Equestrian camping opportunities near Herculaneum, Missouri extend beyond the standard trail riding experience. Located in the eastern Ozark foothills, this region features numerous horse-friendly campgrounds within an hour's drive. Most equestrian sites in this area sit at elevations between 500-1,000 feet, with summer temperatures averaging 85-90°F and spring conditions typically featuring muddy trails after rainfall.
What to do
Trail riding year-round: At Greensfelder County Park, riders can access multiple trail systems regardless of season. "Trails are well marked with maps available" and the park maintains "a round pen for turn out, and large campsites designed for horse trailers," according to Alicia B.
Swimming with horses: Brazil Creek at Berryman Trail offers natural water access where horses can cool down. The area features "a crystal-clear stream runs behind the campground, just deep enough for horses to cool off after trail rides" without the crowds found at larger parks.
Mountain biking alternatives: When trails are too muddy for horses, St. Louis West / Historic Route 66 KOA offers "bike rentals, basketball courts" and is located "close to Saint Louis, Six Flags, and hiking," as noted by Jan S. This provides activities when trails are closed due to conditions.
What campers like
Secluded camping options: Berryman Trail & Campgrounds provides free, primitive camping with "8 sites, some big enough for RVs" where "the sites are well spaced apart" according to Tommy S. These sites connect directly to horse trails without requiring trailer movement.
Multi-day ride access: The trail systems interconnect multiple camping areas. "The Berryman Trail is a 24 mile trail we backpacked overnight to the Brazil Creek campground and back," notes Patti M., though horse riders typically complete this route in 6-8 hours with appropriate rest stops.
Clean facilities: Despite heavy horse use, St. Francois State Park Campground maintains clean amenities. "Bathroom and showers are clean, as is entire park," reports Delores B., which is particularly important for longer stays with horses.
What you should know
Limited capacity requires planning: Most equestrian sites fill quickly, especially during peak weekends. Hannah W. advises that "sites are well spaced apart" at Berryman but "check before selecting a site as ours was missing a grate" for cooking.
Campsite selection matters: Choose sites based on your specific needs. "Sites 20-29 have electric" at Greensfelder, while "site 29 only have 2-20 amp plugs no 30 didn't realize till we parked," warns Matthew H., which can affect your horse trailer hookup options.
Seasonal trail conditions: St. Joe State Park Campground offers varied terrain but "has two distinct camping areas. Olivia S. explains, "If you want more seclusion and don't really care about being right next to the showers, I would suggest CG#2" which has "a trail located right by our spot, it's a good hike!"
Tips for camping with families
Non-equestrian activities: For families with both riders and non-riders, St. Francois provides options. "Hiking is beautiful especially if you go the first few weeks in april and the wild flowers of the bluebells are in bloom," shares Delores B., adding there's a "playground for grandkids and plenty of shaded campsites."
Budget-friendly alternatives: When specialized horse camps exceed your budget, consider Horseshoe Lake State Park Campground. "Peaceful tent camping on Walkers Island at $8 per day," notes ML W., though you'll need to trailer horses in for day use only.
Water safety planning: With horses and children, water access requires coordination. Grant M. advises that at St. Joe State Park, "There are a number of more interesting parks in the area" and "two clean and well kept swimming areas" for after-ride cooling off.
Tips from RVers
Equestrian site dimensions: Horse trailer RVs have specific needs. At Greensfelder, "sites 24-26 can fit a fifth wheel probably no bigger than 36-38 ft" while "site 29 where we stayed can fit a 40' fifth wheel," according to Matthew H., who notes there's "a lot of room to back in."
Hookup planning: For trailers with living quarters, Bass' River Resort offers flexible options. "We pulled our popup down and chose a site without hookups... This site is right on the gravel bar and about 100 ft from waters edge," explains Rick K., adding bathhouses are "about a 100 yard walk" from equestrian sites.
Horse-specific amenities: Compare water availability for horses between parks. Some equestrian sites have "frost free water at both ends of the campground" while others require hauling water to horse areas, particularly during winter months when some systems are winterized.
