Hunnewell Conservation Area - Hunnewell, MO
Hunnewell Conservation Area – Dog-Friendly Camping & Outdoor Adventure in Hunnewell, Missouri
Hunnewell Conservation Area offers a unique, dog-friendly experience nestled beside a scenic lake and fish hatchery. While primarily known for its excellent fishing, this tranquil area in Hunnewell, Missouri is also a peaceful place for outdoor enthusiasts and dog owners alike. Free lakeside camping under shady trees, first-come-first-served campsites, picnic tables, fire pits, and access to picturesque walking areas make this spot perfect for pet lovers seeking a nature escape.
With ample shade, quiet surroundings, pet-friendly trails, and the opportunity to explore natural foraging and wildlife, this conservation area stands out for those looking for an affordable getaway with their pets. Please note: swimming is not allowed as the lake functions as a hatchery, and potable water is not available on site, so bring your own water supplies. Restrooms are provided seasonally, and a ranger lives on site for general safety and support.
Hunnewell Conservation Area Dog Park FAQ
- Are dogs allowed off-leash at this park? Dogs must be attended and under control, but no dedicated off-leash dog park is mentioned.
- Is there shade or shelter available? Yes, there are many shade trees throughout the area.
- Are restrooms available for owners? Yes, vault toilets are available.
- Is there a fee or membership required to enter? No, all entry and amenities including camping are free.
- Where is the best place to park? Parking is available near the campsites and main activity areas.
- Are there staff or rangers present at the park? Yes, a ranger lives on site and is available for assistance.
- Are there walking or hiking trails connected to the park? There are natural areas to explore and hike with pets throughout the conservation area.
Reviews
It was very quiet and not very busy and u can use their John boats for free and the oars are provided
Free camping. No reservations. First come first served. Pick your spot and camp. Tent camping or RVs. No electric but has water, toilets, and an RV dump. Also has trash dumpster. Also has boats that are free to use for fishing. No swimming allowed though.
This is a fish hatchery with a lake. They have John boats free to use. They supply 1 oar, and you are responsible for bringing life jackets (1 per person required by state law. The life jacket must also fit properly.). Bring your own trolling motor. No gas engines allowed. Absolutely no private boats. No bait transported in water allowed. They don’t want foreign species in the lake.
The have a length restrictions in bass from 12 to 15 inches, those fish get to go on a trip to different homes. They do encourage taking smaller bass as that encourages the bigger ones to grow bigger. They do still count towards your daily limit.
Do, double check the regulations since they could have changed since writing.
The sites have a 🔥 ring, picnic table, and lantern post. Very close together spots. Although if it’s not near full capacity plenty of room. Camping is free with a 14 day maximum stay limit.
They might sell stuff in the building. It was closed when I was there, being winter and all.
I had a splendid time there. I will stay there again in a heartbeat, if I’m in the area.
It was quiet the Only person around was the Ranger, they live onsite and I never talked to them. I did see tire tracks in the snow they were up and out doing things. The light pollution is low there is some but not a lot. There are not any large city’s nearby to ruin the stars.
Absolutely stunning lakeside camping! All at ZERO cost! Town isn’t too far away to get ice if you plan on staying for a bit (can stay 15 days in a 30 day period). Lots of shade trees, FREE boat rentals (bring life jackets!!), fishing (get your MO fishing license) to keep or release, camp sites with tables, fire pits, vault toilets ..just no potable water. So BRING YOUR WATER!! There is NO swimming here as it’s a hatchery. Can’t mess with the babies!! You’ll LOVE it. Oh and you can also forge for berries, nuts, & edible greens. This IS a working hatchery…so there are employees working during the week. Outstanding everything. It is FIRST COME FIRST SERVED for campsites/boats.
This is a super cool place for overnighting. Vault toilets, no showers, but FREE.
FREE rowboats, too, oars and all.
It’s primarily for people who want to fish (there’s a fish-cleaning station) but I liked it and I don’t fish – yet. You may not bring your own boat here. You must use one of theirs. They’re very concerned with letting invasive species out.
Lovely and quiet. The road in is good.