Pony Express Lake Conservation Area, near Osborn, Missouri, is a free campground that offers a laid-back experience right by the water. With a few designated sites featuring picnic tables and fire rings, it’s a solid spot for those looking to kick back and enjoy nature without breaking the bank.

The area is known for its peaceful vibe, making it a great choice for campers who want to escape the hustle and bustle. Visitors have praised the beautiful sunsets and the tranquility of the surroundings, with one camper noting, “It was really beautiful with the sunset.” While amenities are limited—think pit toilets and no drinking water—many appreciate the simplicity and the chance to connect with nature.

For those who enjoy a bit of adventure, the campground is close to fishing spots and offers access to the lake for some fun on the water. Reviewers have mentioned the freedom to let their dogs roam, making it a pet-friendly option for families. Just be aware that it can get a bit crowded during peak times, but the overall atmosphere remains friendly and welcoming. Whether you're setting up a tent or parking your RV, Pony Express Lake is a solid choice for a relaxing getaway.

Approximately 25 miles west of the Pony Express Conservation Area on the Missouri River is the original site of a settlement known as Blacksnake Hills, later to become the city of St. Joseph, where the Pony Express mail service began in 1860. In addition to providing public fishing and wildlife-based recreational opportunities near the St. Joseph and Kansas City metropolitan areas, Pony Express Conservation Area demonstrates the balanced relationship that can exist between agricultural operations and wildlife populations. Acquisition of land for Pony Express Conservation Area began in 1961. The Conservation Department has purchased additional tracts since then. The area includes 240-acre Pony Express Lake, which was opened to public fishing on January 1, 1966. In cooperation with the Natural Resources Conservation Service, construction of 45-acre Buffalo Bill Lake in the north part of the area was completed in 1987. The lake opened to public fishing in 1990 and features a concrete boat ramp, parking lot and facilities for visitors with disabilities.

Pony Express Lake Conservation Area

Searching for the best camping near Cameron, MO? Discover secluded campsites where you can reconnect with nature. Or maybe you like to bring your family and friends along. Either way, there are Cameron campgrounds just for you. Find the best campgrounds near Cameron, plus reviews and photos from other campers like you.

Cameron

The Best Camping Near Cameron, Missouri

It's in the Conservation Area of Missouri on Pony Express Lake. Easy to get to. Gravel road to the camp areas. Very small. Only 7 or 8 sites. We had a van. There was an RV there and a tenter. Picnic table and fire ring. There is a boat landing further down the gravel road past the campground, different finger of the lake. Fishing. Pit toilet, no water or hook ups for RVs. Very quiet place and of course, you can't beat free!

Small campground, free, on the lake. 

If you like to boondock with your camper, this place is awesome! We stayed just one night early March and had the place to ourselves. We pull a 26’ travel trailer. Smallish parking lot right on the lake. No amenities except pit toilets. A few miles on narrow gravel roads but worth it! Sign says closed from 10:00 PM to 4:00 AM but highly unlikely anyone would ever check. 

Quiet and off the beaten path 

Super easy gravel road to get in in our AWD Subaru Outback. We were the only campers there. A truck drove through numerous times,  which felt a bit creepy but may have just been a ranger or someone checking on the grounds. Beautiful, open area on a lake and not far from main road.. There's an outhouse and a dumpster. No problem getting a signal on T-MOBILE network. 

Quiet grounds

Great Boondocking

On the way back east after spending 2+ weeks on the road, we desperately needed a place to set up our tent and lay down for the night before continuing on. We found this little gem and it wasn’t very far off the “main” road. Basically in the middle of nowhere we found this spot and were able to easily set up our tent, then leave in the morning without seeing another person or being bothered by anything. No facilities, except a small bathroom that was closed, but it was exactly what we needed.

Exactly What I Needed When I Needed It

Beautiful, peaceful, very quiet. Heard some coyotes at night and lots of birds in the morning. Bathroom was stocked and as clean as you’d expect. All the hunters we saw were on the west side of the conservation area, though there is a fishing area on the other side of the east campground loop. Some day use picnic areas as well, but in April our only neighbors were fellow campers. I imagine with more people it would be a bit cramped, but not so much so that I would turn away. I would absolutely camp here again. Good T-Mobile and Verizon service.

East Campground is Beautiful

We drove by the east side campsite and it was packed. We ran into a local and he told us about a spot on the east side of the lake. An old boy scout camp. It wasn’t maintained but there was nobody there. Our dogs ran free and that was what we were looking for. We ran our generator at night because we had no neighbors. We were a mile from the lake so we drove around and had access to the lake. 

Great spot on the west side of the lake

This free  campground has a water tap and a pit toilet. There are at least three first come first served campsites that have a picnic table and a fire ring.

A Small Free Drive-in Campground

Beautiful spot by the lake. Be sure to turn left at first sign to find campsites. Was a little frustrating that a family seemed to have taken up permanent residence and was obnoxious with the generator. Trash was overflowing and could use a little more attention. Clean vault toilets with TP. It was really beautiful with the sunset. 

Photos of Pony Express Lake Conservation Area

Real photos from real campers