Lebanon sits in the heart of the Missouri Ozarks at roughly 1,300 feet elevation, offering a mix of forest, river, and farm terrain for equestrian enthusiasts. While dedicated horse facilities are limited near Lebanon, several campgrounds can accommodate equestrian campers who bring their own portable corrals or tie-out equipment. Water access remains reliable year-round due to the region's numerous spring-fed waterways.
What to do
River access activities: At Froggys River Resort, campers enjoy direct access to the Gasconade River for fishing and floating. "The float trips on the Gasconade are gorgeous. I recommend going on a weekday to avoid the crowds," advises Jason W. Nearby Riverfront Campground and Canoe offers canoe and kayak rentals with shuttle service.
Trout fishing: Bennett Springs State Park sits just minutes from Lebanon campgrounds. "Right next door to Bennett Springs, which is awesome trout fishing!!" notes Jason B. about Riverfront Campground. The daily trout stocking makes this a reliable year-round fishing destination.
Trail hiking: The Paddy Creek Recreation Area connects to multiple hiking trails ranging from 1 to 17 miles. "Access to swimming, fishing, and hiking trails," reports Kura O. The Big Piney Trail forms a loop that attracts weekend backpackers looking for moderate terrain challenges.
What campers like
Spacious sites: B Berry Farms & Co. offers well-spaced primitive sites across their berry farm property. "The camp sites are spread out so there's plenty of room," notes Hannah B., who stayed in their bunkhouse. This spacing provides better accommodation for those with horses or multiple tents.
Water features: Many campers appreciate the numerous water access points. "The river has a couple nice gravel bars for swimming," mentions Ken K. about Riverfront Campground. These natural swimming areas provide cooling spots during summer months when temperatures regularly exceed 90°F.
Quiet atmosphere: Paddy Creek Recreation Area earns consistent praise for its peaceful setting. "We've been camping here for 3-4 years now and we are still amazed at how quiet and secluded it is," shares Lyric O. This makes it a good choice for horse campers seeking calmer environments for their animals.
What you should know
Limited horse-specific facilities: No reviewed campgrounds offer dedicated horse corrals, though some allow horses with proper containment. Call ahead to discuss specific equestrian needs with campground owners.
Water levels vary seasonally: River conditions change dramatically by season. "Depending on the time of year, the river can be quite low, so be sure to check the forecast before planning a stay. It was only about 6 inches deep when I was there," warns James A. about Froggys River Resort.
Primitive camping dominates: Many sites near Lebanon offer basic amenities. "Typical primitive campground with toilets, bear-proof trash cans, and camp sites with fire rings and picnic tables, but not much else. Didn't see any water faucets near our site," explains Josh C. about Paddy Creek.
Accommodating owners: Lead Mine Conservation Area provides free dispersed camping options for equestrian campers willing to rough it. Many private campground owners will work with horse owners who call ahead to make special arrangements.
Tips for camping with families
Berry picking opportunities: B Berry Farms offers unique activities for kids. "We enjoyed picking black berries right next to our campsite to have with breakfast in the morning," shares Nick S. This activity runs primarily from June through early August.
Playground access: Family-friendly amenities matter with young campers. "It has a playground and a large area in the middle of the loop for playing," notes Ken K. about Riverfront Campground, which makes it easier to keep children entertained.
Cabin alternatives: For families new to equestrian camping, cabins provide a comfortable transition. "They have a cabin, a little retro camper and a large guest house for those who don't have a camper or want to tent," mentions Katie G. about Froggys River Resort.
Tips from RVers
Site length limitations: Many campgrounds have physical constraints. "The parking pads are short and lined with huge boulders. Worked fine for our 16ft TT big rigs probably not so much," cautions Cheryl M. about Paddy Creek Recreation Area, a consideration for those hauling horse trailers.
Hookup availability: Full-service sites aren't available everywhere. "We have camped here several times and always love it. Level concrete pads on most sites... All the RV sites are electric/water so you have to use the on site dump station," explains Ken K. Plan accordingly if staying multiple nights with larger rigs.
Directions and access: Remote campgrounds can be challenging to locate. "It is FAR from the main highway so not convenient for one-night stays," notes Angela M. about B Berry Farms, adding that "the one site suitable for large RVs is not very level."
