Looking for the best horse camping near Harry S. Truman Lake? Equestrian camping is an adventurous and unique way to experience the city. Find Missouri equestrian campgrounds with ease on The Dyrt.
$11 - $23 / night
Berry Bend Campground sits on the shores of Harry S. Truman Lake in the hills of western Missouri. Visitors enjoy fishing, hunting, and boating.Click here for the Harry S. Truman Lake virtual tour.
Berry Bend Area is an excellent fishing location. Truman Lake is also a popular destination for tournament fishermen.Several miles of trails are available for hikers and horses within Berry Bend. The Park Trail is a 2.5 mile trail that is a great hike for beginners and those wanting to explore the area. The West Trail is approximately 10 miles and traverses many steep ridges and valleys, while the East Trail is approximately 16 miles and is somewhat more level and overlooks the lake in several areas. Both the West and the East trails have cut through trails for riders that dont wish to go the entire route.
Harry S Truman Reservoir lies among the rolling hills and rocky bluffs of the Ozark Plateau. Mature hardwoods of Oak and Hickory with cedar trees mixed in cover the area. Wildlife such as whitetail deer, turkey, hawks, ospreys, eagles, and many different water birds can be found in and around the park. An abundance of fish such as crappie, bass, walleye, paddlefish, blue and channel catfish can also be found in Harry S Truman Reservoir. Approximately 8,800 acres of standing timber were left in the lake to provide quality aquatic habitat.
The 950 miles of shoreline around Truman Lake provide plentiful opportunities for fun in the outdoors. Many parks surround the lake, including Harry S. Truman State Park. The Harry S. Truman Visitor Center sits atop Kaysinger Bluff and provides a spectacular view of the dam and reservoir. Exhibits provide information about the rich history of the Osage River Valley from pre-civilization to modern day. Waterfowl, bald eagles and turkey vultures are commonly seen from the observation deck.
$40 / night
Camping limited to 14 days
Shawnee Bend Park sits on the shores of Harry S. Truman Lake in the hills of western Missouri. Visitors enjoy fishing, hunting, swimming and boating. Click here for the Harry S. Truman Lake virtual tour.
Shawnee Bend is an excellent fishing location. Truman Lake is also a popular destination for tournament fishermen.A playground and sandy beach make the area perfect for families.
This year-round day-use area offers a large group picnic shelter. Amenities include flush and pit toilets and drinking water.
Harry S Truman Reservoir lies among the rolling hills and rocky bluffs of the Ozark Plateau. Mature hardwoods of Oak and Hickory with cedar trees mixed in cover the area.__ Wildlife such as whitetail deer, turkey, hawks, ospreys, eagles, and many different water birds can be found in and around the park.__ An abundance of fish such as crappie, bass, walleye, paddlefish, blue and channel catfish can also be found in Harry S Truman Reservoir. Approximately 8,800 acres of standing timber were left in the lake to provide quality aquatic habitat.__
The 950 miles of shoreline around Truman Lake provide plentiful opportunities for fun in the outdoors. Many parks surround the lake, including Harry S. Truman State Park. The Harry S. Truman Visitor Center sits atop Kaysinger Bluff and provides a spectacular view of the dam and reservoir. Exhibits provide information about the rich history of the Osage River Valley from pre-civilization to modern day. Waterfowl, bald eagles and turkey vultures are commonly seen from the observation deck.
$30 / night
Orleans Trail Campground is a shady campground located on Stockton Lake in the scenic Ozark Mountains of southwestern Missouri. The lake and surrounding landscape offer countless recreational opportunities along its nearly 300 miles of shoreline, providing visitors with many ways to explore one of the most sought-after natural areas in the state.
Boating is always a popular pastime at the lake. Sail boating is especially popular and the lake hosts several races each year. The facility provides a boat ramp for easy access to the water. The waters of Stockton Lake are home to several species of fish including small and largemouth bass, crappie, white bass, walleye, catfish and sunfish, making it an ideal area for anglers. Several trails wind around the lake shore and through the landscape. The Stockton Lake Equestrian Trail continues approximately 15 miles between Hawker Point and Orleans Trail Campgrounds.
The land surrounding the lake contains hundreds of acres of native prairie grasses, rolling hills and thick forests that turn crimson in autumn. An abundance of wildlife lives both in and around the water, including wild turkey, great blue heron, deer and bald eagles. Visitors can learn about the lake's bald eagles by attending an annual eagle-watching event during the winter.
The Orleans Trail Marina is located nearby with camping and full marina services available.
$160 / night
$10 - $25 / night
There are five primitive camping areas. One is for groups by special use permit only and one is only open October 1 through January 15. The main campground has 51 sites with 26 of them able to accommodate trailers. Camping is all on a first come first served basis. Lead Mine Conservation Area is in northeastern Dallas County, 40 miles south of Lake of the Ozarks, 12 miles north of Bennett Springs, five miles east of Tunas, and 21 miles northeast of Buffalo. The area provides about two miles of Niangua River frontage and has a 3.5-mile stretch of Jakes Creek running through it. The area also has several wildlife watering ponds and seven springs and is composed mainly of forest land. The Conservation Department purchased the original 600 acres for the Lead Mine Conservation Area in 1965 through a University of Missouri land grant. Additional land was acquired with Pittman-Robertson and Dingell-Johnson funding, and the state conservation sales tax, increasing the area to 7,761 acres. During early settlement in the late 1800s and early 1900s, some lead mining did take place near the area. However, evidence of this is hard to find. Many people made their living and raised their families on small farms that now make up Lead Mine Conservation Area. The town of Lead Mine, just one-quarter mile west, is a small community known for its country atmosphere, hand-made goods and horse drawn buggies. Lead Mine Conservation Area contains many excellent examples of dolomite glade communities, oak-hickory uplands, and clear running springs. Deer, turkey, raccoon, squirrel, rabbit, coyote, and many other small animals and birds are commonly seen from the gravel roads and forest trails. Wildlife habitat management includes the creation of watering ponds and manipulation of fields within the forest to provide added food sources. Timber harvesting is also an important element in habitat management. It produces forage and cover for forest wildlife. There are five primitive camping areas. One is for groups by special use permit only and one is only open October 1 through January 15. The main campground has 51 sites with 26 of them able to accommodate trailers. Camping is all on a first come first served basis. This area has an unmanned shooting range. The Range is Closed on Monday's for Maintenance.
Scout
Nice place, but just didn't care for how much the cops drove threw nonstop, we are camping to get away from people and doesn't make me feel at peace wondering why so many cops always drive thru.
Scout
It was quiet. We enjoyed our stay. I read about the black cat that was found there in the other review. It was still there when we camped in late December and quite hungry. Very friendly and needing love. We brought him home with us and he is the most amazing cat. Took a while to get litter trained but I’m glad we opened up our home to him before the bad weather got here. Thanks to this site, we found our new family member! Thanks to whoever posted.
GuideThere is a super sweet local cat who befriended me here and made my visit so much better. I had some mechanical issues with my car and Kampground Kittah tried to help. 🤣
Bathrooms were fine. It’s free camping so it was great that there were bathrooms at all.
One of the locals stopped by my site to look for arrowheads. Apparently, she has found a lot in the area so that’s a good activity if the kids are bored.
If you’re looking for a good wine, you can find some at the local auto parts store. I am not kidding! I think it’s Rick’s Auto Parts and their liquor is priced very reasonably. 😄 If your car’s broken down and you can’t drive, I guess you might as well drink and Rick’s there to help you out with both. 🤣
GuideLarge grassy area with plenty of room to set up a tent or camper. Right off the road, so no dirt roads to traverse. Signs were confusing as to whether it is ok to camp, but they didn't explicitly say no camping. The lake is really just a mud bog, so not very appealing unless you came to duck hunt. No picnic tables or fire pits. The pit toilet was really gross, but there was toilet paper.
ScoutWe got to campsite pretty late, so when everyone was unpacked we went straight to bed. shortly after we all passed out from the long and beautiful 16 hour drive, we started hearing all the wildlife and I will never forget waking up in the most beautiful place. Was a picture perfect moment, Colorado springs will forever hold a spot in my, and my family's memories. have fun and safe travels!
TravelerBig lake, several sites to choose, good fishing, pit toilets. The sign says NO FISHING after Oct.14 because of duck season. Open for camping. Mowed, TP stocked, plenty of firewood and room for dogs to run.
GuideNice city park campground. Location was nice and quiet with beautiful views of lake. Bathrooms were terrible. Verizon service was good. No other amenities. Nice location for an over night stop but not much more.
ScoutSimple trails, good online same day reservation system, sites list grade so you can find an even surface for your vehicle.
RangerThere is no camping allowed after October 15 due to hunting season. This was not on the website and was not seeable in dust when arriving late on a small sign in the bushes. Thankfully we were not shot! While free, dispersed sites, there are easily established fire pit areas to choose from Vault toilets were absolutely disgusting, thankfully we brought our own toilet paper. Easily accessible car camping. Not too many other campers at the other site where we spotted some RVs. Overall the remote location, gorgeous scenery and with a couple boats makes for a great weekend.
RangerGreat trail network and very nice stock mo state park campground. There are 3 separate trail systems that do not connect, so take a minute with the map.
ScoutBeautiful Campsites on the opposite side of the boat drops and free.
TravelerThe bathrooms are nice, fully functioning toilet, sink, and shower. The sites have nice trees for shade and are nicely spaced for hammocking. We went during the end of the usual camping season and had no problem getting a spot and didn't have anyone beside us. It was nice to hear the aircrafts from the base and next time we will bring our kids so they can experience it too. We will be returning since it was such a nice place with everything we needed.
LegendClean restrooms & shower stalls. RVs are packed in with little privacy in between. Camp host was friendly & helpful.
GuideThere is some good hiking here. There is a dispersed spot and a formal campground. The formal campground is the better spot to stay at
Scout
Enjoyable stay at this COE campground with plenty of lake views and access. Sites are level, electric only with easy access to fresh water and dump station as you enter the facility. Camp ground host friendly. Right across from the marina.
Ranger
This was our go to campground for years. But the last few times have been subpar. Dirty campsites. Old flood debris in some site next to water. There trying to fix it up but at the time of this review I would recommend long shoal or truman state park.
TravelerVery nice, some noise from the near by Air Force Base, but you do get to see B2 Spirit bombers fly i up p close
TravelerClean sites, good bath houses and restrooms, easy hiking trails for kids.
Legend
This review should have gone under Berry Bend Campground. If fishing boating of all types is your thing this is it. This. Is a very large campground very well maintained. Showers flush toilets and pit.
TravelerThe camp grounds in our are were well maintained. Even on the trail where a tree fell on it was cleared off the trail.
TravelerReally pretty place. Campground wasn’t too crowded. Parking spots at each site. Bathhouse was very clean. Would come back.
Travelerthis little off the beaten path camp ground his paved roads, boat access for 2 areas 1 near the damn which closes a gate after 10pm, we use the other area near the conservation station(although ive never seen anyone there) park rangers are mostly non existent , they do drive through, they are quite nice an most the time never stop just smile an wave, there some fire spots but be kind an put up rocks that you can find along the shore, there is bathroom facilities and a dumpster behind the conservation building.
the area is surrounded by trees but the area is clean, nice soft grass, there are pecan an walnut trees so watch out for your heads when its fall lol . you can fish, boat and swim but i recommend water shoes. the water is very shallow most the time its only chest deep out in the middle. there is loads of wildlife to see an arent much scared of humans, racoons,beavers, crane, squirrels,dear,owls an much more. theres also blackberries in the fall.
all in all a very nice quiet little free camp area. we go all the time.
RangerWe camped the last weekend in September picking a late reservation where kayaks were available for our first tent test run were our main goals, which the site met. Kayaking was wildly available, due to the small lake and difficult launch, we can see why, but still very enjoyable. Site was very sizable for our tent, as most are suitable for campers. Lots of even ground, with decent distance. Facilities could do with some updates, but there were a number of bathrooms on site, spaced so no site seemed far, including the vault toilet and a lot of people masking up while going into bathrooms as well, which was appreciated. Current host was super nice and helpful to first timers. The tiny market has a number of random items, including a collapsible fork which was the only thing we hadn't overpacked, and wasn't overpriced. Fire pits on our site were adjustable, making grilling food easier to control.
TravelerWe enjoyed a weekend there and can't wait to go back. Hopefully for longer than a weekend. The lake was great, the sites were level and not too close together, shaded and beautiful. I saw my first armadillo too!
ScoutVery clean and nice campground. Steps from the lake. Staff was friendly.
GuideThis is a great family campground!!! It’s not nearly as busy as the state park which is awesome!!
RangerVery nice campground. Electric hook ups only, no water, no sewers (and we are good with that) Lots of shade. Most spots seem level. The handicapped spots are paved!!! Very quiet. The only drawback is the bathhouse. Needs a good scrub and a working exhaust fan.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Harry S. Truman Lake?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Harry S. Truman Lake is Knob Noster State Park Campground with a 4.2-star rating from 24 reviews.
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Harry S. Truman Lake?
TheDyrt.com has all 8 equestrian camping locations near Harry S. Truman Lake, with real photos and reviews from campers.
