5 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Rudolf Bennitt Conservation Area provides equestrian camping opportunities with multiple designated sites for horseback riders throughout the 3,000-acre property. The conservation area features primitive camping with no electric hookups or running water, offering a true backcountry experience for horse enthusiasts. Vault toilets are available near the main equestrian campsites, but shower facilities are not provided. The area permits tent camping and accommodates horse trailers with adequate parking space at designated sites. Fires are allowed at campsites, and pets can accompany visitors. Camping is free, making it an economical option for riders seeking multiple-day trail experiences. The campground fills quickly during peak hunting seasons, with safety concerns noted during deer season when the area becomes crowded.
Trail riders access over 20 miles of multi-use paths throughout Rudolf Bennitt, with routes winding around the fishing lake and through forested terrain. The trails accommodate horses, hikers and mountain bikers with varied terrain suitable for different skill levels. Water access for horses is available at several points throughout the trail system, particularly near the lake area. No horse corrals are provided on-site, so campers must bring their own containment systems or use high-lines between trees. The heavily forested areas offer natural shade and wind protection for campers and horses alike. Nearby Bonanza Conservation Area provides an alternative free camping option with slightly different terrain and fishing opportunities, though it restricts camping to designated gravel parking areas only rather than allowing true dispersed camping throughout the property.
"This state park is a hidden gem in central Missouri. It has something to offer everyone in the family. There are several small lakes and plenty of hiking trails to keep everyone busy."
"Knob Noster State Park is close to Whiteman AFB and towns nearby for amenities. The park is clean and quiet. Weekends often mean a nearly full campground so make sure to reserve ahead!"
from $15 - $52 / night
Check Availability"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."
"Multiple campsites available along the highway, but the marked site is one of the best, right by a great fishing lake. Very quite, no amenities."
"We stayed in our rv while riding the Katy trail easy check in process. Free use of washer and dryer. Shower was great. Felt super safe here. Nice and quiet. Would definitely recommend to anyone."
from $10 - $25 / night
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.
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.
LegendThis state park is a hidden gem in central Missouri. It has something to offer everyone in the family. There are several small lakes and plenty of hiking trails to keep everyone busy. The campground is one of the better ones in the state park system. They are spread out and are level. The bathhouse has been newly renovated. The people in the park are some of the friendliest we have come across.
TravelerKnob Noster State Park is close to Whiteman AFB and towns nearby for amenities. The park is clean and quiet. Weekends often mean a nearly full campground so make sure to reserve ahead! Weekdays there are few campers. The park is well shaded and it includes primitive and electric sites with water pumps within easy access to all sites. There are two sets of campground bathrooms—one is near the front and is brand new (2018); the other bathrooms are half way to the back of the campground. A dump station is at the front of the campground with a pull through drive. Ice, small grocery items and items are all available for purchase from the camp host. You can also rent kayaks either hourly or by the half or full day. There are lots of great trails for hiking, weekend park programs at the campground amphitheater, a playground and basketball courts. There is no WiFi in this park yet but I hear it’s coming soon. This is a great little park!!
ScoutWe stayed one night traveling through Missouri. A limited number (25) of campsites are open during off season, which was fine since there were just two other campers. The open sites are RV sites but fine for our tent. Fees are $25 and $29 per night. Pit toilets are open but showers are closed and water availability limited.
TravelerNice & Shady State Park; 30 amp only, no water or sewer at sites. Water readily available throughout the park, dump station near exit. Dumpsters are not near the the dump station. Cost: $21/night for electric site. All gravel, except handicapped sites which are nicely paved and level. Very quiet park, hiking & biking available, kayaking at park lake (very mossy), lots and lots of stupid raccoons at night.
RangerBeautiful secluded campsite - amenities were clean. Kayak rentals were available for Lake Buteo - kayakers were out on the lake, and the lake has a trail all around it. Nice trail. The other lake, Clearfork Lake, was great for fishing for us! We did have a problem with Raccoons, but with our site being on the very edge of the sites I think that may be inevitable.
ScoutNice place, but just didn't care for how much the cops drove threw nonstop, we are camping to get away from people and doesn't make me feel at peace wondering why so many cops always drive thru.
TravelerClean well maintained with large open areas. Hosts are helpful and friendly. It's noisy, but when you are close to a major highway that's how it is. The Bathrooms were large and clean. ATT phone worked without problems.
Rudolf Bennitt Conservation Area encompasses over 3,000 acres of forested land with designated equestrian camping sites throughout the property. The area sits at approximately 800 feet elevation within the rolling hills of central Missouri. Conservation areas near Miami, Missouri offer primitive camping options with basic vault toilets but no running water or electric hookups.
Fishing at multiple locations: Rudolf Bennitt Conservation Area features a stocked fishing lake with dedicated facilities. "Quite night with one fishing boat late morning. Nice fishing lake with docks, boat ramp and vault toilet and the only one provided," notes Linda H. about Rudolf Bennitt Conservation Area.
Kayaking on serene lakes: The nearby lakes provide calm waters for paddling enthusiasts. "There are a couple of small lakes, one of which has kayak rentals. Several hiking trails," writes JoAnn P. about Knob Noster State Park, which is accessible from many horse campgrounds near Miami, Missouri.
Trail riding on multi-use paths: The conservation areas offer extensive trail systems for various users. "Heavily forested with a lake. Trails and camping areas in woods are setup for equestrian with good trails for hikers, bikers and horses," reports Linda H. about Bonanza Conservation Area, noting the versatility of the trail system.
Natural woodland settings: The dense forest provides natural privacy between sites. "Stayed for 1.5 weeks. Stay at lake for three days, established area with vault toilet and gravel parking. Has boat ramp and fishing docks," shares Ron R. about his experience at Rudolf Bennitt Conservation Area.
Free camping options: Conservation areas offer budget-friendly accommodations. "Multiple campsites available along the highway, but the marked site is one of the best, right by a great fishing lake. Very quite, no amenities," mentions Lloyd W. about the cost-effective camping at Bonanza Conservation Area.
Campground quiet: Many reviewers note the peaceful atmosphere at area campgrounds. "Spent 5 nights. The campground filled up on the weekend but it was very quiet," writes JoAnn P. about Knob Noster State Park Campground, which is within driving distance of equestrian campgrounds near Miami, Missouri.
Hunting season impacts: Conservation areas become busier during hunting seasons. "Deer hunting camp. Lots of city hunters with NO CONCEPT of safety during hunting," warns Will E. about Bonanza Conservation Area, highlighting potential safety concerns during peak seasons.
Wildlife management concerns: Some areas have wildlife that can affect camping experience. "Heavily forested with a lake. Get a brochure with park map at entrance as roads pass through park and private property," suggests Linda H., noting the importance of understanding boundaries at conservation areas.
Camping restrictions: Not all areas permit true dispersed camping. "It is against their rules to camp anywhere but on a gravelly parking lot. We camped just off the road and got a citation. It's not really disbursed camping," cautions Kevin C. about Lazy Liz Katy Trail Horse and RV Campground.
Check campsite locations carefully: Some sites offer better natural protection than others. "I relocated farther up hill to nestle in more with the trees. There are several equestrian campsites +20 throughout the park," shares Ron R., describing how he found a more sheltered spot at Rudolf Bennitt.
Consider noise factors: Shooting ranges and other facilities may impact the camping experience. "Also a shooting range centrally located in the park," mentions Ron R. about Rudolf Bennitt Conservation Area, which could be important for families seeking quiet horse campgrounds near Miami, Missouri.
Look for campgrounds with activity options: Sites with diverse recreation possibilities keep children engaged. "Beautiful secluded campsite - amenities were clean. Kayak rentals were available for Lake Buteo - kayakers were out on the lake, and the lake has a trail all around it," reports Kelsie L. about Knob Noster State Park Campground.
Limited hookup options: Most conservation areas offer minimal RV amenities. "We stayed in our rv while riding the Katy trail easy check in process. Free use of washer and dryer. Shower was great," shares Berk G. about their stay at Lazy Liz Katy Trail Horse and RV Campground.
Weather protection considerations: Some campgrounds offer better weather protection than others. "I noticed bicycle tent campers here and on a rainy night they were able to set up tent in barn to stay dry," mentions Berk G., highlighting an advantage for equestrian facilities that often have covered areas.
Site specifications and levelness: Pay attention to site details before selecting. "Well maintained campground with nice, level concrete pads. Sites are spacious," notes Maggie C. about camping options near horse campgrounds in the Miami, Missouri region.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Miami, MO?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Miami, MO is Knob Noster State Park Campground with a 4.2-star rating from 29 reviews.
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Miami, MO?
TheDyrt.com has all 5 equestrian camping locations near Miami, MO, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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