Looking for a rustic and comfortable horse camping experience near Gainesville? Camping with horses is a beautiful way to experience nature. With our help, you'll find the best Missouri equestrian campsites from scenic to easily accessible.
Bidwell Point is tucked below towering oak and pines on the shores of Norfork Lake. Lay on the beach or take the boat out for water skiing on the easily accessible waters of Norfork Lake.
Lake Norfork is home to one of the best striped bass fisheries in Arkansas. Black bass fishing is at its best from September through May, and an increasingly popular sport is night fishing with lights for crappie and White bass.
The forest-topped Ozarks are actually a heavily eroded plateau, shaped and carved by hundreds of streams over several thousand years. Norfork Lake is sourced by the North Fork River in northern Arkansas, which winds through the rugged Ozarks before filling up 22,000 acres of Norfork Lake.
Hike the Robinson Point National Recreation Trail for wonderful views of the Ozarks. Just south of the lake, The Ozark National Forest spans 1.2 million acres.
Cancellations up to 2 days before a reservation start date incur a $10.00 cancellation fee.
$50 / night
Henderson Park is surrounded by the clear waters of Norfork Lake. Spectacular lake views and plenty of secluded coves for water sports and breezy, open stretches for sailing, make Norfork Lake a popular area for recreationists.
Hiking trails in the area lead nature observers and photographers to picturesque overlooks of the Ozarks. A wide array of fresh water game fish are found in the lake, which is fed by the North Fork River and its tributaries. Bass, walleye, crappie, bream and catfish all make their home here.
Norfork Lake covers 22,000 acres with 550 miles of shoreline. Densely wooded hills and hollows surround the lake in the Ozark Mountains. The North Fork River feeds into the lake, and beyond the dam, extends on to connect with the White River.
Including Henderson Park, there are 19 developed U.S. Army Corps of Engineers parks lining the lake for plenty of water sport opportunities. The Robinson Point National Recreation Trail and the David's Trail offer beautiful hiking opportunities and are just a short drive away. Drive just over 10 miles to visit the town of Mountain Home, considered one of the best places to live for sportsmen.
Cancellations up to 2 days before a reservation start date incur a $10.00 cancellation fee.
$24 / night
$48 - $233 / night
Bar-K Wrangler Camp is a primitive horse camp, with limited picnic tables and fire rings and one vault toilet. Parking to accommodate stock trailers and towing vehicles. Bar-K is located on the west bank of Swan Creek, serves as a Trailhead for the Swan Creek Trail and is open year round. Pack in/Pack out garbage. Click Here for a Recreational Opportunity Guide about this site. For information on the Swan Creek Trail.
Swan Creek is an 8,488 acre area that provides for year-round nonmotorized dispersed recreation use as it is a designated Semi-Primitive Nonmotorized (SPNM) Area. There are approximately 20 miles of moderately used riding, hiking, and mountain bike trails available. Swan Creek itself offers swimming, fishing, and a non-potable water supply. For more detail of the trail visit Map of the Trail System. Trail System Map (printable) and Trail System Map GEO Referenced for use with Map Apps
Campers will delight in the picturesque river views at Tyler Bend. Located 11 miles (18 km) northwest of Marshall, Arkansas, Tyler Bend is set on a quiet, peaceful section of the great Buffalo National River. Known as the middle river region, the campground offers tranquil views of the river beside pastures.
Small-mouth bass, catfish and sunfish are the most popular fish to catch on the Buffalo River, but visitors should be aware that an Arkansas fishing license is required to fish anywhere on the river. The middle river location also allows for extended seasons for kayaking and tubing. If there's enough rain, the sports can go through mid- to late summer. Get a dose of history by hiking to the Collier Homestead, a restored Ozark dwelling from the 1930's. The homestead remembers one of the homes built by settlers in response to the Homestead Act of 1862.
The Buffalo National River flows free over swift running rapids and quiet pools for its 135-mile (217 km) length. One of the few remaining rivers in the lower 48 states without dams, the Buffalo cuts its way through massive limestone bluffs traveling eastward through the Arkansas Ozarks and into the White River.
The Buffalo River Trail is accessible from the Collier trailhead parking area. This trail joins the Ozark Highlands Trail at Woolum, 14 miles (22.5 km) upstream from Tyler Bend.
$50 / night
Traveler
No amenities other than composting toilets. There are a few tent sites along the road and there is plenty of grassy area near the creek for RVs/trailers. This is a horse camp with plenty of evidence, but it was only us and a couple of other tent campers.
The creek was obviously spring fed, crystal clear and had a gravelly bottom. There were plenty of places to get in the water...understanding that this is horse camp.
The place was well maintained and mowed and it was super peaceful and quiet. The main annoyance was some trash in fire pits along the creek.
If you consider this as a waypoint, two things:
1. There is about a mile of dusty, gravel road that is a little rough.
2. We had great T-Mobile 10 miles south, but it dropped to zero by the time we drove into camp.
Ranger
Pretty basic campground, kind of just a bunch of spots in a field. About half are first come first serve, was there during the week and it was pretty empty. Not great for big rigs, a lot of the sites are too small.
The river is gorgeous, I was sad it was too cold to swim! Only one bathhouse in the car camping area so it’s gets pretty busy. Excellent cell service.
We had a nice time but weren’t particularly wowed, our only issues were lack of hookups, bad weather, and some people who decided to crowd us and run a loud generator despite the campground being mostly empty.
Scout
Site was a little hard to get into and a little tight with the pavillion there providing the only shade. T-mobile cell serve was very good.
LegendBeautiful park, very well maintained. Great for swimming in the cold Buffalo River. Lots of wildlife including elk. Great bathrooms but no hook-ups for our rv and most sites are first come, first serve.
ScoutI went here with a group of friends looking for a free campsite that had enough space.
This place is great! When we arrived a few people were sitting in the creek so we moved further up stream and found a nice site with easy creek access. We were likely the only group for at least 2 square miles.
GuideThe close proximity to US 65 Highway detracts from what is otherwise a beautiful campground. Truckers seem to favor Jake brakes when descending into the river Valley…especially at 4:00 am. Campsites have pullouts and tent pads. Bathroom and showers need some upgrading of walls and fixtures but worked well. Water but no hookups.
LegendOpen: year round
FREE
FCFS
Pack it in Pack it out
LNT
This a primitive horse camp that is not far off the highway. It is far enough that it is or can be quiet. It is also great for star gazing, hiking, mountain biking and trail rides. Swan Creek runs along side the camp so you will need to be aware of possible flash floods if you are camped right next to the creek. There are picnic table, fire ring and a pit toilet. NO WATER
BTYFI
Travel safe
GuideThe pictures of the river are from a different buffalo river access point Easy access to bathroom, drinking water and river from this spot.
Traveler
This was a weekender for us. The campground is well organized and very clean. Kids have lots of fun activities waiting for them.
One great feature of this place, is the fact that they separated the 'Family' and 'Activity' areas from the older folks area. Oldies like us can enjoy the kids play and noise, but can get away when it becomes too much. That's great.
Nice hot showers.
Guide
I have been hiking here twice but haven’t camped yet. The trails and the river make for some great scenery. Be wary of the water level, this can impact any hiking you might be looking to do, so be ready.
LegendBeautiful mature camp. Water abounds for all types of recreational activities. Campground has all the basic needs and is well maintained. Nice bathrooms and showers. Reservations only and if there has been a lot of rain some sites could be under water
Legend
This is a wonderful small campground. Will not handle large rigs. Better suited to smaller trailers or tents. Right on the water so it is great if you have a kayaks or similar. Arkansas is experiencing flooding at this time and we were fortunate that our site was not flooded. We are gets more rain this evening and tonight so many sites here are closed. This is a COE campground and very well maintained. Flush toilets and garbage service but no showers. Not a problem because there are other CIE campgrounds very close and just keep your yellow tag up and just wave to host and drive on in. Mountain Home is close do all the shopping is close.
LegendThis would be five stars except for lack of showers. Beautiful site right on beautiful lake. Short distance from town. Small park mature trees.
LegendGreat place to swim we go a couple times a year nice quiet and well kept love the picnic area right above the river try it you won't be disappointed
TravelerDecent place to shoot and walk the pupps
TravelerBut here we go....
This place is AMAZING! Gun range, Horse Riding Trails, Camping and a water source. The scenery is so breathtaking and you never want to leave!
GuideNice place to walk in the woods, camping by permit, short drive from Springfield, high traffic
ScoutWe stayed here for a week! We loved it! Nice and beautiful view over the water! Very clean! I’ll be staying here again next year!
LegendFamily style theme campgrounds are always fun. Not really so much about the hiking and outdoors as many other camps in the area but the amenities and attraction of the campgrounds are usually the selling point.
I have seen many Jellystone Parks in the past, and I will say this one is a bit less themed than others. However what it lacks in theming it does make up for in charm as the cast and staff are extra friendly and involved. They ensure that children have interactions with Yogi and that there are plenty of fun activities for the entire family to enjoy!!
They host daily activity times for foam parties, scavenger hunts, interactions and crafts which is really fun and makes for a great family style outing especially for the younger kiddos. Additionally they have a splash pad, swimming pool, hiking areas which are a bit less challenging, playground and ranger station.
Though they do have an all inclusive style approach to entertainment they also have show tickets available for purchase for venturing into Branson itself, a great touch for additional entertainment as there are many things the entire family will enjoy.
Tent camping along with RV camping and Cabins is available but something unique to the park is the RV rental service where you can rent an RV to stay in, something not to many parks in Branson offer.
When I visited the park, some of the amenities and special attractions were currently closed due to the conditions going on in the world, but they still made sure to make it an exciting experience for all staying there.
GuideAbsolutely beautiful hiking trails and amazing off grid camping for family. Just make sure to bring the bug spray and tikis bc there are tons of bugs.
GuideThis was a beautiful layout and a family friendly camp. They had a bunch of wonderful activities that were perfect for my 10 year old and I felt completely safe allowing my son to play around on his own.
Guide
A really quit and nice place
GuideKayaking, swimming, and fishing were great!
ScoutJust awesome
TravelerBusiek isn't to far of the beaten path. It has several trails and camping sites. There is plenty of wildlife available for viewing.
GuideHas great fishing , nice and peaceful and not well known not many campsites , I believe only four but it does have firepits and grills
Traveler
Has great dispresed camping, free, creek is accessible, has equestrian area to camp with horses, bout 45 minutes to a hour from Springfield. No service for ATT.
Missouri offers a variety of options for horse camping enthusiasts, providing scenic landscapes and amenities tailored for both riders and their horses.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Gainesville, MO?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Gainesville, MO is Bidwell Point Park with a 4.7-star rating from 3 reviews.
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Gainesville, MO?
TheDyrt.com has all 9 equestrian camping locations near Gainesville, MO, with real photos and reviews from campers.
