Best Equestrian Camping near Aurora, MO

Busiek Conservation Area offers primitive horseback riding campsites with designated riding trails for equestrians. Located approximately 15 miles south of Aurora, Missouri, this conservation area features several trails that accommodate horses and riders seeking wilderness exploration. Visitors note the breathtaking landscapes and multiple creek crossings that enhance the riding experience. The campground requires permits obtained in person from the Missouri Department of Conservation office in Springfield. Several reviews mention the area has both a gun range and horse riding trails, making it a multi-use recreational area that can become quite busy during peak seasons.

Trail riders access multiple color-coded hiking and riding paths throughout Busiek's wooded terrain. The conservation area's proximity to Springfield makes it a convenient day-trip destination for local equestrians, though overnight camping with horses is permitted with proper authorization. Water access is available through natural creek crossings, but riders should bring their own drinking water for themselves and their horses as no potable water is provided. The area's rugged terrain presents varying trail conditions depending on recent rainfall, potentially impacting creek crossings and trail accessibility. Horse owners appreciate the free camping available, though the primitive nature means no electric hookups, showers, or water hookups are provided. Visitors should prepare for minimal facilities while enjoying the natural Ozark Mountain setting.

Best Equestrian Sites Near Aurora, Missouri (10)

    1. Roaring River State Park Campground

    46 Reviews
    Eagle Rock, MO
    29 miles
    Website
    +1 (417) 847-2539

    "Located in South Missouri it is an easy day trip into Branson Missouri or Eureka Springs Arkansas. Very well located and very well run by the state."

    "Campground 1 was tucked up in an inlet that went back into the valley. It dead ends at a wonderful trailhead. The west side on CG#1 is lined by a beautiful creek that runs into the rotating river."

    2. Busiek

    8 Reviews
    Chestnutridge, MO
    28 miles
    Website
    +1 (417) 895-8660

    "Gun range, Horse Riding Trails, Camping and a water source. The scenery is so breathtaking and you never want to leave!"

    "Busiek isn't to far of the beaten path. It has several trails and camping sites. There is plenty of wildlife available for viewing."

    3. Big M

    5 Reviews
    Golden, MO
    28 miles
    Website
    +1 (417) 271-3190

    $16 - $28 / night

    "Nestled snug on the Missouri Arkansas border is a gem of a campground. Large grassy sites some most with electricity and water, and some with sewer. Sites are paved and pretty level."

    "Our campsite had a lot of privacy on 3 sides and had a small creek running through a ways behind it, downhill."

    4. Bar M Resort & Campground

    2 Reviews
    Kimberling City, MO
    32 miles
    Website
    +1 (417) 338-2593

    $50 - $60 / night

    "Access to Table Rock, Game Room, Pool and Jacuzzi. Small cabins and A-frames to rent. They have it all. This is my getaway**!"

    "Nice, easy and quiet with a great pool and lake access! We will definitely be coming back. Site 47 has a bit of sun"

    5. Great Escapes RV Resorts Branson

    6 Reviews
    Forsyth, MO
    40 miles
    Website
    +1 (417) 546-3000

    $48 - $251 / night

    "Half the sites are close to pool and playground, but not many trees. The other half are an easy 2 minute walk and tree covered!"

    "Close to lake Bull Shoals, Taneycomo, and Branson if that's your thing."

    6. COE Stockton Lake Hawker Point

    6 Reviews
    Stockton, MO
    44 miles
    Website
    +1 (417) 276-7266

    $14 - $20 / night

    "This particular site was just up the hill from the lake and completely private."

    "While Stockton Lake itself brings a lot to the table, with beautiful blue water, cliffs to jump from, and close proximity to town if you are craving some ice cream (I suggest Squeeze Inn), the State Park"

    7. Bar K Wrangler Camp

    4 Reviews
    Chadwick, MO
    40 miles
    Website
    +1 (573) 364-4621

    "There are a few tent sites along the road and there is plenty of grassy area near the creek for RVs/trailers."

    "This a horse camp, but there is plenty of space to just pitch a tent if needed. Free site with a beautiful backdrop"

    8. Beaver Lake Hide A Way

    6 Reviews
    Garfield, AR
    45 miles
    Website
    +1 (479) 925-1333

    "Easy access to Rocky Branch boat launch ramps"

    "Nice and close to beaver lake. They had kayakes to rent and jet skies. Fishing is good as well. Also lots of wild life! Owls, lizards, tons of birds, deer, and foxes. I would definitaly come back!"

    9. Swan Creek

    1 Review
    Chadwick, MO
    40 miles
    +1 (417) 459-7376

    "Has great dispresed camping, free, creek is accessible, has equestrian area to camp with horses, bout 45 minutes to a hour from Springfield. No service for ATT."

    10. Orleans Trail

    3 Reviews
    Stockton, MO
    48 miles
    Website
    +1 (417) 276-6948

    $14 - $160 / night

    "Cheap full hook ups at a nice lakeside campground, they also have a hotel and cabins that are nice getaways. The food at the restaurant is pretty good as well."

    "We had a view of the lake across the road. The bathroom was a several minute walk.  Site D37 across from us had water access and looked really nice."

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Equestrian Camping Reviews near Aurora, MO

87 Reviews of 10 Aurora Campgrounds


  • David L.
    Jun. 22, 2019

    Swan Creek

    Dispersed Camping Galore

    Has great dispresed camping, free, creek is accessible, has equestrian area to camp with horses, bout 45 minutes to a hour from Springfield. No service for ATT.

  • NThe Dyrt PRO User
    Nov. 30, 2021

    Bar K Wrangler Camp

    Hey Cowboy

    Open:  year round

    FREE

    FCFS

    Pack it in Pack it out

    LNT

    This a primitive horse camp that is not far off the highway.  It is far enough that it is or  can be quiet.  It is also great for star gazing, hiking, mountain biking and trail rides.  Swan Creek runs along side the camp so you will need to be aware of possible flash floods if you are camped right next to the creek.  There are picnic table, fire ring and a pit toilet.  NO WATER

    BTYFI

    Travel safe

  • Brandon M.
    Oct. 2, 2020

    Busiek

    Words really can't describe.

    But here we go....

    This place is AMAZING! Gun range, Horse Riding Trails, Camping and a water source. The scenery is so breathtaking and you never want to leave!

  • Cathy S.
    Sep. 20, 2019

    Big M

    Camping heaven

    Big M Marina and campground is absolutely awesome! Nestled snug on the Missouri Arkansas border is a gem of a campground. Large grassy sites some most with electricity and water, and some with sewer. Sites are paved and pretty level. Great play area for kids. Well kept bathrooms and showers. Marina has a great restaurant that you will not be leaving hungry. Nice marina store. Boat rentals as well as slips. The swim area was very clean and accessible even though it was flooded. Only inconvenience were the roads in. Be prewar warned. It is a nail biter. All in all definitely a 9 out of 10!

  • PThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 11, 2024

    Bar K Wrangler Camp

    A good waypoint.

    No amenities other than composting toilets. There are a few tent sites along the road and there is plenty of grassy area near the creek for RVs/trailers. This is a horse camp with plenty of evidence, but it was only us and a couple of other tent campers.

    The creek was obviously spring fed, crystal clear and had a gravelly bottom. There were plenty of places to get in the water...understanding that this is horse camp.

    The place was well maintained and mowed and it was super peaceful and quiet. The main annoyance was some trash in fire pits along the creek.

    If you consider this as a waypoint, two things:

    1. There is about a mile of dusty, gravel road that is a little rough.

    2. We had great T-Mobile 10 miles south, but it dropped to zero by the time we drove into camp.

  • Miranda M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 7, 2018

    Bar K Wrangler Camp

    Lots of space to camp, secluded

    This a horse camp, but there is plenty of space to just pitch a tent if needed. Free site with a beautiful backdrop

  • C
    Oct. 10, 2018

    Roaring River State Park Campground

    Fantastic family spot!

    This campground offers a lot of options. Including trout fishing, hiking, and swimming. Located in South Missouri it is an easy day trip into Branson Missouri or Eureka Springs Arkansas. Very well located and very well run by the state. They offer a pretty well equipped camp store along with the lodge and restaurant. This state park is gorgeous and one of my favorite places to go. They also have a nature center and trout hatchery. Park is open year round, trout tags must be purchased at the camp Store. All campgrounds have nice bathrooms and showers. Just a heads up though if you are looking for a quiet relaxing weekend make sure you avoid kids free fishing weekend! It’s a ZOO that weekend!

  • Anthony S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 7, 2025

    Busiek

    Camping by permit only

    I've never been to this site but I live in Springfield just a few miles away and camping is by permit only, and permits can not be obtained online or by phone, you have to go in person to the Missouri department of conservation office, don't know if you can go to any office or specifically the one in Springfield, but there is one in Springfield; 2630 N Mayfair ave

  • Lea B.
    Aug. 16, 2020

    COE Stockton Lake Hawker Point

    Private and Nearly Perfect

    Just got home from a weekend stay at site C19 at Hawker Point COE Park. This particular site was just up the hill from the lake and completely private. The walk to the lake was about 50 yards and a little steep but we managed to carry two kayaks down and up without too much trouble (and we are a middle-aged couple), and it was totally worth the effort because it was as if we had our own private cove.

    The site is very spacious and shaded with plenty of trees for our hammocks and clothesline. Lots of level places for tents. The park attendants were very friendly and helpful.

    C19 has no electricity or water and the closest vault toilet is a good walk down the road. The shower houses were driving distance away. We have a shower tent, so that wasn’t an issue for us.

    We drove through the rest of this park to check out A and B campground loops. A loop consists of full hookup sites and many sit right on the water. Little shade and crowded, but if you like to play on the lake all day these might be for you. B loop had pretty wooded sites but many were not close to the water. C loop is where it’s at!


Guide to Aurora

Horse camping in Missouri offers a unique blend of scenic trails and equestrian-friendly amenities, making it a perfect getaway for horse lovers.

Campers appreciate these amenities for horses

  • At Bar K Wrangler Camp, visitors can enjoy spacious areas for their horses, along with well-maintained trails nearby.
  • Swan Creek provides a designated equestrian area, allowing campers to enjoy the beauty of nature while accommodating their horses comfortably.
  • Busiek features horse-friendly trails that are perfect for exploring the stunning landscapes of Missouri.

Equestrian campers like these nearby activities

  • Fishing enthusiasts will find great opportunities at Roaring River State Park Campground, where the river is teeming with trout.
  • Hiking trails abound at Big M, offering scenic views and a chance to connect with nature while riding.
  • Hawker Point Stockton Lake is ideal for those looking to combine horseback riding with water activities like kayaking and fishing.

Most campgrounds have horse-focused amenities like trails and water access

  • Orleans Trail features full hookups and easy access to the lake, making it a convenient spot for horse campers.
  • Bar M Resort & Campground offers a peaceful environment with amenities that cater to both horses and their owners.
  • Hide A Way Campground provides ample space for horses and is close to beautiful Beaver Lake, perfect for a refreshing swim after a day of riding.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Aurora, MO?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Aurora, MO is Roaring River State Park Campground with a 4.2-star rating from 46 reviews.

What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Aurora, MO?

TheDyrt.com has all 10 equestrian camping locations near Aurora, MO, with real photos and reviews from campers.