Dispersed camping near Plattsburg, Missouri offers primitive outdoor experiences in rural northwest Missouri, approximately 45 miles northeast of Kansas City. The region consists primarily of rolling hills and small lakes across elevations ranging from 800-1100 feet. Summer temperatures average 75-85°F with high humidity, while winter camping requires preparation for temperatures that regularly drop below freezing from November through March.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: Leavenworth Kansas State Fishing Lake provides access to a 160-acre lake where many visitors arrive at dawn for prime fishing. "This is a small remote lake of about 160 acres water area. A county road takes you through the area and across the dam," notes John G., who found the location suitable for smaller vehicles.
Wildlife observation: Crooked River Conservation Area offers various outdoor activities beyond fishing. According to Gary S., the area provides "hunting, fishing and other outdoor activities inside the area" with designated camping areas maintained by the Missouri Department of Conservation.
Remote relaxation: For those seeking solitude, Elrod Mill Access delivers a true wilderness experience. "It's very much off the beaten path, so what you get is peace, quiet, and a chance to camp out in the woods without the noise and crowds of more popular spots," reports Sayler O., who appreciated the primitive camping options.
What campers like
Uncrowded campsites: The region offers genuine solitude, especially on weekdays. Reagan G. found Leavenworth Kansas State Fishing Lake particularly empty, stating, "We were the only people in the area we parked at! It even had a privy to use for the bathroom!"
Choice of sun or shade: Atchison State Fishing Lake offers camping variety to match weather conditions and preferences. William M. enjoyed the peaceful atmosphere, noting, "We're the only ones camping here. Some people come to fish during the day but it's dead at night. Clean pit toilets."
Low-traffic areas: Many of these rustic camping locations near Plattsburg see minimal activity, especially overnight. Kevin C. observed at Leavenworth Kansas State Fishing Lake: "Camped here several days in late June. There were very few campers, even on the weekends. Many slept in their cars and left at first light."
What you should know
Kansas camping time limits: Unlike many other states with 14-day limits, Kansas state fishing lakes enforce shorter stays. Rick M. warns about Atchison State Fishing Lake: "The management guy here is pretty cool and he let me know that it's a 7 day stay not 14."
Self-sufficiency required: These primitive camping areas lack basic services. Rick M. describes Leavenworth Kansas State Fishing Lake as missing key amenities: "There's sun by the bathrooms, and there's shade in the forested campground. Everything is as great as it can be, aside from missing trash cans, and ideally water and grey dump."
Toilet facilities vary: While most locations offer pit toilets, maintenance quality differs significantly. John G. found facilities at Leavenworth Kansas State Fishing Lake "not well maintained," while Kevin C. described them as "a little rough but manageable."
Tips for camping with families
Bring your own water: No drinking water is available at any of these locations, requiring families to transport all needed water. Elrod Mill Access has absolutely no amenities, with Sayler O. noting, "There aren't any bathrooms, no picnic tables, no hookups—so you'll need to come prepared and be self-sufficient."
Look for online resources: Some areas provide helpful information for planning your visit. Reagan G. found Leavenworth Kansas State Fishing Lake information readily available: "There is a brochure online to help find the designated camping areas!"
Consider camping near facilities: Crooked River Conservation Area provides basic amenities that can help with family camping. Gary S. mentions the area offers "pit toilets and mowed area for camping," making it more suitable for groups with children compared to completely undeveloped sites.
Tips from RVers
Check road conditions: Many of these rustic sites have challenging terrain for larger vehicles. Rick M. found Atchison State Fishing Lake manageable with his converted school bus: "We drove down 322nd Rd. to get to our site near the bathrooms across from the maintenance building. That road is gradual enough that I was able to get my short bus down it safely without tipping over."
Road clearance concerns: Several camping areas have rough access roads requiring vehicles with adequate clearance. John G. warns that Leavenworth Kansas State Fishing Lake has "gravel pull off areas and a lakeside gravel road" that are "not suitable for larger vehicles."
Verify campsite locations: Official information sometimes conflicts with on-the-ground reality. Rick M. learned this at Atchison State Fishing Lake: "I thought we were supposed to park near the cabin, however, it's the part to the left of the cabin that we are supposed to camp at. The website actually forbids anybody camping around the cabin."
