Situated Between St. Louis And Kansas City Is Missouri's Scenic Nature Preserve For Camping And Fishing

The Show Me State offers travelers an abundance of unspoiled nature. Picturesque rivers, scenic trails, and plenty of trout fishing enrich its five best state parks to go camping. It seems almost selfish to add more to the list, but the Whetstone Creek Conservation Area continues Missouri's knack for outdoor gems. Its prairies, woodlands, lakes, and a stream merge to create a nature preserve ideal for camping, fishing, and a weekend away.

The 5,207-acre Eden became a conservation area in 1976, after serving for most of the 20th century as a cattle ranch, with a bison enclosure thrown into the mix. Animals roaming the property have shrunk since then, comprising smaller species like rabbits and quail, as well as a managed deer population. The property has, to no one's surprise, become a magnet for hunters. If they're not hunting or spending time at the shooting ranges, they're likely conducting field trial events for their pooches (think of it as a decathlon for gundogs).

At the heart of the preserve lies the area's namesake stream, which snakes through the landscape, providing a bucolic ambiance and a home for 20 species of fish. The conservation area offers an ideal detour on a trip to Columbia, an artsy college town called the "Athens of Missouri" that's less than an hour away. It's also just a few hours from both St. Louis and Kansas City, making it an easy spot for a natural retreat. "This is a beautiful area with opportunities for fishing, hunting, and trapping," one visitor wrote in a Google review. "We don't do any of those things, but we did enjoy the scenery and being out in nature! There are several small lakes on the property, and the old barns are awesome!"

Whetstone Creek Conservation Area's main purpose is also its biggest draw: the unspoiled, scenic nature. Its thousands of acres are home to species loved by both nature explorers and hunters alike, such as white-tailed deer and wild turkeys. Birders can keep an eye out for the belted kingfisher, Kentucky warbler, and several other species. The area's eponymous creek creates an ideal setting for a day out by the water, strolling through the outskirts of the Ozarks. The preserve's conservationist mandate continues below the streams' surface. The protected blacknose shiner lives in the Whetstone Creek. Fortunately, there are plenty of other fish you can take out of the water.

Hunters aren't the only beneficiaries of the area's conservation efforts. Anglers can have more than a good day out on the waters. Whetstone Creek is filled with largemouth bass, crappie, catfish, sunfish, and other species. There is a limit to how many one may reel in, since it's a reserve. Be sure to follow local regulations and release fish in accordance with local law.

Reaching the Whetstone Creek Conservation Area will require a car, no matter how near or far you are. The closest major transit hub, St. Louis International Airport, rests about 90 minutes east of the area. After landing, take a short detour to Frontenac, a wealthy suburb with luxurious shops and small-town charm. Then prepare for the exact opposite if you're overnighting in the conservation area.

Every visit to the Whetstone Creek Conservation Area demands an overnight stay. The campsites are about as untamed as can be, offering no amenities, unless you consider a pit toilet luxurious. Considering the price (free), you can't complain. Be sure you camp only in one of two designated areas, which bookend Whetstone — one in the east, the other in the west. The rest of the property is off limits for overnight stays. If you're not sure which to stay in, the eastern campsite is close to a firing range, which can either be a deterrent or a draw.

Authorities close the area during managed deer hunts, so schedule your visit accordingly. Be sure to bring your best camping gear and everything you need for a weekend outdoors.