3 campgrounds with availability this weekend
Shawnee Creek Backcountry Camping area offers equestrian campsites down the road in both directions, with access to riding trails that connect to the broader Ozark National Scenic Riverway. The campground provides direct access to the Jack's Fork River, making it convenient for riders who need water access for their horses. While the main camping facilities include basic amenities like toilets, the equestrian campsites maintain a primitive setup at an affordable $10 per night. Horse owners frequently report sightings of wild horses in the Shannon County area, adding a unique dimension to the trail riding experience near this campground.
Located within the scenic Ozark region near Mark Twain National Forest, the horse camping areas connect to multiple trail systems suitable for riders of varying experience levels. The trails wind through diverse terrain featuring wooded hillsides, river crossings, and rocky outcroppings characteristic of the Missouri Ozarks. Trailer parking accommodates various sizes, though advanced planning is recommended during peak seasons. The campground's location makes it an ideal base for exploring nearby springs and recreational areas. Many riders appreciate the well-maintained riding paths and clear signage throughout the trail system. Bathroom facilities were recently updated, though horse-specific amenities remain basic and focused on natural experiences rather than developed facilities. Riders looking for horse campsites near Mark Twain National Forest will find the primitive setup and direct trail access a practical and affordable option for multi-day trips.
"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."
"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."
Available this weekend
from $12 - $27 / night
"The campsites are a little close together but no one was at the one next to us so it did not feel so bad. Staff was very nice and friendly."
"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."
"We took a last-minute trip on a beautiful weekend in June 2020 to get outside (responsibly) during the pandemic. Two Rivers campground did not disappoint!"
"Be sure to visit the nearby springs and sites of the recreational area. The springs are so deep blue and dramatic against the rocky cliffs."
Available this weekend
from $10 - $25 / night
"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. "
from $10 / night
from $30 - $200 / night
"I love the shaded tent campsites and easy access to firewood, boat dock and open area perfect for large family gatherings"
"I hiked from McCormack Lake to here, which is only about 4 miles (unfortunately, though, some of the trail is quite overgrown.) However, most people just park at their campsite."
"Johnson Shut-Ins State Park is located on the Black River in Missouri, just south of St. Louis. This makes it a popular location on hot summer days, especially weekends."
"It is located on the Black River, and the water flowing through the shut-ins is crystal clear and cool."
Available this weekend
from $14 - $75 / night
from $21 / night
"River access and super close to stream/cave/waterfall area. Water from the cave is so fresh and clear! Truly a beautiful area!"
"going here and it is great , there is great trout fishing and several real good swing holes the campsites are right beside the river which is really nice , the only issue is the restroom is a little walk"
"Family operated and located in the Ozark Mountains with beautiful scenery nearby to explore."
from $56 - $65 / night
TravelerThe camp sites are full hook up with good size lots. Lots of room for dogs to run. They have hiking trails, lake for paddle boarding or kayaks( free to use on site), mini golf( have to supply own balls they have putters) 9 hole golf course,and Disc golf. The pool and shower house with game rooms are clean and showers open 24/7. Grounds keepers go a fantastic job
GuideGreat site. Loved the bike path to the shut-ins. Hosts were awesome. Camp store had lots!!!
TravelerAs with every Mo State park we've been to so far, it is perfect. Easy access to the river for fishing and swimming. RV sites have electrical and water hookups. Some have sewage as well. Showers available. Even a restaurant at the lodge as well as a store with the basics, and beer!
LegendThe campground is very new and modern. Not too many trees though. Great hiking, biking, and boating. There is a hotel, restaurant, and cabins for rent. Food is good at the restaurant. Watch for the wild horses! This is great for any size rig and beautiful walk in tent sites on platforms.
LegendWhat's more to love? It has paved spots, great amenities, cool spring water, cabins, a lodge and gorgeous scenery.
ScoutI Reserved a camp site for$150 3 days before the festival. I called to cancel and they said it wasn’t 8 days before then they canceled it without refund and they gave up our campsite and said we couldn’t come. They were really rude on the phone. Rednecks are poor businessmen we offered to switch to the next week now they have a chargeback F-
LegendGeneral: 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)!.
LegendI’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.
TravelerSpent 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.
Equestrian campgrounds near Mark Twain National Forest offer direct access to diverse riding trails across the rocky Ozark terrain. Most horse campsites maintain primitive conditions with minimal development at elevations ranging from 600 to 1,500 feet. Summer temperatures typically reach 85-95°F with high humidity, while spring and fall provide more moderate riding conditions in the 60-75°F range.
Trail riding at Turner's Mill: The area features multiple riding paths through scenic limestone formations. At Turner's Mill, riders can access "awesome trout fishing and several real good swim holes" with "campsites right beside the river," according to Glen T. The nearby mill structure and spring-fed pools create natural rest stops along riding routes.
River access for horses: Many trails include shallow water crossings ideal for cooling horses during summer rides. Jared G. notes that at Turner's Mill, "The river is shallow enough to wade across and cool off in," making it convenient for both riders and horses to refresh during hot weather.
Visit nearby springs: The Mark Twain Forest area contains numerous clear springs worth exploring on horseback. Kaylee D. describes Turner's Mill area as having "super close stream/cave/waterfall area. Water from the cave is so fresh and clear!" Many springs maintain constant 58°F temperatures year-round, providing natural cooling spots during summer trail rides.
Simple facilities with river views: Campers appreciate basic sites with proximity to water. At Greer Crossing, Ashley W. mentions loving "the shaded tent campsites and easy access to firewood, boat dock and open area perfect for large family gatherings." This makes it convenient for post-ride social activities.
Privacy between sites: Many horse camping areas provide adequate separation between groups. Jake E. notes that Greer Crossing "provides a great sense of privacy but also community. The camp hosts are very helpful and friendly." This balance allows for both solitude and camaraderie among horse owners.
Affordable camping fees: Horse camps typically charge reasonable rates to encourage longer stays. Stephanie U. calls Greer Crossing "Well kept campgrounds, and restrooms!! Best I've seen around!! lots of shade and parking, camp host does a AMAZING JOB!!" The typical $10-15 nightly fee remains consistent across most equestrian sites in the region.
Variable cell service: Many equestrian camping areas have limited connectivity. At Two Rivers Backcountry Camping, Tenley D. advises that "Two Rivers campground did not disappoint! We were able to get a first come first served site around 4:30p on a Friday - it was one of two remaining sites so we likely lucked out." First-come sites fill quickly, especially during summer weekends.
Insect preparation: The forest ecosystem includes seasonal bugs. Tenley continues, "The campground had gnats, but we didn't get too many mosquitos so for that we were grateful." Most campers recommend bringing proper repellent, particularly during May through September.
Limited drinking water: Not all horse campgrounds provide potable water. Jade G. at Two Rivers notes, "The water is spring-fed and very clear and beautiful," but adds, "It was a bit buggy but we were prepared." Campers should bring adequate drinking water for both people and horses, particularly during hot weather.
Platform camping options: Some areas offer raised camping platforms ideal for keeping gear dry. At Johnson's Shut-Ins State Park, Elizabeth W. says, "Beautiful site, each walk-in was spread apart from each other. We loved it and cannot wait to go back." The platforms provide stable tent bases during rainy weather.
Nature programs: Several parks offer educational activities for children. At Johnson's Shut-Ins, Charlotte B. mentions, "They also had neat programs going on while we were there including a smores contest and adult scavenger hunt." These typically run Memorial Day through Labor Day weekends.
Cart assistance: For gear transport, some parks provide helpful equipment. Shelby B. notes about Johnson's Shut-Ins: "The cart provided was great to walk our gear down the trail to our site, and there was a flat deck for us to camp on (which was great on our rainy weekend)." This makes tent camping more accessible with younger children.
RV site selection: For larger rigs, certain campgrounds offer better accommodation. At Echo Bluff State Park, Keaton K. shares, "This place is pretty new and they didn't spare any expense. Lodge and campgrounds were great. Camp host at RV park was awesome and helped us a couple times." The park's newer facilities can accommodate larger trailers and horse rigs.
Limited shade considerations: Some developed campgrounds lack mature trees. Janet S. notes about Echo Bluff, "This is the third year for this campground so the trees are small but if you have an awning or some kind of shade mechanism, all is good." RVers should bring additional shade options for horses during summer months.
Water access for horses: RV campgrounds with equestrian facilities typically provide convenient river access. Anita B. explains, "The area the campground is located in is spectacular. Worth staying in the area. We, personally, like more of a woodsy feel." Many sites allow horses to access water within a short walk of camping areas.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is horseback riding allowed at Mark Twain National Forest?
Yes, horseback riding is allowed throughout Mark Twain National Forest on designated trails. The forest offers numerous scenic trails specifically designed for equestrian use, winding through the beautiful Ozark landscape. Many areas feature interconnected trail systems that allow for both day rides and longer excursions. Shawnee Creek Backcountry Camping — Ozark National Scenic Riverway is located near equestrian sites, making it a convenient base for horseback riding adventures. The forest management maintains these trails for safety, but riders should always check current conditions and regulations before heading out.
Where can I find equestrian camping in Mark Twain National Forest?
Mark Twain National Forest offers several dedicated equestrian camping options. Johnson's Shut-Ins State Park features Loop 1 with 10 equestrian sites that include water and 50-amp electric hookups. These sites are specifically designed with horse-friendly amenities. Flying W Store & Campground also provides facilities for horses, with convenient access to nearby trails. Additional equestrian camping can be found along the Jack's Fork River area, with both developed and more primitive options available. Most equestrian campgrounds require reservations, especially during peak seasons.
What amenities are available at Mark Twain National Forest horse camps?
Horse camps in Mark Twain National Forest vary in amenities, but most provide essential facilities for equestrians. At Timbuktu Campground — Echo Bluff State Park, you'll find well-maintained sites with access to water sources, hitching posts, and in some cases electric hookups. Many equestrian campgrounds feature larger parking areas to accommodate horse trailers, designated corrals or paddocks, and access to water for horses. Some sites like Greer Crossing offer more primitive accommodations with basic toilets and water access. Most horse camps connect directly to riding trails, allowing for convenient trail access without having to trailer your horses elsewhere.
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