7 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Rudolf Bennitt Conservation Area offers free primitive camping with more than 20 equestrian campsites throughout the park. The conservation area features vault toilets, gravel parking, and multiple campsites nestled among heavily forested areas. Horse owners can access numerous trails designed for horseback riding with routes that wind through woods and around the lake. The conservation area maintains fishing docks and a boat ramp near one camping area, while other equestrian sites are positioned farther uphill among the trees for better protection from wind. Campers setting up in the equestrian areas can enjoy direct trail access for riding without needing to trailer horses to trailheads.
Trails throughout Rudolf Bennitt connect to a comprehensive network suitable for horses, hikers, and mountain bikers. The equestrian trails accommodate various skill levels with routes traversing diverse terrain through forested areas. Riders commonly observe wildlife while traversing the well-maintained pathways. Horse campers should bring all necessary supplies as the conservation area provides minimal amenities beyond vault toilets. During rainy periods, some lakeside camping areas may become muddy, making the higher elevation equestrian sites preferable. The park includes a centrally located shooting range, requiring riders to be aware of designated safe riding zones. Trail maps available at the entrance help visitors navigate through park boundaries and adjacent private property.
"A rainy weekend didn't deter campers from spending the holiday weekend here at Finger Lakes State Park. I was lucky enough to get a site for a single night when rain was in the forecast."
"Finger Lakes is one of few places in Missouri for campers to also be able to enjoy riding their ATVs."
from $15 - $29 / night
Check Availability"This state park is a hidden gem in central Missouri. It has something to offer everyone in the family. There are several small lakes and plenty of hiking trails to keep everyone busy."
"We stayed one night traveling through Missouri. A limited number (25) of campsites are open during off season, which was fine since there were just two other campers."
from $15 - $52 / night
Check Availability"Heavily forested with a lake. Trails and camping areas in woods are setup for equestrian with good trails for hikers, bikers and horses. Camping at lake is open gravel or grass."
"Stay at lake for three days, established area with vault toilet and gravel parking. Has boat ramp and fishing docks."
"We didn’t explore the grounds much but apparently we could’ve walked and seen the horses by the resort. The only thing I didn’t love was the gravel road all the way in."
"We had family from Idaho, Colorado, Wyoming, Iowa, Illinois, and Missouri, and everyone raved how this was their new favorite spot."
"We stayed in our rv while riding the Katy trail easy check in process. Free use of washer and dryer. Shower was great. Felt super safe here. Nice and quiet. Would definitely recommend to anyone."
from $10 - $25 / night
"This is an equestrian campground that allows non-horse campers, but prefers you check Pine Ridge first."
"Others had left some trash around. we picked up what we could. please pack it out if You pack it in.."
GuideHeavily forested with a lake. Trails and camping areas in woods are setup for equestrian with good trails for hikers, bikers and horses. Camping at lake is open gravel or grass. Nice fishing lake with docks, boat ramp and vault toilet and the only one provided. Parked lakeside. Quite night with one fishing boat late morning. Get a brochure with park map at entrance as roads pass through park and private property.
LegendThe Pine Ridge Campground a few miles down the road was full, so we ended up at 1 of the 8 sites here. This is an equestrian campground that allows non-horse campers, but prefers you check Pine Ridge first. We had a fine one-night stay while traveling through, but encountered A LOT of ticks on the overgrown trail. BEWARE of ticks and check yourselves and your pets if staying here. No cell service.
GuideStayed for 1.5 weeks. Stay at lake for three days, established area with vault toilet and gravel parking. Has boat ramp and fishing docks. It has been a windy month so I relocated farther up hill to nestle in more with the trees. There are several equestrian campsites +20 throughout the park. Also a shooting range centrally located in the park.
TravelerThe campground was average, as were the amenities- but the activities offered were enjoyable (kayak rentals, walking trails- these were shared with dirt bikes, horses, etc.) The lake water was fine for kayaking but we definitely did not want to swim in it. The Park Ranger was unfriendly, and we read reviews of similar experiences written in the campground office guestbook when renting the kayaks.
Not likely to return.
LegendA rainy weekend didn't deter campers from spending the holiday weekend here at Finger Lakes State Park. I was lucky enough to get a site for a single night when rain was in the forecast. The campground is laid out in a series of small loops, with some loops in open grassy areas and others tucked into the trees. I had my pick between a site in either situation and so I picked the trees to get some shade. Sites are fairly close together, so you will get to know your neighbors. There is one nice and modern bathhouse with showers on one side and bathrooms on the other. It was very clean and well maintained, and they are in the process of putting in an additional concrete walkway. Over in the grassy loop there was an additional basic bathroom.
There is lots to do in this park if you are into canoeing/kayaking or ORVing as there are several marked trails for both. If you are a hiker, welllllll, not as much available here. There is a nice mountain biking and hiking trail, but you can still hear all of the ORV's running the many trails specific to ORVing. There is also a Motocross track with nice stands if you like to watch. Canoes and kayaks are available for rent (stop by and see the rangers near the entrance) and there are a couple of marked trails to take you from lake to lake.
LegendThis state park is a hidden gem in central Missouri. It has something to offer everyone in the family. There are several small lakes and plenty of hiking trails to keep everyone busy. The campground is one of the better ones in the state park system. They are spread out and are level. The bathhouse has been newly renovated. The people in the park are some of the friendliest we have come across.
LegendThis was a good stopover site on our journey. The campground reps were kind and great to work with. The registration online was seamless. We submitted an inquiry online, they replied within a day with the invoice to confirm our site and sent us confirmation details via email. Checkin was simple. The lots felt a bit tight but no big deal since it was just a stopover. It appeared there may be permanent residents who stay so if you’re looking for that, it might be an option based on the setups and work trucks parked at a few. Everyone was friendly, quiet and seemed to keep to themselves. Nice pond onsite that you can fish. We didn’t explore the grounds much but apparently we could’ve walked and seen the horses by the resort. The only thing I didn’t love was the gravel road all the way in. Our truck and camper was covered with gravel dust. So if you had anything exposed, it’ll get a bit dusty. But again overall a nice stopover and the employees were great to work with.
GuideFinger Lakes is one of few places in Missouri for campers to also be able to enjoy riding their ATVs. Helmets for riders and flags for vehicles are required for riding, and there is a variety of terrain for hours of fun. Camping is generally quiet with ample space to relax in your lawn chairs, cook and dine outdoors, and fellowship with others. Most camping sites have at least some shade.
GuideI have two dogs. They are friendly, but get rather rambunctious when they see other dogs. I prefer sites that I can keep them tucked away.
On the electric sites - sites 1-10 are in an area with lots of trees and shade, while sites 11-17 are more open, but still have a few trees for shade.
We stayed in the premium electric spot #15. It felt roomy and was close to the bathrooms. If your like me, and prefer a tucked away spot, go for #17 (no immediate neighbors to your left).
The park itself is delightful. There are hiking, biking and water trails. Hiking trail was really nice with a surprise waterfall! Because the majority of campers were out in their ATV’s, we had the hiking trail all to ourselves. The kayak/canoe loop trail is nifty as there is no need to park a car in another location.
Bathrooms were well kept. Shower house was just ok.
Rudolf Bennitt Conservation Area provides primitive camping access with a focus on equestrian facilities. The 20+ campsites are positioned throughout the conservation area, offering different environments for visitors. Campsites near the lake provide convenient access to fishing and boating, while other sites located uphill offer better protection from wind among the forested areas. The equestrian-oriented design allows riders to access trails directly from their campsites without needing to trailer horses to trailheads.
Fishing from designated docks: Finger Lakes State Park Campground offers multiple water access points for anglers. "This park is one of my favorite nearby spots to take the kayak out and just float. Paddling through these channels is such a dreamy experience," notes Ashley F., highlighting the unique water channels perfect for quiet fishing spots.
Trail exploration on horseback: For riders seeking equestrian camping near Arrow Rock, Missouri, the trail network at Dry Fork Recreation Area provides diverse terrain. "Great primitive campground with old homestead foundation along the trail. Perfect stop during your back packing trekk," writes Curtis M. The area features historical elements that add interest to riding excursions.
Mountain biking on shared trails: The multi-use trails throughout the region accommodate different recreational activities beyond horseback riding. "We love hiking this area. There are fields and wooded areas along with a beautiful creek. It's fun to search for mushrooms and you are guaranteed to see deer and turkey," reports Charlotte B. about Dry Fork Recreation Area.
Quiet camping environments: Many Missouri equestrian campsites maintain peaceful atmospheres away from urban noise. "The campground has large campsites and is quiet. The bathrooms are clean and a short walk from most campsites," writes Cody S. about Finger Lakes State Park Campground.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: The natural areas surrounding Arrow Rock horse camping facilities support diverse wildlife. "Riders commonly observe wildlife while traversing the well-maintained pathways," with one camper noting that at Dry Fork Recreation Area "you are guaranteed to see deer and turkey."
Clean facilities: Despite being primitive, many equestrian camping areas near Arrow Rock maintain functional amenities. "Bathhouses are pretty new and adequate," notes George L. about Cedar Creek Resort & RV Park, which offers options for campers seeking more developed facilities than conservation areas.
Weather considerations: Seasonal conditions affect campsite selection at equestrian facilities. "During rainy periods, some lakeside camping areas may become muddy, making the higher elevation equestrian sites preferable," with one camper recommending, "I relocated farther up hill to nestle in more with the trees" at Rudolf Bennitt Conservation Area.
Tick awareness: Bug protection is essential, particularly during warmer months. "We encountered A LOT of ticks on the overgrown trail. BEWARE of ticks and check yourselves and your pets if staying here," warns Meghan B. about Dry Fork Recreation Area.
Park boundaries navigation: Some conservation areas require attention to property lines. "Get a brochure with park map at entrance as roads pass through park and private property," advises Linda H. about Rudolf Bennitt Conservation Area, highlighting the importance of understanding where you can legally ride.
Water activities for children: Several campgrounds offer water recreation beyond horse-focused amenities. "The beach usually is not crowded, which is really nice. I'm not a fan of the motorcross noise, but there is a noise curfew so it's tolerable," explains Heather S. about Finger Lakes State Park.
Beginner-friendly trails: Knob Noster State Park Campground provides opportunities for young riders with varying skill levels. "Knob Noster State Park is a great park for the grandkids to ride their new bikes on the level smooth campground road in safety," shares John J., describing the family-friendly atmosphere.
Equipment rental options: Some locations offer equipment for families who don't bring their own. "Free rentals on pontoon boats, kayaks, and paddle boats," reports Jason R. about Cedar Creek Resort, providing options for family members who don't ride horses.
Site leveling considerations: RV campers should prepare for varying site conditions. "Sites are pretty level and WiFi is good," notes George L. about Cedar Creek Resort, though he mentions "a bit confusing from map provided" regarding check-in procedures.
Utility access limitations: Horse-oriented camping areas often provide minimal hookups. "Wanted to pitch our trash in the morning, but no can, dumpster, bin, etc. was available," reports Rick G. about Cedar Creek, reminding RV campers to plan for waste management.
Alternative shelter options: Lazy Liz Katy Trail Horse and RV Campground offers flexibility during inclement weather. "I noticed bicycle tent campers here and on a rainy night they were able to set up tent in barn to stay dry," mentions Berk G., highlighting a feature potentially useful for horse campers during storms.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Arrow Rock, MO?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Arrow Rock, MO is Finger Lakes State Park Campground with a 3.6-star rating from 25 reviews.
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Arrow Rock, MO?
TheDyrt.com has all 7 equestrian camping locations near Arrow Rock, MO, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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