Best Equestrian Camping near Fayette, MO

Rudolf Bennitt Conservation Area near Fayette provides primitive equestrian camping with multiple horse-friendly sites throughout the 3,000-acre conservation area. The park features over 20 established equestrian campsites distributed across forested terrain, offering shaded areas for horses and riders. These primitive sites accommodate tent camping with ample room for horse trailers at designated parking areas. Vault toilets are available near the lake camping area, but the equestrian sites do not offer water hookups, electric service, or shower facilities. Camping is free at all sites, with no reservations required. Heavily forested areas provide natural shelter for horses and camping areas in the woods are specifically set up for equestrian use.

The conservation area maintains an extensive network of multi-use trails suitable for horseback riding, hiking, and mountain biking. Trails wind through forested sections and connect to various camping areas, creating convenient access for riders directly from their campsites. While no dedicated horse corrals are provided, the spacious camping areas allow for portable corrals or highlines. The park layout includes both lakeside camping and more secluded forest sites, giving equestrians options based on their preferences. Riders particularly appreciate the well-maintained trails that offer good footing for horses. A fishing lake with boat ramp and docks is centrally located within the property, providing additional recreation options. Campers should note that while pets are permitted, the conservation area does not provide firewood, so visitors must bring their own supplies.

Best Equestrian Sites Near Fayette, Missouri (6)

    1. Finger Lakes State Park Campground

    23 Reviews
    Hallsville, MO
    20 miles
    Website
    +1 (573) 443-5315

    "A rainy weekend didn't deter campers from spending the holiday weekend here at Finger Lakes State Park. I was lucky enough to get a site for a single night when rain was in the forecast."

    "Finger Lakes is one of few places in Missouri for campers to also be able to enjoy riding their ATVs."

    2. Rudolf Bennitt Conservation Area

    2 Reviews
    Higbee, MO
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (573) 815-7900

    "Heavily forested with a lake. Trails and camping areas in woods are setup for equestrian with good trails for hikers, bikers and horses. Camping at lake is open gravel or grass."

    "Stay at lake for three days, established area with vault toilet and gravel parking. Has boat ramp and fishing docks."

    3. Cedar Creek Resort & RV Park

    8 Reviews
    Columbia, MO
    32 miles
    Website
    +1 (573) 239-8340

    "We didn’t explore the grounds much but apparently we could’ve walked and seen the horses by the resort. The only thing I didn’t love was the gravel road all the way in."

    "We had family from Idaho, Colorado, Wyoming, Iowa, Illinois, and Missouri, and everyone raved how this was their new favorite spot."

    4. Dry Fork Recreation Area

    4 Reviews
    New Bloomfield, MO
    39 miles
    Website
    +1 (573) 438-5427

    "This is an equestrian campground that allows non-horse campers, but prefers you check Pine Ridge first."

    "Others had left some trash around. we picked up what we could.

    please pack it out if You pack it in.."

    5. Lazy Liz Katy Trail Horse and RV Campground

    1 Review
    Sedalia, MO
    46 miles

    $10 - $25 / night

    "We stayed in our rv while riding the Katy trail easy check in process. Free use of washer and dryer. Shower was great. Felt super safe here. Nice and quiet. Would definitely recommend to anyone."

    6. Scrivner Road Conservation Area

    1 Review
    Russellville, MO
    49 miles
    Website
    +1 (573) 815-7900

    "This Missouri Conservation area is a Swiss Army knife of rugged of the path camping. Rivers, Lakes, Gun range, Horses and hiking can all be enjoyed here."

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Equestrian Camping Reviews near Fayette, MO

39 Reviews of 6 Fayette Campgrounds


  • Josh S.
    May. 30, 2019

    Scrivner Road Conservation Area

    A hidden gem tucked away in rural Cole County

    First off there is camping here!!!! This Missouri Conservation area is a Swiss Army knife of rugged of the path camping. Rivers, Lakes, Gun range, Horses and hiking can all be enjoyed here. First come first serve basic camp area on the river. It has 1 fire ring in a gravel turnaround. Don’t let this fool you. This area has an abundance of wildlife equestrian trails and hiking. Getting too hot paddle on the lake located on the left Forck after entering. The area has a handgun, and rifle range with vault toilets. The pictures speak for themselves. Love this spot and will be planning another trip soon.

  • Linda H.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 25, 2024

    Rudolf Bennitt Conservation Area

    Forest and Lake Dry camping

    Heavily forested with a lake. Trails and camping areas in woods are setup for equestrian with good trails for hikers, bikers and horses. Camping at lake is open gravel or grass. Nice fishing lake with docks, boat ramp and vault toilet and the only one provided. Parked lakeside. Quite night with one fishing boat late morning. Get a brochure with park map at entrance as roads pass through park and private property.

  • Meghan B.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 17, 2025

    Dry Fork Recreation Area

    Dry Fork Campground

    The Pine Ridge Campground a few miles down the road was full, so we ended up at 1 of the 8 sites here. This is an equestrian campground that allows non-horse campers, but prefers you check Pine Ridge first. We had a fine one-night stay while traveling through, but encountered A LOT of ticks on the overgrown trail. BEWARE of ticks and check yourselves and your pets if staying here. No cell service.

  • Ron R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Apr. 29, 2025

    Rudolf Bennitt Conservation Area

    Great for fishing and horseback riding

    Stayed for 1.5 weeks. Stay at lake for three days, established area with vault toilet and gravel parking. Has boat ramp and fishing docks. It has been a windy month so I relocated farther up hill to nestle in more with the trees. There are several equestrian campsites +20 throughout the park. Also a shooting range centrally located in the park.

  • S
    Jul. 20, 2020

    Finger Lakes State Park Campground

    Decent Activities, OK Camping

    The campground was average, as were the amenities- but the activities offered were enjoyable (kayak rentals, walking trails- these were shared with dirt bikes, horses, etc.) The lake water was fine for kayaking but we definitely did not want to swim in it. The Park Ranger was unfriendly, and we read reviews of similar experiences written in the campground office guestbook when renting the kayaks.

    Not likely to return.

  • Annie C.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 27, 2019

    Finger Lakes State Park Campground

    Nice little state park close to civilization

    A rainy weekend didn't deter campers from spending the holiday weekend here at Finger Lakes State Park. I was lucky enough to get a site for a single night when rain was in the forecast. The campground is laid out in a series of small loops, with some loops in open grassy areas and others tucked into the trees. I had my pick between a site in either situation and so I picked the trees to get some shade. Sites are fairly close together, so you will get to know your neighbors. There is one nice and modern bathhouse with showers on one side and bathrooms on the other. It was very clean and well maintained, and they are in the process of putting in an additional concrete walkway. Over in the grassy loop there was an additional basic bathroom. 

    There is lots to do in this park if you are into canoeing/kayaking or ORVing as there are several marked trails for both. If you are a hiker, welllllll, not as much available here. There is a nice mountain biking and hiking trail, but you can still hear all of the ORV's running the many trails specific to ORVing. There is also a Motocross track with nice stands if you like to watch. Canoes and kayaks are available for rent (stop by and see the rangers near the entrance) and there are a couple of marked trails to take you from lake to lake.

  • Amy E.
    Jun. 4, 2022

    Cedar Creek Resort & RV Park

    Good stopover site

    This was a good stopover site on our journey. The campground reps were kind and great to work with. The registration online was seamless. We submitted an inquiry online, they replied within a day with the invoice to confirm our site and sent us confirmation details via email. Checkin was simple. The lots felt a bit tight but no big deal since it was just a stopover. It appeared there may be permanent residents who stay so if you’re looking for that, it might be an option based on the setups and work trucks parked at a few. Everyone was friendly, quiet and seemed to keep to themselves. Nice pond onsite that you can fish. We didn’t explore the grounds much but apparently we could’ve walked and seen the horses by the resort. The only thing I didn’t love was the gravel road all the way in. Our truck and camper was covered with gravel dust. So if you had anything exposed, it’ll get a bit dusty. But again overall a nice stopover and the employees were great to work with.

  • Tori G.
    Jun. 24, 2016

    Finger Lakes State Park Campground

    Great riding, quiet camping

    Finger Lakes is one of few places in Missouri for campers to also be able to enjoy riding their ATVs. Helmets for riders and flags for vehicles are required for riding, and there is a variety of terrain for hours of fun. Camping is generally quiet with ample space to relax in your lawn chairs, cook and dine outdoors, and fellowship with others. Most camping sites have at least some shade.

  • Meaghan S.
    Jun. 16, 2020

    Finger Lakes State Park Campground

    All sorts of activities

    I have two dogs. They are friendly, but get rather rambunctious when they see other dogs. I prefer sites that I can keep them tucked away.

    On the electric sites - sites 1-10 are in an area with lots of trees and shade, while sites 11-17 are more open, but still have a few trees for shade.

    We stayed in the premium electric spot #15. It felt roomy and was close to the bathrooms. If your like me, and prefer a tucked away spot, go for #17 (no immediate neighbors to your left).

    The park itself is delightful. There are hiking, biking and water trails. Hiking trail was really nice with a surprise waterfall! Because the majority of campers were out in their ATV’s, we had the hiking trail all to ourselves. The kayak/canoe loop trail is nifty as there is no need to park a car in another location.

    Bathrooms were well kept. Shower house was just ok.


Guide to Fayette

Horse camping in Missouri offers a unique blend of scenic trails and well-equipped facilities for equestrian enthusiasts. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventurous getaway, there are several great options to explore.

Campers appreciate these amenities for horses

Equestrian campers like these nearby activities

Equestrian campgrounds include unique features

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Fayette, MO?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Fayette, MO is Finger Lakes State Park Campground with a 3.6-star rating from 23 reviews.

What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Fayette, MO?

TheDyrt.com has all 6 equestrian camping locations near Fayette, MO, with real photos and reviews from campers.