8 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Rudolf Bennitt Conservation Area features multiple equestrian campsites throughout its heavily forested grounds. The conservation area contains over 20 designated horse camping areas nestled among wooded terrain, with vault toilets available at the main camping area near the lake. Trails and camping areas in the woods are specifically designed for equestrian use, providing good riding paths for horses while also accommodating hikers and bikers. The conservation area offers free camping with gravel or grass sites available at the lake area. Heavily forested with a lake, the park provides both lakeside camping options and more secluded forest sites specifically designed for horse owners. The park layout includes both public and private property sections, making it essential for riders to obtain a park map at the entrance to navigate properly.
Dry Fork Recreation Area serves as an equestrian campground that welcomes non-horse campers when space permits. The campground features 8 sites with drinking water, picnic tables, and fire rings available for equestrian campers. Trails throughout the area accommodate horseback riding, though seasonal tick activity requires careful checking of both riders and horses after trail use. Frank Russell Campground, located approximately 20 miles from Holliday, offers additional equestrian options with an archery range and equestrian site available. The campground provides electric hookups and secluded spots for $20 per night. Finger Lakes State Park also accommodates horseback riding on shared trails, though these paths are also used by dirt bikes and other recreational vehicles. The park's trail system connects multiple lakes, allowing riders to experience varied terrain and water features during their outings.
"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."
from $10 - $125 / night
Check Availability"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."
from $15 - $29 / night
Check Availability"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"
from $24 - $30 / night
Check Availability"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."
"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."
"This is an equestrian campground that allows non-horse campers, but prefers you check Pine Ridge first."
"Others had left some trash around. we picked up what we could. please pack it out if You pack it in.."
"Several ponds and a larger lake but it was currently being repaired so it’s very low."
GuideHeavily 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. Nice fishing lake with docks, boat ramp and vault toilet and the only one provided. Parked lakeside. Quite night with one fishing boat late morning. Get a brochure with park map at entrance as roads pass through park and private property.
LegendThe Pine Ridge Campground a few miles down the road was full, so we ended up at 1 of the 8 sites here. This is an equestrian campground that allows non-horse campers, but prefers you check Pine Ridge first. We had a fine one-night stay while traveling through, but encountered A LOT of ticks on the overgrown trail. BEWARE of ticks and check yourselves and your pets if staying here. No cell service.
GuideGreat 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. only 20.00 per night. It’s has an archery range and equestrian site.
GuideStayed 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.
TravelerThe campground was average, as were the amenities- but the activities offered were enjoyable (kayak rentals, walking trails- these were shared with dirt bikes, horses, etc.) The lake water was fine for kayaking but we definitely did not want to swim in it. The Park Ranger was unfriendly, and we read reviews of similar experiences written in the campground office guestbook when renting the kayaks.
Not likely to return.
LegendA 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. The campground is laid out in a series of small loops, with some loops in open grassy areas and others tucked into the trees. I had my pick between a site in either situation and so I picked the trees to get some shade. Sites are fairly close together, so you will get to know your neighbors. There is one nice and modern bathhouse with showers on one side and bathrooms on the other. It was very clean and well maintained, and they are in the process of putting in an additional concrete walkway. Over in the grassy loop there was an additional basic bathroom.
There is lots to do in this park if you are into canoeing/kayaking or ORVing as there are several marked trails for both. If you are a hiker, welllllll, not as much available here. There is a nice mountain biking and hiking trail, but you can still hear all of the ORV's running the many trails specific to ORVing. There is also a Motocross track with nice stands if you like to watch. Canoes and kayaks are available for rent (stop by and see the rangers near the entrance) and there are a couple of marked trails to take you from lake to lake.
LegendThis was a good stopover site on our journey. The campground reps were kind and great to work with. The registration online was seamless. We submitted an inquiry online, they replied within a day with the invoice to confirm our site and sent us confirmation details via email. Checkin was simple. The lots felt a bit tight but no big deal since it was just a stopover. It appeared there may be permanent residents who stay so if you’re looking for that, it might be an option based on the setups and work trucks parked at a few. Everyone was friendly, quiet and seemed to keep to themselves. Nice pond onsite that you can fish. 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. Our truck and camper was covered with gravel dust. So if you had anything exposed, it’ll get a bit dusty. But again overall a nice stopover and the employees were great to work with.
GuideFinger Lakes is one of few places in Missouri for campers to also be able to enjoy riding their ATVs. Helmets for riders and flags for vehicles are required for riding, and there is a variety of terrain for hours of fun. Camping is generally quiet with ample space to relax in your lawn chairs, cook and dine outdoors, and fellowship with others. Most camping sites have at least some shade.
GuideI have two dogs. They are friendly, but get rather rambunctious when they see other dogs. I prefer sites that I can keep them tucked away.
On the electric sites - sites 1-10 are in an area with lots of trees and shade, while sites 11-17 are more open, but still have a few trees for shade.
We stayed in the premium electric spot #15. It felt roomy and was close to the bathrooms. If your like me, and prefer a tucked away spot, go for #17 (no immediate neighbors to your left).
The park itself is delightful. There are hiking, biking and water trails. Hiking trail was really nice with a surprise waterfall! Because the majority of campers were out in their ATV’s, we had the hiking trail all to ourselves. The kayak/canoe loop trail is nifty as there is no need to park a car in another location.
Bathrooms were well kept. Shower house was just ok.
Equestrian accommodations near Holliday, Missouri feature well-designed camping areas where riders and their horses can rest after exploring miles of trails. The region sits within the northern plains of Missouri at approximately 800 feet elevation, characterized by rolling hills, forests, and several lakes. Summer temperatures typically range from 70-90°F with high humidity, while spring and fall offer milder conditions for horse camping.
Trail riding access: Rudolf Bennitt Conservation Area provides over 20 horse camping sites spread throughout its heavily wooded terrain. "Trails and camping areas in woods are setup for equestrian with good trails for hikers, bikers and horses," notes Linda H., who appreciated the diverse trail network.
Fishing opportunities: Frank Russell Campground offers an accessible fishing lake with specialized facilities. "Great trails and fishing lake, with concrete sidewalk and benches around it to make fishing easily accessible," shares Beyond All, highlighting how the campground accommodates anglers of various mobility levels.
Water activities: Explore the unique waterways at Finger Lakes State Park, where former strip mining quarries have created distinctive paddling experiences. "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," writes Ashley F., who particularly enjoys early morning kayaking.
Privacy between sites: Cedar Creek Resort & RV Park provides secluded camping options with natural surroundings. "Quiet peaceful place for our overnight stop, would like to have extended stay to enjoy all the amenities. Friendly staff, very clean facilities, wonderful natural location," reports Mona/John L.
Wildlife viewing: Indian Creek Campground offers excellent wildlife spotting opportunities throughout its forested setting. "Super quiet after hours, total darkness, perfect for stargazing, abundant wildlife," explains Jason R., who captured audio recordings of the natural soundscape during his stay.
Well-maintained grounds: Whetstone Conservation Area keeps its facilities in excellent condition for campers. "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," notes Kayla W. about the conservation effort at the water features.
Tick prevention: When visiting horse campgrounds near Holliday, Missouri, pack plenty of insect repellent. "We camped during Covid so the swimming beach and playgrounds were closed but everything else was great! Nice big lots, everyone has full shade," writes Amie M. about Indian Creek Campground, though others note tick issues throughout the region.
Site reservation systems: Some equestrian camping areas operate on first-come, first-served basis while others require advance booking. Frank Russell Campground offers reservable sites with good amenities. "I think these campgrounds are definitely under rated. This one is well maintained and clean. The sites are all paved and most are well spaced," explains Doug W.
Maps required: Dry Fork Recreation Area and other horse-friendly campgrounds have complex layouts. "This is an equestrian campground that allows non-horse campers, but prefers you check Pine Ridge first," mentions Meghan B., highlighting the importance of understanding campground priorities and boundaries.
Swimming options: Look for campgrounds with designated swimming areas away from boat traffic. "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," shares Kayla S. about her experience at Indian Creek.
Activity planning: Schedule rides during cooler morning hours and plan water activities for afternoons. "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," notes Jason R. about Cedar Creek Resort.
Biking opportunities: Many equestrian campgrounds feature additional recreational options. "This campground has a lot of road to bike on if you like to ride your bike," mentions Kayla S., pointing out how Indian Creek accommodates multiple outdoor activities beyond horseback riding.
Leveling considerations: RV sites at equestrian campgrounds vary in quality. "My only concern is the photos of the sites are a bit deceiving. I thought my site, #6, was dead level. While it was level side to side, it had about 6" of slope front to back," warns Doug W. about Frank Russell Campground, advising campers to bring adequate leveling equipment.
Hookup availability: Most designated horse campgrounds offer limited services for RVs. At Finger Lakes State Park, Charlotte B. notes, "Everything from fishing, shooting, and bicycling, but not a huge fan of the area to camp— it is just a giant concrete pad," indicating campers should prepare for basic accommodations.
Distance to amenities: Equestrian camping areas are typically remote. "This campground is out in the boonies so you'll want to stock up before you pull in," advises Amie M., providing specific drive times: "25 min from Walgreens, 45 min from Walmart, 40 min from laundromat, 2 hours from Target and CVS."
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Holliday, MO?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Holliday, MO is Indian Creek Campground with a 4.3-star rating from 19 reviews.
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Holliday, MO?
TheDyrt.com has all 8 equestrian camping locations near Holliday, MO, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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