Best Dispersed Camping near St. Joseph, MO

Dispersed camping options near St. Joseph, Missouri include three notable areas within driving distance. Crooked River Conservation Area offers free camping in designated areas under Missouri Department of Conservation rules. The area features mowed camping spots, pit toilets, and opportunities for hunting and fishing. State Lake Atchison in Kansas provides peaceful lakeside camping with clean pit toilets. Leavenworth Kansas State Fishing Lake encompasses approximately 160 acres of water with primitive camping along its shores.

Access to these sites varies in difficulty. At State Lake Atchison, campers must use designated sites west of the cabin area where bathroom facilities are available. According to one visitor, the access road (322nd Road) has a gradual enough slope for smaller recreational vehicles. Leavenworth Kansas State Fishing Lake features gravel pull-off areas and a lakeside gravel road, but reviews indicate the site is not suitable for larger vehicles. Several campers noted the pit toilets are functional but minimally maintained.

All three locations permit campfires in designated areas. No drinking water is available on site; visitors must bring all necessary water supplies. Camping at Crooked River Conservation Area is completely free, while the Kansas sites may require permits or fees depending on season. Campers report these areas remain relatively uncrowded, even during summer weekends. The Kansas fishing lakes attract day visitors who primarily come for fishing, but overnight camping areas often remain quiet. Wildlife viewing, fishing, and hunting (where permitted) constitute the primary recreational activities at these locations.