The Dyrt can help you find the perfect horse camping site near Mark Twain National Forest. Equestrian camping is an adventurous and unique way to experience the city. Search horse campsites and discover top-rated spots, as reviewed by other campers.
The park features a primitive group/special-use camping area with a fire ring and restroom facilities. Call the park for information on how to reserve this area.
$11 - $32 / night
In the rolling, forested landscape of Two Rivers, two of America's most beautiful spring-fed rivers combine to make up the Ozark National Scenic Riverways.As the first national park area to protect a wild river system, visitors have plenty of scenic water activities to enjoy as well as hiking, horseback riding and wildlife viewing.
The crystal clear Current River flows past the campground, offering excellent canoeing, tubing, swimming, and fishing. Jacks Fork meets the Current River nearby. Over 130 miles (209 km) of waterways exist within the park. Find canoe and kayak rentals through our list of Riverways Outfitters on the park website. Several miles of hiking and horseback riding trails crisscross the region, including the Alley Overlook Trail, Chubb Hollow Trail, Ozark Trail, Cave Spring Trail, and Big Springs Trail.
Known for its caves, springs, sinkholes and losing streams, the Ozark National Scenic Riverways has over 300 identified Caves/Karst systems within its boundaries. The caves range in size from a rock overhang to almost seven miles of identified passages. Eight caves, including an open sinkhole, have been designated as outstanding natural features. The Ozark forest is mostly white oak and Shortleaf pine, Missouri's only native pine species. Along the rivers, Sycamore, Cottonwood, River birch and maples are common. Redbud and Dogwood are also abundant, putting on a spectacular show during most spring months.
Historic and picturesque Alley Mill and scenic Alley Spring are nearby. The mill is open daily in the summer and rangers offer tours upon request. Round Spring and Round Spring Cave are nearby as well, with ranger-guided tours offered daily during summer months.
$20 / night
Greer Crossing Recreation Area is located on the right side of Eleven Point National Scenic River at about 16.7 miles and offers access to the Eleven Point River for boating and fishing. This Recreation Area offers camping, picnic tables, fire pits, toilet, boat ramp and parking. Fees for Greer Crossing Recreation Area Campground are $10 per single and $15 per double campsite/ night and are paid at the fee tube. There is a 50% discount for anyone who has a Golden Age or Golden Access Passport, a Senior Pass, or an Access Pass. There are 16 single and 3 double mowed sites which offer seclusion and privacy, each with table, fire ring, and lantern post. The campground is set back away from the water’s edge. A campground host is on site in the summer. There is a centrally located vault toilet in the Campground. Drinking water and trash bins are available May 1- October 1. Some activities at Greer Crossing Recreation Area include are hiking, canoeing, wading, and fishing. A picnic area is near the boat access. The picnic area has 4 individual sites, each with a grill and one or more tables. The boating access is one of the most popular launch sites for persons floating the Eleven Point. There is one trail are available for hikers; a 4-mile trail follows the river and through typical Ozark hills up to McCormack Lake then circles back for a 2 mile walk back to Greer. This trail runs along the river and then back along the hillside above the river. Fishing is also very plentiful, there are rainbow trout, small mouth bass, sunfish, just to name a few.
$10 / night
We offer Gas & Diesel Fuel 24 hrs
There are 44 Sites with 50, 30 & 20 amp power available. To include Water to each Site. There is also 50 Horse Stalls available
We will offer Camping & Convince Store year-round.
Full Hookups including electric and water- $25.00 per night. Primitive Camping - $5.00 per night Horse stalls - $5.00 per night. Showers are also available for our guests. Visitors will have a $2.00 per shower fee. Dump Station available - $5.00 per use.
Contact for Reservations
Legend
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)!.
Legend
I’ve been coming to the Current River area for over 60 years, before the National Scenic Riverways, when Round Springs, Alley Springs, Big Springs, and Montauk were all state parks. They were great places for camping, swimming in the Current River, and canoeing. This new State Park at Echo Bluff is everything I would eliminate from a campground. Sites are packed close together, everything is concrete. No privacy, no shade , no natural beauty. A big modern lodge, cabins and townhouses. I made reservations for two weeks expecting a state park experience. Sorely disappointed! We left early. The staff mostly didn’t bother us. But we watched the cop that sat along the road partway down a steep hill almost every day and gave out tickets for exceeding the 20 mph limit. Showers/bathrooms were new, but not centrally located. Probably would not go back.
Traveler
Spent 3 nights here and the area is beautiful! The mill and springs are soothing and crystal clear. The river is shallow enough to wade across and cool off in. Great spot if you are in the area. A few people on the river fishing and kayaking but no other campers that we saw while there.
TravelerLove tent camping! Secluded and shaded. I want a few years back and it was lovely can’t wait to see if there have been updates!
TravelerThe campground was big and comfortable. We wanted to stay close to the open shower houses since only those in loop 3 and the cabins were open until April. Stayed in loop 2, which was still close enough to cabins shower house. Our site was right at the beginning of the loop and was very level and offered privacy since no one was to our right. No problem with cell service for 5G, we were able to stream music and apps. Anything under 5G was in SOS mode. No antennae TV available, either. The shut-ins were right down the road or you could walk or bike the paved path all the way there. The Scour Trail was also close and really neat to see.
TravelerEcho 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.
ScoutFirst, the park hosts were so friendly, helpful and hard working. They kept everything spotless! Bathrooms and showers were a 10. Grounds were a 10. Location and surroundings were gorgeous. Sites were spacious and there’s not a “bad” site in the whole park. It was Peaceful and quiet at night. We walked through the walk in tent camping area and it was amazing. Sites were big, private and spread out through the woods with wooden platforms. Path through the area was gravel and very well maintained. The Betty Lea Lodge was close and had an awesome store and gift shop. We will definitely be back!
ScoutGreat place to stay. Easy to get checked in staff is super helpful. Quiet campground not a lot of loud music and people. Other campers are super friendly and nice. Bluffs at at the lodge are amazing to see. Will definitely be coming back!!
ScoutWe have stayed here four or five times now, so clean and the people working are friendly. We have stayed other places and this is by far the most clean and maintained. Highly recommend.
GuideWe arrived at 9:30 AM and headed for the North Day Use parking lot. We were the second or third car there. We did not plan to see the shut-ins but instead put our chairs in the river via the access trails by the North Day Use side. We were able to choose any picnic table and setup our future lunch spot. I don't think but one other table was used the rest of the day, because most people that parked here walked to the shut-ins. The early afternoon was very peaceful and we were the only people in that section of the river. By mid afternoon the parking lot was full and there were then several small groups of families in the section by us, all very polite and friendly. Don't know, but imagine the shut-ins were busy with people due to seeing all the cars drive in that direction. We left by 3:30 and the parking lot was starting to empty out. Decent vault toilet in this section, if you don't look in it, and flush toilets by the Black River Center.
GuideI took the day off on Friday so we could have a full weekend of camping. We originally planned to go to Buffalo River in Arkansas, but there was a lot of rain in the area so we decided to check out Echo Bluff State Park instead.
I’m glad we did! It was beautiful and our campsite 🏕️ was perfect. There was a wooden platform that kept us drier than we might have been when it rained Saturday night and some water got in a few of the seams of our tent 😅
We tried to catch some fish in Sinkin’ Creek Friday and Saturday but no luck. The cool water felt wonderful both days but chasing away the copperheads 🐍 Saturday that were likely scaring away the fish 🐟 was so not fun 😂 neither was finding a tick on my arm but we found it soon enough to get it off without issue. We also successfully avoided all the poison ivy 🌱
Bf made some delicious steaks 🥩(as always 🤤) hot dogs 🌭, sausages and bacon 🥓
I don’t know where we’ll go next but I know it will be just as fun! And despite everything, we plan to return here at some point soon!!!
Also there is WiFi in the rv area and at the lodge. Otherwise absolutely no service for ATT or Verizon and I would imagine several others
GuideThis place has what you need for a good camping trip. The general store has the essentials, the campground is clean, sites are decently spaced with enough privacy. Thumbs up.
Guide
Shelly seemed like a very nice person via text. She just wasn't there when we arrived, and we had a hard time determining property boundaries, tent site locations, etc. on our own. Unfortunately, the tent site we did find was pretty washed out, and we ended up leaving and camping elsewhere. If you have an RV/trailer, ATV's, etc. this place is probably a hoot. Best of luck.
Scout
This place is a gem. Family operated and located in the Ozark Mountains with beautiful scenery nearby to explore.
Guide
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!
Guide
$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!
Traveler
Great place to camp. Stayed at site 22. 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. Vault toilet clean and stocked. No fee just donations. 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.
Scout
Perfect in the off season. People were wonderful and you are right next to the water. Pickup for float trips is nice too
If the facilities are great it would be five stars. They were not bad, but a little dated and not well set up for camper showers. Clean though.
Scout
K
Travelerthis campground is totally off the beaten path. a great place to relax and unwind. this is also a good place if your new to off grid camping and want to test your gear before you say bye to society. the dogs are friendly and imo a good addition to make the place feel comfortable
TravelerThis was such a clean campground. From the restrooms to the campsite and the river, everything was amazing. The river was a bit busy on Saturday but that’s a given in July. We will definitely be coming back!
GuideLove it. Best way to put it. There is a store and firewood, campsites are semi close but very large and well put together!!
Traveler
Great campsites, elec available no dump and community water only. Black river access on site. Firewood included with site rental. Ice is only $2.50. No cell service
GuideWe stayed here to utilize their shuttle services for kayaking the 11 point. It was the week before the Memorial Day holiday and we had the place to ourselves! There are bathrooms available and hot showers, awesome people to chat with and a cool dog named Dan. We stayed in the primitive camping section but were informed there are also cabins available. Our site was just what we needed with a Rim fire pit and a couple of picnic tables. Richards definitely catered to us as we decided at the last minute to take another float and they jumped right in and made it happen for us. The convince of having your own vehicle waiting for you after a long day of floating is worth every dime you pay for it! I would highly recommend Richards for their shuttle services and camping area.
ScoutWe heard about this amazing park, great camping. We tried to find photos of the tent sites, found a few videos of people showing one, but not camping there. We liked the wood platform so reserved spot 7 for 3 nights. Luckily we brought our own wagon because they weren’t allowing their large wagons to help you carry your gear to the campsite, apparently a COVID protection rule. The campsite No. 7 was at the highest point on a rocky hill to walk up. We only heard about concrete to everything. No. The people catered to at Echo Bluff State Park are the people RVing. The huge concrete area for RVs looked so packed and crowded. It was over 100 degrees down there, 20 less at our campsite. We spent a lot of time down IN the sinking creek. We loved the creek. It was such a great way to cool off and get some Wi-Fi signal. NO wi fi at campsites other than No. 1, very close to the RVs and parking area. The space between campsites was good: although, one night we had problems with people being up late and being loud. The second night was problems with people shining their flashlights into our camp until 3 a.m. it was ridiculous. So we didn’t see any people come by that would enforce the rules at the camps. We will go back the end of July this year, but we know what to ask about and request when we get there this time. We can say the site itself was private feeling. We just didn’t anticipate our far neighbors being so bad.
GuideGreat free campground near the river. Volt toilets, trash cans, and picnic tables. All spots have paved pull-in spots. I'd say max length for rigs are 30 feet. I'd stay here again. They have a camp host but they are no bother.
ScoutWe've been camping here for 3-4years now and we are still amazed at how quiet and secluded it is. We love being able to have an escape from the world and forced to not have our electrons since there is no service. Our first time here we got to experience the amazing raccoons which made for a pretty funny story later. We absolutely love it here.
Horse camping near Mark Twain National Forest in Missouri offers a unique opportunity to explore the scenic beauty of the Ozarks while enjoying the company of your equine friends. With several well-reviewed spots catering to horse enthusiasts, you can find the perfect place to set up camp.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Mark Twain National Forest?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Mark Twain National Forest is Timbuktu Campground — Echo Bluff State Park with a 4.5-star rating from 37 reviews.
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Mark Twain National Forest?
TheDyrt.com has all 22 equestrian camping locations near Mark Twain National Forest, with real photos and reviews from campers.
