Greensfelder County Park offers equestrian camping facilities near Kirkwood, Missouri, approximately 15 miles west of downtown. The park contains about 1,600 acres of wooded terrain with trails connecting to the broader St. Louis County parks system. Most tent sites can accommodate vehicles with trailers up to 26 feet in length, while some sites can fit larger fifth wheels up to 38 feet.
What to do
Trail riding access: Direct trail connections from the equestrian camping area let riders explore miles of marked routes. "There are two trail heads on opposite sides of the camping lot, and the trails were well marked," notes Annie C. about Greensfelder County Park.
Swimming opportunities: When temperatures rise, head to nearby water spots. At Cherokee Landing, "the swimming area is big and has a nice patio for access," according to Kristine K. At St. Francois State Park, campsites are "right next to the river and swimming holes," shares Kristen R.
Fishing spots: Several area campgrounds offer fishing access. At McCully Heritage Project, visitors appreciate that their largest site "has good fishing and a place for us to launch our paddleboards and kayaks," as Eric notes.
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Many horse campers appreciate space between camping areas. At Cuivre River State Park, "the campsites are fairly large and provide lots of shade," according to Tracie S., while the park's equestrian section offers additional room for horse trailers.
Natural surroundings: The wooded setting creates a natural camping experience. "Campground is beautiful and very woodsy. We saw bunnies hopping around and when we first arrived to our site a deer was grazing nearby," shares Maria E. about Cuivre River State Park.
Wildlife viewing: The regional parks host diverse wildlife. Lucas M. mentions that Greensfelder County Park "has A LOT of deer which means that ticks are everywhere," recommending proper tick prevention when visiting horse campgrounds near Kirkwood.
What you should know
Seasonal considerations: Weather impacts trail conditions year-round. "We are looking forward to coming back in the spring to walk these nice wooded trails," mentions a reviewer at St. Francois State Park, highlighting how seasons affect trail experiences.
Electric options: Electric hookup availability varies by campground. At Horseshoe Lake State Park, Helge notes visitors can find "access to drinking water and waste water dump for just 8$," while Matthew H. points out that Greensfelder offers "2-20 amp plugs and 1-30amp plug" at most sites.
Noise factors: Some campgrounds experience more noise than others. At St. Louis West KOA, Brian W. warns to "be prepared for a lot of noise from the busy main road and passing trains in the near distance," which can potentially startle horses.
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly amenities: Several parks offer features specifically for children. The St. Louis West KOA has "a pool, bike rentals, dog park, movie night, basketball court, and more," according to Crystal H., making it suitable for families with varied interests.