4 campgrounds with availability this weekend
Sam A. Baker State Park Campground offers equestrian camping opportunities near Ellsinore, Missouri. The campground includes an equestrian camp area separate from the standard campgrounds, with direct access to riding trails. Horse owners can access miles of bridle paths through the forested landscape while staying at designated sites designed to accommodate both riders and their mounts. The trails connecting to the equestrian camp provide scenic routes through the Ozark terrain. Campsites are large enough to accommodate horse trailers with parking space available for vehicles and equipment. The campground maintains clean facilities and well-marked trails that connect to the broader park trail system.
Located approximately 35 miles from Ellsinore, the park's equestrian area provides essential amenities for horse camping experiences. Riders appreciate the clear trail markings and varied terrain options for different experience levels. The park requires advance reservations for horse camping, particularly during peak seasons from spring through fall when equestrian sites fill quickly. Clean water sources are available for horses, and the campground enforces proper manure management policies to maintain environmental standards. The surrounding area offers additional riding opportunities with connecting trails that extend through portions of the Mark Twain National Forest. Trails include both wooded sections and creek crossings, providing varied riding experiences. The equestrian camp serves as an excellent base for exploring the diverse Ozark landscape on horseback.
"We enjoyed our 1.5 mile hike to get to the river access to float. We brought our own flotation devices and really enjoyed every aspect of the seclusion."
"There are 2 huge campgrounds (around 100 sites each!) and a nice paved bike path connecting them."
Available this weekend
from $14 - $46 / night
"Ggreat area to walk"
Campground full this weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $14 - $50 / night
"Johnson Shut-Ins State Park is located on the Black River in Missouri, just south of St. Louis. This makes it a popular location on hot summer days, especially weekends."
"It is located on the Black River, and the water flowing through the shut-ins is crystal clear and cool."
Available this weekend
from $14 - $75 / night
"This is really the gem of Missouri state parks. Rv sites are all full 30/50 amp with water and sewer. All spots have plenty of room but are back in. The pads are perfectly level and are concrete."
"Went here hoping to see the wild horses. We didn't see any but still loved this park. Nice hiking trails and clean cool creek to splash in. Will go back again and maybe see the wild horses next time."
Available this weekend
from $12 - $27 / night
"this campground is totally off the beaten path. a great place to relax and unwind. this is also a good place if your new to off grid camping and want to test your gear before you say bye to society. the"
"She just wasn't there when we arrived, and we had a hard time determining property boundaries, tent site locations, etc. on our own."
from $15 - $30 / night
"They offer trail rides on their horses. Dog friendly. Connected to ozark trail."
"The "Zoo" is for the younger and rowdier crowd, and is located north of HWY 8, away from the family-friendly sites, and has later quiet hours and is known for its party-like atmosphere. "
from $11 - $65 / night
"You can access it from the river and it is a short walk and well worth it"
"Well worth the walk or float, such a beautiful place it used to have a big sycamore tree we could swing off of or jump out of , the old rock damn / bridge is still there and a nice place to take pics"
"It’s an affordable place and family/pet friendly and the have horse stables there for your use if needed."
"Now I opt for a site as far away from the stage as possible and do not bring my children here lol. Nice facilities, no real complaints. I bet weekdays are a lot more serene."
from $12 / night
"River access and super close to stream/cave/waterfall area. Water from the cave is so fresh and clear! Truly a beautiful area!"
"going here and it is great , there is great trout fishing and several real good swing holes the campsites are right beside the river which is really nice , the only issue is the restroom is a little walk"
TravelerThe camp sites are full hook up with good size lots. Lots of room for dogs to run. They have hiking trails, lake for paddle boarding or kayaks( free to use on site), mini golf( have to supply own balls they have putters) 9 hole golf course,and Disc golf. The pool and shower house with game rooms are clean and showers open 24/7. Grounds keepers go a fantastic job
GuideGreat site. Loved the bike path to the shut-ins. Hosts were awesome. Camp store had lots!!!
TravelerAs with every Mo State park we've been to so far, it is perfect. Easy access to the river for fishing and swimming. RV sites have electrical and water hookups. Some have sewage as well. Showers available. Even a restaurant at the lodge as well as a store with the basics, and beer!
LegendThe campground is very new and modern. Not too many trees though. Great hiking, biking, and boating. There is a hotel, restaurant, and cabins for rent. Food is good at the restaurant. Watch for the wild horses! This is great for any size rig and beautiful walk in tent sites on platforms.
LegendThe trees changes are amazing in the fall. Lots of great camping spots to select from. Good for any kind of camping and has cabins, store, and restaurant. Great bike trails and plenty of water play in the river.
LegendWhat's more to love? It has paved spots, great amenities, cool spring water, cabins, a lodge and gorgeous scenery.
ScoutI Reserved a camp site for$150 3 days before the festival. I called to cancel and they said it wasn’t 8 days before then they canceled it without refund and they gave up our campsite and said we couldn’t come. They were really rude on the phone. Rednecks are poor businessmen we offered to switch to the next week now they have a chargeback F-
LegendGeneral: Very large state park with six separate loops/areas:
• Loop 1: 10 Equestrian sites with water and electric (50 amp)
• Loop 2: 20 FHU sites (50 amp)
• Loop 3: 21 Sites with electric only (50 amp)
• Loop 4: 14 sites with no hookups
• Loop 5: 14 walk-in sites plus three special use sites
• Six cabins
Site Quality: We stayed in Loop 3. Each site was very generous in size and reasonably distanced from each other. Most had foliage separating them. All sites looked to be level, and the camper pads were either all concrete or concrete/macadam and in very good shape. A large wooden picnic table, lantern/garbage hook, and fire pit complete each site.
Bath/Shower House: The one closest to our site (and I’m assuming others are the same) had three toilet/sink combos and one family restroom/shower. On the other side of the building were three shower rooms. While they were clean, the floors were concrete, and the walls cinderblock and there was a bit of a musty odor.
Activities/Amenities: We were there during the week in May and the visitor center and both stores (one in the campground and one by the Shut-Ins) were only open on the weekends. There was a laundry room with very reasonably priced machines ($1 each for the washer and dryer), a playground, and an amphitheater (which also was not in use when we were there). There is a gravel path that bisects each of the loops providing a nice way to walk/run throughout the campground. The signage in the park is good so even though no one was at the check-in station, it was easy to find our site and other facilities. The big draw for this park is the shut-ins (narrow constriction or gorge in a stream) where people can swim/slide from one to the other via small waterfalls into pools of water. We did see a few hearty souls in the water when we were there, and I can only imagine what it would be like on a hot summer weekend!
We had almost the entire Loop 3 to ourselves, so it was a very quiet stay for us (except for the cicadas)!.
LegendI’ve been coming to the Current River area for over 60 years, before the National Scenic Riverways, when Round Springs, Alley Springs, Big Springs, and Montauk were all state parks. They were great places for camping, swimming in the Current River, and canoeing. This new State Park at Echo Bluff is everything I would eliminate from a campground. Sites are packed close together, everything is concrete. No privacy, no shade , no natural beauty. A big modern lodge, cabins and townhouses. I made reservations for two weeks expecting a state park experience. Sorely disappointed! We left early. The staff mostly didn’t bother us. But we watched the cop that sat along the road partway down a steep hill almost every day and gave out tickets for exceeding the 20 mph limit. Showers/bathrooms were new, but not centrally located. Probably would not go back.
Sam A. Baker State Park offers several dedicated campsites in the southeastern Missouri Ozarks, approximately 35 miles from Ellsinore. The park's elevation ranges between 500-800 feet above sea level with characteristic oak-hickory forest covering the terrain. Waterways in the region maintain consistently cool temperatures even during hot summer months, making them popular for recreation.
Floating trips: Huzzah Valley provides organized float trips on clear waterways. "Great to float, but gets a little rowdy at night," notes Charlotte B. For quieter water experiences, consider weekday trips when crowds diminish.
Hiking trails: The network of paths throughout Johnson's Shut-Ins State Park connects various natural features. "There is a beautiful bike trail connecting the campground to the rest of the park," reports Charlotte B. The trails accommodate various skill levels with paved and natural surface options.
Natural springs exploration: Several campgrounds provide access to natural springs. At Turner's Mill, visitors can explore unique geological features. "Water from the cave is so fresh and clear! Truly a beautiful area!" writes Kaylee D. The spring creates a series of pools ideal for cooling off during summer months.
River access: Multiple campgrounds feature direct water access for recreation. At Bearcat Getaway, "Nice float on the Black River. Cool water and beach to sit and watch the floaters go by," according to Jennifer G. The shorelines provide gradual entry points for wading.
Well-maintained facilities: Campers consistently note the upkeep of grounds and amenities. "The park as usual was yet maintained in almost perfect conditions, staff was very nice," writes John K. about Sam A. Baker State Park. Even primitive sites typically include basic amenities like fire rings and picnic tables.
Variety of accommodations: Beyond standard campsites, options range from rustic to modern. "From tents to amazing large group houses, Huzzah can accommodate whatever your family or group are looking for," explains Jan B. Some locations offer cabins with kitchenettes and private bathrooms for those seeking more comfort.
Reservation requirements: Popular campgrounds fill quickly, especially during peak season. For Echo Bluff State Park, "You need to reserve your side months in advance because this campground is so popular," advises J K. Weekends from Memorial Day through Labor Day typically require advance planning.
Shade considerations: Newer campgrounds may lack mature trees. At Echo Bluff, "All of the campsites are out in the open with no shade," notes J K. Bringing portable shade structures helps during summer months when temperatures regularly exceed 90°F.
Weekend crowds: Expect more visitors and activity on weekends. "Although it was pretty, it did not feel exceptional in any way," mentions Chad K. about Sam A. Baker during a busy period. Weekdays typically offer a more peaceful experience with easier access to amenities.
Swimming spots: Natural water features provide cooling recreation. At Greer Crossing, there's a "great boat dock and swimming area and for the brave of heart at times you can jump off the bridge," according to Glen T. Most swimming areas maintain natural bottoms rather than developed beaches.
Playground availability: Some campgrounds offer dedicated play areas. "It's right on the river. They have a little store, running water, decent bathrooms with hot showers and a playground," reports Chrissy W. about Bearcat Getaway. Children should always be supervised near water features.
Educational opportunities: Many parks offer ranger-led programs. "They also had neat programs going on while we were there including a smores contest and adult scavenger hunt," mentions Charlotte B. about Johnson's Shut-Ins. Programs typically run more frequently during summer months and on weekends.
Campsite sizing: Check length limitations when booking. "RV park was awesome. Camp host at RV park was awesome and helped us a couple times," says Keaton K. about Echo Bluff State Park. Many sites accommodate larger rigs but may require advance reservation for specific sites.
Hookup availability: Utility options vary significantly between campgrounds. Sam A. Baker offers both electric and water hookups in designated areas, while primitive sites provide more natural settings without utilities. Some locations offer dump stations without providing full hookups.
Road conditions: Access routes may include gravel sections. "Only draw backs were some of the ruts in the road and spotty electric at the sites," notes Sean B. about Bearcat Getaway. RVers should check road conditions, especially after heavy rainfall when washouts can occur.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Ellsinore, MO?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Ellsinore, MO is Sam A. Baker State Park Campground with a 4.5-star rating from 49 reviews.
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Ellsinore, MO?
TheDyrt.com has all 24 equestrian camping locations near Ellsinore, MO, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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