Best Equestrian Camping near Independence, MO
Smithville Lake offers multiple horse-friendly campgrounds with varying access to equestrian trails. Crow's Creek Campground at Smithville Lake provides campsites with spacious areas for horse trailers and equipment. The campground features a designated horse camping area with sites positioned away from standard camping loops to minimize disturbance. Some tent sites offer excellent views of the lake, with miles of paved walking and biking trails circling the water. Staff typically suggest requesting sites furthest from the horse camping section for non-equestrian campers seeking quieter experiences. The shower houses are well-maintained, though sites lack individual water hookups, instead offering filling stations throughout the camping areas.
Located approximately 30 minutes from Independence, the Smithville Lake area contains over 25 miles of bridle trails connecting to multiple camping areas. Riders can access trails directly from several campground loops without trailering to separate locations. Loop C improved sites include 50-amp electrical service suitable for RVs with horse trailers. Most trails remain open year-round, though seasonal conditions affect access during periods of heavy rainfall. Some trails connect to water access points where horses can safely drink or cool off. The camp hosts receive positive mentions for their helpfulness and knowledge of local trail conditions. Basic and electrical hookup options accommodate different camping preferences, with dump stations large enough to service four campers simultaneously.
