25 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Limited equestrian camping options exist near Belleview, Missouri, with none of the campgrounds in the dataset providing dedicated horse facilities such as corrals or stables. Johnson's Shut-Ins State Park, St. Joe State Park, and St. Francois State Park all allow camping with tents, RVs, and some offer cabins, but none specifically advertise horse-friendly amenities. Most campgrounds permit pets, which may extend to horses in designated areas with proper arrangements, but visitors should contact each facility directly to confirm their equestrian policies. Sites typically include standard amenities like picnic tables, fire rings, and access to water and restrooms.
The surrounding trail systems provide potential riding opportunities despite the lack of specialized horse camping infrastructure. Mark Twain National Forest's Berryman Trail area offers primitive camping with vault toilets and allows pets, potentially accommodating horses with proper preparation. Sam A. Baker State Park features diverse accommodation options and access to multiple outdoor activities. Horse owners planning camping trips to this region should call ahead to verify current equestrian policies, trailer parking options, and proximity to suitable riding trails. Many campgrounds in the area remain open year-round, offering seasonal flexibility for equestrian visitors willing to make special arrangements.
"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."
"It is located on the Black River, and the water flowing through the shut-ins is crystal clear and cool."
from $15 - $80 / night
Check Availability"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."
from $15 - $52 / night
Check Availability"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."
from $15 - $27 / night
Check Availability"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."
"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."
from $15 - $52 / night
Check Availability"OZARK TRAIL: I backpacked 50 miles during spring break on the Ozark Trail between Council Bluff Lake and Johnson Shutins State park."
"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
Check Availability"Enjoyed my stay and hikes on the equestrian trails. At the time no horses were around, only other tent campers, one of which gave me their extra camp wood."
"This site was probably my favorite one in Missouri so far. Has a few sites that are great for groups. Then a few sites that are more private for solo/family camps."
"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
Check Availability"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
Check Availability
RangerNice park with a large camp sites with premiere off-road vehicle area. The park also features four lakes, two swimming beaches, equestrian trails, a hiking and bicycling trail and picnic sites, as well as two campgrounds capable of accommodating campers with ORV or horse trailers.
LegendThis campground was packed, but it started off on the wrong foot. The entrance comes up quick and is right off a state highway with traffic moving between 65-80 mph so of course I passed the entrance and had to double back.
When I pulled into the park there was bunch of construction. There were a few trails but honestly it really seemed like an RV park with very few tents. The showers and bathrooms were clean but there were too many people, it was very crowded.
I should add as a positive that here were equestrian trails and a large parking lot to park your horse trailer.
St. Francois State Park is close to St. Louis so it is probably a popular destination, it just didn't feel like camping. I'm sure it will improve a little when the construction is completed, but I doubt it will be above three stars.
GuideWe 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. They have equestrian trails as well and we got to see horses while floating too. The water was crystal clear and we even found quartz in some rocks in the water.
RangerSo, 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. The park is big enough you don’t hear the small engine vehicles over here.
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. Hiking, MTB, and horse trails are separate from the atv trails. There’s even a nice 11 mile long paved trail that has some hills but will work for kids/strollers/etc.
There are a number of more interesting parks in the area for what I think of as a true camping experience, but this is a good one if you’re also on the pokemon plan (gotta camp ‘em all). If you like atv/utv/dirt bike stuff, man, campground one is for you, and it looks like a blast, read up on the lead mine tailing warnings.
GuideIf you want to see the wild horses of Shannon County, this is the place to stay. Right on the Jack's Fork, so beautiful. New bathrooms, but everything else is primitive. Equestrian sites down the road in both directions. $10 a night!
ScoutEnjoyed my stay and hikes on the equestrian trails. At the time no horses were around, only other tent campers, one of which gave me their extra camp wood.
Hazel creek is a picturesque crystal clear creek that is near the campground, featuring tons of wildlife and peaceful views.
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.
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.
RangerI only rated this a 3 because of location. Its located next to odd Monsanto property but great vineyards. I know. Weird. Anyway great multi use if you enjoy hiking, mountain biking ATV and horses. My husband and I went to check out cave vineyard which is exactly what it sounds like and is not to be missed. The facilities at this campground were top notch and the the sites were huge! Missouri always does a great job and its a great place to camp. A few minutes drive from the popular st. Genevieve.
LegendJohnson 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. If you plan to go, make a reservation by calling toll free 877-ICampMO (877-422-6766). This is a State Park with about 80 walk-in, basic, electric, sewer/electric/water and equestrian campsites. Some of the sites have wooden platforms. The park also has a small store located in the center of the campground. Swimming is popular at the park. The “shut-ins” are rock formations where the river is limited by hard rock that it is cutting through. In these shut-ins, the river cascades over and around smooth-worn rock, creating a natural water park. There is also hiking and rock climbing.
GuideI’ve camped at both campgrounds offered at St. Joe. In the fall of 2018, we stayed at CG#1, the spot has a nice gravel tent pad with border, picnic table, and a fire pit. The spot also offered a concrete section for a camper and cars. We had a pop-up and one tent and it was very spacious. A great spot with a minute walk to a very well kept shower house and bathroom. We really liked this spot at CG#1.
CG#2 is located about 2-3 away from the main campground, this includes the shower house and main bathrooms. There is no shower house at CG#2. I stayed at CG#2 about a week ago. Very similar in design to the sites at CG#1, it also offers amenities for those with horses. We had a spot with electric and no water, water is located close by the vault toilets. The site has a gravel parking area rather than the concrete one at CG#1. We had two tents, two cars, and five people, just as spacious. If you want more seclusion and don’t really care about being right next to the showers, I would suggest CG#2.
Also, there was a trail located right by our spot at CG#2, it’s a good hike!!
Two clean and well kept swimming areas, great trails, good camp sites, and great bathrooms/showers!
Equestrian facilities near Belleview, Missouri operate primarily on a bring-your-own arrangement basis. The Mark Twain National Forest encompasses much of the surrounding terrain, with elevations ranging from 500-1,700 feet and mixed hardwood forests dominating the landscape. Seasonal temperatures vary widely from below freezing in winter to humid 90°F days in summer, requiring campers to prepare accordingly.
Float trips on the Black River: The Black River offers clean water for paddling. At Bearcat Getaway, "Nice float on the Black River. Cool water and beach to sit and watch the floaters go by in as well! Group sites were pretty large and mostly shady," notes Jennifer G. Many riders combine float trips with trail riding for a complete outdoor experience.
Mountain biking: The area features technical trails for all skill levels. "Great biking and awesome spot. There is a beautiful bike trail connecting the campground to the rest of the park," shares Charlotte B. about Johnson's Shut-Ins State Park. Local riders often use these same trails for horses in designated areas.
Fishing access: Multiple waterways provide fishing opportunities. "The park itself is huge... Swimming is great at the river," says Allyson D. Riders frequently set up camp near fishing spots to maximize outdoor activities while allowing horses to rest.
Spacious sites for trailers: Hazel Creek Campground receives praise for its layout: "The campsites are large. Several back up to the creek, which is shallow and pretty. The rest are scattered through the wooded campground," notes Art Z. The gravel road access works well for vehicles pulling horse trailers.
Clean facilities: Experienced campers appreciate well-maintained amenities. "Very nice campground with nice showers and clean bathrooms. Camp sites were somewhat close together so hope you like neighbors," mentions Erin J. Most sites have standard amenities like picnic tables and fire rings.
River access: Water features heavily in positive reviews. "We loved this clean and beautiful campground! We stayed in the fall and the colors were amazing. Our kids loved climbing all over the shut-ins," says Ashlee B. Horse owners value water access for both themselves and their animals.
Cell service variability: Coverage can be spotty in certain areas. At Berryman Trail & Campgrounds, "Very few bars so don't expect to get any service and you won't be disappointed," warns Hannah F. Riders should download maps in advance and carry paper backups.
Weekend crowds: Popular sites fill quickly during peak times. "Managed to get the most secluded spot in the campground which is hard to do considering that you usually need to book months in advance," explains Charlotte B. Horse campers should plan further ahead than typical campers.
Noise levels: Some locations permit late-night activities. "Campground #1 is located next to CG#2, this includes the shower house and main bathrooms. There is no shower house at CG#2," reports Olivia S. Horse owners should seek quieter campgrounds to avoid spooking their animals.
Safe swimming areas: Sam A. Baker State Park Campground features water access for all ages. "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," says Emily J. Parents should supervise children around both water and horses.
Kid-friendly trails: Several parks offer beginner-appropriate paths. "We loved this campground! Even during the last weekend of September, it was hot out, so we were glad there were plenty of trees around," shares Madelyn H. Many trails accommodate both hikers and horses, though families should verify which ones allow equestrian use.
Playground availability: Some campgrounds offer dedicated play areas. "My kids go on an 'annual cousins camping trip' with my sister in law and her girls every summer. Johnson's Shut-Ins was perfect!" states Melissa M. Families bringing horses should look for sites with both child activities and horse facilities.
Site dimensions: St. Francois State Park Campground offers varied spaces. "The campground has oddly shaped campsites causing a crowded feel," notes Cody S. RVers with horse trailers should call ahead to confirm their combined vehicle length will fit at assigned sites.
Hookup reliability: Electrical access varies by location. "We spent a one night get-away at Hazel Creek with our 30 foot travel trailer. The gravel road into the campground was no problem for a pickup with a trailer," reports Art Z. RVers should verify both RV hookups and horse facilities when booking.
Dump station locations: Not all campgrounds offer full services. "We tent camped and floated the 6 mile float. Bathrooms were clean and well maintained. Showers needed quarters to operate," mentions Donna H. RVers should plan their tank management accordingly, especially on longer stays with horses.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Belleview, MO?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Belleview, MO is Johnson's Shut-Ins State Park Campground with a 4.8-star rating from 56 reviews.
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Belleview, MO?
TheDyrt.com has all 25 equestrian camping locations near Belleview, MO, with real photos and reviews from campers.
Keep Exploring
