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St. Joe State Park Campground provides equestrian-friendly camping options through Campground #2, which is specifically set up for visitors with horses. The campground features larger campsites designed to accommodate equestrian needs, including space for horse trailers. Sites include concrete pads, gravel picnic areas with fire pits, and clean facilities. The equestrian sites are separated from the main campground and ATV areas, creating a more classic camping environment away from engine noise. Campground #2 is located about 2-3 miles from the main campground area, with access to vault toilets but no shower facilities at this location. Water is available near the vault toilets for horse needs. Sites are spacious enough for multiple tents, vehicles, and horse equipment.
Equestrian trails at St. Joe State Park are separate from the extensive ATV trail system that covers over 2,000 acres. The park maintains dedicated bridle paths that connect directly to campground sites, allowing riders immediate trail access. A hiking trail located adjacent to Campground #2 provides additional recreation options when not riding. The park's large size means equestrians can enjoy peaceful riding experiences despite the park's popularity with off-road vehicle users. The campground accommodates both overnight horse campers and day-use trail riders. Sites with horses must be reserved in advance, as the park enforces specific rules for equestrian camping. The equestrian camping area provides a woodland setting with sufficient space between sites for horse comfort and safety.
"Not a huge campground but, Its a really simple beautiful place to enjoy Missouri's rolling hills. It is located 1 hour from St. Louis and 30 ish min from Elephant Rock State park."
"My site was close to the camp host and the shower house. Shower house was nice with 4 separate showers with locking doors. Water pressure was great and they were clean."
from $15 - $27 / night
Check Availability"So, as one of Missouri’s atv parks, this can be a load one. But, you can camp at campground 2, and you’re dealing with a MUCH more classic camping scenario."
"A great spot with a minute walk to a very well kept shower house and bathroom. We really liked this spot at CG#1."
from $15 - $52 / night
Check Availability"Johnson Shut-Ins State Park is located on the Black River in Missouri, just south of St. Louis. This makes it a popular location on hot summer days, especially weekends."
"It is located on the Black River, and the water flowing through the shut-ins is crystal clear and cool."
from $15 - $80 / night
Check Availability"It's remote and off the beaten path. A small campground with only 8 spots, some big enough for RVs. No hook ups or water. Pack it in and pack it out. Each site had enough space from each other."
"Pavillion, parking and horse tie out area adjacent trailhead. Excellent place to bring the kids if you want to unplug them from the media world. Trails and bugs and things that go bump in the night."
from $8 - $15 / night
Check Availability"We love the beautiful lake, the swimming area is big and has a nice patio for access. You can rent a cart to go running around the huge campground. Very friendly staff."
from $25 - $36 / night
Check Availability"Enjoyed my stay and hikes on the equestrian trails. At the time no horses were around, only other tent campers, one of which gave me their extra camp wood."
"This site was probably my favorite one in Missouri so far. Has a few sites that are great for groups. Then a few sites that are more private for solo/family camps."
"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."
"Good access to the Berryman Trail. There is a creek running along the camping area with a road along the opposite side. Park for the day or camp overnight to get an early start."
"This camp site is along the berryman trail so you can stay here if youre backpacking said trail."
"Primitive horse sites in your own little haven in the woods. Have an actual map handy and make any calls before you get here because your phone will do you no good."
"We enjoyed our 1.5 mile hike to get to the river access to float. We brought our own flotation devices and really enjoyed every aspect of the seclusion."
"There are 2 huge campgrounds (around 100 sites each!) and a nice paved bike path connecting them."
from $15 - $52 / night
Check Availability"This go around we pulled our popup down and chose a site with out hookups. (545) only negative things to say about the site was that it was very densely populated with trees."
from $11 - $16 / night
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RangerThis is a decent campground to stay for free. There is a pit toilet. There was only one picnic table and not many defined spots but I think you can pull up in the grass wherever you like. It's right at a trailhead. I started to walk the trail but couldn't find it when it crossed the road. The roads are good getting here. The campground road has a few pot holes, but nothing too bad. I would come back here and look for nearby hiking.
GuideI gave this campground a five star again. I am a solo female camper. I like to go to places that are safe with a good atmosphere and this had both and plenty of things to do a roundabout when coming through this area again I will definitely stay here.
GuideGreat site. Loved the bike path to the shut-ins. Hosts were awesome. Camp store had lots!!!
LegendThe trees changes are amazing in the fall. Lots of great camping spots to select from. Good for any kind of camping and has cabins, store, and restaurant. Great bike trails and plenty of water play in the river.
LegendThis is a park not far from St Louis with camping and hiking. Campground is on the small side.
GuideI know a large majority of the park is meant for ORV’s but there was just constant noise even in the campground. Besides that it was great though!
ScoutDecided to visit with family(wife, teenage daughter, and 76 y.o. father) this Saturday afternoon, after completing a peaceful hike at Onandoga S.P., to consider camping later in the week. We politely, respectfully drove into the campground on the MAIN LOOP, around 5-10 mph, and checked the condition of the campsites. We noticed a few other campers present throughout the campground. Our windows were rolled down. Near the primitive campsites, a white vehicle rapidly, aggressively approached us from the left, rear of our car. Horn blaring. RECKLESSLY drove right up onto our rear bumper, then swerved to the left to try to force us over. The man rapidly approached us from his vehicle and accosted us with multiple, rapid fire questions what we were doing and why we were there. WHILE HE WAS AGGRESSIVELY INTERROGATING US, HE WAS CROUCHED FORWARD, POSTURING THAT HE WAS PREPARED TO DRAW ON US. I COULD CLEARLY SEE HIS LEFT HAND ON A FIREARM IN HIS LEFT POCKET- the handle of the firearm was clearly visible. The silhouette of the gun was clearly visible in his left pants pocket. Any reasonably intelligent person would have seen as we drove at a near walking pace on the main loop that we were not there to cause any problems. Any REMOTELY INTELLIGENT person would have instantly realized that we were just a family checking out potential campsites. Any reasonable person would have also considered this RECKLESS ACT OF AGGRESSION as a threat on their family. I was concerned for the safely of my family and myself. An embarrassing act of overreach. The"security guard" identified himself as"Dave." We will NEVER give this place our business again. I will NEVER risk taking my family here again. This place probably does not want your family here either...
TravelerHad a wonderful weekend camping trip in the basic loop. Grass well-trimmed, campground pretty clean and full of families. Definitely a lot of kid noise, but I much prefer that to adults drinking into the night. Staff always cheerful and eager to provide a good experience; they do ride around every so often to check in on things. Camp host on site. Some sites certainly better than others; the biggest ones are near the entrance to the basic loop.
Bathrooms older and not spotless, but they stay on top of stocking them. Very well lit at night. Check-in station has patches, t-shirts, and firewood for sale in big bundles for $5. They do cover them when it rains.
There is definitely a friendly community atmosphere, but you can keep to yourself if that's your preference.
There is a nice 3-mile hike that begins at the campground.
ScoutIt's a nice lil place to camp but the camp sites r not that big
Equestrian enthusiasts seeking horse campgrounds near Irondale, Missouri have access to several options within Mark Twain National Forest and nearby state parks. St. Joe State Park, located 16 miles from Irondale, offers specialized equestrian camping beyond the standard amenities. The terrain features a mix of forested hills and open areas with elevations ranging from 700 to 1,200 feet, creating diverse riding experiences across seasons.
Trail riding connections: At St. Joe State Park Campground, riders can access a network of dedicated bridle paths separated from motorized activities. "If you like atv/utv/dirt bike stuff, man, campground one is for you, and it looks like a blast, read up on the lead mine tailing warnings," writes Grant M., while noting "Hiking, MTB, and horse trails are separate from the atv trails."
Off-road activities: The park maintains over 2,000 acres for off-road vehicle use with specific regulations. "Good place to ride your off road vehicles. Lots of trails and plenty of different types of trails to try out," notes J T. "We found that there are some rules that didn't make much sense. But overall they probably have their reasons."
Swimming access: After a day of riding, both humans and horses can cool off. The park features "Two clean and well kept swimming areas," according to Olivia S., plus equestrians can access water sources for their animals at designated points throughout the park.
Site spacing and quiet: Johnson's Shut-Ins State Park provides another nearby option with good site separation. "Beautiful site, each walk-in was spread apart from each other," explains Elizabeth W. Another camper notes the "walkin sites are on platforms and are spaced for privacy."
Water features: The multiple water options at Sam A. Baker State Park Campground attract equestrian and standard campers. "Beautiful view. You can sit in the cool clear water and relax. Great place for kids," writes Kevin B. The park also offers "Great river access, nice little store, good price!!" according to Matt M.
Forest immersion: For a more primitive camping experience with horses, Berryman Trail & Campgrounds provides a no-fee option in a wooded setting. Patti M. describes it as "Remote. Beautiful. Free!" and notes there are "plenty of good walking trails along the river."
Facility limitations: At more remote horse camping areas like Campground #2 at St. Joe, be prepared for basic facilities. "There is no shower house at CG#2," warns Olivia S. "Very similar in design to the sites at CG#1, it also offers amenities for those with horses."
Seasonal considerations: The Mark Twain National Forest camping areas can experience significant temperature variations. Summer temperatures frequently exceed 90°F with high humidity, while winter brings occasional freezing conditions, sometimes affecting water availability at horse camps.
Reservation requirements: Most horse camping sites at Brazil Creek Camping Area don't require reservations but fill quickly during peak seasons. "Great access to the Berryman Trail. There is a creek running along the camping area with a road along the opposite side," reports Mike L., who recommends you "Make sure you stop in Sullivan or Bourbon, MO for supplies. This site is pretty remote from any services."
Beginner-friendly horseback experiences: Look for weekday visits to avoid crowds at St. Joe State Park. "CG#2 is located about 2-3 away from the main campground," notes Olivia S., adding that "If you want more seclusion and don't really care about being right next to the showers, I would suggest CG#2."
Multi-activity options: When kids need a break from riding, St. Francois State Park Campground offers additional recreation. "There are some nice hiking options within the park," reports Gonzo A., while another camper mentions "Swimming is great at the river."
Safety considerations: Establish clear boundaries with children around horse areas. At all equestrian campgrounds, keep children supervised around water features and trails. "The hiking trails are a few of my favorites in MO. The park is big and has several picnic and swimming areas," shares Kristen R.
Hookup considerations: Horse campers with RVs should note the differences between campgrounds. The equestrian sections at St. Joe State Park offer electric hookups but limited sewer connections. "We had a spot with electric and no water, water is located close by the vault toilets," explains Olivia S. about Campground #2.
Parking logistics: Bass' River Resort offers alternatives with more amenities for larger rigs. "This place has something for everyone, whether you're a tent, rv or cabin camper," according to ML W., though horse facilities are more limited here than at dedicated equestrian campgrounds.
Site selection strategy: When traveling with horses and an RV, request specific information about pad sizes and turning radius. "Nice little beach for you to walk on or even get your feet wet," notes Jennifer H., highlighting the recreational opportunities beyond horse trails.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Irondale, MO?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Irondale, MO is St. Francois State Park Campground with a 4-star rating from 31 reviews.
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Irondale, MO?
TheDyrt.com has all 25 equestrian camping locations near Irondale, MO, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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