The 20 Best Missouri Campsites

The Best Campsites for Missouri Survival Preppers!

When you live in Missouri, you’re surrounded by rich wilderness, rugged terrain, and diverse ecosystems perfect for survival prepping. From the rolling hills of the Ozarks to the dense forests and sprawling rivers, this state offers some of the most practical and scenic locations for campers and survivalists alike. If you’re gearing up for the possibility of having to rely on your survival skills, knowing where to camp, what to pack, and how to prepare is crucial. This is a guide to 30 of the best camping sites for Missouri survival preppers. Each of these sites offers unique features that make them ideal for long-term camping, bugging out, or honing your wilderness skills.

Survival prep isn’t just about having the right gear; it’s about practicing in the environment where you’ll need to use it. In Missouri, the unpredictable weather and diverse terrain will give you ample opportunity to sharpen your skills.

Let’s dive into the best camping spots you need to consider. These locations aren’t just about beautiful views or easy access to amenities. They’ll test your survival tactics, help you learn to forage, and offer opportunities for water purification, shelter-building, and tactical navigation. Whether you’re a seasoned prepper or a newcomer, these sites should be on your radar.

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1. Current River State Park

Located in the Ozark Highlands, Current River State Park offers a scenic setting with numerous camping options, including primitive sites that are perfect for survivalists. It’s ideal for prepping due to its proximity to the river, making it perfect for water filtration training. In addition, the thick woods give you the chance to practice building shelters, foraging, and even fire-starting techniques.

2. Ha Ha Tonka State Park

This park, situated on the Lake of the Ozarks, offers rugged cliffs, caves, and a wide variety of terrain. The primitive camping sites here are isolated, which makes them excellent for honing your survival skills in a more challenging environment. There’s also ample wildlife, giving you the chance to practice hunting and tracking.

3. Sam A. Baker State Park

Nestled along the St. Francois Mountains, this park has an extensive network of trails through rugged, hilly terrain. If you’re looking to practice navigating difficult terrain and improve your wilderness skills, Sam A. Baker is the spot. It’s remote, and the primitive campsites are perfect for prepping in seclusion.

4. Meramec State Park

With its large caves, rugged terrain, and proximity to the Meramec River, this park is a great spot for preppers to practice everything from fire-starting to shelter-building. The river also provides an excellent opportunity for water purification exercises. The remote campsites give you a chance to experience isolation while still having some access to resources.

5. Rocky Falls

This area features a scenic waterfall and dense forest, making it a prime location for a prepper looking to practice resourcefulness. The primitive campsites here are more isolated than you might expect, providing the perfect environment for honing your wilderness survival skills. Be sure to pack in your supplies since there are no modern amenities here.

6. Big Piney Campground

This Missouri treasure is situated in the Ozarks, and the Big Piney River provides water for purification exercises. This location is fantastic for those looking to practice fishing, hunting, and living off the land. The primitive campsites give you a chance to test your preparedness and survive in a challenging environment.

7. Table Rock State Park

Not far from Branson, this park has numerous remote campsites surrounded by dense forests and access to the Table Rock Lake. Preppers can take advantage of the surrounding wilderness for learning how to set up shelter, gather resources, and create traps. If you’re looking for a more rugged environment, the backcountry campsites here are perfect.

8. Elephant Rocks State Park

Known for its large, ancient granite boulders, Elephant Rocks offers rugged terrain perfect for training survivalists in how to navigate tricky rocky environments. There are a number of primitive campsites that give you just enough seclusion while also keeping you close to natural resources like water.

9. Lake of the Ozarks State Park

This sprawling park features more than 100 miles of shoreline and vast wilderness, making it an ideal spot for preppers. The dense forests provide cover for setting up survival shelters, while the lake offers opportunities for water-based survival skills. The primitive campsites will challenge you to make the most out of limited resources.

10. Washington State Park

With its deep, forested areas and rocky terrain, Washington State Park gives survival preppers the chance to practice building shelters and finding food in a wooded environment. There’s a river here for water purification practice, and the park’s remote campsites allow you to practice being self-reliant.

11. Johnson’s Shut-Ins State Park

If you’re seeking a more unique experience, Johnson’s Shut-Ins features rugged river gorges, waterfalls, and large rocks to navigate. The primitive campsites allow preppers to practice all the basic survival skills, including shelter construction and food gathering. The river offers water purification practice as well.

12. Pine Ridge Campground

Located in the Ozarks, Pine Ridge is an excellent location for learning to live off the land. The area features dense woods and streams, offering opportunities to practice foraging, purifying water, and hunting. The campsite is remote and quiet, making it ideal for prepper training.

13. Mark Twain National Forest

For the ultimate prepper experience, the Mark Twain National Forest offers over 1.5 million acres of wilderness. It’s a massive space with diverse ecosystems, providing ample room for all kinds of survival training. You’ll find primitive campsites that give you a true wilderness experience. From deep forests to mountainous terrain, it’s perfect for honing your skills in isolation.

14. Shannon County Campground

The Shannon County Campground is a peaceful, off-the-beaten-path camping spot with river access and great natural surroundings. This location offers solitude and seclusion, which is perfect for preppers who want to simulate real-world bug-out situations.

15. Bennett Spring State Park

Known for its spring-fed stream, Bennett Spring is a prime location for survivalists looking to practice fishing and other food procurement methods. The park’s primitive campsites provide a challenging yet rewarding environment for survival preppers.

16. Chouteau’s Island

Located near St. Charles, Chouteau’s Island is an ideal location for practicing navigation and wilderness skills. The island’s remote setting and diverse vegetation make it a perfect spot for honing your survival strategies.

17. Missouri River Campground

For water-based survival training, the Missouri River Campground offers access to one of the state’s major waterways. This campground is ideal for practicing water purification, fishing, and using the river as a survival resource.

18. Niawauk Campground

Located near the Ozark region, Niawauk offers a secluded campsite, perfect for practicing survival techniques in a less-traveled area. You can practice food foraging, water purification, and navigation in this wild and remote location.

19. Cuivre River State Park

This park offers rugged terrain and dense forests, making it a fantastic training ground for preppers. It’s a great spot to practice shelter-building, food gathering, and navigating through thick woods.

20. Prairie State Park

For preppers who want to simulate living in an open, flat environment, Prairie State Park offers wide open spaces and grasslands perfect for practicing fire-building and creating shelter under challenging circumstances.

In conclusion, Missouri offers a wide variety of camping locations that are ideal for survival preppers looking to hone their skills. Whether you’re learning how to navigate dense forests, purify water from a river, or build a shelter from scratch, these campsites provide the perfect backdrop for real-world training. Survival prepping isn’t just about acquiring the right gear—it’s about developing the mindset and practical skills to survive in any situation, and Missouri’s diverse landscapes give you the opportunity to practice all of it.

As a prepper, you must be proficient in a variety of skills, including fire-starting, shelter construction, water purification, navigation, and food procurement. Camping in Missouri’s remote sites helps simulate real-life scenarios where access to modern conveniences is limited. The state’s rugged terrain and unpredictable weather will challenge you to adapt and test your resourcefulness.

In addition to survival basics, these locations also allow for tactical training, such as practicing stealth movement through dense woods or using natural materials for camouflage. Wilderness first aid, mental toughness, and managing your supplies are all key aspects that you’ll develop when spending extended periods in Missouri’s wild places.

No matter your level of experience, these campsites offer valuable opportunities for growth. So, whether you’re a beginner prepping for an emergency or an experienced survivalist refining your skills, Missouri has the perfect spots to help you prepare for whatever the future may hold. By regularly camping in these areas, you’ll not only sharpen your practical survival skills but also build a deeper connection with nature—a crucial mindset for any prepper looking to thrive in a post-collapse world.

Top 20 Survival Campsites in Kansas for Preppers

As a survival prepper living in the great state of Kansas, you know the importance of preparation. From tornadoes to unpredictable weather shifts, Kansas can test the mettle of even the most seasoned survivalists. That’s why it’s crucial to know where to camp, train, and test your skills in the wilderness. Whether you’re preparing for the worst or just getting out into nature to hone your survival skills, Kansas offers some of the best and most accessible campsites for preppers.

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Here’s a guide to 20 of the best camping sites in Kansas that will get you prepared for anything, all while offering a great chance to experience the heart of the Midwest in its most raw and natural form.


1. Tuttle Creek State Park

Tuttle Creek State Park, located near Manhattan, offers 1,200 acres of pristine camping grounds. If you’re looking to practice water purification techniques or just enjoy the outdoors, Tuttle Creek’s proximity to the Kansas River makes it an ideal location. The park is large enough to escape the crowds, but not so remote that you’ll find yourself totally off the grid. Whether you’re testing your shelter-building skills or practicing fire-starting, Tuttle Creek provides everything a prepper needs in a campsite.


2. Wilson State Park

For those who want a rugged, isolated environment for survival training, Wilson State Park is an excellent choice. The park’s secluded campgrounds by the scenic Wilson Lake are ideal for honing your navigation and wilderness survival skills. If you’re concerned about potential threats or simply want to simulate real-world survival conditions, this site offers all the elements you need, including nearby dense woods and open plains.


3. Perry State Park

Perry State Park is a must-visit for Kansas preppers who enjoy a combination of water and land survival. This park, located near the Perry Reservoir, offers abundant opportunities for water-based survival training, such as water filtration, fishing, and kayaking. The thick forests surrounding the park provide plenty of cover for practicing stealth and tactical movements.


4. Lake Scott State Park

If you’re preparing for survival in a semi-arid environment, Lake Scott State Park, located in western Kansas, is a prime destination. Known for its dry, rugged landscape and rocky terrain, this park simulates the challenges that can arise in extreme conditions. From shelter-building techniques to the need for water conservation, Lake Scott provides the perfect environment for learning how to thrive in tough, desert-like conditions.


5. Elk City State Park

This is one of the best spots in Kansas for preppers who are looking to build a solid foundation in wilderness survival. Elk City State Park is located in the southeastern part of the state and offers a great mix of forest and lake environments. It’s perfect for practicing shelter-building, gathering resources, and water collection. The thick woods offer great cover for stealth movements and tactical exercises.


6. Big Hill Lake

Nestled in the southeast corner of Kansas, Big Hill Lake is a hidden gem for preppers looking to escape into nature and practice survival techniques. Whether you’re perfecting your fire-starting skills or experimenting with hunting and fishing, Big Hill Lake provides a diverse landscape to work with. The wooded areas surrounding the lake offer great opportunities for practicing stealth, navigation, and resource management.


7. Kansan State Park

Kansan State Park is known for its rugged terrain and seclusion, making it a prime spot for preppers looking to train in wilderness survival. With plenty of hiking trails and an abundance of wildlife, this park offers a mix of environments that will keep you on your toes. Its isolation also offers the chance to simulate real-world survival conditions with minimal human interference.


8. Cedar Bluff State Park

Cedar Bluff State Park is one of Kansas’ hidden treasures, located in the western part of the state. The park is home to a series of bluffs, canyons, and creeks that make it a perfect place for testing your survival knowledge. It’s a great spot for practicing water filtration, purifying food, and testing various wilderness techniques. Its remote location provides the solitude you need to hone your skills and perfect your self-reliance.


9. Flint Hills National Wildlife Refuge

For preppers looking for a truly wild experience, the Flint Hills National Wildlife Refuge offers expansive prairie lands and is home to a wide variety of wildlife. The vast, open spaces are perfect for practicing long-range navigation, identifying natural resources, and testing your skills in camouflage and survival tactics. The absence of many man-made structures in the area also gives you a genuine “off-the-grid” experience.


10. Rock Creek Station State Park

Rock Creek Station State Park, located in the heart of the state, offers a variety of terrain perfect for prepping. It’s great for survivalists who want to practice camping in diverse conditions, from forests to grasslands. The park also has historical significance, making it an excellent choice for preppers interested in learning about early American survival tactics while testing modern skills.


11. Kanopolis State Park

Kanopolis State Park is known for its picturesque scenery and diverse wildlife. It offers rugged, hilly terrain that will challenge even the most experienced preppers. Whether you’re working on land navigation, wilderness shelter building, or honing your fishing skills, Kanopolis State Park provides the space and variety to test a variety of techniques.


12. Cheyenne Bottoms Wildlife Area

Cheyenne Bottoms is a natural wetland area in central Kansas, making it a prime spot for learning and practicing water-based survival skills. It’s perfect for testing your knowledge of survival tactics that require access to water, including fishing, water purification, and navigation. This area is great for preppers who are focused on developing their knowledge of aquatic survival.


13. Wilson Lake Shoreline

If you’re looking for a secluded place to practice everything from shelter building to water purification, the Wilson Lake Shoreline is one of the best options in Kansas. This area is perfect for preppers who want to stay close to water while honing their outdoor survival skills. With miles of shoreline and plenty of natural cover, this spot offers a perfect balance of challenge and accessibility.


14. Sand Hills State Park

Located in central Kansas, Sand Hills State Park offers a unique opportunity to practice survival techniques in an arid, desert-like environment. The park’s sandy terrain, dry brush, and scarce water make it an excellent place for testing your skills in managing resources and adapting to tough conditions. Whether you’re practicing basic survival skills or working on long-term sustainability, this park is a challenging environment that will put your preparation to the test.


15. Smoky Hill River State Park

Situated in central Kansas, Smoky Hill River State Park is an ideal location for preppers who want to test their wilderness survival skills in a rugged, rocky environment. The terrain varies from wide open grasslands to tree-filled areas along the river, offering opportunities to work on shelter-building, water purification, and general survival tactics.


16. Troy City Park

If you’re looking for a smaller, more intimate setting to practice survival, Troy City Park offers a peaceful, less crowded environment for honing your skills. Located in the northeast part of the state, this park offers hiking trails, wildlife, and water features that make it ideal for preppers to practice essential survival techniques like navigation, water collection, and fishing.


17. Hillsdale Lake

Hillsdale Lake is another great spot for survival preppers in Kansas, especially if you want to practice water-based survival skills. The lake offers plenty of opportunities for fishing, water filtration, and other aquatic survival techniques. The surrounding area is wooded, making it an excellent place for setting up camp and practicing your wilderness skills.


18. Lake Melvern

Melvern Lake, located in eastern Kansas, offers a peaceful setting for preppers looking to practice everything from fishing and water purification to shelter building and navigation. The wooded areas surrounding the lake provide plenty of natural cover, while the lake itself offers ample opportunities for testing water survival techniques.


19. Meade State Park

Meade State Park is perfect for preppers who want to get away from it all and practice essential survival techniques. Located in the southwestern part of the state, this park features rugged, isolated terrain that provides the ideal setting for building shelters, gathering resources, and learning survival skills without distractions.


20. Lakeside Hills

Lakeside Hills is a quiet, secluded campground in the northeastern part of the state, offering wooded terrain and ample opportunities for preppers to practice basic wilderness survival skills. It’s a great spot for those looking to set up camp in a remote setting and simulate survival conditions in a low-stress environment.

Conclusion: Mastering Survival in Kansas’ Best Campsites

As a survival prepper in Kansas, you understand the critical need to stay prepared for a wide range of scenarios, from severe weather events like tornadoes to grid failures or even a longer-term survival situation. The state of Kansas, with its unique mix of prairies, forests, lakes, and rugged terrain, offers a perfect training ground for honing survival skills that could make all the difference when disaster strikes. Whether you’re practicing fire-starting techniques, perfecting your shelter-building abilities, or learning how to purify water from nearby lakes and rivers, Kansas’ diverse campsites provide the ideal environment to push your survival abilities to their limits.

Each of the campsites featured in this guide represents an opportunity to immerse yourself in nature and practice life-saving skills that are essential for every prepper. From the dense forests of Perry State Park to the arid, rugged beauty of Lake Scott State Park, these sites allow you to test your resourcefulness, adaptability, and ability to thrive in a variety of environments. Whether you’re looking for seclusion, water-based survival training, or a combination of both, Kansas offers diverse landscapes to meet every prepper’s needs.

Moreover, many of these parks and campsites are situated in remote or semi-remote areas, which gives you the opportunity to simulate real-world survival conditions where communication and outside help may not be readily available. Practicing in these isolated locations will help you refine critical skills like navigation, food procurement, water sourcing, and creating effective shelter — all fundamental aspects of survival that can be relied upon in an emergency.

While these campsites are perfect for honing your individual survival skills, they also offer valuable opportunities to train with family or fellow preppers. The knowledge and skills you gain in these natural environments can also be shared with others, helping you build a community of like-minded individuals who are just as focused on self-sufficiency and preparedness.

Kansas’ camping destinations also offer an added benefit that’s often overlooked in survival preparation: they allow for rest and mental clarity. A survival situation isn’t just about physical endurance — it’s about mental strength and the ability to make clear decisions under pressure. By taking the time to camp in these beautiful yet challenging locations, you can improve your focus, adaptability, and ability to stay calm in high-pressure situations. This mental toughness will be invaluable when faced with unexpected crises.

Ultimately, the key to survival lies in the ability to adapt and respond to the unexpected. As a prepper in Kansas, these campsites are your testing ground. They allow you to simulate various disaster scenarios, practice emergency protocols, and prepare yourself for whatever comes your way. From long-term camping to quick weekend getaways, these campsites provide the perfect backdrop to keep sharpening your skills, testing new gear, and continuously improving your preparedness plan.

Whether you’re just starting your prepper journey or are an experienced survivalist looking for new training grounds, Kansas offers some of the best and most versatile campsites for your needs. So grab your gear, prepare for the unexpected, and head out to one of these top campsites to start building the skills that will ensure you’re ready for whatever the future holds. Remember, survival isn’t just about having the right tools — it’s about the knowledge, skills, and experience you acquire along the way. Make the most of these Kansas camping sites, and you’ll be better prepared for anything the world may throw at you.

30 Amazing Survival Campsites in Maryland for Your Next Off-Grid Adventure

Master Survival Techniques at These 30 Maryland Campsites

Living in Maryland, a state rich in diverse landscapes, from the Allegheny Mountains to the Chesapeake Bay, presents a unique opportunity for survival preppers to practice their skills in real-world conditions. Whether you’re looking for a place to test your wilderness survival abilities or just want to disconnect and enjoy nature, Maryland offers some of the best camping sites to explore. These sites provide everything from remote, rugged terrain to well-maintained campgrounds with facilities, allowing you to sharpen your skills in various environments. As survival preppers, we know that being prepared in the wilderness is more than just setting up a tent; it’s about understanding your surroundings, honing your self-reliance, and learning how to thrive in the wild.

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Here are 30 of the best campsites across Maryland that offer the perfect setting for survival prepper training.


1. Catoctin Mountain Park

Located in the northern part of the state, this area offers challenging terrain and isolation. Ideal for testing your navigation and shelter-building skills, Catoctin Mountain Park provides an authentic wilderness experience.

2. Patapsco Valley State Park

With its dense woods and rugged terrain, Patapsco is perfect for long hikes, shelter building, and foraging practice. It also offers excellent river access for water purification and fishing.

3. Green Ridge State Forest

Green Ridge is a secluded and vast forest, ideal for a full survival test. The area is known for its remote campsites, diverse wildlife, and trails that are perfect for wilderness navigation.

4. Seneca Creek State Park

This park has a variety of landscapes, from woodlands to wetlands, providing a great opportunity to practice your water purification techniques and wildlife tracking.

5. Piney Run Park

A hidden gem located in Carroll County, this park is perfect for fishing, survival hunting practice, and learning how to navigate through dense woods.

6. Assateague State Park

Famous for its wild horses, Assateague offers unique beach survival scenarios. Learn how to gather food from the sea, purify saltwater, and set up camp in coastal conditions.

7. Gathland State Park

Located in the Appalachian Mountains, Gathland offers scenic views and challenging terrain, making it a perfect location for advanced survivalists to practice their skills in elevation and weather awareness.

8. New Germany State Park

In the Alleghenies, New Germany is a great location for those wanting to practice cold-weather survival. It offers trails, a lake for water purification practice, and dense woods for shelter-building.

9. Rocky Gap State Park

This park provides the perfect combination of hiking, fishing, and survival training in the mountainous terrain of western Maryland. You’ll find plenty of areas for shelter practice and an abundance of wildlife to study.

10. Cascade Falls

Cascade Falls in the Patapsco Valley is a more secluded area, offering great opportunities for stealth camping and honing your skills in creating fire in wet conditions.

11. Savage River State Forest

This vast forest offers secluded areas for you to practice advanced survival techniques like trapping, foraging, and building a fire in harsh conditions.

12. Herrington Manor State Park

In the western part of the state, Herrington Manor offers colder, rugged terrain perfect for winter survival. The area’s remote environment allows for practice in true isolation.

13. Calvert Cliffs State Park

For those who want to learn about coastal survival, Calvert Cliffs offers access to cliffs and beaches, providing the perfect location for shell fishing, saltwater purification, and practicing watercraft navigation.

14. Tuckahoe State Park

Located on the Eastern Shore, Tuckahoe provides a rich opportunity to practice freshwater survival and fishing skills, alongside deep woodlands to practice navigation.

15. Elk Neck State Park

With stunning views of the Chesapeake Bay and plenty of terrain to explore, this park allows for both coastal and woodland survival training, making it a great spot for practicing shelter construction and navigation.

16. Youghiogheny River Lake

This remote area, perfect for water survival skills, is situated in western Maryland. Here, you’ll find an abundance of water bodies, providing both fishing and freshwater purification opportunities.

17. Big Run State Park

Known for its dense forests and peaceful surroundings, Big Run is perfect for solitude and honing your survival techniques, especially in dense, hard-to-navigate environments.

18. Fort Frederick State Park

A historical park with a rich history, it also offers extensive areas of wilderness for survival training. This is a perfect place for practicing long-term survival skills.

19. Sandy Point State Park

Located on the shores of the Chesapeake Bay, this park offers both wooded areas and beaches. It’s ideal for survivalists looking to train in diverse environments.

20. Western Maryland Rail Trail

For preppers wanting to mix hiking with survival training, the Western Maryland Rail Trail provides miles of natural landscape perfect for navigation practice.

21. Cunningham Falls State Park

Known for its waterfall and steep terrain, Cunningham Falls provides a challenge for hikers and survivalists who need to practice advanced survival skills such as wilderness first aid and building makeshift shelters.

22. Deep Creek Lake State Park

The largest freshwater lake in Maryland, Deep Creek offers ample space for fishing, canoeing, and water survival training. The surrounding woods provide plenty of areas for shelter-building practice.

23. Rock Creek Park

Located near Washington, D.C., Rock Creek Park offers a more urban option for those looking to practice survival skills without venturing far from the city. Great for stealth camping and creating a bug-out location.

24. Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge

This sprawling wetland area is perfect for waterfowl hunting practice, tracking wildlife, and learning how to handle swampy, lowland areas that could serve as potential survival zones in an emergency.

25. Bristow Park

Bristow offers dense woodlands and secluded trails that are perfect for learning navigation, shelter building, and wildlife tracking.

26. Manassas National Battlefield Park

For preppers interested in practicing their skills in a historical setting, this park offers both a tactical environment for movement and shelters in a wooded area for solitude.

27. Sideling Hill

Located in the Appalachian Mountains, this area offers rugged terrain with limited accessibility. It’s great for testing your ability to survive in tough conditions, especially high altitudes.

28. Pocomoke River State Park

A swampy, lowland area perfect for testing water purification and fishing skills. Pocomoke is great for preppers looking to practice survival in wet conditions.

29. Point Lookout State Park

This park offers a mix of coastal and forested areas, ideal for waterborne survival, beach camping, and practicing shelter building with limited resources.

30. Charles County Regional Park

A little-known park in southern Maryland, it offers diverse terrain, wooded areas, and open fields that are perfect for survival training.


Conclusion: The Perfect Survival Prepper Locations

Maryland offers a diverse range of landscapes for survival preppers to hone their skills. Whether you’re practicing water purification along the Chesapeake Bay, building shelters in dense forests, or hiking through the mountains, these 30 campsites provide everything a prepper needs to build self-reliance and thrive in the wilderness. Each location offers unique challenges, and the variety of terrains ensures that you’ll be able to practice all aspects of survival, from hunting and fishing to shelter building and navigation.

These camping sites aren’t just great places to visit—they’re the perfect testing grounds for anyone serious about being prepared for anything that comes their way.