Free camping may soon no longer be allowed on lands managed by the Missouri Department of Conservation.

The department says the recommendation stems from growing problems and complaints about misuse of free camping sites within state conservation areas. They include vandalism, littering, drug use, and other problems. Last week, the state Conservation Commission gave first-round approval to charging $5 a day for five days of camping for up to 10 people per group. 

Each person would be limited to three consecutive camping permits and no more than six permits per year. Also, personal property could not be left unattended for more than 24 hours at campsites. Public comments on the proposed rule can be submitted to the Secretary of State’s website from mid-July through mid-August, and a final vote is tentatively scheduled in September. 

The Missouri Department of Conservation manages about 1,000 conservation areas around the state with more than 320 offering free camping.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1697477703647.jpeg" alt=" People camping at Sandy Channel State Recreation Area in Phelps County. (Nebraskaland Magazine/Nebraska Game and Parks Commission)" />
 <figcaption> People camping at Sandy Channel State Recreation Area in Phelps County. (Nebraskaland Magazine/Nebraska Game and Parks Commission)</figcaption>
 </figure>Free camping may soon no longer be allowed on lands managed by the Missouri Department of Conservation.The department says the recommendation stems from growing problems and complaints about misuse of free camping sites within state conservation areas. They include vandalism, littering, drug use, and other problems. Last week, the state Conservation Commission gave first-round approval to charging $5 a day for five days of camping for up to 10 people per group. Each person would be limited to three consecutive camping permits and no more than six permits per year. Also, personal property could not be left unattended for more than 24 hours at campsites. Public comments on the proposed rule can be submitted to the Secretary of State’s website from mid-July through mid-August, and a final vote is tentatively scheduled in September. The Missouri Department of Conservation manages about 1,000 conservation areas around the state with more than 320 offering free camping.&nbsp;Missourinet

Missouri Conservation Commission may begin charging for camping on MDC land