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Best Equestrian Camping near Bismarck, MO

267 Reviews

St. Joe State Park Campground provides equestrian facilities at Campground #2, which features larger sites designed to accommodate horses and trailers. The park offers extensive trails separated from ATV areas, with dedicated equestrian paths throughout the 2,000-acre property. Sites include concrete pads for vehicles, gravel areas for tents, picnic tables, and fire pits. Vault toilets are available at Campground #2, while full shower facilities are located 2-3 miles away at the main campground. Water access points are situated near the toilet facilities. The campground layout provides ample space for horse trailers and equipment, with sites specifically engineered for equestrian camping needs. Sites accommodate multiple tents and vehicles alongside horse equipment. Campers reference The Dyrt for top tips on camping near Bismarck, Missouri.

The equestrian trail system at St. Joe connects to various parts of the park through a network of designated horse paths that keep riders separate from the park's popular ATV areas. A paved 11-mile trail with moderate hills offers additional recreational options for visitors. The park maintains multiple lakes with beaches for swimming after a day of riding. Concrete pads at campsites provide stable parking for horse trailers, while the spacious layout allows for comfortable setup of equestrian gear. Riders appreciate that horse trails remain quiet and peaceful despite the park's popularity with off-road vehicle enthusiasts. Campground #2 provides a more secluded camping experience with direct trail access from many sites. Vault toilets and water spigots serve the equestrian camping area, while the main campground offers full shower facilities for those willing to make the short drive.

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Best Equestrian Sites Near Bismarck, Missouri (20)

    1. St. Joe State Park Campground

    20 Reviews
    Park Hills, MO
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (573) 431-1069

    "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."

    2. St. Francois State Park Campground

    29 Reviews
    Bonne Terre, MO
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (573) 358-2173

    "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."

    3. Johnson's Shut-Ins State Park

    56 Reviews
    Black, MO
    21 miles
    Website
    +1 (573) 546-2450

    $11 - $32 / night

    "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."

    4. Cherokee Landing

    3 Reviews
    Bonne Terre, MO
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (573) 358-2805

    $25 - $36 / night

    "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."

    5. Berryman Trail & Campgrounds - Mark Twain National Forest

    17 Reviews
    Davisville, MO
    26 miles
    Website
    +1 (573) 438-5427

    "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."

    6. Sam A. Baker State Park Campground

    48 Reviews
    Patterson, MO
    37 miles
    Website
    +1 (573) 856-4411

    "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."

    7. Hazel Creek Campground

    3 Reviews
    Davisville, MO
    22 miles
    Website
    +1 (573) 438-5427

    "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."

    8. Bearcat Getaway

    7 Reviews
    Annapolis, MO
    27 miles
    Website

    $12 / night

    "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."

    9. Brazil Creek Camping Area

    5 Reviews
    Potosi, MO
    27 miles
    Website
    +1 (573) 364-4621

    "Miles and miles of trails for Mountain Biking, horse riding or just hiking, and you can ride your ATV on the roads but you need an orange triangle."

    "Good access to the Berryman Trail. There is a creek running along the camping area with a road along the opposite side. Park for the day or camp overnight to get an early start."

    10. Huzzah Valley

    11 Reviews
    Patterson, MO
    32 miles
    Website

    $11 - $65 / night

    "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. "

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Recent Equestrian Camping Photos near Bismarck, MO

8 Photos of 20 Bismarck Campgrounds

Equestrian Camping Reviews near Bismarck, MO

267 Reviews of 20 Bismarck Campgrounds

  • iloveitontop R.
    Sep. 13, 2016

    St. Joe State Park Campground

    Great place if you are boating or ORV.

    Nice 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.

  • Matt S.
    Sep. 3, 2016

    St. Francois State Park Campground

    St. Francois SP is Fair to Average.

    This 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.

  • Lindsey C.
    Aug. 10, 2020

    Sam A. Baker State Park Campground

    Fun Campground

    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. 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.

  • Grant M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 27, 2021

    St. Joe State Park Campground

    Good for ATV’s, also good for horses and people.

    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. 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.

  • Sterling M.
    May. 28, 2019

    Hazel Creek Campground

    Secluded, quiet, and friendly locals

    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.

    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.

  • Ashley Y.
    Aug. 8, 2016

    St. Joe State Park Campground

    Great multi use campground

    I 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.

  • Olivia S.
    Jul. 20, 2020

    St. Joe State Park Campground

    Reviews on Campground #1 & #2

    I’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!

  • Joel R.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 18, 2019

    Johnson's Shut-Ins State Park

    Make a reservation !

    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. 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.

  • J K.
    Aug. 10, 2019

    Randolph County State Recreation Area

    Nice quaint campground

    This is a great little campground with a fishing lake. Sites are gravel but well maintained. Sites are fairly close with most shaded. 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. It’s approximately a mile before the campground on your left. Be aware that there are no showers though, only bathrooms. Fifty-one Class BE campsites, 95 Class C campsites, an equestrian site with eight stalls for horses, and four Class D (primitive) campsites are available throughout the area. A group camp area has its own shelter, stone fireplace, electricity and tables. Some campsites at Randolph County SRA can be reserved online through Reserve America at www.reserveamerica.com Randolph County State Recreation Area is a mecca for outdoor recreational activities. Fishing, hiking, picnicking, boating, hunting and camping are just a few of the choices on the 1,101 acres at the site. Located five miles northeast of Chester, Randolph County SRA lies in the rolling hill country of southern Illinois. Offering a cool retreat from hot summer days, well shaded picnic areas, hiking trails and scenic forest stands await park visitors.

    Park Information:

    West Central Illinois

    4301 S. Lake Drive Chester IL 62233

    618-826-2706

    N: 37.968 W: -89.802 History In 1958, land was purchased and plans started to build a dam and spillway for a 65-acre lake. The lake was completed in 1961, and since that time, recreational facilities have been added to provide picnic shelters, toilets, a boat ramp and a concession stand at Randolph County SRA..

    Directions All access to Randolph County SRA is from the west entrance off Palestine Rd. Coming from the North on Route 3, visitors will turn east on Shawneetown Trail south of the town of Ellis Grove. At Palestine, turn south on Palestine Road and proceed two miles, then turn left at the entrance sign. Coming from the north on Route 150, turn west on Shawneetown Trail and proceed to Palestine, then turn south on Palestine Road and proceed to the entrance sign and turn left into the area. Coming from the south from Chester, head north on Palestine Road to the entrance sign and turn right into the area.

Guide to Bismarck

Horse camping in Missouri offers a unique blend of scenic trails and well-equipped campgrounds, perfect for equestrian enthusiasts looking to explore the great outdoors with their horses.

Equestrian campgrounds include ample amenities

Equestrian campers like these nearby activities

  • At St. Joe State Park Campground, visitors can enjoy over 2000 acres of land perfect for horseback riding, along with trails that cater to various skill levels.
  • Brazil Creek offers access to the Berryman Trail, making it an ideal spot for those looking to combine camping with horseback riding adventures.
  • Hazel Creek Campground is surrounded by picturesque trails, allowing campers to enjoy both hiking and horseback riding in a serene environment.

Most campgrounds have horse-focused amenities like designated trails

  • Bearcat Getaway provides direct access to the Black River, along with horse stables for those needing accommodations for their equine companions.
  • Cherokee Landing features a friendly atmosphere with facilities that cater to horse campers, including easy access to trails and water sources.
  • Brazil Creek Camping Area has hitching posts for horses and is located near trails that are perfect for riding, making it a great choice for equestrian camping.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Bismarck, MO is St. Joe State Park Campground with a 3.9-star rating from 20 reviews.

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

TheDyrt.com has all 20 equestrian camping locations near Bismarck, MO, with real photos and reviews from campers.

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