1 campground with availability this weekend
Scrivner Road Conservation Area in Russellville offers primitive horse camping suitable for equestrians, with multiple riding trails through diverse terrain, a dedicated fire ring, and space for trailer parking at designated areas. The site features multiple equestrian trails through diverse terrain with one dedicated fire ring in a gravel turnaround. Horse owners can access abundant wildlife viewing while riding the established equestrian paths. The conservation area includes a lake for cooling off after trail rides. Basic camping facilities include vault toilets, with space for horses near the camping area. The area maintains a first-come, first-served policy with no reservations required for the primitive campsites.
Horse trails at Scrivner connect to extensive rural routes throughout Cole County. Riders can follow established paths through forested areas and alongside riverbanks, with ample space for trailer parking at designated areas. The trails accommodate various riding skill levels, from beginner-friendly paths to more challenging routes. Riders should bring their own water for horses as drinking water is not provided at the campground. The conservation area also features a handgun and rifle range separate from the equestrian sections. Seasonal considerations affect trail conditions, with spring and fall offering optimal riding weather. The Swiss Army knife nature of this conservation area allows visitors to combine horseback riding with fishing, hiking and other outdoor activities in a single location.
"It offers direct access to the Niangua River, and it is only a short drive from Bennett Springs State Park, where you can fly fish and pull trout from the river from dawn until dusk. "
"atv rentals make getting around a breeze. canoe raft and kayak rentals."
from $250 / night
"Nothing but icadas, crickets and quiet laughter from the camp next to us."
"I was right next to the river, and the sounds of the water made everything tranquil. There is a ton of space for tents and RVs, and the road in is well paved."
from $5 - $100 / night
"This Missouri Conservation area is a Swiss Army knife of rugged of the path camping. Rivers, Lakes, Gun range, Horses and hiking can all be enjoyed here."
"Nice spacious spots, lake views, friendly campers. Great Hosts! Clean and well maintained. Our favorite spot for camping at Truman Lake. Close to boat launch."
"It’s not nearly as busy as the state park which is awesome!!"
Available this weekend
from $14 - $40 / night
"Loved this location (lot70). Spacious and not too close to any other spots. Short walk down to the water. Easy in and out with water available."
"Steps from the lake. Staff was friendly."
"Old flood debris in some site next to water. There trying to fix it up but at the time of this review I would recommend long shoal or truman state park."
"The lake was great, the sites were level and not too close together, shaded and beautiful. I saw my first armadillo too!"
from $30 / night
GuideBeautiful place, has river float drop point and pick up with kayak and raft rentals. Only reason 4 stars is the very steep grade going down to the main camping area thats on a curve. They did atleast pave the uphill side but definitely need to make sure your brakes are good.
LegendHad booked for over a Thursday-Sun stopover when heading out west. Had site C14 which has a beautiful view of the water but no direct access due to the brush between the campground and lakeshore. Hosts are super friendly and accommodating. Had to extend my stay for a few days due to truck issues and it was no problem booking the same site. No issue with mosquitos, but some days the flies were prolific. Showers are just okay, no bench in the handicap stall. All of the washers were out of order and I was told that they were not going to be replaced.
GuideCampground was very nice. good river access and pool area. the store is nice to get a coffee or a smoothie. atv rentals make getting around a breeze. canoe raft and kayak rentals.
TravelerFirst time out in my new to me Rubicon 1400bh. Loved this location (lot70). Spacious and not too close to any other spots. Short walk down to the water. Easy in and out with water available.
ScoutThis "resort" is just a basic campground. There's no place to dump your camper's tank, which you'd expect at the prices they charge. The owner is in some sort of a feud with the residents that live around the campground, so now one of them fires a shotgun off every half hour, and another one blasts revelry early in the morning. Nothing scary, but I didn't like knowing that we were right next to residents...certainly wouldn't want a campground in my back yard.
Otherwise, it's mediocre. Depending on the time of year, the river can be quite low, so be sure to check the forecast before planning a stay. It was only about 6 inches deep when I was there. The Gasconade Hills campground is just down the road and was a much better experience.
GuideNO PLUMBIN, PORT O JOHNS ONLY
PRIMITIVE CAMPSITE 10 IS BEST FOLLOWED BY 7
Froggys has one flaw, see first sentence. Other than that its perfect. The crew is so friendly and you can tell they love running the CG and caring for guests. They had a fire pit in the middle of the river which was so cool and did a pork steak dinner one of the nights. The sites along the river are great for primitive camping. And the six mile float on the gasconade was lovely. The river moves slow, so if you're used to floating 16 miles on the spring fed Jacks Fork or Current, halfing that will be plenty. Shower house was clean and efficient.
GuideTerrible decision to rent a cabin , turns out not a cabin but a room and bath. Nothing at all like site. Ask for explanation and extra coats. Ask for another correct cabin , they said it was cabin? I ask for Someone to come by and explain the situation. No other cabins and no refunds… the bait and switch ! bewared awful service, photos of cabins, we stayed in a room with a bathroom that was in the garage of a cabin? Heard baby crying the 1night when down and agian said this is not the cabin we reserved and also extra charges on my credit card. I ask for someone to explain why the add was nothing at all like payed for and we requested another correct cabin or refund. nothing from anyone , no one came to room , or called me . We went to fish at Bennett spring with grandson 14 birthday. He felt and I felt uncomfortable with baby crying knew we been scammed by internet false photos and prepaid. We left early to stay in lodge just down road from riverfront. We never got refund and excuses that they fixed web page and grandson posted negative review, I said why would we give a good review? was a room not a cabin, payed the mortgage on the cabin that the campground family lived in!! This was the worst experience with renting a cabin. Not one photo online or description was correct. Then overcharged on credit card? I hope this helps someone else who’s thinking of cabin at Riverfront Campground.
GuideRented a cabin on line but when get there no cabin , photos did not Mach add. Ask for refund but they I gave a bad review so no refund. When trying to find what happened, they said they fixed photos on line but will not refund money for false advertising. Terrible stay baby crying it was awful
ScoutCute campground. The camp hosts were amazing. Perfect river access. Only downside is absolutely no privacy between campsites. Go when it's not busy.
Scrivner Road Conservation Area offers primitive equestrian camping alongside multiple trail options. The site includes one fire ring in a gravel area with first-come, first-served availability. Riders can use vault toilets while exploring the diverse terrain on established trails. The conservation area contains a lake for cooling off and connects to extensive rural routes throughout Cole County. Trails accommodate various skill levels with space for trailer parking. Riders should bring water for horses as none is provided. The area includes a separate handgun and rifle range, with optimal riding conditions in spring and fall.
Trail riding exploration: Horseback riders can access multiple trail networks at Long Shoal near Truman Lake. "Camp ground host friendly. Right across from the marina," notes Dan F., making it convenient to combine riding with water activities.
Fishing opportunities: The equestrian-friendly areas near Osage Beach connect to prime fishing spots. At Berry Bend, "Great fishing, lake is accessible from many sites," according to Carol R., giving riders options to combine activities.
Wildlife viewing: Horse trails provide excellent wildlife watching. "This area has an abundance of wildlife" throughout the region, with early morning rides offering the best chances to spot deer, turkey and small mammals in their natural habitat.
Swimming access: After trail rides, cool down in nearby lakes. "Getting too hot paddle on the lake" is an option at several equestrian camping areas, with designated swimming zones separate from horse access points.
Spacious campsites: Equestrian sites provide room for trailers and horses. At Berry Bend - Harry S. Truman Lake, "the sites were level and not too close together, shaded and beautiful," says Leslie H., giving riders plenty of space.
Natural surroundings: The rural setting appeals to horse campers. "This Missouri Conservation area is a Swiss Army knife of rugged of the path camping. Rivers, Lakes, Gun range, Horses and hiking can all be enjoyed here," making it versatile for various outdoor interests.
Clean facilities: Campgrounds maintain basic but functional amenities. At Long Shoal, one camper noted, "They had the cleanest facilities I have ever seen," which is particularly valued by equestrian campers after dusty trail rides.
Privacy from crowds: Horse-friendly sites tend to be less congested. Berry Bend has been described as "not nearly as busy as the state park which is awesome!!" by Kendall K., allowing for a more peaceful experience with horses.
First-come basis: Most equestrian camping operates without reservations. Arrive early on weekends as trailer spaces fill quickly during peak seasons (April-October).
Basic amenities: Facilities are minimal but functional. At Lead Mine Conservation Area, "There is a dispersed spot and a formal campground. The formal campground is the better spot to stay at," advises Vegan T., though amenities remain basic.
Seasonal considerations: Trail conditions vary significantly by season. Spring brings muddy sections while fall offers optimal footing and temperatures. Summer can be extremely hot with limited shade on some trails.
Water access: Always bring water for horses. Most sites lack direct water hookups for animals, requiring campers to transport their own supplies. Natural water sources may be available but can be seasonal or restricted.
Safety precautions: Keep children supervised around horses. Establish clear boundaries between equestrian areas and family camping zones to prevent accidents.
Educational opportunities: Use trail rides as learning experiences. Point out wildlife, plant identification, and discuss conservation practices along the trails to engage younger family members.
Combined activities: Balance riding with other recreation. At Froggys River Resort, "My family and I come here every year the owners are great. Camp ground is quiet and family friendly," notes Trenton D., making it suitable for mixed-interest groups.
Weather planning: Pack for temperature variations. "In the morning, a bald eagle flew up the river," shares Mike G., highlighting the benefits of early morning activities when temperatures are cooler for both horses and children.
Trailer positioning: Park horse trailers with living quarters on level sites. At Riverfront Campground and Canoe, "Level concrete pads on most sites. The sites are fairly large so you're not on top of your neighbor," according to Ken K., providing ample room.
Hookup availability: Verify site services before arrival. "Taken our travel trailer (34 feet), water/electric hookup, sewer dump onsite," shares Jason B., though not all equestrian sites offer full hookups.
Access considerations: Check road conditions for larger rigs. Some conservation areas have narrow entrance roads or tight turns that can challenge larger trailer combinations.
Manure management: Bring tools for waste cleanup. Most equestrian campgrounds require riders to manage horse waste, with designated disposal areas away from camping and water sources.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Osage Beach, MO?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Osage Beach, MO is Riverfront Campground and Canoe with a 4-star rating from 12 reviews.
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Osage Beach, MO?
TheDyrt.com has all 7 equestrian camping locations near Osage Beach, MO, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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