4 campgrounds with availability this weekend
St. Joe State Park Campground offers equestrian-friendly accommodations with separate facilities in Campground 2 designed specifically for horses. The campsites in this area are larger to accommodate equestrian needs, providing ample space for both camping equipment and horse trailers. Concrete pads and gravel picnic areas with fire pits characterize the sites. Campground 2 is located about 2-3 miles away from the main campground area, offering a more secluded experience away from ATV activity. The park maintains clean facilities with vault toilets available near the equestrian sites, though the shower house is located at the main campground.
Equestrian trails in St. Joe State Park are separated from the park's extensive ATV trail system, ensuring safe riding conditions. Hiking, mountain biking, and horse trails operate independently from motorized vehicle areas, allowing for peaceful trail experiences. A hiking trail located near Campground 2 provides additional recreation options for campers. The park encompasses extensive terrain with equestrian-accessible paths throughout the property. Water access is available near the vault toilets for horses. While Campground 2 does not feature direct water hookups at each site, communal water sources are conveniently positioned. Riders appreciate the spacious camping areas that easily accommodate multiple vehicles, horse trailers, and camping setups within each designated site.
"Not a huge campground but, Its a really simple beautiful place to enjoy Missouri's rolling hills. It is located 1 hour from St. Louis and 30 ish min from Elephant Rock State park."
"My site was close to the camp host and the shower house. Shower house was nice with 4 separate showers with locking doors. Water pressure was great and they were clean."
Available this weekend
from $14 - $23 / night
"So, as one of Missouri’s atv parks, this can be a load one. But, you can camp at campground 2, and you’re dealing with a MUCH more classic camping scenario."
"A great spot with a minute walk to a very well kept shower house and bathroom. We really liked this spot at CG#1."
Available this weekend
from $14 - $46 / 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
"We love the beautiful lake, the swimming area is big and has a nice patio for access. You can rent a cart to go running around the huge campground. Very friendly staff."
from $25 - $36 / night
"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
"It's remote and off the beaten path. A small campground with only 8 spots, some big enough for RVs. No hook ups or water. Pack it in and pack it out. Each site had enough space from each other."
"Pavillion, parking and horse tie out area adjacent trailhead. Excellent place to bring the kids if you want to unplug them from the media world. Trails and bugs and things that go bump in the night."
from $8 - $15 / 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
"Enjoyed my stay and hikes on the equestrian trails. At the time no horses were around, only other tent campers, one of which gave me their extra camp wood."
"This site was probably my favorite one in Missouri so far. Has a few sites that are great for groups. Then a few sites that are more private for solo/family camps."
"Our site was gravel to park on with grass around it. Close to train tracks and highway, but didn’t notice with AC on in the camper. Close to 6 flags."
"This campground is fairly close to downtown and very close to lots of shopping. A great place to stay to stock up on supplies before heading west."
"Miles and miles of trails for Mountain Biking, horse riding or just hiking, and you can ride your ATV on the roads but you need an orange triangle."
"Good access to the Berryman Trail. There is a creek running along the camping area with a road along the opposite side. Park for the day or camp overnight to get an early start."
RangerThis is a decent campground to stay for free. There is a pit toilet. There was only one picnic table and not many defined spots but I think you can pull up in the grass wherever you like. It's right at a trailhead. I started to walk the trail but couldn't find it when it crossed the road. The roads are good getting here. The campground road has a few pot holes, but nothing too bad. I would come back here and look for nearby hiking.
GuideI gave this campground a five star again. I am a solo female camper. I like to go to places that are safe with a good atmosphere and this had both and plenty of things to do a roundabout when coming through this area again I will definitely stay here.
GuideGreat site. Loved the bike path to the shut-ins. Hosts were awesome. Camp store had lots!!!
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.
LegendThis is a park not far from St Louis with camping and hiking. Campground is on the small side.
GuideI know a large majority of the park is meant for ORV’s but there was just constant noise even in the campground. Besides that it was great though!
ScoutDecided to visit with family(wife, teenage daughter, and 76 y.o. father) this Saturday afternoon, after completing a peaceful hike at Onandoga S.P., to consider camping later in the week. We politely, respectfully drove into the campground on the MAIN LOOP, around 5-10 mph, and checked the condition of the campsites. We noticed a few other campers present throughout the campground. Our windows were rolled down. Near the primitive campsites, a white vehicle rapidly, aggressively approached us from the left, rear of our car. Horn blaring. RECKLESSLY drove right up onto our rear bumper, then swerved to the left to try to force us over. The man rapidly approached us from his vehicle and accosted us with multiple, rapid fire questions what we were doing and why we were there. WHILE HE WAS AGGRESSIVELY INTERROGATING US, HE WAS CROUCHED FORWARD, POSTURING THAT HE WAS PREPARED TO DRAW ON US. I COULD CLEARLY SEE HIS LEFT HAND ON A FIREARM IN HIS LEFT POCKET- the handle of the firearm was clearly visible. The silhouette of the gun was clearly visible in his left pants pocket. Any reasonably intelligent person would have seen as we drove at a near walking pace on the main loop that we were not there to cause any problems. Any REMOTELY INTELLIGENT person would have instantly realized that we were just a family checking out potential campsites. Any reasonable person would have also considered this RECKLESS ACT OF AGGRESSION as a threat on their family. I was concerned for the safely of my family and myself. An embarrassing act of overreach. The"security guard" identified himself as"Dave." We will NEVER give this place our business again. I will NEVER risk taking my family here again. This place probably does not want your family here either...
TravelerHad a wonderful weekend camping trip in the basic loop. Grass well-trimmed, campground pretty clean and full of families. Definitely a lot of kid noise, but I much prefer that to adults drinking into the night. Staff always cheerful and eager to provide a good experience; they do ride around every so often to check in on things. Camp host on site. Some sites certainly better than others; the biggest ones are near the entrance to the basic loop.
Bathrooms older and not spotless, but they stay on top of stocking them. Very well lit at night. Check-in station has patches, t-shirts, and firewood for sale in big bundles for $5. They do cover them when it rains.
There is definitely a friendly community atmosphere, but you can keep to yourself if that's your preference.
There is a nice 3-mile hike that begins at the campground.
ScoutIt's a nice lil place to camp but the camp sites r not that big
St. Joe State Park, located about 4 miles northeast of Park Hills, Missouri, offers dedicated equestrian facilities in a former mining area at an elevation of approximately 1,100 feet. The park encompasses over 8,000 acres with distinct trail systems catering to different recreational users, including a 12-mile equestrian trail network. Temperatures in this region typically range from mid-20s°F in winter to upper 80s°F in summer, making spring and fall ideal for horse camping excursions.
Trail riding at Berryman Trail & Campgrounds: Access 24 miles of trails suitable for horses, hiking, and mountain biking. "The park is big enough you don't hear the small engine vehicles over here," notes Grant M. about the separation from ATV areas.
Floating on the Meramec River: St. Francois State Park Campground offers nearby river access. "Swimming is great at the river," mentions Allyson D., highlighting water recreation opportunities within a 20-minute drive of Park Hills.
Explore historic mining areas: St. Joe State Park Campground preserves remnants of former lead mining operations. "Read up on the lead mine tailing warnings," advises Grant M., referencing the park's industrial heritage now transformed into recreational space.
Day trips to nearby caves: Schedule a visit to Onondaga Cave within 45 minutes of many equestrian campgrounds. Jennifer G. notes that caves are "a nice experience especially when it is blazing hot outside," offering cool relief during summer months.
Large, well-designed equestrian sites: Berryman Trail & Campgrounds offers spacious camping areas. Hannah W. reports that "the sites are well spaced apart" with "a nice fire ring" and "a sturdy picnic table," providing comfortable bases for horse camping trips.
Multiple water sources for horses: At Hazel Creek Campground, water access is conveniently positioned. Sterling M. describes "Hazel creek is a picturesque crystal clear creek that is near the campground," ideal for watering horses.
Trail variety and terrain diversity: Huzzah Valley connects to the Ozark Trail system. Alicia B. mentions it's "connected to ozark trail" and is "dog friendly," allowing for varied riding experiences across different skill levels.
Separation from motorized recreation: Campground placement minimizes ATV noise at certain locations. According to Grant M., "you can camp at campground 2, and you're dealing with a MUCH more classic camping scenario" away from noise and activity.
Variable bathroom facilities: Johnson's Shut-Ins State Park provides modern facilities while more remote horse camps offer basic options. Erin J. notes "very nice campground with nice showers and clean bathrooms," but facilities vary significantly between parks.
Seasonal considerations: Fall camping provides moderate temperatures but requires advance planning. Sterling M. mentions "the grass is usually tamed" in established areas, but conditions vary by season.
Trail traffic varies by location: Some trail systems experience heavy weekend use. Chad K. describes Johnson's Shut-Ins as having "updated facilities" but cautions that at popular parks "the sites are level and well maintained" but can fill quickly.
Campground spacing: Some parks offer more privacy than others. Hannah W. shares that at Berryman, there's "plenty of distance between so we didn't cross paths or hear each other's conversations unless we wanted to."
Choose the appropriate campground section: Sam A. Baker State Park Campground offers family-friendly zones. Michele O. explains, "My children and I love this campground. Great people, a lot of fun! Swimming and floating in the river."
Plan for mixed riding abilities: Select trails that accommodate different experience levels. At St. Joe, "hiking, MTB, and horse trails are separate from the atv trails" according to Grant M., ensuring safer riding for families with children.
Pack for varied weather conditions: The region experiences significant temperature fluctuations. John K. recounts visiting Sam A. Baker "during the higher rain and very high river," highlighting the importance of weather preparedness.
Schedule ranger programs: Many state parks offer educational opportunities for children. Madelyn H. notes of Sam A. Baker, "The park itself offers a lot to explore—quite a few trails to choose from, and the river made for nice wading in the afternoon heat."
Site selection for horse trailers: Cherokee Landing offers pull-through sites that accommodate larger rigs. Art Z. explains, "We spent a one night get-away at Hazel Creek with our 30 foot travel trailer. The gravel road into the campground was no problem for a pickup with a trailer."
Verify hookup locations: Water access varies between equestrian campgrounds. J T. recommends St. Joe State Park, calling it a "good clean campground for the hole family to enjoy," though noting "there are some rules that didn't make much sense."
Consider ground conditions: Parking areas may be gravel rather than concrete at horse facilities. Olivia S. explains, "The site has a gravel parking area rather than the concrete one at CG#1," highlighting differences between campground sections at St. Joe State Park.
Plan for limited connectivity: Cell service is unreliable at most horse campgrounds. Chris J. reports "No cell service for both my AT&T and Verizon phones" at Hazel Creek, making offline navigation tools essential.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Park Hills, MO?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Park Hills, MO is St. Francois State Park Campground with a 4-star rating from 31 reviews.
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Park Hills, MO?
TheDyrt.com has all 25 equestrian camping locations near Park Hills, MO, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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