Randolph County straddles the line between two Missouri Department of Conservation regions, which is why the nearest conservation areas answer to different offices.
Rudolf Bennitt Conservation Area
3,575 acres where Boone, Howard and Randolph counties meet. Open 4 a.m. to 10 p.m., though hunting, fishing and camping are allowed around the clock. Administered by the Central Regional Office, 573-815-7900.
A 48-acre lake with an accessible boat ramp, fishing dock and restroom — bass, catfish, bluegill, crappie and redear sunfish. Deer, turkey, rabbit and squirrel hunting. Hiking, biking and horseback trails. A rifle and pistol shooting range. Open and designated camping.
Area page, maps and directions
Thomas Hill Reservoir Conservation Area
9,431 acres on the Macon–Randolph county line, including a 4,950-acre reservoir. Administered by the Northeast Regional Office, 660-785-2420.
Three concrete boat ramps with no motor restrictions. Catfish, crappie and black bass. Individual campsites with concrete pads, shelters, fire grates and privies. Deer, turkey, rabbit, squirrel, dove, quail and waterfowl. Swimming, sailboarding, scuba and restricted water skiing. Bald eagles in winter, and 2.2 miles of frontage on the Middle Fork of the Little Chariton River.
Area page, maps and directions
Also nearby
Bee Hollow Conservation Area — 255 acres on the Randolph–Macon line.
Over in Macon County: Atlanta (2,379 acres), Mussel Fork (2,449), Long Branch Lake management lands (2,504), Hidden Hollow (1,331), Montgomery Woods (349), Griffiths Memorial (135) and Redman (121).
Regional offices
Central Region — 3500 E. Gans Rd, Columbia, MO 65201 · 573-815-7900 · CentralReg@mdc.mo.gov
Northeast Region — 3500 S. Baltimore, Kirksville, MO 63501 · 660-785-2420 · NERegion@mdc.mo.gov
Columbia is the closer drive from Moberly, about 35 miles against roughly 65 to Kirksville. But call whichever office administers the area you are asking about — Rudolf Bennitt is Central, Thomas Hill is Northeast.
Compiled from mdc.mo.gov, September 2026. Regulations and area rules change by season — check the MDC page before you go. Corrections: news@moberlymainline.com.
