The Berryman Trail area offers primitive camping experiences across the Mark Twain National Forest. Located approximately 25 miles southwest of Cherryville, Missouri, this region features elevations between 700-1,200 feet with typical Ozark terrain of rolling hills and clear creeks. The camping areas maintain cooler temperatures than surrounding lowlands, averaging 10-15 degrees cooler during summer months.
What to do
Trail riding on horseback: The Brazil Creek Camping Area offers direct access to the Berryman Trail system with designated horse-friendly trails. "Primitive horse sites in your own little haven in the woods," writes Shelly S., who adds there's "tie out areas for your horses, plenty of tent and horse trailer parking space and a short walk to a crystal clear steam."
Mountain biking: The trail systems connecting multiple horse campgrounds near Cherryville, Missouri provide extensive riding options. At Hazel Creek Campground, one visitor noted they "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."
Creek exploration: Several campgrounds offer creek access for cooling off after riding. At Brazil Creek Recreation Area, the water provides welcome relief: "The camp is right by the creek which is ice cold and good for sticking sore feet in :). There are also a few fish in there."
What campers like
No-fee camping options: Unlike some developed areas, several horse-friendly campgrounds are free. At Berryman Trail & Campgrounds, Hannah W. notes it "has well kept vault toilets and no other services, but is fee-less to match. There is a pavilion near the access points to the Berryman and Ozark trails."
Natural water features: Streams and creeks enhance many camping areas. One visitor to Brazil Creek noted, "a short walk to a crystal clear steam just deep enough to dangle your tired legs in or sit your saddle sore body in the ice cold water."
Solitude and space: Even during busy periods, the equestrian campgrounds provide adequate room. Sterling M. at Hazel Creek Campground describes, "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."
What you should know
Limited amenities: Most equestrian camping areas have minimal facilities. At Brazil Creek, Staci R. warns, "No cell signal, and as the other reviewer has said, have your map to get there, because it's easy if you do. Your phone will not get you there."
Weather considerations: The area can experience rapid weather changes. Jake K. notes when visiting Berryman, "Prescribed burn closed all the trails at the trailhead so we took a drive up to Brazil Creek trailhead."
Water availability: Most primitive horse camps require bringing your own water. DiveSyke reports at Brazil Creek Recreation Area, "In recent years they put in a single vaulted bathroom but thats it! No showers or drinking water if you cant filter the stream water."
Tips for camping with families
Vault toilet conditions: Check bathroom status before arrival. At Huzzah Valley Resort, Allie A. notes, "Cleanest showers and bathrooms so far this summer!" which contrasts with primitive sites that may have limited facilities.
Choosing the right campground: With children, consider sites with more amenities. At Johnson's Shut-Ins State Park, Gwenn W. shares: "The shower house is clean and well lit. My only problem with this campground is that it is so expensive."
Wildlife experiences: The area offers natural encounters for kids. Miles W. mentions at Berryman Trail Campground: "We almost had the place to ourselves. The trail was really cool and we saw a wild turkey nest with eggs!"
Tips from RVers
Site selection for horse trailers: Choose sites with adequate turning radius. Art Z. at Hazel Creek Campground reports, "We spent a one night get-away at Hazel Creek with our 30 foot travel trailer. The gravel road into the campground was no problem for a pickup with a trailer."
Road conditions: Access roads to horse camps can be challenging. Sterling M. notes, "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."
Electricity needs: Most horse campgrounds near Cherryville are primitive with no hookups. Rick K. at Berryman Trail Campground observed, "they ran their loud generator all night," indicating the need for alternative power solutions if staying at primitive sites.
