Montrose Missouri Conservation Area provides prime equestrian camping opportunities near Walker, Missouri. The conservation area sits along a shallow lake at approximately 850 feet elevation in west-central Missouri, where summer temperatures typically range from 80-95°F with high humidity. Winter camping remains available except during the October 15 to January hunting season closure, when horseback riders need to seek alternative locations.
What to do
**Wildlife observation: Scout the muddy shoreline areas at Montrose Missouri Conservation Area where various wading birds feed. "The area is surrounded by trees but the area is clean, nice soft grass, there are pecan an walnut trees so watch out for your heads when its fall," notes Sarah in her review of Montrose Missouri Conservation Area.
**Fishing: Launch small boats from the two access points to reach deeper water. "Park rangers are mostly non existent, they do drive through, they are quite nice an most the time never stop just smile an wave," reports a Montrose visitor, noting the minimal supervision.
**Arrowhead hunting: Search the shoreline during low water periods when artifacts are more visible. "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," shares Andi P. from her stay at Orleans Trail.
**Hiking: Access connecting trail systems from the conservation area parking lot. The nearby terrain offers rolling hills and woodland paths suitable for day hikes. At COE Stockton Lake Hawker Point, "the lake is to die for. Water was clear clean and like glass. We have kayaks so our morning trips were accidently long, peaceful and awesome," according to Carman S.
What campers like
**Spacious camping: The grassy areas allow for flexible setup configurations. "Large grass area available for tents or campers. No specific camp locations. No fire rings or picnic tables. Pit toilets are as expected," explains Mark D. about Montrose Missouri Conservation Area.
**Privacy between sites: Find more secluded spots in wooded areas. At Hawker Point, "Many sites are well spaced and shaded. Campground host is friendly," according to Nikki M., who appreciates the separation between campsites.
**Wildlife encounters: Watch for animals that have grown accustomed to humans. "There is loads of wildlife to see an arent much scared of humans, racoons, beavers, crane, squirrels, dear, owls an much more," describes a visitor to Montrose.
**Local connections: Meet area residents who frequent these camping areas. "There is a super sweet local cat who befriended me here and made my visit so much better. I had some mechanical issues with my car and Kampground Kittah tried to help," shares an amused camper at Berry Bend.
What you should know
**Seasonal restrictions: Plan around hunting seasons which affect access. "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. about camping at Montrose.
**Bathroom conditions: Expect basic vault toilets with varying maintenance. "The pit toilet was really gross, but there was toilet paper," reports Lee F. about facilities at Montrose.
**Water access: Prepare for shallow, muddy shorelines requiring waterproof footwear. "You can fish, boat and swim but i recommend water shoes. The water is very shallow most the time its only chest deep out in the middle," notes a camper about the lake conditions.
**Signage limitations: Watch carefully for posted regulations that may be difficult to spot. At Long Shoal, visitors note better facility maintenance: "They had the cleanest facilities I have ever seen," making it a contrast to some of the more rustic options in the region.
Tips for camping with families
**Wildlife education: Bring binoculars and wildlife guides for kid-friendly nature observation. "Big lake, several sites to choose, good fishing, pit toilets...plenty of firewood and room for dogs to run," shares T.N. about Montrose, highlighting the space for active families.
**Alternative swimming areas: Consider nearby Stockton Lake for clearer water. "The swim beach was the highlight of this location and very nice!" writes Hayley G. about her experience at Oak Point Campground.
**Cell service planning: Prepare offline activities since connectivity is limited. "No internet, no cell, no problem. Great beach with a beautiful view," explains Lauri C. about Berry Bend, reinforcing the need to plan unplugged entertainment for children.
**Seasonal gathering: Collect pecans and blackberries during fall visits for family activities. "There are pecan an walnut trees so watch out for your heads when its fall lol," warns a visitor about the potential for falling nuts at Montrose.
Tips from RVers
**Access routes: Use the paved roads to reach the conservation area camping spots. "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 Lee F. about the convenient access at Montrose.
**Campsite selection: Choose level areas away from the lake's edge for easier setup. "The sites are level, electric only with easy access to fresh water and dump station as you enter the facility," shares Dan F. about the practical layout at Long Shoal.
**Hookup limitations: Prepare for dry camping with limited services. "We got to campsite pretty late, so when everyone was unpacked we went straight to bed," reports Charles N. about his experience at Montrose, highlighting the need to be self-sufficient.
**Tank preparation: Fill water tanks before arrival since on-site water sources may be limited. "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," shares Rick G. about his stay at Bourbon County Fairgrounds Campground.
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