the conservation area with fishing and hunting allowed during appropriate seasons."
What campers like
Stargazing conditions: The dark skies offer excellent celestial viewing opportunities. A camper at Poague Campsite #5 described it as a "great secluded spot, right off the highway. Perfect for what I was looking for to car camp."
Privacy between sites: The spacious layout allows for comfortable separation. "The 'sites' were spacious and well spread out, and there is lots of shade," reports a Montrose visitor, who also mentioned, "The stars were beautiful."
Convenience of access: Most free camping areas near Lowry City feature straightforward access. A camper explained, "Easily accessible car camping. Not too many other campers at the other site where we spotted some RVs."
Budget-friendly amenities: Despite being free, some sites offer basic facilities. One visitor to Montrose noted, "Mowed, TP stocked, plenty of firewood and room for dogs to run."
What you should know
Seasonal closures: Hunting seasons impact camping availability. A Montrose visitor cautioned, "There is no camping allowed after October 15 due to hunting season. This was not on the website and was not seeable in dust when arriving late on a small sign in the bushes."
Bathroom conditions vary: Maintenance of toilet facilities fluctuates throughout the year. One camper stated, "Bathrooms were fine. It's free camping so it was great that there were bathrooms at all."
Water conditions: The lake at Montrose Missouri Conservation Area has limitations. A camper observed, "Shallow muddy water but it does attract wildlife. A bit of road noise but tolerable."
Self-sufficiency required: No drinking water or trash services available at most sites. A visitor advised, "Vault toilets were absolutely disgusting, thankfully we brought our own toilet paper."
Tips for camping with families
Create impromptu fire rings: No permanent fire structures exist at most sites. A camper suggested, "They do drive through, they are quite nice and most the time never stop just smile and wave, there some fire spots but be kind and put up rocks that you can find along the shore."
Water recreation safety: The shallow lake requires precautions. One visitor recommended, "You can fish, boat and swim but I recommend water shoes. The water is very shallow most the time it's only chest deep out in the middle."
Wildlife viewing opportunities: The varied ecosystems provide educational experiences for children. A camper noted, "The remote location, gorgeous scenery and with a couple boats makes for a great weekend."
Local supplies: Know where to find necessities in town. A visitor shared this unusual tip: "If you're looking for a good wine, you can find some at the local auto parts store. I am not kidding! I think it's Rick's Auto Parts and their liquor is priced very reasonably."
Tips from RVers
Site selection for larger vehicles: Some areas accommodate larger rigs better than others. A camper observed, "You could definitely get a big rig in and out of here on the looped gravel roads."
Road conditions: Access roads vary across conservation areas. One visitor to Mule Shoe Conservation Area noted, "Quiet, secluded Missouri Department of Conservation Area with free, designated camping near the road."
Overnight parking options: Multiple free camping areas near Lowry City serve as convenient stopovers. A camper stated, "Nice location for an overnight stop but not much more."
Cell service availability: Connectivity varies by location. One visitor reported, "Verizon service was good. No other amenities."
