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.

Best Dispersed Sites Near St. Joseph, Missouri (4)

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Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos near St. Joseph, MO

6 Photos of 4 St. Joseph Campgrounds


Dispersed Camping Reviews near St. Joseph, MO

5 Reviews of 4 St. Joseph Campgrounds


  • GThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 18, 2024

    Crooked River Conservation Area

    Missouri Department of Conservation Area, free camping

    Free camping in designated camping area per MO Dept of Conservation rules. Pit toilets and mowed area for camping. Hunting, fishing and other outdoor activities inside the area.

  • John G.The Dyrt PRO User
    Apr. 1, 2024

    Leavenworth Kansas State Fishing Lake

    Quiet spot

    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. The pit toilet is not well maintained. Not suitable for larger vehicles.

  • RThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 16, 2025

    Leavenworth Kansas State Fishing Lake

    7-day limit. No trash cans or water, but it's free.

    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.

    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.

  • Kevin C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 22, 2024

    Leavenworth Kansas State Fishing Lake

    Nice and quiet

    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. Bathroom was a little rough but manageable.

  • Reagan G.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 12, 2025

    Leavenworth Kansas State Fishing Lake

    Great Site

    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! It even had a privy to use for the bathroom!


Guide to St. Joseph

Dispersed camping locations surrounding St. Joseph, Missouri offer options for primitive outdoor experiences throughout the year. The region features numerous conservation areas and state-managed fishing lakes with minimal facilities. Winter temperatures often drop below freezing between November and March, while summer camping typically requires preparation for high humidity and temperatures in the 80-90°F range.

What to do

Fishing opportunities: At Leavenworth Kansas State Fishing Lake, visitors can access approximately 160 acres of water. "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 camper John G.

Morning wildlife watching: Dawn provides prime viewing hours at most conservation areas. At Elrod Mill Access, campers appreciate the natural setting. "Elrod Mill Conservation Area is 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," reports Sayler O.

Lakeside relaxation: Multiple sites offer waterfront camping with minimal crowds. Reagan G. comments 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!"

What campers like

Solitude and privacy: Most dispersed sites near St. Joseph remain uncrowded even during peak seasons. At Atchison State Fishing Lake, William M. reports: "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."

Designated camping areas: Several sites offer clearly marked spaces for camping. At Crooked River Conservation Area, campers find "Free camping in designated camping area per MO Dept of Conservation rules. Pit toilets and mowed area for camping," according to Gary S.

Budget-friendly options: Free camping near St. Joseph, Missouri provides alternatives to commercial campgrounds. Kevin C. mentions about Leavenworth Kansas State Fishing Lake: "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."

What you should know

Limited amenities: Dispersed camping locations typically lack modern facilities. Sayler O. explains 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."

Variable bathroom conditions: Toilet facilities range from basic to poorly maintained. Kevin C. noted about Leavenworth: "Bathroom was a little rough but manageable."

Stay limits: Kansas state fishing lakes enforce shorter camping duration than expected. Rick M. advises about Leavenworth Kansas State Fishing Lake: "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."

Tips for camping with families

Plan for bathroom access: Sites with toilets provide better options for families with young children. Reagan G. notes about Leavenworth: "It even had a privy to use for the bathroom!"

Pack all necessities: No water or trash facilities exist at most locations. Rick M. advises: "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."

Research camping zones: Some areas have specific designated camping sections. At Atchison State Fishing Lake, Rick M. learned: "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."

Tips from RVers

Access road assessment: Several sites have challenging terrain for larger vehicles. Rick M. shares about 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."

Size restrictions: Many dispersed camping areas cannot accommodate larger RVs. John G. warns about Leavenworth Kansas State Fishing Lake: "There are gravel pull off areas and a lakeside gravel road. Not suitable for larger vehicles."

Consider seasonal timing: Weekday camping typically offers more space and solitude than weekends. William M. notes at Atchison State Fishing Lake: "Some people come to fish during the day but it's dead at night."

Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I find free dispersed camping near St. Joseph, Missouri?

Several free dispersed camping options exist near St. Joseph. Elrod Mill Access offers a quiet, wooded experience off the beaten path for those seeking solitude. The area has no developed facilities, but provides peace and primitive camping in a natural setting. Another excellent option is Crooked River Conservation Area, which provides free camping in designated areas according to Missouri Department of Conservation regulations. Both locations offer genuine dispersed camping experiences within reasonable driving distance of St. Joseph.

What amenities are available at dispersed camping sites near St. Joseph?

Dispersed camping sites near St. Joseph typically offer minimal amenities. Leavenworth Kansas State Fishing Lake provides basic pit toilets, though maintenance may be inconsistent. The area features gravel pull-offs, a lakeside gravel road, and both sunny and shaded camping spots. At Atchison State Fishing Lake, you'll find clean pit toilets and designated camping areas. Most dispersed sites in the region lack water hookups, electricity, trash facilities, and dump stations. Campers should prepare to be self-sufficient by bringing water, packing out trash, and planning for primitive conditions.

Are there any free tent camping sites available near St. Joseph?

Yes, free tent camping is available near St. Joseph at several conservation areas. Crooked River Conservation Area offers free tent camping in designated areas with basic amenities including pit toilets and mowed spaces for setting up tents. The area also provides opportunities for hunting and fishing. Elrod Mill Access is another option where tent campers can enjoy a secluded woodland experience. Most of these free sites operate on a first-come, first-served basis. Remember to follow all conservation area rules, which typically include length-of-stay limits and restrictions on cutting vegetation or creating new campsites.