Brickyard Hill Campground #2

For many Missourians, the call of the outdoors is a powerful one, beckoning us to disconnect from daily routines and reconnect with nature. If you're looking for a peaceful and authentic camping experience in the northwest corner of our beautiful state, Brickyard Hill Campground #2, located within the expansive Brickyard Hill Conservation Area near Rock Port, offers a fantastic opportunity. This isn't a glamping resort; it's a place where you can truly immerse yourself in the Missouri landscape, enjoy the tranquility of Charity Lake, and discover the unique natural features of the loess hills.

Brickyard Hill Campground #2 caters to those who appreciate a simpler, more rustic camping experience. It's a spot where the focus is on the natural surroundings – the calm waters of Charity Lake, the diverse wildlife, and the unique geological formations of the loess mounds. For local users across Missouri, especially those in the northern and western parts of the state, this campground provides an accessible getaway that feels a world away from city life. It's an ideal location for a weekend fishing trip, a quiet family camping adventure, or a base for exploring the rich biodiversity of the conservation area.

The beauty of Brickyard Hill Campground #2 lies in its undeveloped charm. While it may not offer all the modern conveniences of larger state park campgrounds, it provides the essential elements for a memorable outdoor stay. Visitors can expect to find designated campsites that allow for traditional tent camping, and even some areas suitable for smaller RVs, although the access roads are unsealed. The absence of gas-powered boat motors on Charity Lake ensures a serene environment, perfect for canoeing, kayaking, or paddleboarding – activities that truly allow you to appreciate the peacefulness of the water.

This campground is part of a larger conservation effort, meaning the surrounding area is managed to protect and enhance Missouri's fish, forest, and wildlife resources. This commitment to conservation directly benefits campers, providing a richer experience of native flora and fauna. Whether you're an avid bird watcher, a keen angler, or simply someone who enjoys a quiet walk in nature, Brickyard Hill Conservation Area and its campground offer a setting ripe for discovery. It’s a chance to truly experience the unique beauty of Missouri’s natural heritage, from the ancient bur oaks to the rare prairie plants found on the loess hill prairies.

Ultimately, Brickyard Hill Campground #2 stands as a testament to Missouri's dedication to providing accessible outdoor recreation. It’s a place for those who seek genuine connection with the land, valuing the simple joy of a campfire under the stars, the thrill of a fish on the line, and the quiet beauty of a sunrise over Charity Lake. For Missouri residents, it’s an invitation to explore a less-traveled path and discover the hidden gems within our own backyard.

Brickyard Hill Campground #2 is located within the Brickyard Hill Conservation Area, with its address noted as FC6V+5W, Rock Port, MO 64482, USA. This places the campground in Atchison County, in the northwest corner of Missouri. For Missouri residents, particularly those in the northern half of the state, reaching the campground is a straightforward journey via state highways and county roads. Rock Port is situated near the intersection of Interstate 29 and Highway 136, making the area easily accessible from major population centers like Kansas City and St. Joseph to the south, and Omaha, Nebraska, to the north.

Access to the campground itself involves navigating unsealed, narrow, and winding tracks, so campers should be prepared for a rustic approach. This contributes to the secluded feel of the site, allowing visitors to feel truly immersed in the natural environment. While the immediate area around the campground is primarily natural, the nearby town of Rock Port offers essential services such as gas stations, convenience stores, and possibly a few local eateries, ensuring that campers can easily resupply if needed.

The conservation area's significant size, spanning nearly 2,900 acres, provides ample space for exploration beyond the campground itself. The presence of well-established trails within the conservation area means that even once you've arrived, there are many opportunities for further adventure, all within easy reach. The combination of rural tranquility and reasonable proximity to basic amenities makes Brickyard Hill Campground #2 an appealing destination for those seeking a balance of convenience and natural immersion.

Brickyard Hill Campground #2, as part of a conservation area focused on natural preservation, offers essential services for a comfortable, albeit rustic, camping experience:

• Designated campsites: Three specific campsites are available for use.
• Cast iron fire pits: Each designated campsite includes a fire pit for campfires.
• Pit toilet: Basic restroom facilities are provided.
• Mowed camping areas: The camping spots are maintained to ensure usability.
• Public access to Charity Lake: Allows for fishing, canoeing, kayaking, and paddleboarding (no gas-powered motors).

The campground and its surrounding conservation area boast several features and highlights that make it a compelling destination for Missourians seeking an outdoor adventure:

• Charity Lake: A 13-acre lake offering quality fishing for bass, bluegill, crappie, sunfish, and channel catfish. It's a quiet location suitable for non-motorized boats.
• Hiking trails: Opportunities for hiking within the Brickyard Hill Conservation Area, allowing exploration of the diverse landscape.
• Unique Loess Mounds Natural Area: Located on the southwest side, these dry loess hill prairies are a rare ecological feature, found only in this corner of Missouri and western Iowa, supporting uncommon plant species.
• Abundant wildlife: The area is managed for a wide range of game and non-game wildlife, including deer, turkey, and squirrels, making it excellent for wildlife viewing and bird watching.
• Historic context: The area is named after a brick factory established around 1900, with the loess soil being ideal for brick making.
• Peaceful and serene atmosphere: With no gas-powered motors allowed on the lake and a more rustic setting, the campground offers a quiet escape from noise and crowds.

As Brickyard Hill Campground #2 is a rustic campground within a Missouri Department of Conservation area, it does not typically offer traditional "promotions" or "special offers" in the commercial sense. The value it provides is in its accessibility as a low-cost or potentially free camping option (depending on specific MDC regulations and whether permits are required for fishing/hunting within the conservation area). Generally, these types of campgrounds focus on providing affordable access to natural resources rather than promotional deals.

For current information on any fees, permit requirements (especially for fishing or hunting within the conservation area), or specific operational details, it is always best to consult the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) website or contact them directly. While specific camping rates aren't readily available for this particular campground, Missouri State Parks generally offer very reasonable rates for basic and electric sites, and conservation area campgrounds often follow a similar, budget-friendly structure.

For more specific details, inquiries, or to confirm any regulations regarding camping at Brickyard Hill Campground #2, the best course of action is to contact the Missouri Department of Conservation directly. While a direct phone number for this specific campground isn't widely published, general inquiries for MDC conservation areas can be made through their main contact channels.

General MDC Contact Information (for conservation area inquiries):

Missouri Department of Conservation

Phone: (573) 751-4115 (General MDC inquiries)

Website: mdc.mo.gov (Highly recommended for detailed information on regulations, permits, and specific area details)

Address for the area: FC6V+5W, Rock Port, MO 64482, USA (This is the geographical code for the general area, not a mailing address for direct contact.)

It's always recommended for Missouri residents to check the MDC website for the most current information regarding camping regulations, any required permits for activities like fishing or hunting, and any advisories for the Brickyard Hill Conservation Area before planning their visit. This will ensure you have the most up-to-date details for a smooth and enjoyable experience.

Brickyard Hill Campground #2 is exceptionally suitable for Missourians seeking an authentic and unpretentious outdoor experience. For locals, this campground offers a genuine taste of our state's diverse natural heritage without requiring extensive travel or a hefty budget. It's a prime example of Missouri's commitment to providing accessible public lands for recreation and conservation.

The draw for Missouri residents is multifold: the serene Charity Lake provides excellent fishing and non-motorized boating opportunities, appealing to anglers and paddlers alike. The surrounding Brickyard Hill Conservation Area, with its unique loess mounds and diverse ecosystems, offers fantastic hiking and wildlife viewing, allowing locals to explore distinct Missouri landscapes right in their backyard. For those who enjoy hunting (within season and with appropriate permits), the area also provides abundant game species.

Furthermore, the rustic nature of Campground #2 means it’s less likely to be overcrowded, especially outside of peak seasons, offering a more peaceful retreat than some larger, more developed campgrounds. It’s a place where families can introduce children to the joys of traditional camping, where anglers can find quiet spots to cast a line, and where nature lovers can simply enjoy the sounds and sights of Missouri's wild spaces. It perfectly embodies the spirit of accessible outdoor adventure that many Missourians cherish, making it a truly local gem for connecting with the Show-Me State's natural beauty.