Montrose Missouri Conservation Area provides dispersed camping 23 miles from Schell City in western Missouri. The conservation area sits at approximately 860 feet elevation in the prairie transition zone. Fall temperatures typically range from 45-65°F while summer months average 75-90°F with high humidity levels common throughout the region.
What to do
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Montrose Conservation Area supports diverse wildlife beyond the deer and beavers mentioned in reviews. Visitors to Long Shoal frequently spot wildlife right in the campground, with one camper noting, "Lots of trees lots of wildlife. Had deer walk right through the campground when we were there."
Fishing access: The shallow lake at Montrose Conservation Area supports various fish species. Anglers can also explore nearby Berry Bend Campground where visitors report, "The lake was great, the sites were level and not too close together, shaded and beautiful. I saw my first armadillo too!" Berry Bend offers additional fishing opportunities with different water conditions than Montrose.
Stargazing: The rural location with minimal light pollution creates excellent night sky viewing conditions. One Montrose visitor described their experience: "The stars were beautiful, the 'sites' were spacious and well spread out, and there is lots of shade." Clear nights reveal the Milky Way and meteor showers are visible during peak seasons.
What campers like
Spacious camping areas: Unlike more crowded campgrounds, Montrose provides ample space. As one camper noted, "Large grass area available for tents or campers. No specific camp locations. No fire rings or picnic tables. Pit toilets are as expected." The open layout allows campers to spread out with privacy.
Natural setting: Many equestrian campers appreciate the undeveloped feel of horse campgrounds near Schell City, Missouri. Crawford State Park about an hour west offers a different experience with more amenities where one camper shared, "This place was easy, pretty and well appointed. Great site next to river, across from bath, laundry and showers."
Local wildlife encounters: Beyond riding areas, campers enjoy unexpected wildlife interactions. At Montrose Missouri Conservation Area, one visitor recounted, "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." Another suggests, "One of the locals stopped by my site to look for arrowheads. Apparently, she has found a lot in the area."
What you should know
Seasonal restrictions: Montrose imposes important access limitations. A camper warns: "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." Always check current regulations before visiting horse camping areas near Schell City.
Bathroom conditions vary: Facilities are basic and maintenance can be inconsistent. As one visitor to Linn County Park noted, "shower house/rest room we're clean for the most part but a little rundown." At Montrose, a camper reported: "The pit toilet was really gross, but there was toilet paper."
Water conditions: The shallow lake at Montrose can be muddy. A camper described it: "Shallow muddy water but it does attract wildlife." Another noted the lake is "really just a mud bog, so not very appealing unless you came to duck hunt." Water shoes are recommended if planning to access the lake.
Tips for camping with families
Alternative swimming options: Since Montrose's lake has muddy conditions, families might prefer COE Stockton Lake Hawker Point about 45 minutes south where a camper reported, "The lake is to die for. Water was clear clean and like glass. We have kayaks so our morning trips were accidentally long, peaceful and awesome."
Bring entertainment: Cell service can be limited at horse campgrounds near Schell City. One camper at a nearby site noted, "If you have kids that go camping with you chances are your cell phones will not work so the kids probably will be very bored lol." Pack games, books, and outdoor activities.
Arrowhead hunting: This can be an educational activity for children. A camper at Montrose noted, "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."
Tips from RVers
Access considerations: While the conservation area can accommodate rigs, the site layout is informal. A reviewer noted, "Large grass area available for tents or campers. No specific camp locations." Another mentioned, "you could definitely get a big rig in and out of here on the looped gravel roads."
Alternative full hookups: For RVers needing more amenities, Bourbon County Fairgrounds Campground offers electric hookups and a dump station. A visitor shared: "Water spigot was located near the gravel access road and we filled our freshwater tank on the way out. The dump station has easy access and allowed for a good black tank flush."
Plan for basic conditions: The conservation area has no hookups. One camper advised: "No picnic tables or fire pits. The pit toilet was really gross, but there was toilet paper." Self-contained RVs with onboard facilities will have the best experience at horse camping locations near Schell City.
