Riverbreaks Conservation Area is a wild and wonderful patch of earth tucked into Holt County—perfect for folks who like their outdoor adventures a little more raw. The mowed trails here twist and turn through rolling bluffs and quiet hollows, but don’t expect anything fancy—these paths can get pretty overgrown from late spring through fall, so wear pants, pack tick spray, and embrace the brush. If you're up for gravel biking, the roads that snake around the area are top-notch—quiet, scenic, and made for long, soul-cleansing rides. Primitive camping is fair game in designated spots, and while there aren’t any bells or whistles, the solitude and stars more than make up for it.

Speaking of stars—Riverbreaks is one of the few places within 45 minutes of St. Joe where you can still get a real-deal dark sky. We’re talking Bortle Class 3, which means the Milky Way shines bright, and you can spot constellations you forgot existed. With almost no light pollution and wide-open views, it’s a stargazer’s dream and a perfect place to just lay back and let the sky put on a show. Whether you’re here to hike, ride, camp, or just breathe deep under the stars, Riverbreaks offers that quiet kind of magic that’s getting harder to find. Just make sure to check the MDC’s hours of public use - a lot of MDC lands closes to the public at 10pm.

For more information on the area, including rules, regulations, and maps, visit the Missouri Department of Conservation’s official Riverbreaks page.