St. Joe State Park offers extensive equestrian facilities beyond the dedicated horse trails mentioned in Campground #2. The park contains over 2,000 acres at elevations ranging from 900-1,200 feet, creating diverse terrain for riders. The landscape features former mining land now reclaimed for recreational use, with the park's trail system designed to separate horse riders from the popular ATV areas that attract thousands of visitors annually.
What to do
Ride dedicated equestrian trails: St. Francois State Park Campground offers additional trails within 30 minutes of Bismarck. "Hiking is beautiful especially if you go the first few weeks in april and the wild flowers of the bluebells are in bloom. beautiful!" reports Delores B., who appreciates the park's well-maintained facilities.
Float the Black River: Just 35 miles southeast of Bismarck, Bearcat Getaway provides river access for cooling off after trail riding. "Nice beach, chill atmosphere, great staff. Live music on the weekends," notes Amber M., highlighting the relaxed environment that complements a day of riding.
Explore backcountry hiking: The Mark Twain National Forest offers trails connecting to several equestrian-friendly camping areas. "The Berryman Trail is a 24 mile trail we backpacked overnight to the Brazil Creek campground and back. Only ones on the trail," shares Patti M., describing the solitude available just outside the more developed equestrian areas.
What campers like
Well-maintained shower facilities: While St. Joe's Campground #2 offers vault toilets near equestrian sites, Johnson's Shut-Ins State Park provides more updated facilities within driving distance. "The facilities are updated and the campsites are level and well maintained," states Chad K., noting the quality infrastructure that supplements the more basic equestrian amenities elsewhere.
Spacious camping layouts: Horse-friendly sites in the region typically provide ample space. "Our cabin sleeps 8 people with 1 queen bed in a room, 2 queen beds in a loft, and a double sofa sleeper," explains Mara F. about accommodations at Huzzah Valley, showing that larger groups with equestrian needs can find suitable arrangements beyond the standard campsites.
Access to water features: After dusty trail rides, cooling off options abound. "We spent four days at the park with friends during the higher rain and very high river. I have never seen the river through the park so high to the top of the banks," explains John K. from Sam A. Baker State Park Campground, highlighting how water features complement the riding opportunities.
What you should know
Seasonal considerations: Spring brings optimal trail conditions but potential crowding. "This campground offers no-services tent/RV and RV with electrical. The electrical spots are all in cut grass areas, many with great shade trees," notes Mats, describing St. Francois State Park during fall when conditions differ from summer's heat.
Noise levels vary: Some campgrounds near Bismarck maintain quieter atmospheres than others. Brazil Creek Recreation Area offers more seclusion: "Good access to the Berryman Trail. There is a creek running along the camping area with a road along the opposite side," explains Mike L. about this free camping option away from ATV areas.
Trail conditions: Equestrian paths can change based on recent weather. "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)," says Grant M., pointing out that St. Joe State Park offers reliable trail access even when others might be closed.
Tips for camping with families
Select family-focused sites: Not all horse campgrounds near Bismarck are equally suited for children. "The campground has oddly shaped campsites causing a crowded feel. The campground is also loud on the weekends especially if there are races at the nearby Bonne Terre drag strip," warns Cody S. about St. Francois State Park, suggesting midweek visits for families seeking quieter conditions.
Look for combined activities: Cherokee Landing offers water features alongside camping: "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," explains Kristine K., highlighting amenities that complement equestrian activities for families.
Consider education opportunities: Several parks offer ranger-led programs about local ecology and mining history. "Amazing state park with wonderful new visitor center. Lots of history and it has completely been rebuilt," shares Josh S. about Johnson's Shut-Ins, noting the educational resources available beyond riding.
Tips from RVers
Site specifications: Equestrian campsites typically accommodate larger rigs but verify specifics. "Big and spacious sites. First come first serve. You can fit multiple tents on one site," explains Dave B. about Berryman Trail Campgrounds, which offers more primitive accommodations for those traveling with horses and RVs.
Utility connections: Electric availability varies across equestrian-friendly sites. "We had a spot with electric and no water, water is located close by the vault toilets," shares Olivia S., providing insight about St. Joe's Campground #2 that supplements the concrete pad information in the existing description.
Road access considerations: Some horse-friendly campgrounds have challenging access roads. "The gravel road into the campground was no problem for a pickup with a trailer. It would be fine for a passenger car, too," reports Art Z. about Hazel Creek Campground, addressing concerns about accessibility with horse trailers.
