The Missouri Department of Conservation manages this free camping area four miles south of Cowgill, where multiple sites spread along the highway provide access to both forested and open terrain. Campers can choose between drive-in spots near the road or walk-in sites closer to the creek and fishing lake that anchors the property. The marked campsite sits directly beside the lake, making it popular with anglers targeting the water.
Access roads can be rough, and conservation officers enforce camping restrictions that limit stays to designated areas rather than dispersed camping throughout the property. The area allows campfires, pets, and alcohol, though no amenities like restrooms or water are provided. Cell service reaches the campground, and the quiet setting attracts hunters during deer season as well as families exploring campgrounds around Cowgill for weekend getaways.
Description
The Conservation Department created this area in 1968 with the purchase of 1,024 acres from several landowners. Later acquisitions of 924 acres have increased the area's current size. This conservation area was acquired in part through the Pittman-Robertson Wildlife Restoration Act administered by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Pittman-Robertson funds are generated from a federal excise tax on sporting arms and ammunition. Because of its size and diversity of habitat, Bonanza Conservation Area is managed for a wide range of game and nongame wildlife species. The area's open fields are managed by farming, haying and controlled burning. Other habitat management includes tree, shrub and grass plantings and selective timber harvest. Native grasses have been planted and managed to improve nesting habitat and winter cover. A few streams run through the area; the largest of these are Shoal Creek and Crabapple Creek. Bonanza Conservation Area is a Quail Restoration Landscape. This means additional emphasis is placed upon managing the area for early successional species such as Bobwhite quail.
Area closed to bicycle use (and horseback riding) during all portions of the firearms deer hunting season and spring turkey hunting seasons.
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 CampgroundBonanza Conservation Area is located in Missouri
Directions
From Kingston, take Highway 13 south 2 miles, then Route F east 5 miles.
Coordinates
39.62108613226385 N
93.9465931995144 W
Connectivity
T-MobileNo Coverage
VerizonLTESome Coverage- AT&TLTESome Coverage
Connectivity
- T-MobileNo Coverage
- VerizonLTESome Coverage
- AT&TLTESome Coverage
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Dispersed
- Group
- Equestrian
Features
For Campers
- Phone Service
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Pull-Through Sites
FREE established camping
Enjoy camping on government land. Limited or no services at this camping area.
PERMIT might be REQUIRED
We curate permit requirements across the US for our PRO members. Try PRO to see if Bonanza Conservation Area needs a permit.
Drive Time
- 1 hr 1 min from Kansas City, MO
- 1 hr 6 min from St. Joseph, MO
- 1 hr 32 min from Lawrence, KS
- 2 hrs 4 min from Columbia, MO
