Montrose Conservation Area offers primitive camping on flat, grassy areas approximately 63 miles north of Sheldon, Missouri. The area features vault toilets and trash receptacles but lacks developed amenities. Camping is prohibited after October 14 during duck hunting season, though fishing remains popular during non-hunting periods when water levels permit.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: At Orleans Trail, anglers can access Stockton Lake for various fish species. "The sandy swim beach is clean and fun, even off-season. Lots of places to hike and fish. Great place for boating," notes Kenna P.
Wildlife viewing: Montrose Missouri Conservation Area attracts diverse wildlife despite its shallow waters. "There is loads of wildlife to see and aren't much scared of humans, raccoons, beavers, crane, squirrels, deer, owls an much more," according to Sarah.
Artifact hunting: Local history enthusiasts frequently search the shorelines for Native American artifacts. One camper at Montrose Conservation Area 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
Private lakeside sites: COE Stockton Lake Hawker Point offers secluded camping spots with water access. "Just got home from a weekend stay at site C19 at Hawker Point COE Park. This particular site was just up the hill from the lake and completely private. The walk to the lake was about 50 yards," reports Lea B.
Spacious camping areas: The dispersed camping at Montrose provides ample room without designated sites. "Large grass area available for tents or campers. No specific camp locations. No fire rings or picnic tables," states Mark D.
Off-season solitude: Many campgrounds near Sheldon remain open for off-season camping with reduced crowds. "My family has been camping here in October - after winterization, thus no water - for decades... highly recommend it if you are looking for a quiet place to camp off-season," writes Kenna P. about Orleans Trail.
What you should know
Bathroom facilities vary widely: Vault toilets at conservation areas may not be well-maintained. "Vault toilets were absolutely disgusting, thankfully we brought our own toilet paper," reports one camper at Montrose Conservation Area. At Hawker Point, "The bath houses leave a little to be desired. You have drive half a mile to get to them," notes Dean D.
Seasonal closures affect access: Conservation areas like Montrose restrict camping during hunting seasons. "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," warns Leni K.
Water hookups limited: Many campgrounds lack direct water connections. "Also, fill your rig with water before you go. There are no water hookups," advises Carman S. about Hawker Point.
Tips for camping with families
Swim beach options: Orleans Trail features a maintained swimming area suitable for children. "The swim beach was the highlight of this location and very nice!" reports Hayley G.
Loop selection matters: Some campground loops offer better family accommodations than others. "We drove through the rest of this park to check out A and B campground loops. A loop consists of full hookup sites and many sit right on the water. Little shade and crowded, but if you like to play on the lake all day these might be for you," suggests Lea B.
Nearby amenities: For families wanting backup meal options, some locations offer food services. "The on-site restaurant is a nice perk when you simply don't want to cook. Small lake, but everything is clean and well maintained," mentions Scott G. about Crawford State Park.
Tips from RVers
Fairgrounds option: Bourbon County Fairgrounds Campground provides basic accommodations for self-contained RVs. "We were guided to a large grass area and backed in next to an electric panel with multiple outlets. The 30amp worked well and we only had one other camper while we were there," reports Rick G.
Site selection for RVs: At Hawker Point, certain loops offer better RV accommodations. "C loop is where it's at!" advises Lea B., while another camper notes "A loop consists of full hookup sites and many sit right on the water. Little shade and crowded, but if you like to play on the lake all day these might be for you."
Equestrian considerations: While dedicated horse campgrounds near Sheldon, Missouri are limited, RVers with horse trailers can utilize the spacious grassy areas at Montrose Conservation Area. "Big lake, several sites to choose, good fishing, pit toilets... Mowed, plenty of room for dogs to run," notes T N., suggesting adequate space for larger rigs.
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