Whetstone Conservation Area
Remote
Long dusty gravel road, on a hot day grateful to find a semi shaded spot to camp. No other campers nearby so it was quite stay, saw a few deer on the drive in well work the 4 miles of gravel roads
3 campgrounds with availability this weekend
Rudolf Bennitt Conservation Area offers primitive equestrian camping with multiple sites throughout the heavily forested grounds. The conservation area features over 20 equestrian campsites designed specifically for horse owners, with trails and camping areas set up for riders throughout the wooded sections. The campsites accommodate both tent camping and small RVs, though without hookups or amenities. The free camping area includes vault toilets near the lake area, but no drinking water, electricity, or shower facilities. Fishing docks and a boat ramp are accessible from the camping areas.
Horseback riding trails wind through the conservation area, connecting the equestrian campsites to various sections of the park. Riders frequently note the quality of the trail system, which accommodates hikers and bikers as well as horses. Trails and camping areas are clearly marked with maps available at the entrance, helping riders navigate between public and private property sections. The conservation area's secluded setting provides quiet nights for campers, even during peak seasons. Frank Russell Campground, located nearby, also offers horse-friendly camping with an archery range and equestrian site, though with more amenities including electric hookups, water, and cleaner facilities for a fee of $20 per night.
"Though I grew up outside of St. Louis, I'd never been to this campground or to Mark Twain Lake. Really enjoyed exploring the area and the campground was nice. "
"When I stepped out it felt like I was walking through a thousand spider webs everywhere. The bathrooms aren’t that clean either. That being said though, bugs are to be expected of a campground."
Available this weekend
from $10 - $125 / night
"Great place to stay, doesn’t seem to have a lot of hiking trails. They do have nice secluded little spots mostly all electric. Bathhouse is pretty a long walk, but big and really clean."
"Used their dump station and filled the water tank as we exited the park. Would recommend & would stay there again"
Available this weekend
from $24 - $30 / night
"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."
Available this weekend
from $14 - $25 / night
"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."
"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."
"No other campers nearby so it was quite stay, saw a few deer on the drive in well work the 4 miles of gravel roads"
"Several ponds and a larger lake but it was currently being repaired so it’s very low."
Long dusty gravel road, on a hot day grateful to find a semi shaded spot to camp. No other campers nearby so it was quite stay, saw a few deer on the drive in well work the 4 miles of gravel roads
ORV park on the weekend for sure. Kayak and canoe rental for $10 I believe. Swimming beach and boat launch. Electric motors only but I've seen full size bass boats. Showers are a bit dirty but the bathroom is clean. Fills up quickly so a last minute site, especially electric could be an issue. Close to Columbia so groceries and entertainment is very available.
Small campground. Close to Colombia so nice to go to town. Lots of dirt bike activity and kayaking, fishing and hiking. Need reservations. Ok for all size rigs.
It amazes me that there are only a few campsites full in the middle of summer.
Out new favorite place! this campground has everything for a perfect long weekend! The cabins are spectacular and right on the water! We just tooK 40+ family members and everyone fell in love with this campground. We had family from Idaho, Colorado, Wyoming, Iowa, Illinois, and Missouri, and everyone raved how this was their new favorite spot. The fishing was great, amenities were fantastic, and the hosts were amazing. Free rentals on pontoon boats, kayaks, and paddle boats. We will be back again, especially since they just built more cabins!
We stayed here 2 nights in our converted bus. Reserved online and pulled in. This place was QUIET in late July. Nice trails to access the lake by foot or with the dogs. Clean bathhouses and campsites are some of the most well kept I've seen.
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.
Super well maintained conservation area, 5 camp sites with fire pits and picnic tables. Several ponds and a larger lake but it was currently being repaired so it’s very low.
The campground has large campsites and is quiet. The bathrooms are clean and a short walk from most campsites.
There is a dock close to the campground for canoeing and kayaking.
Campers near Stoutsville, Missouri can access several conservation areas and state parks within a 30-mile radius. Located in northeastern Missouri, this rural area sits approximately 150 miles northwest of St. Louis and offers camping options near Mark Twain Lake. The region experiences humid continental climate with four distinct seasons, making late spring through early fall the prime camping months when temperatures typically range from 65-85°F.
Horseback riding trails: Rudolf Bennitt Conservation Area offers multiple equestrian campsites throughout the park. "There are several equestrian campsites +20 throughout the park. Also a shooting range centrally located in the park," notes Ron R. who stayed there for over a week.
Kayaking and canoeing: The finger-like waterways at Finger Lakes State Park Campground provide unique paddling opportunities. "This park is one of my favorite nearby spots to take the kayak out and just float. Paddling through these channels is such a dreamy experience. Kayaks and canoes are available to rent as well," shares Ashley F.
Fishing access: Whetstone Conservation Area provides maintained sites with access to multiple fishing spots. "Super well maintained conservation area, 5 camp sites with fire pits and picnic tables. Several ponds and a larger lake but it was currently being repaired so it's very low," according to Kayla W.
Beach access: Indian Creek Campground at Mark Twain Lake features a private beach area. "This campground has it's own beach that you can only get to by boat or if your camping in the campground. Felt more private that way," explains Kayla S.
Spacious sites: Frank Russell Campground offers newly renovated concrete pads with full hookups. "Nice new concrete sites with fire pit, full hookup. Great trails and fishing lake, with concrete sidewalk and benches around it to make fishing easily accessible," writes Beyond All.
Multiple activity options: Cedar Creek Resort has diverse amenities beyond typical camping. "The fishing was great, amenities were fantastic, and the hosts were amazing. Free rentals on pontoon boats, kayaks, and paddle boats," reports Jason R. who brought over 40 family members to the resort.
Ticks prevalent: Be prepared for ticks when camping near Mark Twain Lake. "We explored a lot of the woods and came out with a lot of ticks, both lonestar and deer. The ticks don't take away from the place but you do need to be aware," advises Scott M. from Indian Creek Campground.
Limited shower facilities: Several conservation areas like Rudolf Bennitt offer only vault toilets. "Heavily forested with a lake. Trails and camping areas in woods are setup for equestrian with good trails for hikers, bikers and horses... vault toilet and the only one provided," notes Linda H.
Stock up before arrival: Indian Creek Campground is remote from supplies. "Once you get the to the campground, you are at least 30 minutes from any store, gas station, etc, to stock up," warns Mike D. who spent time camping at Mark Twain Lake.
Bike-friendly roads: Indian Creek Campground features paved roads for kids to ride. "Great for families as there are a couple fun playgrounds and always kids and adults alike enjoying bikerides and walks through the campground and along the trails," shares Hannah W. who has 25+ years of memories at the location.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Stoutsville, MO?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Stoutsville, MO is Indian Creek Campground with a 4.3-star rating from 19 reviews.
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Stoutsville, MO?
TheDyrt.com has all 7 equestrian camping locations near Stoutsville, MO, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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