Amidon Memorial Conservation Area — Attraction in Fredericktown

This is a beautiful place to spend the day or weekend camping! The shut ins are rocky and there is some climbing involved. I would not suggest this area for kids under 5 years old. They do allow pets and I noticed several dogs maneuvering the rocky landscape with minimal difficulty.

When it comes to camping: be prepared to hike in! The area in which you camp is situation along the conservation path (upon taking the path to the shut ins, look for an additional hiking path with a plaque that reads "Conservation area" on the right, it has a bird on it). About .3 miles up the path right as you hit the plateau of the landscape and before the lookout point, you will see some larger rocks in what appears to be a clearing. This is the "unofficial" camping area the locals use. Once set up, it's a quick hike back down the hill if you want to go check out the shut ins.

I would not suggest setting up the dark, but if you must, I did see a few family's set up a tent up stream along the Castor. No one...

Amidon Memorial Conservation Area is a beautiful area along the Castor river. It includes the castor river shut-ins area as well. It is about halfway between Fredericktown and Perryville. Be aware that to get there you will travel along some curvey roads and eventually a couple of gravel roads. In addition, there is a bit of a hike to the castor river from the conservation area gravel parking lot. It’s all worth it once you get to the river. The shut-ins can provide some thrills for the more experienced swimmers but there are also some calmer sections for those wanting to wade or more...

Unique geological formations, completely break proof...no kid can break it. Fun for families extremely crowded in summer, a natural water park with clear water...no lifeguards and steep slippery rocks, use your own best judgement because that's how it is....dangerous it can be, yes and especially for those short on respect for their immediate terrain. Most beautiful terrain in Southeastern Missouri though, best early in the morning because the sun sets early in this valley. The kind of place people find and are magnetized...