9 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Rudolf Bennitt Conservation Area near Mexico, Missouri offers primitive equestrian camping with access to 12 miles of multi-use trails. The conservation area maintains designated primitive camping areas that accommodate tent camping with horses. Toilets are available, but the sites lack drinking water, electric hookups, and other amenities. The gravel campground access roads accommodate horse trailers, with spacious parking areas allowing for maneuvering. Campsite reservations are not required as the area operates on a first-come, first-served basis. The campground remains free of charge for overnight stays.
The multi-use trails at Rudolf Bennitt connect riders to diverse terrain throughout the 3,300-acre conservation area. Trail surfaces consist primarily of natural soil and grass paths with moderate elevation changes suitable for most riding skill levels. Trails wind through oak-hickory forest and open grasslands, providing varied scenery for day rides. Water access for horses is available at several points along the trail system where streams and small ponds intersect the routes. Riders particularly appreciate the well-maintained trail markers and moderate difficulty level suitable for most horses. Pack in all feed and supplies as no horse-specific amenities like corrals or stalls exist onsite, and visitors must follow leave-no-trace principles for manure management.
"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."
from $15 - $29 / night
Check Availability"We didn’t explore the grounds much but apparently we could’ve walked and seen the horses by the resort. The only thing I didn’t love was the gravel road all the way in."
"We had family from Idaho, Colorado, Wyoming, Iowa, Illinois, and Missouri, and everyone raved how this was their new favorite spot."
"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."
from $10 - $125 / night
Check Availability"Several ponds and a larger lake but it was currently being repaired so it’s very low."
"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"
from $24 - $30 / night
Check Availability"This is an equestrian campground that allows non-horse campers, but prefers you check Pine Ridge first."
"Others had left some trash around. we picked up what we could. please pack it out if You pack it in.."
"When I first pulled in I kept going back further only to realize the spots were located right by the road side. I wish there would have been signs pointing them out more."
"The best site (already taken, too bad) was set on the edge of the woods next to a fishing pond. The campers that were there let me take some pics of their site since it was so pretty."
"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."
GuideHeavily 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.
LegendThe Pine Ridge Campground a few miles down the road was full, so we ended up at 1 of the 8 sites here. This is an equestrian campground that allows non-horse campers, but prefers you check Pine Ridge first. We had a fine one-night stay while traveling through, but encountered A LOT of ticks on the overgrown trail. BEWARE of ticks and check yourselves and your pets if staying here. No cell service.
GuideGreat 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.
GuideStayed 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.
TravelerThe 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.
GuideWhen I first pulled in I kept going back further only to realize the spots were located right by the road side. I wish there would have been signs pointing them out more. It looks like I wasn’t the only one to continue on as there were tire tracks already and then turn arounds. It’s quiet and peaceful! The service is okay I have ATT and had 1-2 bars most of the time. It rained and got muddy but the road was dry rocks which was a great place for my dogs to walk without getting my car all dirty. All in all it was a good place. I was the only one there.
LegendA 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.
LegendThis was a good stopover site on our journey. The campground reps were kind and great to work with. The registration online was seamless. We submitted an inquiry online, they replied within a day with the invoice to confirm our site and sent us confirmation details via email. Checkin was simple. The lots felt a bit tight but no big deal since it was just a stopover. It appeared there may be permanent residents who stay so if you’re looking for that, it might be an option based on the setups and work trucks parked at a few. Everyone was friendly, quiet and seemed to keep to themselves. Nice pond onsite that you can fish. We didn’t explore the grounds much but apparently we could’ve walked and seen the horses by the resort. The only thing I didn’t love was the gravel road all the way in. Our truck and camper was covered with gravel dust. So if you had anything exposed, it’ll get a bit dusty. But again overall a nice stopover and the employees were great to work with.
GuideFinger 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.
Rudolf Bennitt Conservation Area isn't the only equestrian camping option near Mexico, Missouri. The region features several additional horse campgrounds and outdoor recreation areas spanning the central Missouri landscape. Situated in rolling hills at elevations between 750-850 feet, this part of Missouri experiences hot summers and mild winters, making spring and fall ideal for horse camping. Seasonal considerations include tick activity from April through October and occasional trail closures after heavy rains.
Trail riding at Mark Twain Lake: Indian Creek Campground offers access to varied terrain. As one camper notes, "This campground has a lot of road to bike on if you like to ride your bike" and another mentions "Lots of hiking and amazing trails" though warns it's "Very much a mosquito paradise."
Fishing opportunities: Finger Lakes State Park Campground provides unique water access. "There is a dock close to the campground for canoeing and kayaking," explains one visitor. Another notes, "There are some small lakes that clearly have a draw for fishermen and for those who like to canoe and kayak."
Wildlife observation: The conservation areas maintain diverse habitats. At Daniel Boone Conservation Area, campers report "Enjoy the sound of owls and silence" and "There's a little pond with wildlife like rabbits and frogs."
Secluded camping spots: Many horse campgrounds provide privacy between sites. At Cedar Creek Resort & RV Park, visitors appreciate that "the cabins are spectacular and right on the water" and mention "over 160 acres of land to explore on!"
Well-maintained facilities: Conservation areas typically offer basic but clean amenities. One camper at Whetstone Conservation Area reported it as "Super well maintained conservation area, 5 camp sites with fire pits and picnic tables."
Dark night skies: Rural locations provide excellent stargazing. A Daniel Boone Conservation Area camper specifically mentioned "Peaceful dark skies" as a highlight of their stay.
Seasonal insect activity: Ticks and mosquitoes are common, especially from April through October. A visitor to Whetstone Conservation Area encountered "A LOT of ticks on the overgrown trail. BEWARE of ticks and check yourselves and your pets if staying here."
Limited amenities: Most horse campgrounds near Mexico, Missouri offer primitive facilities. At Rudolf Bennitt Conservation Area, a camper noted there are "several equestrian campsites +20 throughout the park" but there's only one "vault toilet provided."
Weather considerations: Summer heat can be intense, while spring brings occasional storms. At Frank Russell Campground, a visitor reported, "Even though it rained like crazy... we loved this spot, especially with 3 perfect trees close enough to put our hammocks up!"
Swimming options: Frank Russell Campground offers water access for cooling off. A camper shared, "Down the road a walk away. There is a trail that leads right to the water where we were able to have a swim."
Campground selection: Some areas are more family-friendly than others. Regarding Indian Creek, one visitor noted, "This campground has its own beach that you can only get to by boat or if your camping in the campground. Felt more private that way."
Activity planning: Conservation areas offer varied experiences. At Finger Lakes State Park, a camper observed, "The swimming beach and playgrounds were closed but everything else was great! Nice big lots, everyone has full shade."
Site leveling: Some campgrounds require preparation. At Indian Creek Campground, a visitor noted, "While it was level side to side, it had about 6" of slope front to back. Not a problem for me but some campers may find it a bit much."
Accessibility for larger rigs: Road conditions vary between areas. At Daniel Boone Conservation Area, an RVer shared, "You could easily get an RV or camper around the roads. The way I came was a little weird with some awkward turns that might be tricky for a less experienced operator."
Hookup availability: Services differ between locations. A Frank Russell camper highlighted that they have "nice new concrete sites with fire pit, full hookup" making it suitable for longer stays.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Mexico, MO?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Mexico, MO is Finger Lakes State Park Campground with a 3.6-star rating from 25 reviews.
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Mexico, MO?
TheDyrt.com has all 9 equestrian camping locations near Mexico, MO, with real photos and reviews from campers.
Keep Exploring
