Free Camping Collection
Dispersed Camping
Sunklands Conservation Area
Sunklands Conservation Area in Missouri features a landscape of forests and rolling hills. Temperatures range from lows in the 20s Fahrenheit during winter to highs in the 80s in summer. Nearby attractions include the Ozark National Scenic Riverways and Montauk State Park, offering opportunities for hiking and fishing.
Description
State Park
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
Location
Sunklands Conservation Area is located in Missouri
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
Access
- Hike-InBackcountry sites.
Stay Connected
- WiFiGood
- VerizonGood
- AT&TGood
- T-MobileFair
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
- 2 hrs 28 min from Springfield
- 2 hrs 52 min from Cape Girardeau
- 3 hrs 4 min from Jonesboro
