Best Equestrian Camping near Fredericktown, MO

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.

Best Equestrian Sites Near Fredericktown, Missouri (19)

    1. Sam A. Baker State Park Campground

    48 Reviews
    Patterson, MO
    25 miles
    Website
    +1 (573) 856-4411

    "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."

    2. St. Joe State Park Campground

    20 Reviews
    Park Hills, MO
    22 miles
    Website
    +1 (573) 431-1069

    "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."

    3. Huzzah Valley

    11 Reviews
    Patterson, MO
    19 miles
    Website

    $11 - $65 / night

    "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. "

    4. Johnson's Shut-Ins State Park

    56 Reviews
    Black, MO
    32 miles
    Website
    +1 (573) 546-2450

    $11 - $32 / night

    "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."

    5. St. Francois State Park Campground

    28 Reviews
    Bonne Terre, MO
    30 miles
    Website
    +1 (573) 358-2173

    "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."

    6. Bearcat Getaway

    7 Reviews
    Annapolis, MO
    31 miles
    Website

    $12 / night

    "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."

    7. Cherokee Landing

    3 Reviews
    Bonne Terre, MO
    30 miles
    Website
    +1 (573) 358-2805

    $25 - $36 / night

    "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."

    8. Berryman Trail & Campgrounds - Mark Twain National Forest

    16 Reviews
    Davisville, MO
    49 miles
    Website
    +1 (573) 438-5427

    "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."

    9. Randolph County State Recreation Area

    8 Reviews
    Chester, IL
    39 miles
    Website
    +1 (618) 826-2706

    "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."

    10. Bluff View(clearwater Lake)

    3 Reviews
    Piedmont, MO
    38 miles
    Website
    +1 (573) 223-7777

    $14 - $50 / night

    "Ggreat area to walk"

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Recent Equestrian Camping Photos near Fredericktown, MO

2 Photos of 19 Fredericktown Campgrounds


Equestrian Camping Reviews near Fredericktown, MO

225 Reviews of 19 Fredericktown Campgrounds


  • iloveitontop R.
    Sep. 13, 2016

    St. Joe State Park Campground

    Great place if you are boating or ORV.

    Nice park with a large camp sites with premiere off-road vehicle area. The park also features four lakes, two swimming beaches, equestrian trails, a hiking and bicycling trail and picnic sites, as well as two campgrounds capable of accommodating campers with ORV or horse trailers.

  • Matt S.
    Sep. 3, 2016

    St. Francois State Park Campground

    St. Francois SP is Fair to Average.

    This campground was packed, but it started off on the wrong foot. The entrance comes up quick and is right off a state highway with traffic moving between 65-80 mph so of course I passed the entrance and had to double back.

    When I pulled into the park there was bunch of construction. There were a few trails but honestly it really seemed like an RV park with very few tents. The showers and bathrooms were clean but there were too many people, it was very crowded.

    I should add as a positive that here were equestrian trails and a large parking lot to park your horse trailer.

    St. Francois State Park is close to St. Louis so it is probably a popular destination, it just didn't feel like camping. I'm sure it will improve a little when the construction is completed, but I doubt it will be above three stars.

  • Lindsey C.
    Aug. 10, 2020

    Sam A. Baker State Park Campground

    Fun Campground

    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. They have equestrian trails as well and we got to see horses while floating too. The water was crystal clear and we even found quartz in some rocks in the water.

  • Grant M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 27, 2021

    St. Joe State Park Campground

    Good for ATV’s, also good for horses and people.

    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. The park is big enough you don’t hear the small engine vehicles over here.

    The campground 2 sites are set up for horses, something I know almost nothing about, but they make the sites larger to accommodate equestrian needs and that’s nice. Hiking, MTB, and horse trails are separate from the atv trails. There’s even a nice 11 mile long paved trail that has some hills but will work for kids/strollers/etc.

    There are a number of more interesting parks in the area for what I think of as a true camping experience, but this is a good one if you’re also on the pokemon plan (gotta camp ‘em all). If you like atv/utv/dirt bike stuff, man, campground one is for you, and it looks like a blast, read up on the lead mine tailing warnings.

  • Sterling M.
    May. 28, 2019

    Hazel Creek Campground

    Secluded, quiet, and friendly locals

    Enjoyed my stay and hikes on the equestrian trails. At the time no horses were around, only other tent campers, one of which gave me their extra camp wood.

    Hazel creek is a picturesque crystal clear creek that is near the campground, featuring tons of wildlife and peaceful views.

    The campsites are flat and clean gravel fill or dirt, the grass is usually tamed, each with a campfire ring with a grill and a picnic table and lantern pole. Densely wooded, full shade.

    The access road was rough but my wife’s tiny compact car didn’t have any trouble, but I’m sure it’s a mess when wet.

  • Ashley Y.
    Aug. 8, 2016

    St. Joe State Park Campground

    Great multi use campground

    I only rated this a 3 because of location. Its located next to odd Monsanto property but great vineyards. I know. Weird. Anyway great multi use if you enjoy hiking, mountain biking ATV and horses. My husband and I went to check out cave vineyard which is exactly what it sounds like and is not to be missed. The facilities at this campground were top notch and the the sites were huge! Missouri always does a great job and its a great place to camp. A few minutes drive from the popular st. Genevieve.

  • Olivia S.
    Jul. 20, 2020

    St. Joe State Park Campground

    Reviews on Campground #1 & #2

    I’ve camped at both campgrounds offered at St. Joe. In the fall of 2018, we stayed at CG#1, the spot has a nice gravel tent pad with border, picnic table, and a fire pit. The spot also offered a concrete section for a camper and cars. We had a pop-up and one tent and it was very spacious. A great spot with a minute walk to a very well kept shower house and bathroom. We really liked this spot at CG#1.

    CG#2 is located about 2-3 away from the main campground, this includes the shower house and main bathrooms. There is no shower house at CG#2. I stayed at CG#2 about a week ago. Very similar in design to the sites at CG#1, it also offers amenities for those with 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. If you want more seclusion and don’t really care about being right next to the showers, I would suggest CG#2.

    Also, there was a trail located right by our spot at CG#2, it’s a good hike!!

    Two clean and well kept swimming areas, great trails, good camp sites, and great bathrooms/showers!

  • Joel R.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 18, 2019

    Johnson's Shut-Ins State Park

    Make a reservation !

    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. If you plan to go, make a reservation by calling toll free 877-ICampMO (877-422-6766). This is a State Park with about 80 walk-in, basic, electric, sewer/electric/water and equestrian campsites. Some of the sites have wooden platforms. The park also has a small store located in the center of the campground. Swimming is popular at the park. The “shut-ins” are rock formations where the river is limited by hard rock that it is cutting through. In these shut-ins, the river cascades over and around smooth-worn rock, creating a natural water park. There is also hiking and rock climbing.

  • Stacia R.
    Apr. 27, 2019

    Johnson Creek

    off the beaten path

    Located on Kincaid Lake in the northwestern edge of the Shawnee National forest. The campground has three small loops. Two are more forested with smaller sites and one is more open on the edge of the forest, and geared up for equestrian camping. There are very basic pit toilets that were fairly new and clean. You can get potable water at the entrance. We camped here mid-April and the campground water spigots had not been turned on yet. Camping is $10 a night - self check in. No need to worry about finding firewood, as it is plentiful within the forest. Listened to owls at night before bed.

    We took a short ride to nearby Ava and checked out Scratch Brewery. Delicious and unique little place that is off the beaten path. Only open on weekends, but highly recommend.


Guide to Fredericktown

Horse camping in Missouri offers a unique blend of outdoor adventure and equestrian-friendly amenities, making it a great choice for riders and their horses.

Equestrian campgrounds include essential amenities

  • St. Joe State Park Campground features electric hookups and sanitary dump stations, ensuring a comfortable stay for horse campers.
  • Sam A. Baker State Park Campground provides reservable sites and access to trails for horseback riding, making it a well-reviewed destination for equestrian enthusiasts.
  • Bearcat Getaway offers community water access and firewood included with site rental, perfect for a relaxing camping experience with your horse.

Most campgrounds have horse-focused amenities like trails and access

  • Johnson's Shut-Ins State Park boasts multiple loops with generous sites and nearby trails for horseback riding, making it a popular choice among equestrians.
  • Cherokee Landing is known for its big-rig friendly sites and proximity to the Big River, providing ample opportunities for scenic rides.
  • Apple Creek Conservation Area features a level camping spot with easy access to fishing and kayaking, ideal for those looking to enjoy nature with their horses.

Equestrian campers like these nearby activities

  • At Huzzah Valley, campers can enjoy floating on the river, with shuttle services available for a hassle-free experience.
  • Four Creeks Ranch Campground offers a peaceful environment for relaxation and exploration, perfect for unwinding after a day of riding.
  • Bear Creek Campground provides access to boat-in camping and a variety of outdoor activities, making it a versatile spot for horse campers.

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 48 reviews.

What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Fredericktown, MO?

TheDyrt.com has all 19 equestrian camping locations near Fredericktown, MO, with real photos and reviews from campers.