Tent campsites near Macon, Missouri are situated in north-central Missouri's rolling hills, approximately 200 miles northwest of St. Louis. The region features numerous conservation areas and state parks within a 50-mile radius, with elevations ranging from 650-850 feet. Summer temperatures typically reach 85-95°F with high humidity, while spring and fall camping offers more moderate conditions in the 60-75°F range.
What to do
Fishing access options: Rudolf Bennitt Conservation Area offers excellent fishing opportunities with docks and a boat ramp at the lake. According to camper Ron R., "It has been a windy month so I relocated farther up hill to nestle in more with the trees. There are several equestrian campsites +20 throughout the park. Also a shooting range centrally located in the park."
Paddling for beginners: Free paddle boats are available at Hunnewell Lake Conservation Area, though you must bring your own life preservers. As Matthew H. notes, "Nice campground, mainly tenting but EVs are welcome. Grass sites, fire pit and picnic tables. Lake with free paddle boats and fish hatchery across the street."
Hiking opportunities: The Bee Trace Trail at Long Branch State Park offers both day hiking and access to backpacking sites. Jon B. shares, "This was my first time out on Bee Trace Trail and I had a great time. Both the hike into the campsite and out the next morning were pretty easy; the back half of the brown loop, specifically the stretch between the backpack camping site and the kayak camping sites, was sometimes frustratingly difficult to follow."
What campers like
Wildlife viewing: Slate and Wild Roses provides opportunities to observe native Missouri wildlife. Annie C. reports, "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."
Budget-friendly options: Many conservation areas offer free camping with basic amenities. One camper at Hunnewell Lake Conservation Area stated, "Can't beat the price - FREE!" while another camper, Patti M., added, "Free camping and boats. Fish Hatchery, Lake. Another cool find in Missouri."
Solitude and space: The conservation areas provide ample room to spread out. Terry F. notes about Hunnewell Lake, "Stayed for two nights. Beautiful lake and being it was the end of February I was the only one there."
What you should know
Weather impacts: Dirt and gravel roads can become impassable after rain. At Slate and Wild Roses, "rain will affect your ability to navigate the farm road which is gravel to a point and then a dirt two track that disappears and reappears in between the wild roses and grasses."
Campsite limitations: Union Ridge Conservation Area restricts camping to parking areas. John S. explains, "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."
Uneven terrain: Finding level ground can be challenging at some locations. Cathy C. observed at Hunnewell Lake, "The campground slopes toward the lake, so finding level ground is a challenge."
Seasonal restrictions: Hunting seasons affect camping access at conservation areas. Karen J. notes about Union Ridge, "you can camp anywhere but backpack camping is prohibited during hunting season... that is a no brainer!"
Tips for camping with families
Free boat activities: Hunnewell Lake Conservation Area provides complimentary boats for family recreation. Patti M. mentions, "They had rowboats and canoes you could paddle around in. You just needed your own life jacket. The boats were free."
Beginner-friendly backpacking: Long Branch State Park offers an accessible introduction to backpacking for families. Jon B. advises, "If you're looking to get your feet wet with backpacking, this is a great spot to do it."
Noise considerations: Some campsites may experience noise issues from other campers. David S. reported at Hunnewell Lake, "Other campers were loud into the night. There are some large maintenance buildings blocking the view of the lake, so it's not particularly pretty at the campsites."
Bathroom facilities: Most conservation areas offer vault toilets but no running water. Nathan N. describes Union Ridge simply: "Two firepits, no designated sites, mature shade trees within the gravel drive loop. Pit toilet."
Tips for RVers
Site selection: Limited level sites are available for RVs at conservation areas. Linda H. reports about Rudolf Bennitt, "Camping at lake is open gravel or grass. Nice fishing lake with docks, boat ramp and vault toilet and the only one provided. Parked lakeside."
Generator etiquette: Be considerate with generator use at shared campgrounds. One camper at Hunnewell Lake noted, "The rules about quiet time are not enforced and some idjit ran his loud generator until 1 am. We ended up moving away from him at 11:30."
Water and dump station: Hunnewell Lake provides basic RV services. Matthew H. notes, "Free potable water and dump station behind ranger station. Generators are ok just make sure they are not too loud and try to if possible running them only when needed."
