Best Equestrian Camping near Pleasant Hope, MO

Brendan and Teresa are an adotable young couple who are transforming a large area in the midst of Missouri farm country into a small black- and blueberry farm that includes a small RV camp. They also make and sell natural products (soaps, balms, etc.). They have constructed a cute rec house with darts, corn hole, even a little reading nook. There is a swing on the big tree in front of the rec house as well as horseshoe pits. Dispersed around the berry fields are hidden firepit areas for guests to enjoy. And you can pick berries for your breakfast!

They have built an exquisite shower room with cedar walls and river rock flooring, and there are bathrooms for guests as well.

Brendan and Teresa could not have been more accommodating. They presented us with a goody bag with s'mores fixings and a sample lip balm from their product line. And Brendan helped us with hose repair parts when our water hose jammed on the reel and we had to cut it off! First rate customer service.

The drawback for us is that (1) it is FAR from the main highway so not convenient for one-night stays and (2) the one site suitable for large RVs is not very level. We have a 40' Renegade Verona and it took 6 tries to find a place near the hookups where our auto-level would find a good position (no "excessive slope" error).

Also, we knew from the start there was only 30 amp service and no sewer, so we can't complain about that.

But for smaller RVs and boondockers, this is a charming getaway for families and anyone who enjoys getting away from it all.

No amenities other than composting toilets. There are a few tent sites along the road and there is plenty of grassy area near the creek for RVs/trailers. This is a horse camp with plenty of evidence, but it was only us and a couple of other tent campers.

The creek was obviously spring fed, crystal clear and had a gravelly bottom. There were plenty of places to get in the water...understanding that this is horse camp.

The place was well maintained and mowed and it was super peaceful and quiet. The main annoyance was some trash in fire pits along the creek.

If you consider this as a waypoint, two things:

1. There is about a mile of dusty, gravel road that is a little rough.

2. We had great T-Mobile 10 miles south, but it dropped to zero by the time we drove into camp.

Just got home from a weekend stay at site C19 at Hawker Point COE Park. This particular site was just up the hill from the lake and completely private. The walk to the lake was about 50 yards and a little steep but we managed to carry two kayaks down and up without too much trouble (and we are a middle-aged couple), and it was totally worth the effort because it was as if we had our own private cove.

The site is very spacious and shaded with plenty of trees for our hammocks and clothesline. Lots of level places for tents. The park attendants were very friendly and helpful.

C19 has no electricity or water and the closest vault toilet is a good walk down the road. The shower houses were driving distance away. We have a shower tent, so that wasn’t an issue for us.

We drove through the rest of this park to check out A and B campground loops. A loop consists of full hookup sites and many sit right on the water. Little shade and crowded, but if you like to play on the lake all day these might be for you. B loop had pretty wooded sites but many were not close to the water. C loop is where it’s at!

Found this place on a whim through Missouri. Was looking for dispersed camping and not much popped up in the area. So campgrounds were next up.

This place already had a few good reviews, so I called them up. Immediately knew this was going to be the place. Super nice folks, clear communication, and even showed us the grounds upon arrival.

Lots of amenities for just staying a single night. Everything you need and want in a campground, but not a KOA or Yogi packed site.

Overall 5/5, cheap, friendly, abundance of things to do, and quiet (when I stayed).

P.S. Depending on which site you choose… the cost varies, but still cheap. There is lighting, power outlets, tables, fire rings and outdoor grill, along with many other fun child-friendly things.