Best Equestrian Camping near Mark Twain National Forest

If you want to see the wild horses of Shannon County, this is the place to stay.  Right on the Jack's Fork, so beautiful.  New bathrooms, but everything else is primitive.  Equestrian sites down the road in both directions.  $10 a night!

Went here hoping to see the wild horses. We didn't see any but still loved this park. Nice hiking trails and clean cool creek to splash in. Will go back again and maybe see the wild horses next time.

was a great park. staff was super friendly! very clean. was able to see wild horses as well. water, electric, and even wifi.

 This campground is pretty new. The RV sites are spaced out pretty well and the bathrooms were very clean . Don’t be surprised if some of the wild horses that are in the area visit while you’re camping there.

Was a great secluded tent camp site. Liked that they had wagons to help haul our gear to the site. Family of 7 so we have plenty of stuff to haul. Was a really fun time. Spent lots of it in the water and got to see some wild horses so that was exciting.

The place is all new! Plenty of spots to pick from. Great convenient store, Diesel fuel/def. They even got a place to park your horse. About every thing you want to do is near by, I recommend you to give this place a try first before going anywhere else. They are Open all year round!

$10 per night, firewood, ice, and more amenities on site.  The owner is so nice.  His dog Lil' Dan also slept with me.  There is a horse next to the camp sites and it's just so beautiful.  Float launches from the campground, so convenient.  Close to Grand Gulf, Greer Spring, Mammoth Spring, and right on beautiful highway 19.  I will be back soon!

I totally recommend this place ! It’s really nice place and the owners were really nice. We had a whole entire camp area to ourselves ! It’s right on the river. They have a little store, running water, decent bathrooms with hot showers and a playground. It’s an affordable place and family/pet friendly and the have horse stables there for your use if needed.

This is a great state park. Sites are level and have cement pads with full hookups. Not much shade now but they have planted trees between sites. Bathrooms are clean. There is also a lodge with store and restaurant just down the street. There are cabins there that can be rented also. And the real treat is the wild horses. Came right up to our site - but please do not feed or try to pet. The rangers will have to move them if they get to used to people.

Also local river rafting companies will pick you up at your site

Established in 2016 the rv sites do not have shade, but are all concrete with great amenities. There is a beautiful lodge on the property and cabins/townhomes/hotel rooms are availble, too. A past governor had this built basically as a family rememberance and is not your typical state park.

The area is know for floating and there is live water in the park for playing. Our lab loved it!

Wild horses are in the area and three stay in this camping area. You will likely see them(or maybe almost bump in to them) when you open your door.

Fantastic wifi. No cable.

We really enjoy this park.

This small campground on the banks on the beautiful Jacks Fork River features a pit toilet, lantern post, fire rings and picnic tables. There is no water or electric available. It is located down a short well-maintained Gravel Road. This campsite sees very light usage except on weekends in June July and August. It provides Wade fishing in the Jacks Fork River as well as canoe access. The fee at the time of this review was $5 per night with 50% off with senior pass. It is located along Shawnee Creek. Do too many horse camps located Upstream on this Creek there is an advisory 4 E coli contamination. The sights and turn around would not be appropriate for larger RVs.

Having experienced many rustic & gravel campsites, paved campsites are a welcome change of pace. It’s a new park (opened in 2016) with amenities like (excellent) WiFi in the campground, clean bathrooms/showers, and a fully stocked camp store at the lodge. The staff was very pleasant and helpful. While there is not much seating in the restaurant dining room, the patio area has plenty of space for the warmer months.

There is a large, modern playground for kids to enjoy and pavilions to grab some shade. The creek is a short walk from the most areas of the park.

As time goes by, programs would be a welcome addition to the park - maybe even some geocaching or scavenger hunts. A small band of wild horses roam the park, but all we saw was evidence that they had been there.

All in all, a great experience.

This is the newest state park in MO. The campground is located at the bottom of a steep grade hill in an open area. New trees have been planted throughout the campground with established mature trees surrounding the outer boundaries. Basic and premium sites are available for RV’s and trailers along with a separate area for tent camping only. Pull type wagons are provided for tent campers to haul their belongings to their campsites. Restrooms and showers are conveniently located within the campground. A Clearwater creek is a short walk from the campground where swimming and floating may be enjoyed. The “Current River” is also less than a mile away and canoe rentals offer free pickup at the campground. One of the most unique aspects of the campground is the periodic presence of wild horses who roam freely throughout the campground and park. There are several well established hiking and biking trails.

General: Very large state park with six separate loops/areas:

• Loop 1: 10 Equestrian sites with water and electric (50 amp)

• Loop 2: 20 FHU sites (50 amp)

• Loop 3: 21 Sites with electric only (50 amp)

• Loop 4: 14 sites with no hookups

• Loop 5: 14 walk-in sites plus three special use sites

• Six cabins 

Site Quality: We stayed in Loop 3. Each site was very generous in size and reasonably distanced from each other. Most had foliage separating them. All sites looked to be level, and the camper pads were either all concrete or concrete/macadam and in very good shape. A large wooden picnic table, lantern/garbage hook, and fire pit complete each site. 

Bath/Shower House: The one closest to our site (and I’m assuming others are the same) had three toilet/sink combos and one family restroom/shower. On the other side of the building were three shower rooms. While they were clean, the floors were concrete, and the walls cinderblock and there was a bit of a musty odor. 

Activities/Amenities: We were there during the week in May and the visitor center and both stores (one in the campground and one by the Shut-Ins) were only open on the weekends. There was a laundry room with very reasonably priced machines ($1 each for the washer and dryer), a playground, and an amphitheater (which also was not in use when we were there). There is a gravel path that bisects each of the loops providing a nice way to walk/run throughout the campground. The signage in the park is good so even though no one was at the check-in station, it was easy to find our site and other facilities. The big draw for this park is the shut-ins (narrow constriction or gorge in a stream) where people can swim/slide from one to the other via small waterfalls into pools of water. We did see a few hearty souls in the water when we were there, and I can only imagine what it would be like on a hot summer weekend! 

We had almost the entire Loop 3 to ourselves, so it was a very quiet stay for us (except for the cicadas)!.

Echo Bluff State Park in Ozark National Scenic Riverways near Eminence, MO is a brand new “old camp”. 

Opened in 2016 the history is rather interesting. From 1929 until the 1980s, Camp Zoe was a children’s summer camp, founded by Russell S. and Margaret McMahan Louis County teachers. There is one of the structures still on site with plaques and information. More recently, it was home to music festivals — and an open-air drug market. I didn’t find any plaques in relation to that. However when the government gained control of the land in a court proceeding it was decided to bring more business into Shannon County by opening a very nice campground for people not wanting to rough it. 

And “BAM” you have very pricey accommodations from lodge rooms, to cabins and two story condos. The campground is pretty nice too but lacking in shade and privacy. There are walk-in (uphill) sites and nice wagons provided to transport your gear. Not my favorite style of camping. Completely full and busy, which is why it got a 4 instead of 5 star. This may be your type of camping and you would say a 5 star. Reserve ahead, I mean way ahead.

There is a huge pavilion that can be reserved that overlooks the area. It has a large fire pit and mega size grill, one of the trails meanders below the pavilion. This would be a nice venue for an extended family get together.

This is a very nice, new, recreation creation. The playground was given two thumbs up by my granddaughter. Then the river, which you can see from the lodge and playground was given 12 paws and 2 thumbs by dogs and grandkids alike. Crystal clear ice cold water that you can walk across to the sheer wall of rock. Bring your water shoes, the rocks aren’t fun to walk on.

A very cool feature , if you are lucky , you will see the wild horses that roam the area. They are not for petting, so use caution. 

Aside from the abundance of people we enjoyed Echo Bluff SP.

This is really the gem of Missouri state parks. Rv sites are all full 30/50 amp with water and sewer. All spots have plenty of room but are back in. The pads are perfectly level and are concrete. Camp hosts are helpful and kind. The lodge is in walking distance and offers breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The food is pretty good also! They offer inside dining but the best place to eat and enjoy the outdoors is on their huge deck. Wonderful place all around and Missouri really has done this one the right way!

Missouris newest state park was a huge disappointment. The campground is void of all trees!! in the summer there would not relief from the sun if you were in a tent. The facilities are top notch but it does not make up for the campground.

Echo Bluff State Park is nestled in the heart of Missouri's Ozarks. This natural haven offers a perfect retreat for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers. The park boasts a stunning blend of scenic beauty, recreational activities, and comfortable amenities.

The first thing that strikes you about Echo Bluff State Park is its breathtaking natural beauty. The towering bluffs, dense forests, and the pristine Sinking Creek that meanders through the park create a picturesque landscape that's a joy to explore. Hiking trails like the Signal Hill Trail and Current River Trail offer hikers stunning vistas and the chance to encounter local wildlife.

For those looking to relax, the park offers a range of options. The modern campground facilities are well-maintained and provide all the comforts of home, while the cozy cabins offer a rustic yet comfortable escape. The Echo Bluff Lodge is a standout feature, offering a beautiful setting for meals and relaxation with its panoramic views of the park.

One of the highlights of Echo Bluff State Park is its accessibility to the Current River. Canoeing, kayaking, and fishing are popular activities, and the park provides easy access to the river. It's also a designated Missouri Trout Park, making it a paradise for anglers.

In conclusion, Echo Bluff State Park is a haven for nature enthusiasts and those seeking a peaceful getaway. Its natural beauty, outdoor activities, and comfortable accommodations make it a must-visit destination in Missouri. Whether you're an avid hiker, a water sports enthusiast, or simply looking for a tranquil escape, Echo Bluff has something to offer everyone.

Amazing state park with wonderful new visitor center. Lots of history and it has completely been rebuilt. Campground was clean and well managed. Lots of wildlife and amazing science at work. Must see in Missouri.

This place literally has everything you can want from walk in tent sites to an entire lodge with all the amenities. Campsites are all well manicured and offer everything from basic sites to full RV hook ups. The only negative is that we have experienced are that you need to reserve your side months in advance because this campground is so popular. And the only other negative is that all of the campsites are out in the open with no shade. But other than that it’s easy to see why the state park is a perfect representation of how much pride Missouri takes in its conservation and park system.