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Blue Spring Ranch offers horseback riding opportunities as part of its recreational activities near Bourbon, Missouri. The campground provides access to trail riding experiences but requires advance reservations as these popular activities often book up quickly. Campers reference The Dyrt for top tips on camping near Bourbon, Missouri. The ranch features multiple camping areas with RV sites, tent camping, and cabin accommodations, allowing equestrians to stay close to where their horses are kept.
Trail rides at Blue Spring Ranch take visitors through scenic woodland areas and along creek beds typical of the Ozark region. The campground is positioned with convenient access to other area attractions including caverns and the Meramec River. Basic amenities include clean shower facilities, picnic tables, and a swimming pool. The ranch also maintains farm animals including horses and goats that campers can visit and pet, creating additional equine interaction opportunities for those not participating in formal trail rides. While not primarily marketed as an equestrian-focused camping destination, the ranch offers a family-friendly environment where horse enthusiasts can enjoy guided riding experiences.
"Positives: quiet time starting at 11:00 pm, we didn’t hear cursing, loud music, or anything else that disturbs little ones once they go to sleep, close to the river, clean restroom and shower house, shaded"
"They have a family section if you prefer to be away from the louder bunch."
"This go around we pulled our popup down and chose a site with out hookups. (545) only negative things to say about the site was that it was very densely populated with trees."
from $11 - $16 / night
Check Availability"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. It’s close to the caverns and other awesome sites."
"It's up by the cabins/cottages and you definitely need to drive there. Get there early in the morning to set up your chairs in the river to get a good spot."
"One we used, and many other we saw, had small trees outlining the edges of the sites.
We had a group of people next to use who were very loud on Friday evening until past midnight .""We took a couples float during the week to get away from our busy lives and relax. The huzzah resort is always top notch."
"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."
"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."
"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."
"This camp site is along the berryman trail so you can stay here if youre backpacking said trail."
"Primitive horse sites in your own little haven in the woods. Have an actual map handy and make any calls before you get here because your phone will do you no good."
"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"Our site was gravel to park on with grass around it. Close to train tracks and highway, but didn’t notice with AC on in the camper. Close to 6 flags."
"This campground is fairly close to downtown and very close to lots of shopping. A great place to stay to stock up on supplies before heading west."
"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."
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.
LegendCampground Review: This is a nice little hidden gem outside St Louis in a great county park. If you are a Six Flags kinda person, the amusement park sits at the southern entrance to Greensfelder. The park itself has some great hiking and biking trails, but the big draw is equestrian in nature (including eventing jumps along some of the trails). This campground caters to the horse-set, with more campsites attached to the equestrian park than not, which means you should make reservations in advance as it is a busy little campground. The equestrian camping area has a standing stall type open barn, a round pen for turn out, and large campsites designed for horse trailers. All of the sites with electric are meant for horse trailers as there are no amenities for RV's. The showers and toilets are in the horse camping portion of the campground. The non-horse camping area seemed to be an afterthought, and is along side a park artery leading to a boarding barn and more trails. I did like that there were two trail heads on opposite sides of the camping lot, and the trails were well marked. Expect this campground area to be busy as it is the staging area for equestrians who use the park.
Product Review: In July I won some gear from Primus for reviewing some campgrounds I visited earlier this summer. This was the first opportunity I had to try out my Primus Profile Camp Stove. This is a nice car camping stove; at eleven pounds, it isn't something to carry far. Things I liked about it include the wind guards, the latching lid, and the fairly thin profile when collapsed. For a two burner stove, it really didn't take up much room in my trunk and it is sturdy enough that I wasn't worried about piling gear on top of it. However, while new out of the box, the igniter didn't work. Glad I always pack a lighter. It's not going to boil water in record time, but certainly held a steady flame and was easy to adjust. I have other stoves, but this one seems like it will be my go to when car camping with friends as I can cook more on two burners than one. https://primus.us/collections/camping-stoves
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.
GuideThere is no equestrian camping and the parking for horse trailers is super small. There’s a neat 7 mile loop goes by old stable as well.
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.
GuideSmall campground ground ram by saint louis county parks. We were the only ones here. Heavy equestrian park, it’s not required (to have a horse) to stay here. A few piles of horses droppings but very well maintained. We stay about 30 feet to the right of the horse pin, and behind it where they dump the horse stuff really can’t smell anything. Only sites 20-29 have electric and 28 can’t be reserved. Pro -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) -2-20 amp plugs and 1-30amp plug -Not to many trees hanging over your camper that would drop branches -site 29 where we stayed can fit a 40’ fifth wheel -a lot of room to back in -showers and restrooms year around -frost free water at both ends of the campground -usual fire pit, picnic table and grill -park campers on grass to be closer to one side or another of your site -sites are reservable
Cons -no water at sites -no 50 amps -no dump but KOA and RV dealer 5-7 mins away
-site 29 only have 2-20 amp plugs no 30 didn’t realized till we parked. Only this one doesn’t have 30 -horses traffic on Saturday eventually from what the ranger told me once Covid is better -most sites back up to main road(mostly light traffic and none at night)
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.
Blue Spring Ranch is located in the northeastern Ozark region of Missouri, approximately 70 miles southwest of St. Louis. The area features rolling hills with elevations ranging from 700 to 1,000 feet above sea level and is characterized by karst topography with springs, caves, and clear streams. Camping options near Bourbon include both established campgrounds and dispersed sites within Mark Twain National Forest.
Trail riding experiences: Blue Spring Ranch provides horseback riding with advance reservations required for trail rides. Other equestrian camping near Bourbon includes Brazil Creek Camping Area which connects to the Berryman Trail. One visitor noted, "There are also several hitching posts for horses here since you can ride horses on berryman trail" according to a Brazil Creek Recreation Area review.
Swimming in natural areas: The Meramec River and local creeks offer swimming opportunities throughout the warmer months. At Blue Spring Ranch, visitors recommend "Get there early in the morning to set up your chairs in the river to get a good spot" at the Upper Beach area.
Floating trips: The 5-mile float on the Meramec River is popular with campers. A reviewer mentioned, "We love it and the 5 mile float is the perfect amount of time on the river! They have fun themed weekends! 4th of July and Halloween are our favorites."
Cave exploration: The region contains several notable cave systems within short driving distance. Onondaga Cave State Park is directly across the river from some campgrounds, offering guided tours of spectacular underground formations.
Spacious camping areas: Several campgrounds provide well-separated sites for privacy. At Hazel Creek Campground, "The campsites are large. Several back up to the creek, which is shallow and pretty. The rest are scattered through the wooded campground."
Clean facilities: Campgrounds with shower facilities maintain them regularly. A visitor to Huzzah Valley Resort commented, "Cleanest showers and bathrooms so far this summer!"
Pet-friendly environment: Many campgrounds welcome pets, making it convenient for horse owners bringing their dogs along with their equestrian camping equipment. Most sites have specific pet policies that allow leashed pets throughout common areas.
Creek access: Direct access to creeks and rivers ranks high with campers. At Brazil Creek, one camper noted, "Beautiful clear water creek runs directly behind this 'pull off' campground," providing both scenery and recreation options.
Cell service limitations: Most rural camping areas have limited or no cell service. At Berryman Campground, "AT&T and Sprint have only enough service to make calls at the sites" according to a Berryman Trail & Campgrounds review, while other carriers may have no service.
Reservation requirements: Popular horseback riding sessions fill quickly, especially on weekends. A Blue Spring Ranch visitor mentioned, "Trail riding was all booked when we called to reserve," highlighting the need to plan ahead.
Weather considerations: The area experiences humid summers with temperatures often exceeding 90°F and occasional thunderstorms. Spring and fall offer milder temperatures with highs in the 60-70°F range, making these seasons ideal for equestrian activities.
Water sources: At primitive campsites, visitors need to bring their own water or have filtration equipment. A Brazil Creek camper advised, "No showers or drinking water if you can't filter the stream water."
Kid-friendly activities: Beyond horseback riding, several campgrounds offer additional animal encounters. A visitor to Blue Spring Ranch shared, "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."
Pool availability: On hot summer days, having a swimming pool provides a convenient alternative to river swimming. Several reviewers mention the clean, well-maintained pools at campgrounds in the area when river conditions aren't ideal.
Playground access: Some campgrounds feature dedicated play areas for children. Bass' River Resort received praise as one visitor noted, "The playground looked very nice and well kept, the showers and bathrooms were very clean and well stocked."
Wildlife viewing opportunities: The wooded areas around Bourbon support diverse wildlife including deer, wild turkeys, and various bird species. Early morning and evening offer the best chances for wildlife sightings near camping areas.
Site leveling: Some camping areas have uneven terrain requiring additional equipment. A reviewer at one campground mentioned, "The campsite was so unlevel my 1 year old couldn't even stand outside the camper without falling."
Hookup availability: Electric, water, and sewer connections vary significantly between campgrounds. At Blue Spring Ranch, RV sites with full hookups are available in several camping areas, but specific site reservations are recommended.
Road conditions: Access roads to some campgrounds may be challenging after rain. A Hazel Creek visitor noted, "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."
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Bourbon, MO?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Bourbon, MO is Ozark Outdoors-Riverfront Resort with a 4-star rating from 22 reviews.
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Bourbon, MO?
TheDyrt.com has all 21 equestrian camping locations near Bourbon, MO, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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