6 campgrounds with availability next weekend
St. Joe State Park Campground near Arcadia, Missouri features equestrian trails and two campgrounds capable of accommodating campers with horse trailers. Campground 2 is specifically set up for horses, with larger sites designed to accommodate equestrian needs. The park maintains separate hiking, mountain biking, and horse trails from the ATV trails, ensuring a peaceful experience for riders. Vault toilets are available in the equestrian camping area, while shower facilities are located at Campground 1, approximately 2-3 miles away. Each site includes a gravel parking area, picnic table, and fire pit with grill. The park's multi-use design makes it popular for various outdoor activities, with trails suitable for both novice and experienced riders. The equestrian sites remain relatively uncrowded even during major holidays.
Several state parks in the region offer horse-friendly camping options. Sam A. Baker State Park provides equestrian sites with tie-out areas for horses and trailer parking. A trail located directly by the campsites in Campground 2 offers good hiking and riding opportunities. St. Francois State Park features a long equestrian-friendly trail with a hike-in campsite and a large parking lot for horse trailers. Hazel Creek Campground in Mark Twain National Forest provides secluded, primitive camping with access to equestrian trails. The campsites feature flat, clean gravel fill or dirt surfaces, each with a campfire ring, grill, picnic table, and lantern pole. Wild horses occasionally roam freely throughout Echo Bluff State Park, adding a unique aspect to the camping experience. Crystal clear creeks run near many of these campgrounds, providing water access for both campers and horses.
"Johnson Shut-Ins State Park is located on the Black River in Missouri, just south of St. Louis. This makes it a popular location on hot summer days, especially weekends."
"We had a site with electric hook up which meant we could charge phones and run a small fan to combat Missouri heat. We tent camped but our site was clearly meant for a camper."
Available next weekend
from $14 - $75 / night
"So, as one of Missouri’s atv parks, this can be a load one. But, you can camp at campground 2, and you’re dealing with a MUCH more classic camping scenario."
"A great spot with a minute walk to a very well kept shower house and bathroom. We really liked this spot at CG#1."
Available next weekend
from $14 - $46 / night
"We enjoyed our 1.5 mile hike to get to the river access to float. We brought our own flotation devices and really enjoyed every aspect of the seclusion."
"There are 2 huge campgrounds (around 100 sites each!) and a nice paved bike path connecting them."
Available next weekend
from $14 - $46 / night
"Not a huge campground but, Its a really simple beautiful place to enjoy Missouri's rolling hills. It is located 1 hour from St. Louis and 30 ish min from Elephant Rock State park."
"My site was close to the camp host and the shower house. Shower house was nice with 4 separate showers with locking doors. Water pressure was great and they were clean."
Available next weekend
from $14 - $23 / night
"It’s an affordable place and family/pet friendly and the have horse stables there for your use if needed."
"Now I opt for a site as far away from the stage as possible and do not bring my children here lol. Nice facilities, no real complaints. I bet weekdays are a lot more serene."
from $12 / night
"They offer trail rides on their horses. Dog friendly. Connected to ozark trail."
"The "Zoo" is for the younger and rowdier crowd, and is located north of HWY 8, away from the family-friendly sites, and has later quiet hours and is known for its party-like atmosphere. "
from $11 - $65 / night
"OZARK TRAIL: I backpacked 50 miles during spring break on the Ozark Trail between Council Bluff Lake and Johnson Shutins State park."
"It's remote and off the beaten path. A small campground with only 8 spots, some big enough for RVs. No hook ups or water. Pack it in and pack it out. Each site had enough space from each other."
"Pavillion, parking and horse tie out area adjacent trailhead. Excellent place to bring the kids if you want to unplug them from the media world. Trails and bugs and things that go bump in the night."
from $8 - $15 / night
"This is really the gem of Missouri state parks. Rv sites are all full 30/50 amp with water and sewer. All spots have plenty of room but are back in. The pads are perfectly level and are concrete."
"Went here hoping to see the wild horses. We didn't see any but still loved this park. Nice hiking trails and clean cool creek to splash in. Will go back again and maybe see the wild horses next time."
Available next weekend
from $12 - $27 / night
"We love the beautiful lake, the swimming area is big and has a nice patio for access. You can rent a cart to go running around the huge campground. Very friendly staff."
from $25 - $36 / night
TravelerThe camp sites are full hook up with good size lots. Lots of room for dogs to run. They have hiking trails, lake for paddle boarding or kayaks( free to use on site), mini golf( have to supply own balls they have putters) 9 hole golf course,and Disc golf. The pool and shower house with game rooms are clean and showers open 24/7. Grounds keepers go a fantastic job
RangerThis is a decent campground to stay for free. There is a pit toilet. There was only one picnic table and not many defined spots but I think you can pull up in the grass wherever you like. It's right at a trailhead. I started to walk the trail but couldn't find it when it crossed the road. The roads are good getting here. The campground road has a few pot holes, but nothing too bad. I would come back here and look for nearby hiking.
GuideI gave this campground a five star again. I am a solo female camper. I like to go to places that are safe with a good atmosphere and this had both and plenty of things to do a roundabout when coming through this area again I will definitely stay here.
GuideGreat site. Loved the bike path to the shut-ins. Hosts were awesome. Camp store had lots!!!
TravelerAs with every Mo State park we've been to so far, it is perfect. Easy access to the river for fishing and swimming. RV sites have electrical and water hookups. Some have sewage as well. Showers available. Even a restaurant at the lodge as well as a store with the basics, and beer!
LegendThe campground is very new and modern. Not too many trees though. Great hiking, biking, and boating. There is a hotel, restaurant, and cabins for rent. Food is good at the restaurant. Watch for the wild horses! This is great for any size rig and beautiful walk in tent sites on platforms.
LegendThe trees changes are amazing in the fall. Lots of great camping spots to select from. Good for any kind of camping and has cabins, store, and restaurant. Great bike trails and plenty of water play in the river.
LegendThis is a park not far from St Louis with camping and hiking. Campground is on the small side.
LegendWhat's more to love? It has paved spots, great amenities, cool spring water, cabins, a lodge and gorgeous scenery.
Horse campgrounds near Arcadia, Missouri offer primitive to developed camping options within the Mark Twain National Forest. The region sits at elevations ranging from 500-1,200 feet with mixed hardwood forests and clear streams. Winter camping temperatures typically drop to 20-30°F while summer months average 85-95°F with high humidity.
Trail riding networks: Hazel Creek Campground offers access to equestrian trails where you can ride through densely wooded areas. "Enjoyed my stay and hikes on the equestrian trails. Hazel creek is a picturesque crystal clear creek that is near the campground, featuring tons of wildlife and peaceful views," notes Sterling M.
Swimming holes: Bearcat Getaway provides access to the Black River for cooling off. "Nice float on the Black River. Cool water and beach to sit and watch the floaters go by in as well!" reports Jennifer G.
Fishing spots: Local creeks and rivers offer bass, bluegill and catfish. Many campgrounds have direct water access. "Great river access, nice little store, good price!!" says Matt M. about Sam A. Baker State Park Campground.
Secluded campsites: Equestrian-oriented campgrounds provide larger, more spaced-out sites. At Hazel Creek, "The campsites are flat and clean gravel fill or dirt, the grass is usually tamed, each with a campfire ring with a grill and a picnic table and lantern pole. Densely wooded, full shade," according to Sterling M.
Creek access: Many horse-friendly campgrounds feature water access for both riders and horses. "Beautiful view. You can sit in the cool clear water and relax. Great place for kids. Park is well maintained," notes Kevin B. about Sam A. Baker State Park.
Weekend entertainment: Bearcat Getaway offers organized activities and music for evening entertainment. "They have live music and food every weekend, sometimes it can get a little loud so if quiet camping is what you prefer, some sites may not be for you," warns Melody B.
Campground differences: St. Joe State Park Campground has two distinct campgrounds with different atmospheres. "CG#2 is located about 2-3 [miles] away from the main campground, this includes the shower house and main bathrooms. There is no shower house at CG#2," explains Olivia S.
Road conditions: Forest Service roads to horse campgrounds can be challenging. For Hazel Creek, "The access road was rough but my wife's tiny compact car didn't have any trouble, but I'm sure it's a mess when wet," shares Sterling M.
Seasonal considerations: Spring and fall provide the most comfortable riding conditions. Weekdays offer significantly less crowded experiences at most equestrian campgrounds compared to busy summer weekends and holidays.
Swimming beaches: Echo Bluff State Park offers developed swimming areas suitable for children. "This campground has full amenities. Clean bathrooms and showers. Firewood available for purchase and even WiFi. It was a great place to take our kids!" recommends Stephanie W.
Wildlife viewing: Many campgrounds offer opportunities to spot local wildlife. At Echo Bluff, campers report seeing "wild horses as well" according to Sage W.
Facility quality: For families needing more facilities, state parks typically offer better amenities. "My family camps at Sam A Baker every year. It is clean and everyone there is friendly. They have a nice gift shop and some great places to swim," shares Emily J.
Site selection: Johnson's Shut-Ins State Park offers varying levels of hookups for RVs. "There are hookup sites as well as a primitive loop for tent camping. The cart provided was great to walk our gear down the trail to our site," explains Shelby B.
Spacing considerations: When bringing horses and RVs, St. Joe State Park Campground 2 accommodates these needs. "The campground 2 sites are set up for horses, something I know almost nothing about, but they make the sites larger to accommodate equestrian needs and that's nice," reports Grant M.
Weather preparation: During rainy seasons, pack extra leveling blocks and ground protection as many horse campgrounds have gravel or dirt surfaces that can become soft after rain. Sites with concrete pads are limited primarily to developed state parks.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Arcadia, MO?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Arcadia, MO is Johnson's Shut-Ins State Park Campground with a 4.8-star rating from 57 reviews.
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Arcadia, MO?
TheDyrt.com has all 24 equestrian camping locations near Arcadia, MO, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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