Best Equestrian Camping near Mansfield, MO

Bar K Wrangler Camp provides primitive equestrian camping with direct creek access near Garrison, Missouri. The free campground features designated areas for horses with picnic tables and fire rings throughout the grounds. Swan Creek runs alongside the camp, offering water access for horses while providing natural scenery for trail riders. The campground has composting toilets but no drinking water, requiring campers to bring their own supplies. The grassy areas accommodate RVs and horse trailers with ample space for setup. The camp is well-maintained with mowed grounds, though the entrance requires navigating approximately one mile of dusty, somewhat rough gravel road.

Equestrian trails connect directly to the campground, allowing riders immediate access to riding opportunities. Swan Creek offers crystal clear, spring-fed water with a gravelly bottom where horses can cool off after trail rides. The area provides secluded camping with beautiful backdrops for overnight stays. Busiek, another horse-friendly area near Mansfield, features gun range access, dedicated horse riding trails, and tent camping opportunities. The surrounding conservation areas offer extensive trail networks for day rides. Cell service is limited at Bar K Wrangler Camp, with T-Mobile users reporting no signal within the campground boundaries. Visitors should prepare for a pack-it-in, pack-it-out experience as trash service is not provided.

Best Equestrian Sites Near Mansfield, Missouri (9)

    1. Rippee Conservation Area

    3 Reviews
    Vanzant, MO
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (417) 256-7161

    2. B Berry Farms & Co.

    21 Reviews
    Marshfield, MO
    33 miles
    Website
    +1 (417) 933-2046

    $7 - $48 / night

    "Brendan and Teresa are an adotable young couple who are transforming a large area in the midst of Missouri farm country into a small black- and blueberry farm that includes a small RV camp."

    "We rolled in late, close to midnight, and Teresa and Brandon were very accommodating. Set us up with an excellent campsite at the edge of the blueberries."

    3. Bar K Wrangler Camp

    4 Reviews
    Chadwick, MO
    29 miles
    Website
    +1 (573) 364-4621

    "There are a few tent sites along the road and there is plenty of grassy area near the creek for RVs/trailers."

    "This a horse camp, but there is plenty of space to just pitch a tent if needed. Free site with a beautiful backdrop"

    4. Swan Creek

    1 Review
    Chadwick, MO
    29 miles
    +1 (417) 459-7376

    "Has great dispresed camping, free, creek is accessible, has equestrian area to camp with horses, bout 45 minutes to a hour from Springfield. No service for ATT."

    5. Busiek

    8 Reviews
    Chestnutridge, MO
    39 miles
    Website
    +1 (417) 895-8660

    "Gun range, Horse Riding Trails, Camping and a water source. The scenery is so breathtaking and you never want to leave!"

    "Busiek isn't to far of the beaten path. It has several trails and camping sites. There is plenty of wildlife available for viewing."

    6. Froggys River Resort

    10 Reviews
    Falcon, MO
    44 miles
    Website
    +1 (573) 765-2930

    $5 - $100 / night

    "Nothing but icadas, crickets and quiet laughter from the camp next to us."

    "I was right next to the river, and the sounds of the water made everything tranquil. There is a ton of space for tents and RVs, and the road in is well paved."

    7. Paddy Creek Recreation Area

    8 Reviews
    Roby, MO
    43 miles
    Website
    +1 (573) 438-5427

    "Access to swimming, fishing, and hiking trails. We were surprised with how many sites were taken up, but there were still quite a few available."

    "Dollar General and a gas station located in nearby Roby. No cell service at cg. Had to drive up the hill to get a signal."

    8. Great Escapes RV Resorts Branson

    6 Reviews
    Forsyth, MO
    41 miles
    Website
    +1 (417) 546-3000

    $48 - $251 / night

    "Half the sites are close to pool and playground, but not many trees. The other half are an easy 2 minute walk and tree covered!"

    "Close to lake Bull Shoals, Taneycomo, and Branson if that's your thing."

    9. Riverfront Campground and Canoe

    10 Reviews
    Windyville, MO
    46 miles
    Website
    +1 (417) 588-3386

    $250 / night

    "It offers direct access to the Niangua River, and it is only a short drive from Bennett Springs State Park, where you can fly fish and pull trout from the river from dawn until dusk.  "

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Equestrian Camping Reviews near Mansfield, MO

71 Reviews of 9 Mansfield Campgrounds


  • David L.
    Jun. 22, 2019

    Swan Creek

    Dispersed Camping Galore

    Has great dispresed camping, free, creek is accessible, has equestrian area to camp with horses, bout 45 minutes to a hour from Springfield. No service for ATT.

  • NThe Dyrt PRO User
    Nov. 30, 2021

    Bar K Wrangler Camp

    Hey Cowboy

    Open:  year round

    FREE

    FCFS

    Pack it in Pack it out

    LNT

    This a primitive horse camp that is not far off the highway.  It is far enough that it is or  can be quiet.  It is also great for star gazing, hiking, mountain biking and trail rides.  Swan Creek runs along side the camp so you will need to be aware of possible flash floods if you are camped right next to the creek.  There are picnic table, fire ring and a pit toilet.  NO WATER

    BTYFI

    Travel safe

  • A
    Jun. 27, 2022

    B Berry Farms & Co.

    Secluded rustic mini-resort

    Brendan and Teresa are an adotable young couple who are transforming a large area in the midst of Missouri farm country into a small black- and blueberry farm that includes a small RV camp. They also make and sell natural products (soaps, balms, etc.). They have constructed a cute rec house with darts, corn hole, even a little reading nook. There is a swing on the big tree in front of the rec house as well as horseshoe pits. Dispersed around the berry fields are hidden firepit areas for guests to enjoy. And you can pick berries for your breakfast!

    They have built an exquisite shower room with cedar walls and river rock flooring, and there are bathrooms for guests as well.

    Brendan and Teresa could not have been more accommodating. They presented us with a goody bag with s'mores fixings and a sample lip balm from their product line. And Brendan helped us with hose repair parts when our water hose jammed on the reel and we had to cut it off! First rate customer service.

    The drawback for us is that (1) it is FAR from the main highway so not convenient for one-night stays and (2) 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 (no "excessive slope" error).

    Also, we knew from the start there was only 30 amp service and no sewer, so we can't complain about that.

    But for smaller RVs and boondockers, this is a charming getaway for families and anyone who enjoys getting away from it all.

  • Brandon M.
    Oct. 2, 2020

    Busiek

    Words really can't describe.

    But here we go....

    This place is AMAZING! Gun range, Horse Riding Trails, Camping and a water source. The scenery is so breathtaking and you never want to leave!

  • PThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 11, 2024

    Bar K Wrangler Camp

    A good waypoint.

    No amenities other than composting toilets. There are a few tent sites along the road and there is plenty of grassy area near the creek for RVs/trailers. This is a horse camp with plenty of evidence, but it was only us and a couple of other tent campers.

    The creek was obviously spring fed, crystal clear and had a gravelly bottom. There were plenty of places to get in the water...understanding that this is horse camp.

    The place was well maintained and mowed and it was super peaceful and quiet. The main annoyance was some trash in fire pits along the creek.

    If you consider this as a waypoint, two things:

    1. There is about a mile of dusty, gravel road that is a little rough.

    2. We had great T-Mobile 10 miles south, but it dropped to zero by the time we drove into camp.

  • Miranda M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 7, 2018

    Bar K Wrangler Camp

    Lots of space to camp, secluded

    This a horse camp, but there is plenty of space to just pitch a tent if needed. Free site with a beautiful backdrop

  • M
    Aug. 22, 2021

    B Berry Farms & Co.

    Highly recommend!

    Pitched a tent here in mid August 2021. We rolled in late, close to midnight, and Teresa and Brandon were very accommodating. Set us up with an excellent campsite at the edge of the blueberries. We happened to land on an unseasonably cool night in August. Our campsite was among the trees, but with big open views of the sky. On a clear night you're far enough away from city lights to see lots of stars. We'll be back!

  • Anthony S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 7, 2025

    Busiek

    Camping by permit only

    I've never been to this site but I live in Springfield just a few miles away and camping is by permit only, and permits can not be obtained online or by phone, you have to go in person to the Missouri department of conservation office, don't know if you can go to any office or specifically the one in Springfield, but there is one in Springfield; 2630 N Mayfair ave

  • CThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 21, 2024

    B Berry Farms & Co.

    Berry-good Time

    Found this place on a whim through Missouri. Was looking for dispersed camping and not much popped up in the area. So campgrounds were next up.

    This place already had a few good reviews, so I called them up. Immediately knew this was going to be the place. Super nice folks, clear communication, and even showed us the grounds upon arrival.

    Lots of amenities for just staying a single night. Everything you need and want in a campground, but not a KOA or Yogi packed site.

    Overall 5/5, cheap, friendly, abundance of things to do, and quiet (when I stayed).

    P.S. Depending on which site you choose… the cost varies, but still cheap. There is lighting, power outlets, tables, fire rings and outdoor grill, along with many other fun child-friendly things.


Guide to Mansfield

Equestrian camping near Mansfield, Missouri offers several primitive camping options with direct trail access for riders. The Mark Twain National Forest surrounds much of the area, featuring elevations ranging from 1,100 to 1,400 feet. Summer temperatures typically range from 75-90°F with high humidity, while spring and fall provide more moderate conditions for trail riding and camping.

What to do

Creek swimming opportunities: At Rippee Conservation Area, visitors can cool off in Bryant Creek after riding trails. "It's a beautiful spot on the Bryant creek," notes Ashlin S., who adds that "it's free, and it's about as nice as you can expect from a free campground." The area provides simple amenities while maintaining a natural setting.

Berry picking excursions: Seasonal campers at B Berry Farms & Co can incorporate berry harvesting into their camping experience. "We enjoyed picking black berries right next to our campsite to have with breakfast in the morning," shares Nick S. The farm offers a unique agricultural camping experience not found at traditional equestrian sites.

Target shooting sessions: For riders wanting additional recreational options, Busiek offers shooting range access near horse trails. "Gun range, Horse Riding Trails, Camping and a water source," explains Brandon M., noting that "the scenery is so breathtaking and you never want to leave!" This combination of activities makes it suitable for groups with varied interests.

What campers like

Private campsites: Campers appreciate the secluded nature of sites at Paddy Creek Recreation Area. "Most sites are well shaded and spacious. Good privacy between sites," notes Cheryl M., who adds that "parking pads are short and lined with huge boulders." The area maintains a $5 recommended donation system rather than mandatory fees.

Crystal clear water access: The spring-fed streams around Mansfield provide exceptional water quality for horses and humans alike. "Creek is spring fed so water is always cooler than most creeks," remarks Aaron T. about Paddy Creek Recreation Area. This consistent water temperature creates comfortable conditions even during summer months.

Quiet atmosphere: Many campers value the peaceful setting of Swan Creek for overnight stays. "Has great dispersed camping, free, creek is accessible, has equestrian area to camp with horses," reports David L. The lack of amenities contributes to fewer crowds and more solitary camping experiences throughout the area.

What you should know

Permit requirements: Some conservation areas require advance permits for overnight stays. "Camping is by permit only, and permits can not be obtained online or by phone, you have to go in person to the Missouri department of conservation office," warns Anthony S. about Busiek.

Limited cell coverage: Communication services vary widely throughout the region. Patricia S. notes about Bar K Wrangler Camp: "We had great T-Mobile 10 miles south, but it dropped to zero by the time we drove into camp." Prepare for limited connectivity at most equestrian sites.

Pack-in, pack-out requirements: Most horse-friendly campgrounds lack trash service. Gregory from Paddy Creek Recreation Area recommends bringing supplies for a fully self-contained experience, noting each site has "a paved parking spot big enough for my truck and 25ft camper... a picnic table, Shepherd's hook, and a fire pit/grate."

Tips for camping with families

Age-appropriate trails: For families with younger riders, look for conservation areas with shorter loops. Josh S. recommends caution when selecting hiking and riding trails: "Be wary of the water level, this can impact any hiking you might be looking to do, so be ready." Water crossings can be particularly challenging for inexperienced riders.

Bug preparation essentials: The wooded areas around Mansfield harbor significant insect populations during warmer months. "Just make sure to bring the bug spray and tikis bc there are tons of bugs," advises Linze K. about Froggys River Resort, where many equestrian families combine river activities with camping.

Wildlife awareness: Prepare children for encounters with local fauna. "Our first time here we got to experience the amazing raccoons which made for a pretty funny story later," mentions Lyric O. about Paddy Creek Recreation Area. Food storage containers with secure lids are essential for overnight stays.

Tips from RVers

Site selection strategies: RVers should prioritize campgrounds with adequate turning radius and level pads. Angela M. reports about B Berry Farms: "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."

Road condition expectations: Access roads to horse camps often present challenges for larger rigs. Patricia S. warns about Bar K: "There is about a mile of dusty, gravel road that is a little rough." Consider approaching during daylight hours when towing horse trailers.

Parking limitations: Many equestrian sites have specific requirements for trailer parking. "Parking pads are short and lined with huge boulders. Worked fine for our 16ft TT big rigs probably not so much," observes Cheryl M. about Paddy Creek Recreation Area, suggesting that smaller rigs fare better at primitive horse camps.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Mansfield, MO is Rippee Conservation Area with a 4.3-star rating from 3 reviews.

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

TheDyrt.com has all 9 equestrian camping locations near Mansfield, MO, with real photos and reviews from campers.