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Union Ridge Conservation Area

3 ReviewsAdd Review

The Missouri Department of Conservation manages Union Ridge Conservation Area across over 8,000 acres, offering free primitive camping without designated sites. Campers can set up anywhere within or adjacent to parking areas, with two fire pits and mature shade trees providing spots within a gravel drive loop. Pit toilets serve as the primary facilities.

The conservation area features hiking trails connecting multiple parking areas, with one location offering bathroom facilities and grassy tent areas, while another provides boat ramp access to a small lake for fishing. Backpack camping is prohibited during hunting season. The remote location requires a drive to reach, but campers seeking dispersed camping will find quiet conditions and camp sites near Kirksville for additional options in the region.

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Location

Public Campground

Union Ridge Conservation Area is located in Missouri

Detail location of campground

Directions

From Green Castle, take Route D north 2.50 miles.

Coordinates

40.32048423 N
92.86233155 W

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Connectivity

  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile
    No Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    VerizonLTE
    Some Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    AT&T
    No Coverage

Connectivity

  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile
    No Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    VerizonLTE
    Some Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    AT&T
    No Coverage

Access

  • Drive-In
    Park next to your site
  • Walk-In
    Park in a lot, walk to your site.

Site Types

  • Tent Sites

Features

For Campers

  • Toilets
  • Pets
  • Fires

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 Union Ridge Conservation Area needs a permit.

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Contact

General Info

Drive Time

Reviews

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5 Stars

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1 Star

34%
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4.0

out of 5

3 Reviews

Visitors often highlighted the primitive camping experience across 8,000+ acres with basic facilities like pit toilets and fire pits. Many mentioned the remote location and large grassy areas suitable for tent camping.

NThe Dyrt PRO User
Reviewed Aug. 16, 2022

Union Ridge Conservation Area

Two firepits, no designated sites, mature shade trees within the gravel drive loop. Pit toilet. Karen and John describes it well.

Month of VisitAugust
  • Review photo of Union Ridge Conservation Area by Nathan N., August 16, 2022
  • Review photo of Union Ridge Conservation Area by Nathan N., August 16, 2022
  • Review photo of Union Ridge Conservation Area by Nathan N., August 16, 2022
  • (7) View All
Karen J.
Reviewed May. 5, 2019

Union Ridge

The rules are clear for Union Ridge... you can camp anywhere but backpack camping is prohibited during hunting season... that is a no brainer! Lol. There is a pretty little lake to fish... there are very primitive restrooms, (with only a toilet) so there are a few bathroom amenities.

It is quiet, beautiful, and one of our favorite primitive places to visit! Highly recommend if you truly want to "get away from it all."

j
Reviewed Jun. 14, 2018

Union Ridge Conservation Area

As a Conservation Area, it has very limited amenities. Only primitive camping is allowed on or immediately adjacent to the parking areas. Having said that, the CA is large consisting of over 8,000 acres. There are hiking trails throughout the CA that connect to the parking areas of which there a quite a number. In addition, two of the parking areas are noteworthy and clearly marked on the materials on the Missouri Department of Conservation web side regarding this CA. One has bathroom facilities and large grassy areas suitable for tent camping along with fire pits. The other has a boat ramp for access to a small lovely lake in addition to bathroom facilities. I'm giving this 3 starts primarily because the camping is limited and the location is somewhat remote. If you're ok with the primitive camping and don't mind the drive to get there, it would be nice.

Month of VisitJune
Showing results 1-3 of 3 reviews

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Union Ridge Conservation Area located in Missouri?

Union Ridge Conservation Area is a large 8,000-acre conservation property in northern Missouri. The area is managed by the Missouri Department of Conservation and features diverse landscapes including wooded areas and at least one small lake. While the exact county isn't specified, it's positioned in a quiet rural setting that allows for peaceful outdoor experiences away from urban environments.

What outdoor activities can visitors enjoy at Union Ridge Conservation Area?

Union Ridge Conservation Area provides numerous outdoor recreation opportunities across its 8,000 acres. Visitors can enjoy fishing in the small lake, hiking on trails that connect to various parking areas throughout the conservation area, and wildlife observation. During appropriate seasons, hunting is permitted (though backpack camping is prohibited during hunting season). The large natural space is ideal for nature appreciation, photography, and experiencing Missouri's diverse ecosystems in a quiet, undeveloped setting.

What camping facilities are available at Union Ridge Conservation Area?

Union Ridge Conservation Area offers primitive camping only, with no designated campsites. Camping is permitted on or immediately adjacent to parking areas. The area includes two fire pits within a gravel drive loop surrounded by mature shade trees. Basic amenities include primitive pit toilets (with toilet only, no other bathroom facilities). No water, electricity or other modern conveniences are provided, so campers should come prepared for self-sufficient camping.

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