(The following is a press release from the Missouri Department of Conservation.)
The Missouri Conservation Commission gave final approval at its Oct. 23 open meeting in Cape Girardeau to regulation changes from the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) that would require campers to purchase a permit to camp on MDC areas starting in March 2027. The regulation changes included other details regarding camping on MDC areas.
The Commission gave initial approval of the proposed regulation changes on camping permits at its May 29 open meeting in Washington. MDC then held a public comment period during July and August.
Camping is a popular activity for many people in Missouri and MDC manages about 1,000 conservation areas around the state with more than 320 offering free camping.
Campers and MDC staff have noted an increasing number of problems involving compliance issues, safety concerns, and environmental impacts from vandalism, illegal activities, and illegal stays on camping areas.
Campers on MDC areas do not currently need a permit, do not pay a fee, and do not register to camp. This lack of identification of campers creates a difficult job for conservation agents and other MDC staff to regulate activities on the camping areas or identify campers causing problems or taking part in illegal activities. MDC proposed the approved permits to help better regulate and monitor activities on its camping areas.
According to MDC, requiring a low-cost camping permit will benefit campers by providing agents the tools that they need to ensure better and safer camping experiences on MDC areas. The permit will also provide important information on how many people are camping on MDC areas to help staff build positive relationships with campers and to monitor and manage unwanted activities.
NEW CAMPING PERMIT DETAILS
The new camping regulations will require people to purchase a permit for $5 for up to five days of camping on conservation areas for up to 10 people. The “$5-for-5-for-10” permit will apply even if fewer days are used and fewer people participate. Camping will remain first-come, first-served.
Each sleeping unit, such as a tent or camper, must be plainly labeled on durable material with the full name and address, or conservation number, of the permit holder. The label must be visible from the outside of the sleeping unit.
Groups of more than 10 people will be required to have a Special Use Permit and camping permit to camp on MDC areas.
Each person will be limited to three consecutive camping permits and six camping permits annually.
Based on public feedback, MDC removed a proposed requirement that personal property may not be left unattended for more than 24 hours.
According to MDC, the “$5-for-5-for-10” camping permit fee for up to a party of 10 is a great value for the price. In comparison, Missouri State Parks offers individual back-country camping permits for $10 per night; basic, individual, walk-in camping at a nightly rate of $13-$16; and campsites with amenities such as electric/sewer/water for $29-$36 per night. Camping in Mark Twain National Forest of the U.S. Forest Service costs $10 – $25 per night per individual including basic sites and sites with amenities. Camping costs at private facilities vary widely based on location, offerings, and other factors.
Camping permits will be available for purchase beginning in March online, at a permit vendor, or over the phone using MDC’s permit-purchasing system. The permits can be displayed in MDC’s MO Fishing and MO Hunting apps.
Under current regulations, firewood may NOT be collected on MDC areas for camping. The Commission also approved regulation changes at the October meeting that will allow for the collection of dead and downed fuelwood for personal fire use only. Collected firewood will not be allowed to leave the conservation area.
Learn more about camping on MDC areas at mdc.mo.gov/discover-nature/activities/camping.
