News Release MDC: Campers will need permits to camp on MDC areas starting in March
Trashed and abandoned campsites such as this one on an MDC conservation area have prompted MDC to require new camping permits starting in March. The Missouri Conservation Commission gave final approval at its Oct. 23 open meeting in Cape Girardeau to regulation changes from the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) that would require campers to purchase a permit to camp on MDC areas starting in March 2027. The regulation changes included other details regarding camping on MDC areas. The Commission gave initial approval of the proposed regulation changes on camping permits at its May 29 open meeting in Washington. MDC then held a public comment period during July and August. Camping is a popular activity for many people in Missouri and MDC manages about 1,000 conservation areas around the state with more than 320 offering free camping. Campers and MDC staff have noted an increasing number of problems involving compliance issues, safety concerns, and environmental impacts...