Dry Fork Recreation Area serves as a dedicated equestrian camping destination in Mark Twain National Forest, approximately 30 miles from Rhineland, Missouri. The campground contains 8 primitive sites designed specifically for horse trailers with ample space for vehicles. The recreation area sits at an elevation of about 800 feet in the rolling Ozark terrain where spring temperatures average 60-70°F while summer months can reach into the 90s with high humidity.
What to do
Trail riding access: Dry Fork Recreation Area provides direct trail access without needing to trailer between camp and riding destinations. One visitor noted, "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" at Dry Fork Recreation Area.
Fishing opportunities: Several campgrounds offer fishing access within a short drive. At Whetstone Conservation Area, "Super well maintained conservation area, 5 camp sites with fire pits and picnic tables. Several ponds and a larger lake but it was currently being repaired so it's very low."
Hiking exploration: The region offers diverse hiking trails through hardwood forests. As one camper at Cuivre River State Park observed, "Great well maintained state park right outside of St Louis. Park has an awesome trail system around the lake, and it looks like you can rent canoes/kayaks in the summer."
What campers like
Wildlife viewing: The forest areas provide excellent wildlife spotting opportunities. A camper at Cuivre River State Park Campground shared, "Campground is beautiful and very woodsy. We saw bunnies hopping around and when we first arrived to our site a deer was grazing nearby, such a bonus!"
Spacious campsites: Many campers appreciate the room to spread out. According to one review, "The sites were close together and there wasn't much privacy. They have tent sites, and RV sites with 50 amp hookups, water, and sewer. Some sites have river access and some river views."
Water recreation: Several nearby rivers provide float trips and swimming. A visitor to Blue Spring Ranch commented, "We did a 5 mile float which was amazing! They bus you up river and then you end up back at the campground."
What you should know
Tick prevention: Ticks are prevalent, especially in warmer months. One camper warned, "We encountered A LOT of ticks on the overgrown trail. BEWARE of ticks and check yourselves and your pets if staying here."
Cell service limitations: Many equestrian camping areas have limited connectivity. A visitor noted, "No cell service" at Dry Fork Recreation Area, making it important to plan communications accordingly.
Primitive conditions: Most horse-friendly sites lack hookups. At Daniel Boone Conservation Area, "There are 10 or so primitive tent sites and an area that will accommodate about a dozen RV's. There are no services here and no hook ups, but it's free."
Tips for camping with families
Wildlife education: Children can learn about local animals. One family mentioned, "We saw bunnies hopping around and when we first arrived to our site a deer was grazing nearby, such a bonus!"
Swimming options: Look for campgrounds with water access. As one parent shared about Lost Valley Lake Resort, "There is swimming year round with 2 indoor pools, hot tubs and sauna. Summer time swimming at 1 outdoor pool and 2 swimming beaches at the lake."
Pack-in supplies: Many equestrian campgrounds have limited facilities. A camper at Daniel Boone Conservation Area advised, "There is no trash service, so plan to pack out your trash. The best site was set on the edge of the woods next to a fishing pond."
Tips from RVers
Site selection: For RVs at horse campgrounds, choose specific areas. At Greensfelder County Park, "Only sites 20-29 have electric and 28 can't be reserved. Most sites are great for trailers 26' or less and 1 slide (sites 24-26 can fit a fifth wheel probably no bigger than 36-38 ft)."
Power considerations: Most horse camping areas offer limited electricity. One RVer noted about Greensfelder, "2-20 amp plugs and 1-30amp plug. No water at sites, no 50 amps, no dump but KOA and RV dealer 5-7 mins away."
Level parking: The Ozark terrain can create uneven sites. One visitor commented, "The campsite was so unlevel my 1 year old couldnt even stand outside the camper without falling."
