Horse camping is the perfect way to enjoy Cowgill. If you're an equestrian lover who prefers nature-based adventure, yet still wants comfort, this is the perfect opportunity for you. Equestrian camping is an adventurous and unique way to experience the city. Search horse campsites and discover top-rated spots, as reviewed by other campers.
$12 - $42 / night
This recreation area is part of Smithville Lake
This recreation area is part of Smithville Lake
The Conservation Department created this area in 1968 with the purchase of 1,024 acres from several landowners. Later acquisitions of 924 acres have increased the area's current size. This conservation area was acquired in part through the Pittman-Robertson Wildlife Restoration Act administered by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Pittman-Robertson funds are generated from a federal excise tax on sporting arms and ammunition. Because of its size and diversity of habitat, Bonanza Conservation Area is managed for a wide range of game and nongame wildlife species. The area's open fields are managed by farming, haying and controlled burning. Other habitat management includes tree, shrub and grass plantings and selective timber harvest. Native grasses have been planted and managed to improve nesting habitat and winter cover. A few streams run through the area; the largest of these are Shoal Creek and Crabapple Creek. Bonanza Conservation Area is a Quail Restoration Landscape. This means additional emphasis is placed upon managing the area for early successional species such as Bobwhite quail.
Area closed to bicycle use (and horseback riding) during all portions of the firearms deer hunting season and spring turkey hunting seasons.
On department areas where camping is allowed, camping is limited to a period of 14 consecutive days in any 30-day period. Personal property must be removed at the end of the 14-day period. Unless a special use permit is obtained, total camping days on all department areas are limited to a total of 30 days within one calendar year. Groups of more than 10 people must obtain a special use permit prior to camping. To obtain a special use permit, contact the area manager at the phone number listed for this area in the area details section. Quiet hours are in effect in camping areas from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. daily. Visitors who are not occupying a campsite are required to leave the campground by 10 p.m. On camping areas with established campsites, only two camping or sleeping units are permitted in each site.
This recreation area is part of Smithville Lake
Guide
We came here fully expecting rain and we got it. Only problem was we planned to tie up some tarps to sit under but we didn't know that it was against the rules to tie to the trees at these sites. luckily we made it work tieing to the roof of the table and a stump. As far as the camp ground its self, rules aside, it is amazing. All the tent sites are separated by trees and bushes so you get plenty of room to your self but they are close enough you can still connect with other groups if you want. Another great part about it is that there are walking paths through the woods from each site that meet up at a central restroom. The main bathrooms and showers are over by the office and are super nice but it is good that there are a couple stalls close for the middle of the night situations. Tons of walking trails are around and a decent playground for the kids as well. Overall loved this place.
Ranger
It is against their rules to camp anywhere but on a gravelly parking lot. We camped just off the road and got a citation. It's not really disbursed camping.
LegendSmall park with some very private sites and some very exposed sites. Nice showers and dump station.
Traveler
We tried Smith Fork and liked it. The only downside is that some of the campsites are close together/congested, but that’s not necessarily a big negative. We have Verizon and service was good. Camp hosts were great!
Traveler
Very nice campground and we’ve stayed here several times without any problems. The hosts are great too. We’ve stayed at sites in Loop C improved which have water and 50amp service. We have Verizon cell service and had no issues.
ScoutCampground is great! Camp hosts Janet and Chris went above and beyond making Halloween perfect for our family. Been here several times and they are more than accommodating. Always a clean, safe and organized campground. Can’t wait until next year to see all of the events!
Scout
We stayed Sunday-Wednesday and it was very peaceful. Sites are not right on top of each other and it looks like they all have a fire pit and picnic table. There are only a handful of paved spots and you will need leveling blocks on the gravel. Showers and bathrooms are clean and the hosts are very nice. New asphalt roads throughout the park; nice for walking, biking, etc. Be sure to get biscuits & gravy at “The General Store” just down the road from the park entrance.
ScoutWe got in late, so the automatic gates were closed, but we got lucky and someone else came out so we were able to get to our campsite. It was very quiet during the night and we woke up to a chorus of birds. The bathrooms are pristine- nicer than some restaurants or hotels I’ve been to. We stayed in campsite 2 and took the trail down to the lake. It was very small, but the water was clear and we saw no trash! We could see the fish in the water! Overall a very lovely stay- we will be back!!
Ranger
Nice little camp ground. Lots of open space for the dog to play. 2 nice ponds. Sites are nice & level good space. There is some traffic noise, being next to the interstate. We were able to mask it.
Guide
This is a very well Maintained and care for park with recreational activities, bathrooms and paved walking trails. Not rustic enough for me but very nice. We
RangerDeer hunting camp. Lots of city hunters with NO CONCEPT of safety during hunting.
TravelerStayed on the A loop and had a beautiful view of the lake! Nice to be close to bathrooms and have a gorgeous view. Friendly staff, great price, and campsites have a fire pit with a grill, and a picnic table. We’ll be back!
TravelerUsed to stay here as a kid during deer season, recently came back to it to explore some more. Multiple campsites available along the highway, but the marked site is one of the best, right by a great fishing lake. Very quite, no amenities.
GuideClean campground clean bathrooms . Power hookup no water or sewer at site but both are available in the campground. $21 a night for seniors
GuideVery clean showers.
RangerCampground 1 is the ideal tent grounds. Heavily wooded some with better coverage than others. Campground 2 is the most spaces RV site. Campground 3 had five total sites in an open area. No privacy at all. Campground 4 was a tighter RV set up. All campgrounds share one very updated showerhouse, which did lead to some lines at the showers Sunday, but the trade off for quality bathroom is appreciated. All campgrounds and day use areas are also connected by a series of trails, so you're not far off from getting to a hike at any point. Campground 1 has four walkins that range from 80 to 300 yards in, starting with 28 closest and 31 farthest out. We stayed at 31, and whole remote, during the day picked up sounds clearly from other sites and at night the highway was pretty clear. Overall though the seclusion tradeoff was nice and it was an easy adjustment for us as car campers. We had a raccoon visitor who is a frequent flyer, while he got away with some hotdogs, we adjusted and ensured he didn't get additional treats. The main showerhouse was closer than the vault toilet on 1, which was still really well maintained. Overall crowds here seemed very respectful of quiet hours, space on trails and made for an improved stay. Camp hosts were always available and polite and friendly. Trails were maintained. Definitely would return again, to a similar site as a walk in.
TravelerClean well maintained with large open areas. Hosts are helpful and friendly. It's noisy, but when you are close to a major highway that's how it is. The Bathrooms were large and clean. ATT phone worked without problems.
TravelerWe arrived about 15 minutes after the office closed. One of the staff members went back inside to check us in amd thennled us to our camp site before leaving to go home. We were there off season so we only had electric and the shower house was closed but there was fresh water at the dump station close by. It was a beautifully wooded park with a lake, very peaceful....and at a great price.
GuideEasy access to I35
GuideEasy access from I35. Very nice and convenient!!
Scout
It is full yet it says open on the site
GuideAnother great State Park campground! While some amenities are lacking, no full hookups, many with power only, no pull throughs, it’s the dispersed nature, and is the nature. Clean large sites many on the water or with water views. Great spot.
TravelerWe really enjoyed Wallace State Park. Very clean and well kept with friendly hosts. We stayed in campground 4. It is fairly ope with the exception of 78 - 80 which are nestled in the woods at the end. Campground 1 had lot of wooded spots as well.
ScoutThe birds, the deer, and yes even the raccoons. They all made it enjoyable. Hiking trails are very nice. Camp hosts were friendly and helpful.
RangerThis place offers peace and quiet outside of a small town with close by amenities. Clean and helpful staff
GuideNice escape from the city. The waterfall size depends on rainfall though
RangerThis is a close by great campground. Up the road is history of the mill. Has a nice lake for fishing or kayaking. Paddle boarding. Sites are clean. Hosts are great. Bathrooms and showers are clean. Most weekends feom spring to mid October are typically full.
Horse camping in Missouri offers a unique blend of outdoor adventure and equestrian-friendly amenities, making it a great choice for riders and their horses.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Cowgill, MO?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Cowgill, MO is Wallace State Park Campground with a 4.6-star rating from 32 reviews.
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Cowgill, MO?
TheDyrt.com has all 7 equestrian camping locations near Cowgill, MO, with real photos and reviews from campers.
