Looking for a rustic and comfortable horse camping experience near Pleasant Hill? Equestrian camping is an adventurous and unique way to experience the city. The Dyrt can help you find the perfect equestrian sites that are scenic and easy to access.
$12 - $42 / night
$11 - $23 / night
This recreation area is part of Smithville Lake
This recreation area is part of Smithville Lake
Camping limited to 14 days
This recreation area is part of Smithville Lake
Water, Electric: 22
Primitive Campsites: 12
Other Information: Saddle Ridge equestrian area has approximately 32 miles of marked trails available to horseback riders and trail users. Sites are reservable at reserveamerica.com 2 days in advance of arrival.
Conveniently located south of the Kansas City Metro Area, one of Kansas’ newest reservoirs awaits visitors to its more than 12,000 acres of park and wildlife area. Completed in 1982, more than 70 percent of the standing timber was left in the reservoir basin to provide fish habitat. Walleye, catfish, largemouth bass, crappie, and bluegill are abundant. Approximately 4,500 acres of water and 51 miles of shoreline are open to fishing. Roughly 7,000 acres are open to hunting at Hillsdale within the wildlife area and state park.
Common wildlife includes whitetail deer, bobwhite quail, squirrel, rabbit, beaver, muskrat, and a variety of waterfowl. Birdwatchers will see bald eagles, shorebirds, finches, warblers, sparrows, and hawks.
The Saddle Ridge equestrian area on the east side of the reservoir has about 32 miles of marked trails available to horseback riders.
Scout
Nice 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.
Scout
It was quiet. We enjoyed our stay. I read about the black cat that was found there in the other review. It was still there when we camped in late December and quite hungry. Very friendly and needing love. We brought him home with us and he is the most amazing cat. Took a while to get litter trained but I’m glad we opened up our home to him before the bad weather got here. Thanks to this site, we found our new family member! Thanks to whoever posted.
Traveler
We tried Smith Fork and liked it. The only downside is that some of the campsites are close together/congested, but that’s not necessarily a big negative. We have Verizon and service was good. Camp hosts were great!
Traveler
Very nice campground and we’ve stayed here several times without any problems. The hosts are great too. We’ve stayed at sites in Loop C improved which have water and 50amp service. We have Verizon cell service and had no issues.
ScoutCampground is great! Camp hosts Janet and Chris went above and beyond making Halloween perfect for our family. Been here several times and they are more than accommodating. Always a clean, safe and organized campground. Can’t wait until next year to see all of the events!
Scout
We stayed Sunday-Wednesday and it was very peaceful. Sites are not right on top of each other and it looks like they all have a fire pit and picnic table. There are only a handful of paved spots and you will need leveling blocks on the gravel. Showers and bathrooms are clean and the hosts are very nice. New asphalt roads throughout the park; nice for walking, biking, etc. Be sure to get biscuits & gravy at “The General Store” just down the road from the park entrance.
GuideThere is a super sweet local cat who befriended me here and made my visit so much better. I had some mechanical issues with my car and Kampground Kittah tried to help. 🤣
Bathrooms were fine. It’s free camping so it was great that there were bathrooms at all.
One of the locals stopped by my site to look for arrowheads. Apparently, she has found a lot in the area so that’s a good activity if the kids are bored.
If you’re looking for a good wine, you can find some at the local auto parts store. I am not kidding! I think it’s Rick’s Auto Parts and their liquor is priced very reasonably. 😄 If your car’s broken down and you can’t drive, I guess you might as well drink and Rick’s there to help you out with both. 🤣
ScoutSites are plentiful. Lots of riding trail miles and lake.
Ranger
Nice little camp ground. Lots of open space for the dog to play. 2 nice ponds. Sites are nice & level good space. There is some traffic noise, being next to the interstate. We were able to mask it.
GuideLarge grassy area with plenty of room to set up a tent or camper. Right off the road, so no dirt roads to traverse. Signs were confusing as to whether it is ok to camp, but they didn't explicitly say no camping. The lake is really just a mud bog, so not very appealing unless you came to duck hunt. No picnic tables or fire pits. The pit toilet was really gross, but there was toilet paper.
Guide
This is a very well Maintained and care for park with recreational activities, bathrooms and paved walking trails. Not rustic enough for me but very nice. We
ScoutWe got to campsite pretty late, so when everyone was unpacked we went straight to bed. shortly after we all passed out from the long and beautiful 16 hour drive, we started hearing all the wildlife and I will never forget waking up in the most beautiful place. Was a picture perfect moment, Colorado springs will forever hold a spot in my, and my family's memories. have fun and safe travels!
TravelerBig lake, several sites to choose, good fishing, pit toilets. The sign says NO FISHING after Oct.14 because of duck season. Open for camping. Mowed, TP stocked, plenty of firewood and room for dogs to run.
GuideNice city park campground. Location was nice and quiet with beautiful views of lake. Bathrooms were terrible. Verizon service was good. No other amenities. Nice location for an over night stop but not much more.
TravelerStayed on the A loop and had a beautiful view of the lake! Nice to be close to bathrooms and have a gorgeous view. Friendly staff, great price, and campsites have a fire pit with a grill, and a picnic table. We’ll be back!
Guide
Great campground (Sunflower) The host's are friendly and knowledgeable of the area. The trees in the sites are small saplings, give them a few more years, and they will be nice.
ScoutSimple trails, good online same day reservation system, sites list grade so you can find an even surface for your vehicle.
RangerThere is no camping allowed after October 15 due to hunting season. This was not on the website and was not seeable in dust when arriving late on a small sign in the bushes. Thankfully we were not shot! While free, dispersed sites, there are easily established fire pit areas to choose from Vault toilets were absolutely disgusting, thankfully we brought our own toilet paper. Easily accessible car camping. Not too many other campers at the other site where we spotted some RVs. Overall the remote location, gorgeous scenery and with a couple boats makes for a great weekend.
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.
RangerGreat trail network and very nice stock mo state park campground. There are 3 separate trail systems that do not connect, so take a minute with the map.
ScoutBeautiful Campsites on the opposite side of the boat drops and free.
GuideCool weekend at a great lake right before things turned green. Closed last year to redo the electric, enjoyed Site 181 at Scott Creek, west side of Hillsdale Lake.
Still a little cool and gray, but nice 60 degree weekend.
TravelerWe arrived about 15 minutes after the office closed. One of the staff members went back inside to check us in amd thennled us to our camp site before leaving to go home. We were there off season so we only had electric and the shower house was closed but there was fresh water at the dump station close by. It was a beautifully wooded park with a lake, very peaceful....and at a great price.
TravelerThe bathrooms are nice, fully functioning toilet, sink, and shower. The sites have nice trees for shade and are nicely spaced for hammocking. We went during the end of the usual camping season and had no problem getting a spot and didn't have anyone beside us. It was nice to hear the aircrafts from the base and next time we will bring our kids so they can experience it too. We will be returning since it was such a nice place with everything we needed.
GuideEasy access to I35
GuideEasy access from I35. Very nice and convenient!!
LegendClean restrooms & shower stalls. RVs are packed in with little privacy in between. Camp host was friendly & helpful.
Horse camping in Missouri offers a unique opportunity to explore the great outdoors while enjoying the company of your equine companions. With a variety of campgrounds equipped with horse-friendly amenities, you can experience the beauty of nature alongside your horse.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Pleasant Hill, MO?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Pleasant Hill, MO is Lake Jacomo - Fleming Park with a 3.9-star rating from 18 reviews.
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Pleasant Hill, MO?
TheDyrt.com has all 9 equestrian camping locations near Pleasant Hill, MO, with real photos and reviews from campers.
