Dispersed camping opportunities near Raymore, Missouri concentrate within conservation areas 45-90 minutes from town. Seasonal considerations significantly impact site availability, with October to March bringing hunting restrictions at most locations. Summer temperatures average 85-95°F with high humidity, while spring and fall offer milder camping conditions in the 60-75°F range.
What to do
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Montrose Missouri Conservation Area provides excellent bird watching, particularly in early morning hours. "We started hearing all the wildlife and I will never forget waking up in the most beautiful place," shares one Montrose Missouri Conservation Area visitor. Waterfowl are abundant near the shallow lake.
Fishing at multiple locations: Bring appropriate gear for bass, catfish, and panfish at conservation areas. "Big lake, several sites to choose, good fishing," notes a Montrose visitor. Remember seasonal closures affect availability.
Arrowhead hunting: Local history enthusiasts can search conservation areas for Native American artifacts. At Montrose Missouri Conservation Area, a camper mentioned, "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."
What campers like
Peace and solitude: Rustic camping near Raymore offers low crowds and quiet environments. "We were the only people in the area we parked at," reports a visitor to Leavenworth Kansas State Fishing Lake, located about 45 minutes from Raymore.
Spacious campsites: Conservation area camping provides generous spacing between sites. At Montrose, one reviewer noted, "The 'sites' were spacious and well spread out, and there is lots of shade. You could definitely get a big rig in and out of here on the looped gravel roads."
Free accommodations: Most conservation areas offer no-cost primitive camping. "Free camping in designated camping area per MO Dept of Conservation rules," confirms a visitor to Crooked River Conservation Area, noting the "pit toilets and mowed area for camping."
What you should know
Bathroom conditions vary significantly: Pit toilet maintenance can be inconsistent. A camper at Leavenworth noted, "Bathroom was a little rough but manageable," while another at Montrose reported, "Vault toilets were absolutely disgusting, thankfully we brought our own toilet paper."
Limited water access: Despite lakeside locations, water quality issues affect swimming and drinking water availability. At Montrose, a visitor warned, "The lake is really just a mud bog, so not very appealing unless you came to duck hunt." Another noted that even in the lake, "The water is very shallow most the time its only chest deep out in the middle."
Hunting season restrictions: Camping availability changes during hunting seasons. At Poague Campsite #5, a camper advised, "This is great secluded spot, right off the highway. Perfect for what I was looking for to car camp." However, many conservation areas restrict access during fall and winter hunting seasons.
Tips for camping with families
Safety awareness: Conservation areas allow hunting during specific seasons. A Montrose visitor warned, "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. Thankfully we were not shot!"
Animal encounters: Wildlife viewing opportunities can include unexpected visitors. One Montrose camper shared, "There is a super sweet local cat who befriended me here and made my visit so much better. I had some mechanical issues with my car and Kampground Kittah tried to help."
Bring all supplies: No stores exist near most conservation area campsites. Stock up in Raymore before departure. "Large grassy area with plenty of room to set up a tent or camper. Right off the road, so no dirt roads to traverse," notes a camper about convenient access to primitive camping at Montrose.
Tips from RVers
Site selection guidance: Look for level areas with firm ground. "Large grass area available for tents or campers. No specific camp locations. No fire rings or picnic tables," explains a visitor to Montrose, emphasizing the self-directed nature of primitive camping near Raymore.
Stay duration limits: Different properties enforce varying stay limitations. A camper at Leavenworth Kansas State Fishing Lake warned, "I'm going to treat all Kansas places as a 7-day limit" after being asked to leave, while Missouri conservation areas typically allow 14-day stays.
Accessibility considerations: Most areas have simple access roads suitable for standard vehicles. "This is a small remote lake of about 160 acres water area. A county road takes you through the area and across the dam. There are gravel pull off areas and a lakeside gravel road... Not suitable for larger vehicles," advises a Leavenworth visitor.
