Horse campgrounds near Long Lane, Missouri accommodate both riders and non-riders in the Ozarks foothills. Located at approximately 1,400 feet elevation, this central Missouri region experiences distinct seasons with summer temperatures averaging 85-90°F and cooler spring and fall seasons ideal for camping. Water levels in nearby rivers fluctuate seasonally, affecting both swimming and fishing conditions at local campgrounds.
What to do
Creek swimming spots: Paddy Creek Recreation Area offers access to a spring-fed creek that stays cooler than most throughout summer. One camper notes, "Creek is spring fed so water is always cooler then most creeks," making it ideal for hot weather relief.
Berry picking: B Berry Farms & Co. combines camping with fruit harvesting opportunities. A visitor shared, "We enjoyed picking black berries right next to our campsite to have with breakfast in the morning," adding a unique activity to standard campground offerings.
Float trips: Froggys River Resort provides river access and equipment for floating the Gasconade. A camper recommended, "The six mile float on the gasconade was lovely. The river moves slow, so if you're used to floating 16 miles on the spring fed Jacks Fork or Current, halfing that will be plenty."
What campers like
Secluded camping areas: Paddy Creek Recreation Area offers significant privacy between sites. A review confirms, "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."
Farm environment: B Berry Farms combines camping with agricultural experiences. One guest described, "Upon entering, you can feel the magic created when human creativity meets divine inspiration. This place has everything from axe throwing to free coffee and the property is engineered and planned very nicely."
Lakeside access: COE Stockton Lake Hawker Point provides waterfront sites with privacy. A reviewer noted, "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."
What you should know
Bathroom facilities vary: Facilities range from vault toilets to full shower houses depending on location. At Froggys River Resort, a camper pointed out, "NO PLUMBING, PORT O JOHNS ONLY," while noting that "Shower house was clean and efficient."
Water access considerations: Orleans Trail campground has different loops with varying amenities and lake access. A visitor explained, "We stayed in the D loop at site D37. All of the sites in the D loop are more spaced out and wooded than in the other loops. They also don't have electric and the bathroom is a vault toilet."
Seasonal limitations: Some campgrounds reduce services in off-season. As one camper at Orleans Trail shared, "My family has been camping here in October- after winterization, thus no water- for decades. In season, there are nearby showers and running water."
Tips for camping with families
Look for interactive farm activities: B Berry Farms includes activities beyond standard camping. A family reported, "There is so much to do and for all ages. Great family fun activities and very nice layout plus she even brought us freshly baked cookies that I believe to be the best chocolate chip cookie I think I've ever had!"
Consider cabin options: For families wanting comfort, several campgrounds offer alternatives to tent camping. At Riverfront Campground and Canoe, a reviewer noted, "They keep upgrading the facilities year after year. Taken our travel trailer (34 feet), water/electric hookup, sewer dump onsite. Nice store, showers, and beautiful area along the river to relax, float, fish, etc."
Check for beach access: Orleans Trail features a swimming beach that's family-friendly. A camper mentioned, "The sandy swim beach is clean and fun, even off-season. Lots of places to hike and fish."
Tips from RVers
Site length limitations: Many campgrounds have restrictions on RV size. At Paddy Creek, a camper advised, "Vault toilets, trash cans, and picnic tables. All spots have paved pull-in spots. I'd say max length for rigs are 30 feet."
Hookup availability: Water and electric connections vary by campground and loop. At Hawker Point, a visitor recommended, "Fill your rig with water before you go. There are no water hookups."
Leveling challenges: Some sites require extra work to level larger RVs. A reviewer at B Berry Farms shared, "The one site suitable for large RVs is not very level. We have a 40' Renegade Verona and it took 6 tries to find a place near the hookups where our auto-level would find a good position."
