Primitive camping sites around Rushville, Missouri typically experience hot summers with temperatures exceeding 90°F and cold winters with occasional snow. These free camping areas stretch across both Missouri and Kansas state lines, offering fishermen and outdoor enthusiasts uncrowded alternatives to developed campgrounds. The three primary dispersed camping locations maintain different regulations regarding stay duration and amenities.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: Leavenworth Kansas State Fishing Lake spans approximately 160 acres of water area. "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," notes John G. in his review of Leavenworth Kansas State Fishing Lake.
Early morning activities: Many visitors at these fishing lakes arrive before dawn and depart quickly. Kevin C. observed at Leavenworth, "Camped here several days in late June. The were very few campers, even on the weekends. Many slept in their cars and left at first light. I assume they went fishing at the lake."
Nature observation: The secluded settings provide wildlife viewing opportunities. At Elrod Mill Access, Sayler O. describes it as "a quiet, hidden gem for anyone who enjoys dispersed camping. There's no developed campground here, but you can camp, and that's part of what makes it special. 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."
What campers like
Seclusion: Free camping near Rushville, Missouri offers genuine solitude. William M. reports from Atchison State Fishing Lake, "We're the only ones camping here. Some people come to fish during the day but it's dead at night. Clean pit toilets. Will definitely be back."
Location accessibility: Dispersed camping locations around Rushville are typically accessible via county roads. Reagan G. commented about Leavenworth Kansas State Fishing Lake, "This site was easy to find and had a beautiful view of the lake! There is a brochure available online to help find the designated camping areas! We were the only people in the area we parked at!"
Campsite variety: The Kansas state fishing lakes offer both open and wooded sites. Rick M. describes, "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, but that's usually rare to find water and a grey dump at a free site."
What you should know
Stay limitations: Kansas state fishing lakes enforce shorter camping limits than federal lands. Rick M. warns, "I'm starting to think that Kansas has a 7-day limit instead of a 14 because this is the second time that a Kansas park official came to the door and said we need to leave. So I'm going to treat all Kansas places as a 7-day limit."
Facility conditions: Restroom facilities at these primitive sites receive minimal maintenance. Kevin C. shares about Leavenworth, "Bathroom was a little rough but manageable." Similarly, John G. reports, "The pit toilet is not well maintained."
Self-sufficiency required: No potable water or trash disposal exists at these locations. Sayler O. advises about Elrod Mill Access, "There aren't any amenities—no bathrooms, no picnic tables, no hookups—so you'll need to come prepared and be self-sufficient. But if you like the idea of just pulling in, setting up camp, and enjoying nature, this is a great place to do it."
Tips for camping with families
Online resources: Before visiting with children, check official websites for guidance. Reagan G. recommends, "There is a brochure available online to help find the designated camping areas!" This helps families locate appropriate sites more easily.
Road conditions: Access roads may challenge some vehicles. John G. cautions about Leavenworth Kansas State Fishing Lake, "Not suitable for larger vehicles," which families should consider when planning transportation.
Site selection guidance: Staff can provide valuable information for family camping. At Atchison State Fishing Lake, Rick M. reports, "I took my skoolie there, and 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, so you need to use the campsites directly to the west, where there's a bunch of piers, sites, and bathrooms."
Tips from RVers
Access considerations: Larger RVs may face challenges on the narrow access roads. Rick M. details his experience at Atchison State Fishing Lake: "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."
No hookups available: These free camping sites near Rushville provide no amenities for RVs. Campers note the absence of water, electric, and dump stations at all locations. Plan accordingly with sufficient water tanks and battery power.
Staff interactions: Rangers occasionally check on camping areas. One RVer shared, "The management guy here is pretty cool and he let me know that it's a 7 day stay not 14 hung out and pet my dog and talked to me for a little bit. That was pretty nice."
