Open terrain and hike-in access define this dispersed camping area managed by the state near a lake in Missouri's Ozark region. Campers select their own spots rather than designated sites, with campfires and pets both permitted at no cost. The conservation area provides solitude, with one visitor reporting no encounters with other people during their stay and only sounds from nature and occasional aircraft overhead.
Hikers must carry gear to reach camping spots, making this better suited for those comfortable with backcountry-style camping. The nearby Pulltite offers developed sites for campers preferring established amenities.
Description
Few regions today preserve the wild and natural beauty of the Ozarks as well as Sunklands. Sunklands Conservation Area combined the former Sunklands-Burr Oak Basin Natural Area and Skunk Pond, Hartshorn, and Shannondale conservation areas with Kerr-McGee land. Sunklands is valuable for its array of native plant and animal species. The area is the only known habitat in Missouri for monkshood, a showy purple wildflower. Several upland ponds or sinkholes contain water and form a marshy area. The wetlands are rare and important homes to salamanders and other amphibians that require a fish-free habitat. Open Camping - Walk-in/Float-in/Backpack Designated Camping Sites
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsSunklands Conservation Area is located in Missouri near Hartshorn
Directions
From Summersville, take Highway 17 west, then Route K north 8 miles, then Route KB east. Watch for an area sign at the junction of Route KB and MDC Trail 360. The area can also be accessed by driving north of Eminence on Highway 19, then County Road 19-324 west 1 mile. Watch for the area sign.
Coordinates
37.30685822 N
91.504315 W
Connectivity
T-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoors
T-MobileNo Coverage
VerizonLTESome Coverage- AT&TNo Coverage
Connectivity
T-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoors- T-MobileNo Coverage
- VerizonLTESome Coverage
- AT&TNo Coverage
Access
- Hike-InBackcountry sites.
Site Types
- Dispersed
Features
For Campers
- Pets
- Fires
DISPERSED CAMPING
Enjoy dispersed camping on government land and leave no trace. Pack in and pack out. No (or limited) services at this camping area. Permit may be required.
PERMIT might be REQUIRED
We curate permit requirements across the US for our PRO members. Try PRO to see if Sunklands Conservation Area needs a permit.
Drive Time
- 2 hrs 27 min from Jefferson City, MO
- 2 hrs 28 min from Springfield, MO
- 2 hrs 52 min from Cape Girardeau, MO
- 3 hrs 4 min from Jonesboro, AR
