Best Equestrian Camping near Macon, MO

Rudolf Bennitt Conservation Area provides primitive equestrian camping for visitors in north central Missouri. The conservation area contains more than 20 horse campsites distributed throughout the forested property. These sites offer grassy and gravel camping areas suitable for tent camping with horses, without electric hookups or water connections. Vault toilets are available, though no shower facilities exist on the property. The conservation area is open year-round with no reservations required, and all camping is free. Campsites are designed with horse owners in mind, featuring ample space for horse trailers and room for portable corrals or highlines. The heavily forested setting offers natural shade and wind protection for horses and campers.

The conservation area maintains an extensive network of trails suitable for horseback riding through forests and around the lake. These wide, well-maintained paths accommodate both hikers and equestrians with clearly marked routes. Trail riders often report good footing conditions throughout most seasons, though spring can bring muddy sections in low-lying areas. The property includes a fishing lake with docks and a boat ramp where horses can access water. Campers should bring all necessary horse supplies as no feed stores operate nearby. Most equestrian sites are situated to provide convenient trail access directly from camp. The conservation area's relative isolation ensures quiet camping experiences with minimal disruption from other recreational users, though the property does include a shooting range in its central section.

Best Equestrian Sites Near Macon, Missouri (4)

    1. Indian Creek Campground

    19 Reviews
    Stoutsville, MO
    42 miles
    Website
    +1 (573) 735-4097

    $10 - $125 / night

    "Though I grew up outside of St. Louis, I'd never been to this campground or to Mark Twain Lake.  Really enjoyed exploring the area and the campground was nice.  "

    "When I stepped out it felt like I was walking through a thousand spider webs everywhere. The bathrooms aren’t that clean either. That being said though, bugs are to be expected of a campground."

    2. Finger Lakes State Park Campground

    23 Reviews
    Hallsville, MO
    45 miles
    Website
    +1 (573) 443-5315

    "A rainy weekend didn't deter campers from spending the holiday weekend here at Finger Lakes State Park. I was lucky enough to get a site for a single night when rain was in the forecast."

    "Finger Lakes is one of few places in Missouri for campers to also be able to enjoy riding their ATVs."

    3. Rudolf Bennitt Conservation Area

    2 Reviews
    Higbee, MO
    33 miles
    Website
    +1 (573) 815-7900

    "Heavily forested with a lake. Trails and camping areas in woods are setup for equestrian with good trails for hikers, bikers and horses. Camping at lake is open gravel or grass."

    "Stay at lake for three days, established area with vault toilet and gravel parking. Has boat ramp and fishing docks."

    4. Frank Russell Campground

    6 Reviews
    Perry, MO
    46 miles
    Website
    +1 (573) 735-4097

    $24 - $30 / night

    "Great place to stay, doesn’t seem to have a lot of hiking trails. They do have nice secluded little spots mostly all electric. Bathhouse is pretty a long walk, but big and really clean."

    "Used their dump station and filled the water tank as we exited the park. Would recommend & would stay there again"

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Equestrian Camping Reviews near Macon, MO

50 Reviews of 4 Macon Campgrounds


  • Linda H.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 25, 2024

    Rudolf Bennitt Conservation Area

    Forest and Lake Dry camping

    Heavily forested with a lake. Trails and camping areas in woods are setup for equestrian with good trails for hikers, bikers and horses. Camping at lake is open gravel or grass. Nice fishing lake with docks, boat ramp and vault toilet and the only one provided. Parked lakeside. Quite night with one fishing boat late morning. Get a brochure with park map at entrance as roads pass through park and private property.

  • Lindsey C.
    Sep. 13, 2020

    Frank Russell Campground

    Secluded place

    Great place to stay, doesn’t seem to have a lot of hiking trails. They do have nice secluded little spots mostly all electric. Bathhouse is pretty a long walk, but big and really clean. only 20.00 per night. It’s has an archery range and equestrian site.

  • Ron R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Apr. 29, 2025

    Rudolf Bennitt Conservation Area

    Great for fishing and horseback riding

    Stayed for 1.5 weeks. Stay at lake for three days, established area with vault toilet and gravel parking. Has boat ramp and fishing docks. It has been a windy month so I relocated farther up hill to nestle in more with the trees. There are several equestrian campsites +20 throughout the park. Also a shooting range centrally located in the park.

  • S
    Jul. 20, 2020

    Finger Lakes State Park Campground

    Decent Activities, OK Camping

    The campground was average, as were the amenities- but the activities offered were enjoyable (kayak rentals, walking trails- these were shared with dirt bikes, horses, etc.) The lake water was fine for kayaking but we definitely did not want to swim in it. The Park Ranger was unfriendly, and we read reviews of similar experiences written in the campground office guestbook when renting the kayaks.

    Not likely to return.

  • Annie C.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 27, 2019

    Finger Lakes State Park Campground

    Nice little state park close to civilization

    A rainy weekend didn't deter campers from spending the holiday weekend here at Finger Lakes State Park. I was lucky enough to get a site for a single night when rain was in the forecast. The campground is laid out in a series of small loops, with some loops in open grassy areas and others tucked into the trees. I had my pick between a site in either situation and so I picked the trees to get some shade. Sites are fairly close together, so you will get to know your neighbors. There is one nice and modern bathhouse with showers on one side and bathrooms on the other. It was very clean and well maintained, and they are in the process of putting in an additional concrete walkway. Over in the grassy loop there was an additional basic bathroom. 

    There is lots to do in this park if you are into canoeing/kayaking or ORVing as there are several marked trails for both. If you are a hiker, welllllll, not as much available here. There is a nice mountain biking and hiking trail, but you can still hear all of the ORV's running the many trails specific to ORVing. There is also a Motocross track with nice stands if you like to watch. Canoes and kayaks are available for rent (stop by and see the rangers near the entrance) and there are a couple of marked trails to take you from lake to lake.

  • Tori G.
    Jun. 24, 2016

    Finger Lakes State Park Campground

    Great riding, quiet camping

    Finger Lakes is one of few places in Missouri for campers to also be able to enjoy riding their ATVs. Helmets for riders and flags for vehicles are required for riding, and there is a variety of terrain for hours of fun. Camping is generally quiet with ample space to relax in your lawn chairs, cook and dine outdoors, and fellowship with others. Most camping sites have at least some shade.

  • Meaghan S.
    Jun. 16, 2020

    Finger Lakes State Park Campground

    All sorts of activities

    I have two dogs. They are friendly, but get rather rambunctious when they see other dogs. I prefer sites that I can keep them tucked away.

    On the electric sites - sites 1-10 are in an area with lots of trees and shade, while sites 11-17 are more open, but still have a few trees for shade.

    We stayed in the premium electric spot #15. It felt roomy and was close to the bathrooms. If your like me, and prefer a tucked away spot, go for #17 (no immediate neighbors to your left).

    The park itself is delightful. There are hiking, biking and water trails. Hiking trail was really nice with a surprise waterfall! Because the majority of campers were out in their ATV’s, we had the hiking trail all to ourselves. The kayak/canoe loop trail is nifty as there is no need to park a car in another location.

    Bathrooms were well kept. Shower house was just ok.

  • R
    Nov. 20, 2022

    Finger Lakes State Park Campground

    Nice Place!

    I've passed through Missouri numerous times, and their parks are always top notch. Clean and well maintained. As with most "green" places in the spring and summer, the ticks are outrageous. This time was no exception, use spray to keep the buggers off!

    This one was easy in/out, plenty of room between campsites. Most sites looked level, but some are a bit wacky. We had a wacky one, and the host was nice, and quick to reposition us to a better spot.

  • Josh S.
    Apr. 17, 2019

    Finger Lakes State Park Campground

    It’s a campground sorta

    More like a parking lot in the middle of an atv/gun range park.

    Lakes are awesome water accessible in multiple areas. Campsites are close and used primarily by off road enthusiast. Loud and constant coming and going. Groups get wild at night.

    Great for kayaking and fishing.


Guide to Macon

Horse camping in Missouri offers a unique blend of scenic trails and well-equipped facilities for equestrian enthusiasts. With a variety of campgrounds catering to both horses and their riders, adventurers can enjoy the great outdoors while ensuring their equine companions are well taken care of.

Equestrian campgrounds include ample amenities for horses

  • At Rudolf Bennitt Conservation Area, campers can find designated trails and camping areas specifically set up for equestrian use, ensuring a comfortable experience for both horse and rider.

Campers appreciate these amenities for horses

  • Indian Creek Campground features spacious sites with electric hookups and easy access to trails, making it a favorite among horse campers looking for convenience and comfort.

Equestrian campers like these nearby activities

  • At Frank Russell, visitors can enjoy fishing and hiking trails, providing a perfect backdrop for a day of exploration after a ride.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Macon, MO?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Macon, MO is Indian Creek Campground with a 4.3-star rating from 19 reviews.

What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Macon, MO?

TheDyrt.com has all 4 equestrian camping locations near Macon, MO, with real photos and reviews from campers.