D
David B.
Traveler
TravelerDaniel Boone Conservation Area
Pretty dirty from last people. Toilet paper everywhere. But it’s a quiet place to park for the night. Not recommending anything more than parking for the night.
Equestrian Camping near Leasburg, MO
3 campgrounds with availability next weekend
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Several horse-friendly campgrounds near Leasburg, Missouri offer specialized equestrian facilities. Berryman Trail Campground in Mark Twain National Forest provides primitive camping with horse tie-out areas adjacent to the trailhead. The campground connects directly to the 24-mile Berryman Trail, a popular route for horseback riding. Brazil Creek Recreation Area features multiple hitching posts for horses and camping spots along a clear stream. Campsites at both locations accommodate horse trailers with ample parking space. Hazel Creek Campground offers flat, clean gravel sites with fire rings and picnic tables in a densely wooded area, providing full shade for horses and riders.
The Berryman Trail system connects Brazil Creek to other equestrian-friendly areas, creating an extensive network for day rides or overnight trips. Riders access miles of well-marked trails through the Ozark forests from these campgrounds. Most sites remain suitable for horse trailers even during wet weather, with access roads that accommodate larger vehicles despite occasional roughness. Equestrians should bring their own water for horses as no drinking water is available at these primitive sites. The trails feature varied terrain with rolling hills and creek crossings. Camping areas remain quiet and secluded, allowing horses to rest comfortably between rides. Vault toilets are available at most locations, though Brazil Creek only recently added this facility.
Best Equestrian Campgrounds near Leasburg (22)
1. Ozark Outdoors-Riverfront Resort
"Positives: quiet time starting at 11:00 pm, we didn’t hear cursing, loud music, or anything else that disturbs little ones once they go to sleep, close to the river, clean restroom and shower house, shaded"
"They have a family section if you prefer to be away from the louder bunch."
2. Bass' River Resort
"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."
Check Availabilityfrom $11 - $16 / night
3. Huzzah Valley Resort
"One we used, and many other we saw, had small trees outlining the edges of the sites.
We had a group of people next to use who were very loud on Friday evening until past midnight .""We took a couples float during the week to get away from our busy lives and relax. The huzzah resort is always top notch."
4. Berryman Trail & Campgrounds - Mark Twain National Forest
"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."
Check Availabilityfrom $8 - $15 / night
5. Blue Spring Ranch
"We park close to the creek, we drive to the Meramec River and sometimes enjoy petting a horse or goat. Last year we zip lined. It’s close to the caverns and other awesome sites."
"It's up by the cabins/cottages and you definitely need to drive there. Get there early in the morning to set up your chairs in the river to get a good spot."
6. Brazil Creek Camping Area
"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."
7. Brazil Creek
"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."
8. Johnson's Shut-Ins State Park Campground
"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."
"General: Very large state park with six separate loops/areas: Loop 1: 10 Equestrian sites with water and electric (50 amp)
• Loop 2: 20 FHU sites (50 amp)
• Loop 3: 21 Sites with electric only"
25 Sites AvailableAvailable next weekend
from $14 - $75 / night
9. Hazel Creek Campground
"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."
10. St. Francois State Park Campground
"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."
84 Sites AvailableAvailable next weekend
from $14 - $23 / night
Drive Time
- 1 hr 12 min from St. Louis, MO
- 1 hr 24 min from Jefferson City, MO
- 1 hr 54 min from Columbia, MO
- 2 hrs 17 min from Cape Girardeau, MO
Recent Equestrian Camping Photos near Leasburg, MO
4 Photos of 22 Leasburg Campgrounds • uploaded by The Dyrt campers
Equestrian Camping Reviews near Leasburg, MO
291 Reviews of 22 Leasburg Campgrounds
- L
Lynn
RangerBrazil Creek Camping Area
Shaded country
This 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.
Kimberly L.
GuideSt. Francois State Park Campground
Is campground was safe and clean
I 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.
Tammy S.GuideJohnson's Shut-Ins State Park Campground
Loved it!!
Great site. Loved the bike path to the shut-ins. Hosts were awesome. Camp store had lots!!!
Shawn S.
LegendSt. Francois State Park Campground
Hiking and horse trails
This is a park not far from St Louis with camping and hiking. Campground is on the small side.
Makayla C.GuideSt. Joe State Park Campground
Loud
I 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!
David P.
ScoutOzark Outdoors-Riverfront Resort
Bizzare, Aggressive, Threatening Behavior towards our Family
Decided 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...
- Angie A.Scout
Dr. Edmund A. Babler Memorial State Park Campground
Nice off-season camping
This campground is nice for March, when it's a little cool. But there is no shade, so mid-summer would be hot! Level sites, full hookups, pretty nice.
Stephanie O.TravelerSt. Francois State Park Campground
Excellent choice for quick weekend trip!
Had 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.
Guide to Leasburg
The Ozark region near Leasburg, Missouri sits at 900-1,100 feet elevation with crystal-clear waterways cutting through ancient dolomite formations. The area's extensive forest system contains over 75 miles of marked horse trails winding through oak-hickory woodlands. Most equestrian campsites remain accessible from March through November, though summer temperatures regularly exceed 90°F with high humidity.
What to do
Trail riding on Berryman Trail system: Horse riders can access 24 miles of looped trails through Mark Twain National Forest from Berryman Trail & Campgrounds. "The trails there were one of a kind and the best looking trails I've seen and walked on after going on trips to almost half the country. The 100 foot tall pine trees really make Mark Twain National Forest amazing," reports Jake K.
Explore creek swimming areas: Most equestrian campgrounds feature shallow creek access where horses can cool off. At Brazil Creek Camping Area, "The camp is right by the creek which is ice cold and good for sticking sore feet in. There are also a few fish in there," notes DiveSyke.
Overnight trail excursions: For multi-day trips, connect between campgrounds using the trail system. "The Berryman Trail is a 24 mile trail we backpacked overnight to the Brazil Creek campground and back. Only ones on the trail," shares Patti M., who stayed at Berryman Trail Campground.
What campers like
Spacious sites for trailers: The horse campgrounds provide extra room for equipment. At Hazel Creek Campground, "The campsites are large. Several back up to the creek, which is shallow and pretty. The rest are scattered through the wooded campground," shares Art Z.
Peace and quiet: Equestrian sites tend to be less crowded than standard campgrounds. "This campground is completely free and most of all well spaced out. There is plenty of room to keep to yourself and remain undisturbed between the 8 available spots. Far from the road so no noise or blaring light," reports Hannah F. about Berryman Trail Campground.
Natural shade for horses: The dense forest canopy provides relief during hot summers. At Bass' River Resort, "Has full hookups and is shaded in the right places," notes Terry P., which is particularly important for horse comfort during summer months.
What you should know
Water availability limitations: Most equestrian sites lack running water. "No amenities or cell service. Follow the USFS directions, not Google Maps. That will put you on good roads," advises Art Z. about Hazel Creek Campground.
Road conditions affect trailer access: Access roads can become challenging after rain. At Brazil Creek, "The access road was rough but my wife's tiny compact car didn't have any trouble, but I'm sure it's a mess when wet," reports Sterling M.
Limited facilities: Most horse-friendly sites have minimal amenities. "No water, amenities or cell service. This is what we call a remote or backwoods site," explains Shelly S. about Brazil Creek.
Tips for camping with families
Bring water purification equipment: Since many sites lack drinking water, families should plan accordingly. "No water or anything, just a toilet house. Campground has 8 spots," explains Tommy S. at Berryman Trail Campground.
Choose sites with creek access: Children can entertain themselves along the waterways. At Huzzah Valley Resort, "It was awesome to be camped right on the creek and take a half way break at camp for lunch before finishing the float. Seemed to be a well run and kept place," shares Mallory C.
Pre-mapped trails help with orientation: Some areas lack cell service, making paper maps essential. "Have an actual map handy and make any calls before you get here because your phone will do you no good," advises Shelly S. about Brazil Creek.
Tips from RVers
Bring leveling equipment: Sites may not be perfectly flat. At Hazel Creek Campground, "The campsites are flat and clean gravel fill or dirt, the grass is usually tamed, each with a campfire ring with a grill and a picnic table and lantern pole," notes Sterling M.
Propane supply planning: No propane services exist at the equestrian sites. For RVers staying at Ozark Outdoors-Riverfront Resort, "We enjoyed the buddy sites so that our front doors faced our friends and the hookups were on the outside of each campsite. They also had group buddy sites that allowed four rigs to all front doors to face each other all being pull through sites," reports Joy F.
Check road clearance: Some forest roads have low-hanging branches. "The gravel road into the campground was no problem for a pickup with a trailer. It would be fine for a passenger car, too," advises Art Z. about Hazel Creek Campground.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Leasburg, MO?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Leasburg, MO is Ozark Outdoors-Riverfront Resort with a 4-star rating from 22 reviews.
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What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Leasburg, MO?
TheDyrt.com has all 22 equestrian camping locations near Leasburg, MO, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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