Scrivner Road Conservation Area provides primitive horse camping 35 miles from Linn Creek with riverside campsites and equestrian trails. The area features a vault toilet and no water sources, requiring self-sufficiency for campers. Several additional horse campgrounds near Linn Creek, Missouri offer alternatives with varying amenities and trail access for riders seeking multi-day adventures.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: Berry Bend on Harry S. Truman Lake accommodates anglers with lake access from many campsites. "If fishing boating of all types is your thing this is it. This is a very large campground very well maintained," notes one camper at Berry Bend.
Swimming spots: Paddy Creek Recreation Area offers natural swimming holes along spring-fed creeks. "Creek is spring fed so water is always cooler than most creeks," shares Aaron T. from Paddy Creek Recreation Area, making it ideal for summer cooling off.
Berry picking: B Berry Farms features on-site fruit harvesting during season. One camper mentioned, "We enjoyed picking black berries right next to our campsite to have with breakfast in the morning," at B Berry Farms & Co., adding a unique food-gathering dimension to camping.
What campers like
River access: Froggys River Resort provides direct access to the Gasconade River. "Perfect river access. Only downside is absolutely no privacy between campsites. Go when it's not busy," suggests Laura C. from Froggys River Resort.
Quiet locations: Long Shoal campground offers peaceful lakeside camping. "We had our first trip to Long Shoal last week even with the extreme heat it was a nice spot. We always camp in a tent and the spots were nicely wooded and spaced," reports Angela F. about Long Shoal.
Wildlife viewing: Lead Mine Conservation Area attracts diverse wildlife. "There is some good hiking here. There is a dispersed spot and a formal campground. The formal campground is the better spot to stay at," advises a camper, highlighting the better organized camping option for wildlife observers.
What you should know
Limited facilities: Many conservation areas have minimal amenities. At Paddy Creek, "Vault toilets were a plus, but no water source that we saw. Access to swimming, fishing, and hiking trails," explains Kura O.
Cell service gaps: Expect communication limitations in these rural areas. "No internet, no cell, no problem. Great beach with a beautiful view," shares a camper at Berry Bend, indicating the digital disconnect many sites offer.
Weather considerations: Summer heat can be intense at these locations. Long Shoal campers note they enjoyed their stay "even with the extreme heat," suggesting visitors should prepare for potentially high temperatures during summer months.
Tips for camping with families
Spacious sites: Berry Bend provides family-friendly camping areas. "Nice spacious spots, lake views, friendly campers. Great Hosts! Clean and well maintained," according to Carol R., making it suitable for groups with children.
Activity options: B Berry Farms offers family-oriented recreation beyond standard camping. "This place has everything from axe throwing to free coffee and the property is engineered and planned very nicely," notes Joshua P., highlighting the range of structured activities for different ages.
Quieter alternatives: Some campgrounds provide more secluded family experiences. "This is a great family campground!!! It's not nearly as busy as the state park which is awesome!!" shares a camper about Berry Bend, pointing to its advantage over more crowded locations.
Tips from RVers
Site leveling: Be prepared for potentially uneven terrain. At Paddy Creek, "Most sites are well shaded and spacious. Good privacy between sites. Parking pads are short and lined with huge boulders. Worked fine for our 16ft TT big rigs probably not so much," advises Cheryl M.
Hookup availability: RV services vary significantly between campgrounds. "We had a camper and the full hook up was awesome," reports a camper at Froggys River Resort, though other sites may only offer electric or no hookups at all.
Access considerations: Some campgrounds have size restrictions for larger vehicles. "There is a picnic table, Shepard's hook, and a fire pit/grate. I really enjoyed my stay here and will be coming back often," mentions Gregory from Paddy Creek, where he fit his "truck and 25ft camper" but suggests a maximum length of 35ft for trailers.
