Tent camping options near Westphalia, Missouri include several conservation areas and river access points within a 30-mile radius. The region sits in the northern Ozark border where rolling hills meet the Osage River watershed. Summer temperatures typically range from 75-95°F with high humidity, while spring and fall offer milder camping conditions with occasional thunderstorms that can create challenging road conditions on the predominantly gravel access roads.
What to do
Shooting sports access: Scrivner Road Conservation Area offers a handgun and rifle range with vault toilets available. "This Missouri Conservation area is a Swiss Army knife of rugged of the path camping. Rivers, Lakes, Gun range, Horses and hiking can all be enjoyed here," notes Josh S.
River activities: Helds Island Access provides a boat launch that sees regular traffic from boaters. Chris J. observed, "There's a boat launch here. Saw a decent amount of traffic for this. Grass sites. Road is well maintained. Quiet the one night I spent there."
Water recreation: Pikes Camp offers direct river access for swimming or fishing during warmer months. "Great little river access. Has a shaded grassy area for camping. No power vault toilets," reports Josh S.
Horseback riding: Scrivner Road Conservation Area features equestrian trails through wooded terrain. The area allows primitive camping while providing access to extensive trail networks suitable for both hiking and horseback riding.
What campers like
Stargazing opportunities: The rural setting offers excellent night sky viewing at several locations. At Fredericksburg Ferry Access, one camper noted, "Lots of trees but still great stargazing at night. We even saw a few meteors!"
Secluded camping: Paydown Access offers quiet campsites away from crowds during off-peak times. Charlotte B. shared, "Camped here in early March. Beautiful, very secluded, and we were the only ones there. No electric for your camper, but a great spot when the weather cooperates."
Water Mountain amenities: This established campground provides more facilities than conservation areas. "Lots of open space to camp and plenty of area to hike or use an ATV. Also it's on the river which is nice!" writes Caleb G.
Well-maintained grounds: Fredericksburg Ferry Access receives praise for site conditions. Mitzi B. simply states it's "Quiet and always kept clean."
What you should know
Limited facilities: Most sites offer only basic amenities. At Ben Branch Lake Conservation Area, Lori S. warns, "The camping Spots DO fill up quickly as there are only like 5-7 spots. On a weekend, Its gonna be loud! Lots of ATVs up and down the Gravel Road. The bathrooms just say if you know You Know."
Supply planning: Most conservation areas require bringing all necessary supplies. For Fredericksburg Ferry Access, Jaxsen B. advises, "45m to nearest Walmart or tractor supply, so plan ahead. Food, fire starter logs, and lighter fuel available at Thriftway (about 30 min), firewood and ice at Casey's, and McDonald's all in Linn (all 30m) if you need anything."
Site availability: Conservation areas operate on a first-come, first-served basis with limited spots. Osage-Tavern Access offers approximately "12-15 sites, small, just fire pits. Has 1 bathroom and place for trash," according to Casey.
Noise levels: Some river access points can become noisy, especially on weekends. At Rollins Ferry Access, Pamela B. cautions, "Unless you enjoy loud noise, drunks, busy traffic, guns being shot off at all hours of the night and a massive cloud of bugs, avoid this campsite."
Tips for camping with families
River safety considerations: Fredericksburg Access requires careful planning for water activities. Jaxsen B. warns, "The swim there requires crossing a moderately sized river that is relatively swift. This is fine for people who swim well but not recommended for young children or weak swimmers especially without flotation devices."
Timing for quieter experiences: Weekdays generally offer more peaceful camping. At Osage-Tavern Access, Casey noted, "I arrived at 6 on a Saturday (post labor day) and plenty of sites available. A couple of families/kids here but not too loud."
Road conditions: Many access roads include gravel sections requiring cautious driving. For Fredericksburg Access, Jaxsen B. mentions, "Drive was safe in our heavy converted camper van. No off road vehicle or AWD needed."
Pack-in, pack-out requirements: No trash services exist at most sites. Bring bags for waste removal. According to Pamela B. at Ben Branch Lake, "Wish people would understand pack in pack out and not leave trash! Otherwise very peaceful experience."
Tips from RVers
Limited RV accommodations: Water Mountain allows RVs but with no hookups. Caleb G. mentions, "Lots of open space to camp and plenty of area to hike or use an ATV."
Tent-focused facilities: Most conservation areas primarily accommodate tent camping. Jaxsen B. notes about Fredericksburg Ferry Access, "Ground is very level and not super rocky so this is a great site for tents. There are vault toilets but no sinks nor dumpsters, so plan ahead for hygiene and waste... Likely to be a much tougher trip if you used to full hook-up RV camping/glamping, or require showers."
Seasonal accessibility: Spring access may be limited by wet conditions on gravel roads. RVs should consider site conditions carefully, especially after rain events.
