By:
Submission
Walk-in primitive camping is allowed year round except during modern firearms deer season. During modern firearm deer season, hunters may camp along roads and around parking lots. Camping along roads and in-and-around parking lots is otherwise prohibited. Groups of more than 10 campers require a special use permit.
Three Creeks Conservation Area is in Boone County (halfway between Columbia and Ashland). The area takes its name from the three creeks that run through the area: Turkey Creek, Bass Creek, and Bonne Femme Creek. The rugged forest features scenic bluffs, intermittent streams, geologic formations, and old eastern red cedar trees. Three Creeks Conservation Area was considered for purchase as a result of substantial public input and interest in protecting the general Three Creeks area from further urban development, which would destroy its appearance and natural features. Moreover, Three Creeks Conservation Area was acquired to maintain and manage representative plant and animal communities and to provide outdoor recreational and educational opportunities in an urbanizing region of central Missouri. Much of the land in the general area was purchased by freed slaves following the Civil War. Generally, the tracts were small (usually 40 or 80 acre parcels). Land which could be seeded to pasture for grazing or plowed with a horse was farmed into the 1930's when many families could no longer support themselves on the small tracts of land. Many had to sell their property due to the economic conditions during the Depression. The reduction in the number of landowners has continued up to the present time. Seven identifiable house sites have been located on the initial 685 acres.
From Columbia, take Highway 63 south 5 miles, then Deer Park Road west 1.75 miles.
Camping was decent, but the ground wasn't very soft. (We camp without air mattresses or cots). Beautiful view. Cleanest port-o-potty I personally have seen in a long time. The turkey creek access was the easiest area to access in my opinion.
Absolutely beautiful but difficult terrain at times so be prepared. Spent 7-8 hours hiking and still a lot we didn’t see. Definitely worth it!!!
Love exploring this area. Cool little spring cave, bluffs, lots of parts to checkout. Look at a map before you go as it can be easy to get lost (opps) when the water is high and you can't walk through the creek beds. There are a couple different trail heads, we entered off South Myers Lane.
