Equestrian camping opportunities abound within 50 miles of Hillsboro, Missouri, with trails cutting through the Ozark foothills and Mark Twain National Forest. The area's limestone-rich terrain creates varied riding conditions from valley creek bottoms to ridge-top paths. Most horse campgrounds maintain year-round access, though spring flooding occasionally affects lower trails.
What to do
Trail riding at Bass River Resort: The campground provides direct access to Courtois Creek for cooling off after rides. "We stayed at a primitive tent site with both dogs. Site t13... is right on the gravel bar and about 100 ft from waters edge. Great for relaxing and having a 'beverage' while watching the floaters figure out life," notes Rick K. at Bass' River Resort.
Mountain biking at Brazil Creek: This free camping area serves as an ideal basecamp for cyclists tackling the Berryman Trail. "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," says James D., highlighting the multi-use nature of these trails. The site also features hitching posts for horses.
Explore nearby caves: The St. Louis West KOA provides a convenient base for visiting area attractions. "Close to Saint Louis, Six Flags, and hiking," reports Jan S. This campground's location lets riders trailer horses to various trail systems while non-riders can visit Onondaga Cave State Park, just a short drive from several area campgrounds.
What campers like
Cold creek access: The natural water features at Berryman Trail & Campgrounds provide welcome relief after riding. "The camp is right by the creek which is ice cold and good for sticking sore feet in. There is also a few fish in there," writes DiveSyke. The campground's proximity to water makes it popular with both equestrians and hikers.
Spacious sites: St. Francois State Park offers generous camping areas that accommodate horse trailers and multiple tents. "The biggest ones are near the entrance to the basic loop," notes Stephanie O., adding that the camp host stays on-site and staff regularly check on campers. The bathroom facilities, while "older and not spotless," remain well-stocked.
Equestrian facilities: Campers appreciate the dedicated horse amenities at Greensfelder County Park. "There's tie stalls under a roof and a round pen mounting blocks shower and bathrooms in camp. Electricity at each site and water nearby," explains Alicia B., who also notes the well-marked trails and responsive fellow trail users.
What you should know
Reservation requirements: Many equestrian sites fill quickly, especially at Greensfelder County Park. "Kinda busy maybe make reservations when it's a holiday," suggests Alicia B., emphasizing the popularity of this horse-friendly destination. Weekends typically see higher usage rates.
Cell service limitations: Connectivity varies significantly between horse camping areas. At Brazil Creek Camping Area, "The Ranger, who was very nice, had good service with AT&T, I had TMobile at my campsite with a booster," reports James D., while other campers noted no Verizon service at all.
Campsite differences: St. Joe State Park offers two distinct camping areas for riders. "CG#2 is located about 2-3 away from the main campground, this includes the shower house and main bathrooms. There is no shower house at CG#2," explains Olivia S., adding that CG#2 provides more seclusion for those who don't need immediate shower access.
Tips for camping with families
Horse-friendly swimming areas: St. Joe State Park Campground combines riding with water recreation. "Two clean and well kept swimming areas, great trails, good camp sites, and great bathrooms/showers!" writes Olivia S. Families can alternate between trail riding and cooling off in the designated swim beaches.
Playground access: Some horse campgrounds include play areas for children. "Playground for grandkids and plenty of shaded campsites," notes Delores B. about St. Francois State Park. The combination of riding opportunities and conventional camping amenities makes these locations suitable for mixed-interest family groups.
Noise considerations: When selecting a family-friendly horse campground, consider proximity to highways. At Cherokee Landing, "It is close to a busy 4 lane highway bridge on one side and a country road curve on the other," warns Natalie F., though she adds the campground is "nice, small, clean" overall.
Tips from RVers
Electric hookup options: St. Louis West / Historic Route 66 KOA provides full-service sites for horse trailers with living quarters. "Nice, clean campground, level pull-through sites - ours had a paver-patio and grill, a lot of shade throughout, dog park, and a creek to explore," reports Jan S. The campground's amenities make it suitable for longer stays.
Site dimensions: At Greensfelder County Park, RVers should note size limitations. "Most sites are great for trailers 26' or less and 1 slide (sites 24-26 can fit a fifth wheel probably no bigger than 36-38 ft)," explains Matthew H., who adds that site 29 can fit larger rigs up to "a 40' fifth wheel."
Electrical capacity: Horse camping with living quarter trailers requires adequate power. "2-20 amp plugs and 1-30amp plug," reports Matthew H. about Greensfelder, but cautions, "site 29 only have 2-20 amp plugs no 30 didn't realized till we parked." The lack of 50-amp service at many equestrian campgrounds means larger rigs may need to manage power consumption carefully.
