Best Equestrian Camping near Columbia, MO
Rudolf Bennitt Conservation Area features primitive equestrian campsites scattered throughout its heavily forested property. The conservation area contains more than 20 equestrian-specific sites with room for trucks and trailers. Basic amenities include vault toilets near the lake camping area, but no electric hookups, showers, or drinking water. The sites accommodate tent camping with horses, and the park layout includes both lakeside gravel areas and more secluded forest spots for camping with horses. Both the lake camping area and forest equestrian sites feature level parking areas suitable for horse trailers. The park grounds include shooting ranges centrally located within the conservation area, requiring visitors to check park maps carefully as roads pass through both park and private property. Campers reference The Dyrt for top tips on camping near Columbia, Missouri.
Dry Fork Recreation Area offers an equestrian campground with eight established sites that welcome both horse and non-horse campers. Located within Mark Twain National Forest, the primitive campsites include picnic tables, fire rings, and vault toilets. The campground provides access to equestrian trails throughout the forest, though hikers should be aware of tick activity on overgrown sections of trail. The area maintains a preference that non-equestrian campers check Pine Ridge Campground first before occupying horse sites. While primitive in nature, the campground allows fires and accommodates both tent and RV camping. Travelers should note that cell service is not available within the recreation area. The campground's natural setting and trail access make it popular with horseback riders seeking forest terrain for day rides.
