Brandon M.
Traveler
TravelerBusiek
Words really can't describe.
But here we go....
This place is AMAZING! Gun range, Horse Riding Trails, Camping and a water source. The scenery is so breathtaking and you never want to leave!
Best Equestrian Camping near La Russell, MO
Near La Russell, Missouri, horse-friendly camping options are limited but available within reasonable driving distance. Stockton Lake's Hawker Point Campground offers camping with access to bridle trails in the surrounding area. The lake campground features spacious, shaded sites with privacy between campsites and access to vault toilets. Some campsites are positioned close to the shoreline, allowing easy water access for horses and riders after trail rides. The campground receives positive reviews for its wooded campsites that feel isolated and peaceful, though it lacks dedicated horse corrals or equestrian-specific facilities.
Orleans Trail Campground at Stockton Lake provides another option for camping with horses in the region. The campground has electric hookups, drinking water, and picnic tables at most sites. While Orleans Trail doesn't offer purpose-built horse facilities, its proximity to riding trails makes it suitable for equestrians traveling with their own containment systems. The D loop offers more private, wooded sites that can accommodate tents and modest-sized horse trailers. Riders access nearby trail systems connecting to Missouri Department of Conservation lands. The campground generally requires reservations well in advance during peak seasons, as it fills quickly with both equestrians and general campers.
Best Equestrian Sites Near La Russell, Missouri (5)
1. Roaring River State Park Campground
48 ReviewsEagle Rock, MO40 milesWebsite+1 (417) 847-2539$16 - $53 / night
"Located in South Missouri it is an easy day trip into Branson Missouri or Eureka Springs Arkansas. Very well located and very well run by the state."
"Campground 1 was tucked up in an inlet that went back into the valley. It dead ends at a wonderful trailhead. The west side on CG#1 is lined by a beautiful creek that runs into the rotating river."
2. COE Stockton Lake Hawker Point
6 ReviewsStockton, MO36 milesWebsite+1 (417) 276-7266$14 - $20 / night
"This particular site was just up the hill from the lake and completely private."
"While Stockton Lake itself brings a lot to the table, with beautiful blue water, cliffs to jump from, and close proximity to town if you are craving some ice cream (I suggest Squeeze Inn), the State Park"
3. Orleans Trail
3 ReviewsStockton, MO39 milesWebsite+1 (417) 276-6948$14 - $160 / night
"Cheap full hook ups at a nice lakeside campground, they also have a hotel and cabins that are nice getaways. The food at the restaurant is pretty good as well."
"We had a view of the lake across the road. The bathroom was a several minute walk. Site D37 across from us had water access and looked really nice."
4. Busiek
8 ReviewsChestnutridge, MO50 milesWebsite+1 (417) 895-8660"Gun range, Horse Riding Trails, Camping and a water source. The scenery is so breathtaking and you never want to leave!"
"Busiek isn't to far of the beaten path. It has several trails and camping sites. There is plenty of wildlife available for viewing."
5. Big M
5 ReviewsGolden, MO46 milesWebsite+1 (417) 271-3190$16 - $28 / night
"Nestled snug on the Missouri Arkansas border is a gem of a campground. Large grassy sites some most with electricity and water, and some with sewer. Sites are paved and pretty level."
"Our campsite had a lot of privacy on 3 sides and had a small creek running through a ways behind it, downhill."
Equestrian Camping Reviews near La Russell, MO
70 Reviews of 5 La Russell Campgrounds
- Cathy S.
RangerBig M
Camping heaven
Big M Marina and campground is absolutely awesome! Nestled snug on the Missouri Arkansas border is a gem of a campground. Large grassy sites some most with electricity and water, and some with sewer. Sites are paved and pretty level. Great play area for kids. Well kept bathrooms and showers. Marina has a great restaurant that you will not be leaving hungry. Nice marina store. Boat rentals as well as slips. The swim area was very clean and accessible even though it was flooded. Only inconvenience were the roads in. Be prewar warned. It is a nail biter. All in all definitely a 9 out of 10!
- C
Carissa H.TravelerRoaring River State Park Campground
Fantastic family spot!
This campground offers a lot of options. Including trout fishing, hiking, and swimming. Located in South Missouri it is an easy day trip into Branson Missouri or Eureka Springs Arkansas. Very well located and very well run by the state. They offer a pretty well equipped camp store along with the lodge and restaurant. This state park is gorgeous and one of my favorite places to go. They also have a nature center and trout hatchery. Park is open year round, trout tags must be purchased at the camp Store. All campgrounds have nice bathrooms and showers. Just a heads up though if you are looking for a quiet relaxing weekend make sure you avoid kids free fishing weekend! It’s a ZOO that weekend!
Anthony S.
ScoutBusiek
Camping by permit only
I've never been to this site but I live in Springfield just a few miles away and camping is by permit only, and permits can not be obtained online or by phone, you have to go in person to the Missouri department of conservation office, don't know if you can go to any office or specifically the one in Springfield, but there is one in Springfield; 2630 N Mayfair ave
- Lea B.
GuideCOE Stockton Lake Hawker Point
Private and Nearly Perfect
Just got home from a weekend stay at site C19 at Hawker Point COE Park. This particular site was just up the hill from the lake and completely private. The walk to the lake was about 50 yards and a little steep but we managed to carry two kayaks down and up without too much trouble (and we are a middle-aged couple), and it was totally worth the effort because it was as if we had our own private cove.
The site is very spacious and shaded with plenty of trees for our hammocks and clothesline. Lots of level places for tents. The park attendants were very friendly and helpful.
C19 has no electricity or water and the closest vault toilet is a good walk down the road. The shower houses were driving distance away. We have a shower tent, so that wasn’t an issue for us.
We drove through the rest of this park to check out A and B campground loops. A loop consists of full hookup sites and many sit right on the water. Little shade and crowded, but if you like to play on the lake all day these might be for you. B loop had pretty wooded sites but many were not close to the water. C loop is where it’s at!
- NNameScout
Roaring River State Park Campground
Great Weekend. March 18-21st 2021
We tent camped in Campground 3 at lot 168. We are more of the hiker, woodsy, adventure type people. If I would have known better I would have chosen Campground 1 for tent camping, as it seemed less groomed. Campground 1 was tucked up in an inlet that went back into the valley. It dead ends at a wonderful trailhead. The west side on CG#1 is lined by a beautiful creek that runs into the rotating river. Lots 54-77 are close to the bathrooms and well shaded, and I have them noted in my phone for our next trip. Reservations required and easy to make (1-877-422-6766)
Campground 3 was very open and didn’t feel very “woodsy”. However it was still a very nice spot with a short walk to some awesome fishing spots. It is also near the two longer trail heads, which we enjoyed. If you have ATT you won’t have any cell service here. BUT.. there’s WiFi. Yes. In 2021, you can get WiFi at your campsite. I don’t really like this, but it was helpful for my partner who is a businessman and needs to be able to send emails. (This was only from CG#3 in my experience)
Campground 2 seemed like a nice in between of 1 and 3. It was a little more shaded, but seemed to have more traffic.
Every campground offered basic, electric, or all the fancy stuff. We like to rough it, so that wasn’t for us. We will be back for sure!
Tom K.
LegendRoaring River State Park Campground
Just Okay
Fishermen will love Roaring River! If you don't fish it is okay. The area is situated in the Ozark Mountains with the campground next to the stream where they release trout. The campground we stayed at has very little shade and the spacing felt uncomfortable as it has no natural blocks from the other sites. The sirens at 7 am and in the evening are what ultimately turned me off. We awoke every morning to fishermen down by the stream waiting for the siren to tell them they could fish. The talking could be heard all the way up and down the valley.
Hayley G.GuideBig M
Lively campground with lots of shade and wooded area.
We stayed at Big M in campsite 44 in mid-May. The campground was definitely lively and there was a lot of people and activity going on the whole time, though everyone was very pleasant. It was more college kids/large families than the quiet retired crowd. Our campsite had a lot of privacy on 3 sides and had a small creek running through a ways behind it, downhill. There really wasn't a good level spot for our tent due to where the firepit was placed so we had to sleep on an incline. And the drive for the spot was at a pretty decent incline so a camper would definitely need to be leveled. A smaller tent could probably squeeze in well. The marina had a decent restaurant where you could get a beer and dinner. It's not too far of a drive from Roaring River which has lots of hiking trails. The bathrooms were pretty outdated and you need to bring your own hand soap, but that's pretty normal. The showers were a ways away from our site so did not end up seeing them.
Wendy M.GuideRoaring River State Park Campground
Great for Trout Fishing
Not my favorite of all parks but also not one to miss. Roaring river state park has a working trout fish hatchery. You can walk the holding tanks and feed the trout from baby to ready to be released into the river. There is also a cave you can walk in where you’ll find a pool of water that goes for miles underground. Roaring river has three different campgrounds. I prefer ground one and two...however the downside is the spots are not very spacious / far apart from those camping next to you. There are also several hiking trails through out the park, a visitors center, bath houses, a pool, and swimming holes (the water is very cold—great in the hot summer)
They are currently redoing the park in a multi million dollar project. The plan was to be completed already however due to COVID19 there have been some delays. I am excited to see the improvements once complete.
Guide to La Russell
Horse campgrounds near La Russell, Missouri, are found within the western Ozark region at elevations between 800-1,200 feet. This area features wooded terrain with limestone formations and several reservoirs including Stockton Lake. Fall temperatures average 60-70°F, ideal for trail riding, while summer months bring higher humidity and temperatures in the 80-90°F range.
What to do
Trout fishing access: Roaring River State Park Campground offers dedicated fishing opportunities with a working trout hatchery. "You can walk the holding tanks and feed the trout from baby to ready to be released into the river," notes Wendy M. The park includes special features for anglers of all experience levels.
Trail riding: Busiek provides equestrian-friendly trails through varied terrain. "Breathtaking hiking trails and amazing off grid camping for family," reports Linze K. Riders must obtain camping permits in person from the Missouri Department of Conservation office.
Water activities: Big M offers multiple lake-based recreation options including a marina with boat rentals. "Anything you would want to do. Hiking, kayaking, swim beach, boating. Some of the best fishing around!" writes Cathy S. The swim beach provides cooling relief after trail rides.
What campers like
Wooded privacy: COE Stockton Lake Hawker Point features well-spaced campsites with natural screening. "Many sites are well spaced and shaded. Campground host is friendly," reports Nikki M. The shaded sites provide comfortable resting areas for both riders and horses.
Water proximity: Campers appreciate sites near the shoreline. "This particular site was just up the hill from the lake and completely private. The walk to the lake was about 50 yards," writes Lea B. about Hawker Point. These lakeside locations allow easy water access for horses after trail rides.
Nature immersion: Busiek offers a more primitive camping experience with natural surroundings. "The scenery is so breathtaking and you never want to leave!" states Brandon M. The undeveloped setting provides a more authentic outdoor experience for equestrians seeking connection with nature.
What you should know
Reservation requirements: Orleans Trail fills quickly during peak season. "My family has been camping here in October—after winterization, thus no water—for decades," notes Kenna P. Equestrian campers should book well in advance, especially for sites that can accommodate trailers.
Facility limitations: Many campgrounds have basic amenities only. "The bath houses leave a little to be desired. You have drive half a mile to get to them," mentions Dean D. about Hawker Point. Prepare for limited facilities, especially at more remote horse-friendly sites.
Seasonal considerations: Some campgrounds have restricted operating seasons. Orleans Trail is open "May 15 to September 15" according to their listing. Off-season camping may limit water access but provides more solitude for trail riders.
Tips for camping with families
Campground selection: Roaring River State Park Campground offers family-friendly features. "We spent a weekend in early May in campground 1 backing right up to one of the creeks. The sound of running water alone would have me back," shares Jennifer O. The park provides educational opportunities at the fish hatchery.
Site spacing: Choose more private loops when available. "All of the sites in the D loop are more spaced out and wooded than in the other loops," notes Hayley G. about Orleans Trail. These areas provide better containment options for horses and more space for family activities.
Activity options: Look for campgrounds with diverse activities. "Great place for boating. Nice marina with a restaurant that you won't leave hungry!" writes Cathy S. about Big M. Multiple recreation options keep family members of all ages engaged while some participate in trail riding.
Tips from RVers
Hookup availability: Research utilities before arrival. "Cheap full hook ups at a nice lakeside campground," reports Chris G. about Orleans Trail. RVers with horse trailers should verify site lengths and accessibility.
Leveling requirements: Be prepared for uneven terrain. "Pads are generally good and pretty level. Sites are spaced out nicely," notes Jeremy C. about Big M. Many equestrian-friendly sites require additional leveling for larger rigs with attached horse trailers.
Water access planning: Hawker Point requires preparation. "Fill your rig with water before you go. There are no water hookups," advises Carman S. RVers should arrive with full water tanks as many horse-accessible sites have limited utility connections.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian
campsite near La Russell, MO?
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near La Russell, MO?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near La Russell, MO is Roaring River State Park Campground with a 4.2-star rating from 48 reviews.
What is the best site to find
equestrian camping near
La Russell, MO?
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near La Russell, MO?
TheDyrt.com has all 5 equestrian camping locations near La Russell, MO, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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