This free Missouri Department of Conservation campground provides drive-in and walk-in access with campfire privileges. Prairie Home Conservation features open terrain with five pull-off camping areas positioned down the road from a small lake, though camping directly at the water is not permitted.
A single restroom facility serves the area near the lake, with maintenance varying according to recent visitors. The campground tends to stay uncrowded, making it a practical overnight stop for travelers. Campers seeking more developed amenities can find places to camp near Prairie Home or consider Plowboy Bend Conservation Area nine miles east for another conservation area experience.
Description
Prairie Home Conservation Area, located in eastern Cooper County, is an upland area with a mix of oldfields, small cropfields, grasslands, and woodlands. The original acquisition in 1963 included 212 acres in the northwest corner of the area. In 1997, Allen and Wilda Johnson donated funds earmarked for resource management that resulted in the construction of three lakes that range in size from three to 11 acres. Their generous donation provides habitat for fish, reptiles, amphibians, waterfowl, waterbirds, and songbirds. Area users enjoy opportunities for fishing and wildlife viewing. For the hunting enthusiast, the area supports deer, turkey, squirrel, rabbit and quail. Hikers and birders find a seasonal array of migrant and resident songbirds including summer tanagers, woodpeckers, vireos, warblers, and sparrows.
Designated camping areas may or may not have defined campsites. Seasonal closures and restrictions may apply to all camping on department areas.
Camping is allowed anytime in designated camping areas. These may or may not have defined campsites. Seasonal closures and restrictions may apply. Camping is limited to 14 consecutive days in a 30-day period. Groups of more than 10 campers require a special use permit. No unattended camp fires. Camping on other parts of the area may be allowed by special use permit. On department areas where camping is allowed, camping is limited to a period of 14 consecutive days in any 30-day period. Personal property must be removed at the end of the 14-day period. Unless a special use permit is obtained, total camping days on all department areas are limited to a total of 30 days within one calendar year. Groups of more than 10 people must obtain a special use permit prior to camping. To obtain a special use permit, contact the area manager at the phone number listed for this area in the area details section.
Quiet hours are in effect in camping areas from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. daily. Visitors who are not occupying a campsite are required to leave the campground by 10 p.m.
On camping areas with established campsites, only two camping or sleeping units are permitted in each site.
RV Road Trip Guides
Location
Public CampgroundPrairie Home Conservation is located in Missouri
Directions
From Prairie Home, take Route J west 0.50 miles, then Route W south 2 miles to the area.
Coordinates
38.774623 N
92.574035 W
Connectivity
T-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoors
T-MobileNo Coverage- VerizonNo Coverage
- AT&TNo Coverage
Connectivity
T-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoors- T-MobileNo Coverage
- VerizonNo Coverage
- AT&TNo Coverage
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
Features
For Campers
- Fires
FREE established camping
Enjoy camping on government land. Limited or no services at this camping area.
Drive Time
- 36 min from Columbia, MO
- 45 min from Jefferson City, MO
- 1 hr 45 min from Kansas City, MO
- 2 hrs 36 min from Springfield, MO
