Best Dispersed Camping near Stockton, MO
Montrose Missouri Conservation Area provides free dispersed camping near Stockton, Missouri. This primitive camping area sits on conservation land with large grassy areas for tent or RV setup. The camping zone features direct road access without requiring travel on dirt roads, though signage about camping permissions can be confusing. The conservation area includes a lake, though several visitors note it appears more like a shallow mud bog in some seasons. No designated campsites, fire rings, or picnic tables are provided.
Access to the camping area is straightforward via paved roads, making it suitable for most vehicles without high-clearance requirements. The area closes to camping after October 15 due to hunting season, a restriction some campers report isn't clearly marked. Pit toilets are available but frequently described as poorly maintained. The conservation area permits fires where previous fire spots exist, and campers are advised to create makeshift fire rings using rocks found along the shoreline. No drinking water is available, and campers must pack in all supplies.
Wildlife viewing opportunities enhance the camping experience, with raccoons, beavers, cranes, deer, and owls commonly spotted. The lake provides fishing access when not restricted during duck hunting season, though the water is typically shallow. The area offers ample space between camping spots for privacy. "Large grassy area with plenty of room to set up a tent or camper. Right off the road, so no dirt roads to traverse," notes one visitor. Another camper describes the experience as "a very nice quiet little free camp area" with "loads of wildlife to see." Seasonal natural features include blackberries in fall and opportunities to search for arrowheads in the area.
