General Watkins Conservation Area: Rustic Camping in Benton, MO

37 reviews

Field Rd, Benton, MO 63736, USA
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General Watkins Conservation Area Introduce

Welcome to General Watkins Conservation Area, located on Field Rd, Benton, Missouri. This area, categorized within Campgrounds & RV Parks, offers a rustic camping experience for those seeking a peaceful outdoor retreat.

General Watkins Conservation Area provides a natural setting with three designated camping spots, each equipped with a cooking area and picnic table. The area is known for its ample parking and shaded areas, creating a comfortable camping environment.

Visitors can enjoy activities such as fishing in the nearby pond and exploring the walking trails that showcase the scenic beauty of the conservation area. The area is also known to be a good spot for viewing astronomical events, such as the solar eclipse.

Amenities include a porta potty, fire pits, and grills. It's important to note that there is no running water or electricity available. Camping is free, but visitors are expected to maintain cleanliness and ensure that fires are extinguished and no food is left behind. Camping is allowed at any time, day or night, despite any posted hours.

General Watkins Conservation Area offers a rugged and peaceful camping experience, ideal for those who enjoy a more primitive outdoor setting.

Location

Missouri Scott County Benton Field Road

Customer Reviews

4.0

37 reviews

Tyler Chamberlain (Razz)

Apr 09, 2024

Viewed the Solar eclipse here. They have a john you can use and this cool bendy tree that others were hanging out on. Can see across the parking area there are three camping spots. Each has a cooking area and picnic table. Plenty of parking and shade. Don't let the hours on this location fool you. You can show up if you want to camp at any time day or night. It's weird to show up at 4am but nothing will prevent you from driving in and pitching a tent.

Jennifer Rogers

Dec 07, 2017

Nice area to camp at if you are into the rugged way of camping.There is a pond to fish out of just a short distance from the campsite and trails to walk on and enjoy the scenery.There are picnic tables and grills and firepits and it's all free but you must clean up after yourselves and make sure your fire is out and no food left behind.There is a porta potty on site but no running water or electric but still a very peaceful place to camp.

Chris Hughes

Jan 18, 2021

I have always enjoyed this area. Good fishing and beautiful scenery.

Gene Martin

Sep 30, 2024

Very quiet and relaxing. Offers a rustic charm for the average nature lover

Ben Moore

Jun 18, 2020

Nice campground. Good loop hiking trail at the campground, well maintained.

Ethan Kempton

May 30, 2025

Great time with the kids. 1.5 mile trail is perfect for families. Mostly shaded with some clearings. Want to come back to camp. Son did find a tick but that's just part of hiking in the Midwest. Wear bug spray

Wood Family (Barefoottravelers)

Apr 22, 2025

Beautiful place. They need a trash can . There was trash on the fire pits. My bestest complaint it the ranger gave me a warning because my SERVICE DOG was not on a leash. I told him she can't alert me if she is tie to the camper. I showed him her Id and said it doesn't matter if she is service dog. Which it does Matter I know my rights.