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Long Branch State Park Campground provides comprehensive pet accommodation across multiple camping styles, including tent, RV, and walk-in sites with water access. Pets must remain leashed in all areas of the park and campground. The campsites feature concrete pads with ample space between neighbors, allowing pets room to stretch without disturbing other campers. The park hosts are known for being helpful and friendly to visitors with animals. Campground bathhouses remain clean and well-maintained, with convenient locations throughout the camping areas. The walk-in sites, approximately 50 feet from the parking area, offer more seclusion for campers with pets who may need extra space.
Several dog-friendly hiking trails surround the campground, including a prairie trail and forest paths suitable for leashed pets. The lake shoreline allows multiple access points for dogs who enjoy water, though they must remain leashed near the beach areas. Campsites with direct lake access provide convenient spots for pet exercise without traveling to crowded areas. Ticks are prevalent in the area, requiring regular pet checks after trail walks or lakeside activities. Macon's proximity (just 5 minutes away) ensures easy access to pet supplies or veterinary services if needed. Mussel Fork Conservation Area, about 20 miles west, offers free pet-friendly dispersed camping with more primitive amenities but greater freedom for pets to explore the open grass areas.
"It’s pet friendly and you are not on top of your neighbors. Definitely going to come back here."
"You can see fireworks 🎆🎇 for Miles all around ."
"I could tell there were a few other paths I could take but the grass was a little overgrown and it was already dark out, so I just car camped in the gravel lot."
"It was already late and dark so I didn’t drive back farther. No one else showed up until early the next morning. One other car camper and a sheriff, but he didn’t bother us."
from $49 - $54 / night
Check Availabilityfrom $30 - $60 / night
"As the evening wore on I heard barred owls and coyotes, as well as the nearby cows. The fireflies came out at dark and gave me an impressive show."
from $25 - $30 / night
Check Availability"Another cool find in Missouri. Lake in Conservation Area. Doesn't offer much but it was a bit out of the way. Campground was free. Sites are close together. Some spots more shaded than others."
"Lake with free paddle boats(do need life preservers) and fish hatchery across the street. Free potable water and dump station behind ranger station."
ScoutWe are homeless and we got a campsite for two week here and I got a special needs child. And my boy were up at the water and all I did was call then over to me and I get 3 cops at my site. When cross from me the people at that site start there car off and on all night and dog parks from 6 am to 8 am. But I get told if I am loud I get kick out. Thank you for the welcoming feel
ScoutMostly concrete pads, most are pretty level. Lots of wildlife, clean shower housees, great camp hosts, firewood and ice available for purchase. Great lake nearby with beach, marina with small store, picnic area. Walking trails throughout. Macon and Bevier are close by. Very nice place to camp.
TravelerMight not have showers but is a nice free campground. It’s pet friendly and you are not on top of your neighbors. Definitely going to come back here.
GuideConservation Areas in Missouri are enjoyable if you're looking for lovely scenery, and can get by with few or no amenities. Unless you're a hunter, I'd avoid camping there during the November deer season or spring or fall turkey seasons. Otherwise summer camping is fine. Indian Hills Conservation Area is no exception: https://nature.mdc.mo.gov/discover-nature/places/indian-hills-ca It is located in Scotland County in northeast Missouri and consists of rolling hills along the two branches of the Fabius River. Camping is allowed in the parking areas and the grassy areas next to the parking areas. A map of the 3,974 acre conservation area showing the parking/camping sites is found here (If you can't access this link, there is also a link to the map on the main page above): https://nature.mdc.mo.gov/sites/default/files/downloads/conservation-areas/8622map.pdf
The only amenities, are two unisex toilets. The CA is on the west side of Missouri State Highway 15. This highway starts in Mexico, MO and runs northbound through the county seats of Paris, Shelbyville, Edina and lastly Memphis, MO, in Scotland County. As you leave Edina, in Knox County, northbound, you'll pass through Baring and then Greensburg. About a half mile north of Greensburg you'll enter into Scotland County and the CA will be on your left (west). Missouri blacktop T, an east/west highway, is on the north side of the CA. There is a gravel road that runs west on the county line that is just south of the CA. Missouri blacktop C is an east/west highway about a half mile south of the CA area (which ends in Greensburg). There are 4 north/south roads that access the CA. The east border is Missouri Highway 15. The next road to the west is Seven Oaks. It connects on the north to Highway T and on the south end it turns to the east at the county line and connects to Highway 15. The next road is Indian Creek Road and connects on the north to Highway T. It goes through the northwest part of the CA and loops back to Highway T. There is a Tee intersection with Otter Creek Road that runs to the east and then turn back south to end just short of the Fabius River. The westernmost road is Old Trail Road which runs along part of the west side of the CA. The map shows that the road turns east and becomes Ivy Road. Actually it is a Tee intersection and is easy to miss. Old Trail Road continues to the south. At this intersection there is a farmstead and at first glance one would think that Ivy Road is a drive. It is not. Ivy Road continues to the south leaving the CA. At the county line there is a Tee intersection. You can turn left or right. If you turn left, the road will shortly turn to the right (south) and the road becomes Knox County Autumn Rd. If you turn right you'll shortly come to another Tee intersection. Turn left and the road becomes Ash Rd. Both Autumn and Ash will connect to Blacktop C at the south end. Turn Left on C and you'll find yourself back in Greensburg. Turn right and C will intersect with Missouri Highway 11. In Scotland County, the gravel roads that intersect with Highway T don't have the names as shown in the map, but have street numbers. Seven Oaks is easy to miss, but it's almost exactly 1 mile west of the intersection of Highway T and Missouri 15. Indian Creek Road is well marked as an entrance to the CA. Old Trail Road is in the community of Bible Grove. I've included a picture of the old school in Bible Grove located a couple hundred yards to the south of Highway T. I've also included pictures of all the gravel road intersections on Highway T.
My favorite camping spot is the one at the far west edge of the CA. It has a well maintained unisex bathroom and a lovely view. Next there is a parking area on Otter Creek Road where it turns from east/west to north/south. There is a walking trail that connects this road to Seven Oaks at this location. Next there is a parking area at the midpoint on Seven Oaks I like, and finally there is the parking area on Highway 15. The good thing about this area is that it is easy to get to, being right on 15, and has a bathroom. The other parking areas are fine, but there are no bathrooms and the views are not that great. I've included pictures of 4 of my favorite parking areas, as well as the turnoffs from Highway T.
LegendLong branch SP located in north central Missouri is a fantastic state park. The campground is well situated on the banks of long branch lake. The walk in sites are 50 feet from the lake and are level. The park has a swimming beach along with boat ramps and as we were told great fishing. The majority of the camp sites have lake views and are far enough from the highway that it is quiet at night. There are several hiking trails, from a prairie hike to a forest hike. The facilities are updated and clean. Talking with the park ranger, this park does fill on up quickly and reservation are recommended.
GuideAs a Conservation Area, it has very limited amenities. Only primitive camping is allowed on or immediately adjacent to the parking areas. Having said that, the CA is large consisting of over 8,000 acres. There are hiking trails throughout the CA that connect to the parking areas of which there a quite a number. In addition, two of the parking areas are noteworthy and clearly marked on the materials on the Missouri Department of Conservation web side regarding this CA. One has bathroom facilities and large grassy areas suitable for tent camping along with fire pits. The other has a boat ramp for access to a small lovely lake in addition to bathroom facilities. I'm giving this 3 starts primarily because the camping is limited and the location is somewhat remote. If you're ok with the primitive camping and don't mind the drive to get there, it would be nice.
GuideI have two dogs. They are friendly, but get rather rambunctious when they see other dogs. I prefer sites that I can keep them tucked away.
On the electric sites - sites 1-10 are in an area with lots of trees and shade, while sites 11-17 are more open, but still have a few trees for shade.
We stayed in the premium electric spot #15. It felt roomy and was close to the bathrooms. If your like me, and prefer a tucked away spot, go for #17 (no immediate neighbors to your left).
The park itself is delightful. There are hiking, biking and water trails. Hiking trail was really nice with a surprise waterfall! Because the majority of campers were out in their ATV’s, we had the hiking trail all to ourselves. The kayak/canoe loop trail is nifty as there is no need to park a car in another location.
Bathrooms were well kept. Shower house was just ok.
LegendStayed in coyote campground. Super close to hiking trails and the shower house was clean. Mostly non RV people here which made it a bit quieter. Still close to all the action and not far from the historical stuff or the town of Florida. This campground looks a little more primitive but it does have cabins, primitive and full hookups. This would be my vote for when we come back here.
Lots to do here but mostly just able to get away from the craziness. Hosts were great! Chatted with them for a bit and they are super experienced and very helpful. Positive is they are located right at the front.
They are doing some work on some of the gravel pads so some sites are closed but it’s all for the better so no complaints.
RangerSo, at first glance, small corps of engineers lake and stock Missouri state parks campground. But, we came back and there’s some unique stuff. A small trail that winds through tall grass prairie is great for kids and a cool perspective not much found in state. Also, there’s a sweet backpacking loop on a peninsula that is super rare north of the Missouri River. Quiet, and a great stop off hwy 36.
Long Branch State Park Campground provides a variety of camping options near Macon, Missouri, with sites situated along the shores of Long Branch Lake. The park is located in north central Missouri at an elevation of approximately 850 feet. Summer temperatures typically range from 75-95°F with humidity levels that can exceed 80%, creating conditions where cooling lake access is particularly valuable during camping trips.
Boating and water sports: Long Branch Lake has minimal boat traffic even on busy weekends. "The lake has a nice beach next to the marina. Marina store has icecream and other small items if you need something. We were there on what staff said was a busy weekend and to us the lake was empty there was so few boats and the beach not even half full," notes Jason C. from Long Branch State Park Campground.
Swimming at secluded spots: Walk-in sites at Long Branch offer more private swimming options. "I reserved a walk in site and it was totally worth it. It's a very short walk into the site, it's even visible from the parking lot. The site is right on the water with beach access so there's no need to drive to the crowded beach area to swim!" reports Adriana W.
Hiking trails: Thomas Hill Reservoir Conservation Area offers free camping with access to lakeside trails. While less developed than state park options, the area provides natural exploration opportunities. "Easy to get to, road well maintained. Grass was mowed (6/3/2022). Grassy area for dogs to play," notes Whitney L.
Concrete camping pads: The upgraded sites at Long Branch feature level, solid surfaces. "Great campsites with concrete pads, friendly staff and a decent shower house for a state park. The only negative was no water at the campsites, but for what you get for the price, including a nice lake to enjoy, you can't beat this sweet spot!" shares Tammy M.
Free lakeside options: For budget-conscious campers, Mussel Fork Conservation Area offers no-cost camping. "Each site at this CA features a small gravel lot with a fire ring. The areas that have grass were mowed (June 2022). Road was inaccessible in some places near the creek but there were plenty of easy to access spots!" reports Whitney L.
Family activities: The region offers several dog-friendly campgrounds near Macon that accommodate children as well. "This campground is very nice and offers lots of options, including two different types of electrical sites, basic sites, and walk-in basic sites, they do also have a number of family sites. They offer a firewood vending machine and ice for sale by the camp host," notes Carissa H.
Seasonal timing: Some facilities close during cooler months. "The marina is very nicely set up for handicapped accessible fishing from the fishing dock. Unfortunately the marina store was not open when we visited. We were too early in the year. The swimming beach looks very nice, although it was too cold to use when we were there," explains Carissa H.
Insect awareness: Atlanta Conservation Area and surrounding campgrounds require tick precautions. "Very little shade. Lots of bugs and ticks (6/3/2022). Near gun range, noisy. Lots of farmers coming/going on same roads (noise, smells etc.)," cautions Whitney L.
Security considerations: Thomas Hill Reservoir has had security incidents. "Free camping but i left my rv there for two nights and it was broken into and ransacked. They stole numerous items," warns Gary F.
Site selection: Sites vary greatly in suitability for different camping styles. "Some of the camping sites are more tent friendly than others. Some of them look like it would only be good if you were in a pop-up or a trailer," advises Carissa H. regarding Long Branch State Park.
Swimming beaches: Shelbina Lake City Park offers combined recreation opportunities. "Very nice shower house fishing is great and it's right off a golf course," notes James K., making it suitable for families with diverse interests.
Noise considerations: Some conservation areas have nearby shooting ranges or farm activity. "Near gun range, noisy. Lots of farmers coming/going on same roads (noise, smells etc.)," notes Whitney L. about Atlanta Conservation Area, which may impact family camping experiences.
Utility access: Shoemaker RV Park provides full hookups for RVers requiring complete utilities. "Love this place. They have a great staff, full store for almost anything you do, and don't, need for your RV. 30/50 amp service throughout. K row is preferential. Spread out fairly well. You're not on top of each other here," reports Travis M.
Site spacing: For RVers seeking more space between neighbors, Thomas Hill Reservoir Conservation Area offers pet-friendly dispersed camping. "This camp ground is free to stay at. They have a swimming area, couple boat ramps. Its very clean and family friendly. Also you don't have to worry about too many people," explains Brandy C.
Upcoming improvements: Long Branch State Park plans future upgrades. "We just have a 30 amp Svc no water or sewer available yet. Apparently they will upgrade the campground next year (2026), and improve campground and resurface the area," shares Jay M.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dog-friendly campsite near Macon, MO?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near Macon, MO is Thomas Hill Reservoir Conservation Area with a 4-star rating from 7 reviews.
What is the best site to find dog-friendly camping near Macon, MO?
TheDyrt.com has all 39 dog-friendly camping locations near Macon, MO, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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