By MATT PIKE'
The Missouri Department of Conservation is making regulation changes that will require permits to camp in Missouri Department of Conservation areas starting next year
The Missouri Conservation Commission gave final approval to the regulation changes at its October 23rd open meeting in Cape Girardeau. The regulation changes from the Missouri Department of Conservation would require campers to purchase a permit to camp in Missouri Department of Conservation areas starting in March 2027. Camping is a popular activity for many people in Missouri and the Department of Conservation manages about 1,000 conservation areas around the state with more than 320 offering free camping.
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 Department of Conservation areas. Each person will be limited to three consecutive camping permits and six camping permits annually. 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.
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