Equestrian facilities near Imperial, Missouri remain limited, with most campgrounds designed primarily for RVs and tent campers. For riders seeking equestrian-specific amenities, Greensfelder County Park offers the closest dedicated horse facilities, located about 30 miles northwest of Imperial. The park's terrain features rolling hills with a mix of hardwood forests typical of eastern Missouri's geography, and average summer temperatures range between 75-90°F.
What to do
Trail riding at Greensfelder County Park: This equestrian-friendly park has facilities specifically designed for horse camping. "There are tie stalls under a roof and a round pen mounting blocks shower and bathrooms in camp. Electricity at each site and water nearby. Trails are well marked maps available Awsome views," notes Alicia B. The park caters to riders with "a standing stall type open barn, a round pen for turn out, and large campsites designed for horse trailers."
Fishing opportunities: The nearby lakes offer good fishing options for campers. At Randolph County State Recreation Area, visitors find "a great little campground with a fishing lake" according to J K. Another reviewer mentions, "Great lake to fish and plenty of trails to hike" making it a good alternative activity for equestrian campers.
Hiking on maintained trails: Several parks offer well-maintained hiking trails. At St. Francois State Park Campground, campers can enjoy "a nice 3-mile hike that begins at the campground." The park features "nice hiking options within the park" with "beautiful hiking on the bluffs above the river."
What campers like
Secluded camping options: For those seeking peace and quiet beyond busy equestrian areas, Berryman Trail & Campgrounds offers a remote experience. "This 8 site campground has well kept vault toilets and no other services, but is fee-less to match," reports Hannah W. Another camper notes, "The sites are well spaced apart... with plenty of distance between so we didn't cross paths or hear each other's conversations unless we wanted to."
Water recreation: Many campers enjoy river and lake activities near Imperial. At Blue Spring Ranch, a camper shares, "We did a 5 mile float which was amazing! They bus you up river and then you end up back at the campground." Another mentions, "Highly recommend going to the 'Upper Beach'! Get there early in the morning to set up your chairs in the river to get a good spot."
Affordable options: Budget-conscious campers appreciate locations like Horseshoe Lake State Park Campground where a reviewer notes, "Great spot and great value. No power but access to drinking water and waste water dump for just 8$." Another camper confirms this value, stating, "8$ a night" while praising the "privacy and clean" conditions.
What you should know
Limited horse-specific amenities: Most campgrounds near Imperial lack dedicated horse facilities. While Greensfelder County Park provides equestrian camping, many locations have no horse corrals or dedicated equestrian camping areas. As Lucas M. notes, "This is well maintained park with plenty of activities and close to all the luxuries that a town can offer, lots of amenities nearby or on site."
Seasonal considerations: Summer heat can be challenging for horses and riders. At Cherokee Landing, facilities may be affected by water levels. One reviewer mentions, "I've heard some reviews about how low the water can be but that was not our experience. I've also heard how dirty the river is but it didn't strike me as all that dirty."
Campground layout impacts: Site positioning varies greatly between campgrounds. At St. Francois State Park, a camper warns that "the campground has oddly shaped campsites causing a crowded feel." Similar observations come from other campgrounds: "The sites are a bit more snug together than I would prefer" and "The RV sites are very close together, so don't expect privacy or quiet days/evenings."
Tips for camping with families
Select family-friendly facilities: Some campgrounds offer better amenities for families with children. One reviewer at St. Joe State Park Campground notes, "Two clean and well kept swimming areas, great trails, good camp sites, and great bathrooms/showers!" This makes it suitable for families needing modern facilities.
Consider noise levels: Several campgrounds report varying noise levels. At Greensfelder, a camper shares, "The Family tent sites are very close to the road, as in 10ft from it, so traffic to and from the stables are rather annoying. Being very close, the freeway noise is still present."
Plan for activities: Look for campgrounds with built-in activities. A camper at Blue Spring Ranch reports, "We have children in tow, and love all of the amenities. We park close to the creek, we drive to the Meramec River and sometimes enjoy petting a horse or goat. Last year we zip lined."
Tips from RVers
Consider site layout for larger rigs: Many campgrounds have limitations on RV size. At Cherokee Landing, a camper notes specific site recommendations: "Would definitely recommend sites 106-108. Some friends of ours stayed there and had tons of space!"
Hookup access varies: Check what connections are available. At Randolph County, "There are water and electric hookups, and a dump station." However, other locations may have limited options: "No water at sites, no 50 amps, no dump but KOA and RV dealer 5-7 mins away."
Access routes can be challenging: Some campgrounds have difficult access roads or tight turns. One reviewer warns about Randolph County: "Getting around is a little right for bigger rigs but still doable as long as you're careful. Make sure you fill up at the dump station before you get to the campground because there's no easy way to turn around if you miss it."
