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.
Equestrian Camping near Chestnutridge, MO
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Bar K Wrangler Camp provides primitive horse camping facilities near Chestnutridge, Missouri. This free, year-round campground features picnic tables, fire rings, and pit toilets, with Swan Creek running alongside the camping area. The camp offers ample grassy areas for RVs and trailers, with several tent sites positioned along the road. Horse owners should note there are no water hookups available, requiring campers to bring their own water supply for themselves and their animals. The campground is well-maintained with regularly mowed grounds, creating a peaceful environment for equestrians. Flash floods are possible when camping near the creek, so selecting higher ground for horse trailers is advisable. The camp shows evidence of regular equestrian use while maintaining adequate space for all visitors.
Located approximately one mile down a dusty, somewhat rough gravel road, Bar K Wrangler Camp connects to multiple riding trails in the surrounding area. The crystal-clear, spring-fed creek with its gravelly bottom provides natural water access for horses after trail rides. Swan Creek Conservation Area nearby offers additional dispersed equestrian camping options with accessible creek areas specifically designated for camping with horses. Cell service is limited, with T-Mobile users reporting no signal at the campground despite good coverage 10 miles south. The primitive nature of these horse camps appeals to riders seeking a more natural experience, though campers should be prepared for basic conditions. Pack-in, pack-out principles apply at these facilities, with some visitors noting occasional trash left in fire pits along the creek as the main drawback to an otherwise excellent horse camping destination.
Best Equestrian Campgrounds near Chestnutridge (10)
1. Busiek
"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. Great Escapes RV Resorts Branson
"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."
from $48 - $251 / night
Check Availability3. Bar K Wrangler Camp
"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"
4. Swan Creek
"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."
5. Roaring River State Park Campground
"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."
from $16 - $53 / night
Check Availability6. Bar M Resort & Campground
"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"
from $50 - $60 / night
Check Availability7. B Berry Farms & Co.
"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."
from $7 - $48 / night
Check Availability8. Big M
"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."
from $16 - $28 / night
Check Availability9. Rippee Conservation Area
10. Mcllroy State Game Management Area
Drive Time
- 28 min from Springfield, MO
- 1 hr 26 min from Joplin, MO
- 1 hr 50 min from Fayetteville, AR
- 2 hrs 35 min from Fort Smith, AR
Equestrian Camping Reviews near Chestnutridge, MO
100 Reviews of 10 Chestnutridge 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 Chestnutridge
Equestrian camping options near Chestnutridge, Missouri provide direct access to trails through the forested Ozark landscape. The region sits at elevations ranging from 1,200-1,400 feet, with multiple conservation areas offering primitive camping facilities. Summer temperatures average 85-90°F during peak camping season, with cooler overnight temperatures providing relief for horses and riders alike.
What to do
Creek exploration: At Bar K Wrangler Camp, the crystal-clear water provides natural recreation. "The creek was obviously spring fed, crystal clear and had a gravelly bottom. There were plenty of places to get in the water," notes camper Patricia S., who appreciated the accessibility despite it being a horse camp.
Trail riding: Multiple trails connect from horse campgrounds near Chestnutridge, Missouri, allowing riders to explore the forested terrain. "It is a horse camp with plenty of evidence, but it was only us and a couple of other tent campers," reports Patricia S. about Bar K Wrangler Camp, highlighting the dual-use nature of these equestrian areas.
Fishing opportunities: Conservation areas offer fishing access points. "Has great fishing, nice and peaceful and not well known not many campsites, I believe only four but it does have firepits and grills," shares Glen T. about Rippee Conservation Area, located within driving distance of Chestnutridge.
What campers like
Peace and quiet: The primitive nature of these sites appeals to those seeking tranquility. "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," explains camper N I. about Bar K Wrangler Camp.
Spacious camping areas: These equestrian-focused sites provide ample room. "This a horse camp, but there is plenty of space to just pitch a tent if needed. Free site with a beautiful backdrop," notes Miranda M. The generous spacing accommodates trailers and portable corrals commonly used by horse campers.
Natural water features: Access to creeks appeals to both horses and humans. "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," shares Brandon D. about his experience at Bar K Wrangler Camp.
What you should know
Flash flood awareness: Positioning camping equipment on higher ground is essential when using horse campgrounds near Chestnutridge. "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," warns N I., highlighting a critical safety consideration.
Road conditions: Access roads to equestrian camping areas may require appropriate vehicles. "There is about a mile of dusty, gravel road that is a little rough," notes Patricia S. about the approach to Bar K Wrangler Camp, an important consideration when towing horse trailers.
Limited cell service: Communication options are restricted in these rural areas. "We had great T-Mobile 10 miles south, but it dropped to zero by the time we drove into camp," reports Patricia S., a practical detail for emergency planning when camping with horses.
Tips for camping with families
Combined activities: Swan Creek offers family-friendly amenities alongside equestrian facilities. "Has great dispresed camping, free, creek is accessible, has equestrian area to camp with horses, bout 45 minutes to a hour from Springfield," notes David L., highlighting the versatility of this location.
Budget-friendly options: Free camping sites make horse camping accessible for families. "A very great family friendly campground. A really quit and nice place," says Glen T. about Rippee Conservation Area, where the lack of fees allows more budget for horse care supplies.
Pack-in water: Families should bring sufficient water for both humans and animals. "There are picnic table, fire ring and a pit toilet. NO WATER," emphasizes N I. about Bar K Wrangler Camp, reminding visitors of this essential preparation step.
Tips from RVers
Site selection for trailers: When bringing horse trailers and RVs, choose sites strategically. "There are a few tent sites along the road and there is plenty of grassy area near the creek for RVs/trailers," notes Patricia S., providing practical insight for positioning larger vehicles at Big M.
Leveling considerations: Horse campers with RVs should prepare for uneven terrain. "Sites are paved and pretty level. Great play area for kids. Well kept bathrooms and showers," reports Cathy S. about Big M, where the maintained infrastructure makes horse camping more comfortable for RVers.
Limited hookups: Most equestrian sites offer minimal services. "This is a horse camp with plenty of evidence of regular equestrian use while maintaining adequate space for all visitors," confirms a visitor to Bar K Wrangler Camp, noting the primitive but functional facilities that accommodate both horses and RVs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian
campsite near Chestnutridge, MO?
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Chestnutridge, MO?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Chestnutridge, MO is Busiek with a 4-star rating from 8 reviews.
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equestrian camping near
Chestnutridge, MO?
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Chestnutridge, MO?
TheDyrt.com has all 10 equestrian camping locations near Chestnutridge, MO, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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