21 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
St. Joe State Park Campground accommodates equestrians with designated sites at Campground #2, which features larger campsites specifically designed for horse owners. The equestrian campsites include expanded gravel parking areas to accommodate horse trailers alongside tents or RVs. Vault toilets are conveniently located near the water supply points. The park offers direct access to equestrian trails separate from the ATV and hiking paths, allowing riders to explore without crossing motorized traffic areas. Spacious sites can fit multiple tents, vehicles, and horse equipment with room to spare. The camping area maintains a quiet atmosphere away from the ATV sections of the park, creating a more traditional camping experience for those traveling with horses.
Trail access begins right from Campground #2, connecting riders to the park's extensive equestrian trail system. The trails wind through woodland settings with varied terrain suitable for different skill levels. Horse-friendly campsites feature gravel pads with adjacent picnic tables and fire rings, providing practical spaces for both human and equine needs. The sites maintain enough distance between neighbors to accommodate horses comfortably. St. Francois State Park, located approximately 30 minutes north, offers additional equestrian camping options with full hookups for those requiring more amenities. Both parks enforce quiet hours and provide clean facilities, though riders should note that St. Joe does not have shower facilities at the equestrian campground itself. Campers must haul in feed and water for horses, as natural water sources along trails may be seasonal.
"We enjoyed our 1.5 mile hike to get to the river access to float. We brought our own flotation devices and really enjoyed every aspect of the seclusion."
"There are 2 huge campgrounds (around 100 sites each!) and a nice paved bike path connecting them."
from $15 - $52 / night
Check Availability"So, as one of Missouri’s atv parks, this can be a load one. But, you can camp at campground 2, and you’re dealing with a MUCH more classic camping scenario."
"A great spot with a minute walk to a very well kept shower house and bathroom. We really liked this spot at CG#1."
from $15 - $52 / night
Check Availability"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."
from $15 - $80 / night
Check Availability"They offer trail rides on their horses. Dog friendly. Connected to ozark trail."
"The "Zoo" is for the younger and rowdier crowd, and is located north of HWY 8, away from the family-friendly sites, and has later quiet hours and is known for its party-like atmosphere. "
from $11 - $65 / night
Check Availability"Not a huge campground but, Its a really simple beautiful place to enjoy Missouri's rolling hills. It is located 1 hour from St. Louis and 30 ish min from Elephant Rock State park."
"My site was close to the camp host and the shower house. Shower house was nice with 4 separate showers with locking doors. Water pressure was great and they were clean."
from $15 - $27 / night
Check Availability"It’s an affordable place and family/pet friendly and the have horse stables there for your use if needed."
"Now I opt for a site as far away from the stage as possible and do not bring my children here lol. Nice facilities, no real complaints. I bet weekdays are a lot more serene."
from $12 / night
Check Availability"We love the beautiful lake, the swimming area is big and has a nice patio for access. You can rent a cart to go running around the huge campground. Very friendly staff."
from $25 - $36 / night
Check Availability"It's remote and off the beaten path. A small campground with only 8 spots, some big enough for RVs. No hook ups or water. Pack it in and pack it out. Each site had enough space from each other."
"Pavillion, parking and horse tie out area adjacent trailhead. Excellent place to bring the kids if you want to unplug them from the media world. Trails and bugs and things that go bump in the night."
from $8 - $15 / night
Check Availability"Getting around is a little right for bigger rigs but still doable as long as you’re careful."
"Easy walk to the lake with a gorgeous view, , 2 different playgrounds walkable distance from campground."
RangerThis is a decent campground to stay for free. There is a pit toilet. There was only one picnic table and not many defined spots but I think you can pull up in the grass wherever you like. It's right at a trailhead. I started to walk the trail but couldn't find it when it crossed the road. The roads are good getting here. The campground road has a few pot holes, but nothing too bad. I would come back here and look for nearby hiking.
GuideI gave this campground a five star again. I am a solo female camper. I like to go to places that are safe with a good atmosphere and this had both and plenty of things to do a roundabout when coming through this area again I will definitely stay here.
GuideGreat site. Loved the bike path to the shut-ins. Hosts were awesome. Camp store had lots!!!
LegendThe trees changes are amazing in the fall. Lots of great camping spots to select from. Good for any kind of camping and has cabins, store, and restaurant. Great bike trails and plenty of water play in the river.
LegendThis is a park not far from St Louis with camping and hiking. Campground is on the small side.
ScoutI have camped here for several years even the non potable water has been disconnected for a couple years now. There are no camping spots on or near the lake they are all uphill.
GuideI know a large majority of the park is meant for ORV’s but there was just constant noise even in the campground. Besides that it was great though!
TravelerHad a wonderful weekend camping trip in the basic loop. Grass well-trimmed, campground pretty clean and full of families. Definitely a lot of kid noise, but I much prefer that to adults drinking into the night. Staff always cheerful and eager to provide a good experience; they do ride around every so often to check in on things. Camp host on site. Some sites certainly better than others; the biggest ones are near the entrance to the basic loop.
Bathrooms older and not spotless, but they stay on top of stocking them. Very well lit at night. Check-in station has patches, t-shirts, and firewood for sale in big bundles for $5. They do cover them when it rains.
There is definitely a friendly community atmosphere, but you can keep to yourself if that's your preference.
There is a nice 3-mile hike that begins at the campground.
ScoutIt's a nice lil place to camp but the camp sites r not that big
St. Joe State Park offers equestrian trails across 1,052 acres with varied terrain through the foothills of the Ozark Mountains near Fredericktown, Missouri. The park sits at approximately 950 feet above sea level and features a mix of hardwood forests and open meadows. Summer temperatures typically range from 75-95°F with higher humidity, making spring and fall the most comfortable seasons for equestrian camping.
Fishing and water activities: Access four lakes within St. Joe State Park Campground where visitors can fish, swim at two designated beaches, and enjoy boating. "They have a nice little beach for you to walk on or even get your feet wet," notes Jennifer H.
Hiking separate from horse trails: Take the 11-mile paved multi-use trail that avoids ATV areas. "There was a trail located right by our spot at CG#2, it's a good hike!" shares Olivia S. The trail system provides gentle to moderate terrain with some hills but remains accessible for most skill levels.
Visit nearby vineyards: Explore local wineries located within 20-30 minutes of the equestrian camping areas. "We went to check out cave vineyard which is exactly what it sounds like and is not to be missed," recommends Ashley Y. who visited from St. Joe State Park Campground.
Spacious sites at Campground #2: The equestrian campground offers large, well-distanced sites specifically designed for horses. "We had a spot with electric and no water, water is located close by the vault toilets. The site has a gravel parking area rather than the concrete one at CG#1. We had two tents, two cars, and five people, just as spacious," reports Olivia S.
Natural setting away from noise: Johnson's Shut-Ins State Park offers additional equestrian camping options with more seclusion. "Beautiful site, each walk-in was spread apart from each other. We loved it and cannot wait to go back," shares Elizabeth W.
Clean facilities and organized camp layout: Equestrian camps throughout the region maintain basic but functional amenities. At Sam A. Baker State Park Campground, "The park as usual was yet maintained in almost perfect conditions, staff was very nice," reports John K.
Seasonal considerations: Water sources along trails may be intermittent depending on rainfall. "We spent four days at the park with friends during the higher rain and very, high river. I have never seen the river through the park so high to the top of the banks," notes John K. at Sam A. Baker State Park.
Cell service limitations: Network coverage varies significantly at horse campgrounds near Fredericktown. "The only slight below norms was their wifi was very poor and didn't work half the time so that angered some campers but didn't bother us one bit," mentions John K.
Reservation requirements: Many equestrian sites must be booked in advance, especially during peak seasons. "Best sites are first come first serve other half are reservable. 50amp water fill available with frost free. And dump station at front," explains Matthew H.
Choose quieter campgrounds: For family-friendly equestrian camping, Randolph County State Recreation Area provides a more controlled environment. "Stayed here a week with two toddlers and it was great! Easy walk to the lake with a gorgeous view, 2 different playgrounds walkable distance from campground," shares Shirlee A.
Pack appropriate supplies: Bring all necessary feed and equipment as on-site options may be limited. "My family camps at Sam A Baker every year. It is clean and everyone there is friendly. They have a nice gift shop and some great places to swim," notes Emily J.
Plan for weather variability: The region can experience rapid temperature changes and occasional storms. "The park has big enough you don't hear the small engine vehicles over here," explains Grant M., noting the separation between equestrian and ATV areas at campgrounds with multiple use zones.
Select appropriate sites: RVs require specific accommodation at equestrian campgrounds. "Tight spots and harsh back up angles. Only 3 paved spots," warns Matthew H. about the challenges of navigating certain horse camping areas with larger vehicles.
Utilities and hookups: Many equestrian sites offer limited services compared to standard RV campgrounds. "There are water and electric hookups, and a dump station," notes Joel R. at Randolph County State Recreation Area, which offers alternatives to St. Joe's more basic equestrian camping.
Access considerations: Check road conditions before bringing trailers. "Getting around is a little right for bigger rigs but still doable as long as you're careful. Make sure you fill up at the dump station before you get to the campground because there's no easy way to turn around if you miss it," advises J K.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Fredericktown, MO?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Fredericktown, MO is Sam A. Baker State Park Campground with a 4.5-star rating from 49 reviews.
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Fredericktown, MO?
TheDyrt.com has all 21 equestrian camping locations near Fredericktown, MO, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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