MDC Closes Camping Area at Bismarck Conservation Area Until Further Notice

Bismarck, Mo. (KFMO) - The Missouri Department of Conservation has closed the camping area at Bismarck Conservation Area beginning March 16 and lasting until further notice.

According to MDC, the closure affects the conservation area’s designated primitive camping sites. Officials say the action was taken because of ongoing misuse of the location.

MDC Protection staff, along with local law enforcement, have documented a number of incidents at the camping area. Those incidents include public safety concerns, as well as an increase in illegal dumping and littering.

While the camping area is now closed, the rest of Bismarck Conservation Area remains open. MDC says the 1,188-acre area, which spans parts of St. Francois, Iron, and Washington Counties, is still available for birdwatching, fishing, hunting, and all other authorized uses.

No timeline has been announced for when the camping area might reopen.