David L.
Traveler
TravelerSwan Creek
Dispersed Camping Galore
Has great dispresed camping, free, creek is accessible, has equestrian area to camp with horses, bout 45 minutes to a hour from Springfield. No service for ATT.
Best Equestrian Camping near Chadwick, MO
Bar K Wrangler Camp offers free primitive horse camping in a spacious area with abundant room for both equestrians and tent campers. The camp features picnic tables, fire rings, and pit toilets but lacks drinking water, requiring visitors to bring their own supplies. The creek runs alongside the camp with crystal clear, spring-fed water and a gravelly bottom suitable for horses. The camp is well-maintained with mowed areas and sufficient space for trailers. Bar K Wrangler Camp remains quiet despite being relatively close to the highway, making it excellent for stargazing and peaceful overnight stays. Swan Creek also accommodates horses with a designated equestrian camping area accessible approximately 45 minutes to an hour from Springfield.
Trails surrounding these horse camps connect to multiple riding routes through the Ozark countryside. Swan Creek's equestrian area provides free access to trails with creek crossings that horses can navigate easily. Both camping areas follow pack-it-in, pack-it-out policies with no garbage service available. Cell service is limited or nonexistent at these locations, with reviewers noting no AT&T coverage at Swan Creek and T-Mobile service dropping completely at Bar K Wrangler Camp despite good coverage 10 miles south. The final approach to Bar K involves approximately one mile of dusty, somewhat rough gravel road that horse trailers can navigate. Flash flood awareness is necessary when camping near the creeks, especially during rainy seasons when water levels can rise quickly.
Best Equestrian Sites Near Chadwick, Missouri (9)
1. Busiek
8 ReviewsChestnutridge, MO10 milesWebsite+1 (417) 895-8660"Gun range, Horse Riding Trails, Camping and a water source. The scenery is so breathtaking and you never want to leave!"
"Busiek isn't to far of the beaten path. It has several trails and camping sites. There is plenty of wildlife available for viewing."
2. Bar K Wrangler Camp
4 ReviewsChadwick, MO5 milesWebsite+1 (573) 364-4621"There are a few tent sites along the road and there is plenty of grassy area near the creek for RVs/trailers."
"This a horse camp, but there is plenty of space to just pitch a tent if needed. Free site with a beautiful backdrop"
3. Swan Creek
1 ReviewChadwick, MO4 miles+1 (417) 459-7376"Has great dispresed camping, free, creek is accessible, has equestrian area to camp with horses, bout 45 minutes to a hour from Springfield. No service for ATT."
4. Great Escapes RV Resorts Branson
6 ReviewsForsyth, MO18 milesWebsite+1 (417) 546-3000$48 - $251 / night
"Half the sites are close to pool and playground, but not many trees. The other half are an easy 2 minute walk and tree covered!"
"Close to lake Bull Shoals, Taneycomo, and Branson if that's your thing."
5. B Berry Farms & Co.
23 ReviewsMarshfield, MO36 milesWebsite+1 (417) 933-2046$7 - $48 / night
"Driving through Missouri needed a quiet place to stay. We stayed at Honey Berry Hideout, it has metal fire ring and grill."
"Brendan and Teresa are an adotable young couple who are transforming a large area in the midst of Missouri farm country into a small black- and blueberry farm that includes a small RV camp."
6. Roaring River State Park Campground
48 ReviewsEagle Rock, MO49 milesWebsite+1 (417) 847-2539$16 - $53 / night
"Located in South Missouri it is an easy day trip into Branson Missouri or Eureka Springs Arkansas. Very well located and very well run by the state."
"Campground 1 was tucked up in an inlet that went back into the valley. It dead ends at a wonderful trailhead. The west side on CG#1 is lined by a beautiful creek that runs into the rotating river."
7. Bar M Resort & Campground
2 ReviewsKimberling City, MO28 milesWebsite+1 (417) 338-2593$50 - $60 / night
"Access to Table Rock, Game Room, Pool and Jacuzzi. Small cabins and A-frames to rent. They have it all. This is my getaway**!"
"Nice, easy and quiet with a great pool and lake access! We will definitely be coming back. Site 47 has a bit of sun"
8. Rippee Conservation Area
3 ReviewsVanzant, MO33 milesWebsite+1 (417) 256-71619. Big M
5 ReviewsGolden, MO43 milesWebsite+1 (417) 271-3190$16 - $28 / night
"Nestled snug on the Missouri Arkansas border is a gem of a campground. Large grassy sites some most with electricity and water, and some with sewer. Sites are paved and pretty level."
"Our campsite had a lot of privacy on 3 sides and had a small creek running through a ways behind it, downhill."
Equestrian Camping Reviews near Chadwick, MO
100 Reviews of 9 Chadwick Campgrounds
- N
N I.
LegendBar K Wrangler Camp
Hey Cowboy
Open: year round
FREE
FCFS
Pack it in Pack it out
LNT
This a primitive horse camp that is not far off the highway. It is far enough that it is or can be quiet. It is also great for star gazing, hiking, mountain biking and trail rides. Swan Creek runs along side the camp so you will need to be aware of possible flash floods if you are camped right next to the creek. There are picnic table, fire ring and a pit toilet. NO WATER
BTYFI
Travel safe
Sharon W.TravelerB Berry Farms & Co.
Peaceful sleeping
Driving through Missouri needed a quiet place to stay. We stayed at Honey Berry Hideout, it has metal fire ring and grill. The owners were very friendly , informed us amenities , they have coffee pot , small stove to use in a barn in walking distance, bathrooms and showers for small fees. Family friendly with large area for kids to play.
- AAngela M.
GuideB Berry Farms & Co.
Secluded rustic mini-resort
Brendan and Teresa are an adotable young couple who are transforming a large area in the midst of Missouri farm country into a small black- and blueberry farm that includes a small RV camp. They also make and sell natural products (soaps, balms, etc.). They have constructed a cute rec house with darts, corn hole, even a little reading nook. There is a swing on the big tree in front of the rec house as well as horseshoe pits. Dispersed around the berry fields are hidden firepit areas for guests to enjoy. And you can pick berries for your breakfast!
They have built an exquisite shower room with cedar walls and river rock flooring, and there are bathrooms for guests as well.
Brendan and Teresa could not have been more accommodating. They presented us with a goody bag with s'mores fixings and a sample lip balm from their product line. And Brendan helped us with hose repair parts when our water hose jammed on the reel and we had to cut it off! First rate customer service.
The drawback for us is that (1) it is FAR from the main highway so not convenient for one-night stays and (2) the one site suitable for large RVs is not very level. We have a 40' Renegade Verona and it took 6 tries to find a place near the hookups where our auto-level would find a good position (no "excessive slope" error).
Also, we knew from the start there was only 30 amp service and no sewer, so we can't complain about that.
But for smaller RVs and boondockers, this is a charming getaway for families and anyone who enjoys getting away from it all.
- Brandon M.Traveler
Busiek
Words really can't describe.
But here we go....
This place is AMAZING! Gun range, Horse Riding Trails, Camping and a water source. The scenery is so breathtaking and you never want to leave!
- PPatricia S.Traveler
Bar K Wrangler Camp
A good waypoint.
No amenities other than composting toilets. There are a few tent sites along the road and there is plenty of grassy area near the creek for RVs/trailers. This is a horse camp with plenty of evidence, but it was only us and a couple of other tent campers.
The creek was obviously spring fed, crystal clear and had a gravelly bottom. There were plenty of places to get in the water...understanding that this is horse camp.
The place was well maintained and mowed and it was super peaceful and quiet. The main annoyance was some trash in fire pits along the creek.
If you consider this as a waypoint, two things:
1. There is about a mile of dusty, gravel road that is a little rough.
2. We had great T-Mobile 10 miles south, but it dropped to zero by the time we drove into camp.
- Miranda M.Guide
Bar K Wrangler Camp
Lots of space to camp, secluded
This a horse camp, but there is plenty of space to just pitch a tent if needed. Free site with a beautiful backdrop
- Cathy S.
RangerBig M
Camping heaven
Big M Marina and campground is absolutely awesome! Nestled snug on the Missouri Arkansas border is a gem of a campground. Large grassy sites some most with electricity and water, and some with sewer. Sites are paved and pretty level. Great play area for kids. Well kept bathrooms and showers. Marina has a great restaurant that you will not be leaving hungry. Nice marina store. Boat rentals as well as slips. The swim area was very clean and accessible even though it was flooded. Only inconvenience were the roads in. Be prewar warned. It is a nail biter. All in all definitely a 9 out of 10!
- CCarissa H.Traveler
Roaring River State Park Campground
Fantastic family spot!
This campground offers a lot of options. Including trout fishing, hiking, and swimming. Located in South Missouri it is an easy day trip into Branson Missouri or Eureka Springs Arkansas. Very well located and very well run by the state. They offer a pretty well equipped camp store along with the lodge and restaurant. This state park is gorgeous and one of my favorite places to go. They also have a nature center and trout hatchery. Park is open year round, trout tags must be purchased at the camp Store. All campgrounds have nice bathrooms and showers. Just a heads up though if you are looking for a quiet relaxing weekend make sure you avoid kids free fishing weekend! It’s a ZOO that weekend!
Guide to Chadwick
Dispersed camping options abound in the Mark Twain National Forest area surrounding Chadwick, Missouri, situated in the eastern Ozarks at approximately 1,400 feet elevation. The region features numerous free primitive camping areas with varying accessibility depending on seasonal conditions. Several horse campgrounds near Chadwick, Missouri can accommodate both equestrian campers and those without horses.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: Roaring River State Park Campground offers trout fishing in well-stocked waters. "They have a working trout fish hatchery. You can walk the holding tanks and feed the trout from baby to ready to be released into the river," notes camper Wendy M. The park also features "a cave you can walk in where you'll find a pool of water that goes for miles underground."
Hiking trails: Busiek provides trail systems suitable for day hikes with varying terrain. Josh S. mentions, "I have been hiking here twice but haven't camped yet. The trails and the river make for some great scenery. Be wary of the water level, this can impact any hiking you might be looking to do." Busiek requires camping permits obtained in person from the Missouri Department of Conservation office.
Water activities: Primitive swimming spots are available in several creek-adjacent camping areas. Rippee Conservation Area offers access to Bryant Creek where campers can cool off. "It's a beautiful spot on the Bryant creek," shares Ashlin S., adding that "it's free and it's about as nice as you can expect from a free campground."
What campers like
Affordability: Most equestrian camping areas near Chadwick operate on a free or low-cost basis. At Swan Creek, David L. notes it "has great dispersed camping, free, creek is accessible, has equestrian area to camp with horses, bout 45 minutes to a hour from Springfield."
Quiet atmosphere: Despite proximity to roads in some locations, campers report peaceful experiences. Brandon D. reports about Bar K Wrangler Camp: "I went here with a group of friends looking for a free campsite that had enough space. This place is great! When we arrived a few people were sitting in the creek so we moved further up stream and found a nice site with easy creek access. We were likely the only group for at least 2 square miles."
Natural water features: Spring-fed creeks provide both recreation and aesthetic value. Miranda M. describes Bar K Wrangler Camp as having "lots of space to camp, secluded. This is a horse camp, but there is plenty of space to just pitch a tent if needed. Free site with a beautiful backdrop."
What you should know
Permit requirements: Some camping areas require permits acquired in advance. Anthony S. notes about Busiek: "Camping is by permit only, and permits can not be obtained online or by phone, you have to go in person to the Missouri department of conservation office."
Flash flood awareness: Creek-adjacent sites may experience rapid water level changes during heavy rain. At Big M, campers should check weather forecasts, especially in spring and early summer when rainfall is more frequent. Jeremy C. advises: "There is not a lot to do though if you are not going out on the lake. We drove over and spent the afternoon at Roaring River State Park, which is very near by."
Cell service limitations: Mobile coverage varies dramatically between providers and locations. This impacts emergency communications and navigation capabilities for those unfamiliar with the area. Glen T. recommends Rippee Conservation Area as having "great fishing, nice and peaceful and not well known not many campsites, I believe only four but it does have firepits and grills."
Tips for camping with families
Family-friendly activities: B Berry Farms & Co. offers activities beyond basic camping. James G. shares, "The farm is beautiful and trails are a wonderful walk through some beautiful nature. Me and my sister stayed for my birthday and had a blast." The property includes additional amenities like "axe throwing to free coffee" according to Joshua P.
Accessible swimming areas: Creeks with gradual entry points provide safer water play for children. Joshua P. describes B Berry Farms as having "charm, tranquility and joy" where "upon entering, you can feel the magic created when human creativity meets divine inspiration."
Multiple camping styles: Sites range from primitive to those with basic amenities like picnic tables and fire rings. Hannah B. notes about B Berry Farms: "The camp sites are spread out so there's plenty of room. We stayed in the quaint little bunkhouse with an air conditioner and all the amenities that we needed."
Tips from RVers
Road conditions: Access to equestrian camping areas often requires navigating gravel roads. Some may be challenging after rain or with larger rigs. Angela M. cautions at B Berry Farms: "The drawback for us is that (1) it is FAR from the main highway so not convenient for one-night stays and (2) the one site suitable for large RVs is not very level."
Site leveling challenges: Many sites in the area require blocks or leveling systems. Jeremy C. found at Big M that "pads are generally good and pretty level. Sites are spaced out nicely."
Limited hookups: While full hookups are rare at equestrian campgrounds, some offer basic electric or water connections. At Big M, Hayley G. notes, "Our campsite had a lot of privacy on 3 sides and had a small creek running through a ways behind it, downhill. There really wasn't a good level spot for our tent due to where the firepit was placed."
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian
campsite near Chadwick, MO?
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Chadwick, MO?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Chadwick, MO is Busiek with a 4-star rating from 8 reviews.
What is the best site to find
equestrian camping near
Chadwick, MO?
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Chadwick, MO?
TheDyrt.com has all 9 equestrian camping locations near Chadwick, MO, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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