Best Equestrian Camping near Cowgill, MO

Bonanza Conservation Area provides limited free dispersed camping options near Cowgill, Missouri with basic accommodations for horse owners. The designated camping area consists of a gravelly parking lot area where both tent and RV camping are permitted. Recent visitors note that camping away from the designated lot is prohibited and may result in citations. The conservation area lacks dedicated horse corrals or stalls but allows horse trailer parking in the main lot area. Hunting season brings increased activity, with deer hunters frequently using the area as a base camp during fall months.

Located approximately 20 miles from Cowgill, Wallace State Park offers more developed camping options though without specific horse facilities. The park maintains multiple camping loops with varying levels of amenities, including electric hookups at some sites and basic tent sites at others. The park features several hiking trails that wind through wooded areas, though these are not specifically designated as equestrian trails. The campground's shower houses are exceptionally clean with good water pressure, making it convenient for overnight stays. The park's campground hosts are noted for being friendly and helpful, with sites generally well-maintained and offering reasonable separation between campers in the more wooded sections.

Best Equestrian Sites Near Cowgill, Missouri (7)

    1. Wallace State Park Campground

    33 Reviews
    Cameron, MO
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (816) 632-3745

    "Great MO state park, close to the city with easy access to 35 N. Trails, lakes, camping, great spot! If you don’t want/need electric, try campground 1, the spots are tucked into the trees."

    "Not far off of RT 36 going East through Missouri. Cost only $13 with hot showers. Nice campsite with table and fire pit. The night of our stay the ranger did a naturalist talk about stream life."

    2. Watkins Mill State Park Campground

    34 Reviews
    Excelsior Springs, MO
    21 miles
    Website
    +1 (816) 580-3387

    $12 - $42 / night

    "Watkins mill SP is located a short distance from Kansas City off I-35 near Kearney. The park has a large lake that you can fish and boat as well as multiple hiking options."

    "This place offers peace and quiet outside of a small town with close by amenities. Clean and helpful staff"

    3. Bonanza Conservation Area

    3 Reviews
    Cowgill, MO
    4 miles
    Website
    +1 (816) 675-2205

    "Multiple campsites available along the highway, but the marked site is one of the best, right by a great fishing lake. Very quite, no amenities."

    4. Crow's Creek Campground

    28 Reviews
    Smithville, MO
    34 miles
    Website

    "We live near Crow’s Creek, and enjoy making spur of the moment camping trips here throughout the year. There are many spacious tent sites with great views of the lake."

    "We love taking our horses to Crows creek, there is an amazing barn with stalls and it’s withing viewing distance of your camper/tent so you don’t have to worry."

    5. Camp Branch Campground

    15 Reviews
    Smithville, MO
    33 miles
    Website

    "Pleasant campground, very nice lake. I camp with kids from infant through 18 and hot showers and decent bathrooms are a must for us. Close to Smithville Missouri."

    "The bike trail is about 3 steps away from our site. only downside is it is only electric hookups. ( only a downside if you are a travel trailer/rv)"

    6. Smiths Fork Recreation Area Camping

    10 Reviews
    Smithville, MO
    36 miles
    Website

    "Close to Kansas City so it makes a great quick getaway. Clean, friendly, and right next to Smithville Lake. Our pick for a short trip."

    "These RV spots have great shade, are spaced nicely apart, and are a quick walk to the lake! Amazing sunsets!

    You can rent a boat for a half day or full day with advanced notice!"

    7. Lake Jacomo - Fleming Park

    20 Reviews
    Lee's Summit, MO
    47 miles
    Website
    +1 (816) 503-4805

    "Nice little campground tucked away just outside Kansas City. Close to everything but far enough that it’s still really camping. Cell service on AT&T and Verizon are great."

    "We just started the check in process and the staff is so great and helpful that I've already added this place to favorites and hope to return next time I'm in Missouri"

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Recent Equestrian Camping Photos near Cowgill, MO

2 Photos of 7 Cowgill Campgrounds


Equestrian Camping Reviews near Cowgill, MO

146 Reviews of 7 Cowgill Campgrounds


  • S
    Jul. 20, 2020

    Crow's Creek Campground

    Tent Sites with Lake Views

    We live near Crow’s Creek, and enjoy making spur of the moment camping trips here throughout the year. There are many spacious tent sites with great views of the lake. Miles of paved walking/biking trails around the water offer for a nice activity!

    Tip: Before choosing your site number, ask which loop is furthest from the horse camping as there can be some noise from the barn at night. The park staff has typically made this suggestion to us when we arrive!

  • Savannah T.
    Aug. 20, 2019

    Crow's Creek Campground

    Love

    Sooo many things to do!!! We love taking our horses to Crows creek, there is an amazing barn with stalls and it’s withing viewing distance of your camper/tent so you don’t have to worry. Trails start directly from your campsite, you can also take your bikes, paved and mountain bike trails. You also can’t forget the wonderful lake and the beautiful views.

  • GW C.
    Aug. 15, 2018

    Crow's Creek Campground

    very nice

    very beautiful campground with views of the lake. nice beach just a short 5 min drive away. also horse trails and facilities to accommodate if you’re into that. $5 bundle of firewood was weak at best but got the job done. will be back!!

  • Grant M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 5, 2021

    Wallace State Park Campground

    Solitude close to KC

    Great MO state park, close to the city with easy access to 35 N. Trails, lakes, camping, great spot! If you don’t want/need electric, try campground 1, the spots are tucked into the trees.

  • Charlotte B.
    Nov. 11, 2018

    Camp Branch Campground

    Great place to camp.

    During the camping season this campground has nice large shower houses and clean bathrooms. They sell ice and firewood at gates. Pleasant campground, very nice lake. I camp with kids from infant through 18 and hot showers and decent bathrooms are a must for us. Close to Smithville Missouri.

  • Paul A.
    Apr. 8, 2016

    Wallace State Park Campground

    Wooded Hosted Campground

    Best value on a trip across country. Not far off of RT 36 going East through Missouri. Cost only $13 with hot showers. Nice campsite with table and fire pit. The night of our stay the ranger did a naturalist talk about stream life. Host was very nice and we were able to pay with a debit card. The Missouri State park system is automated and accepts credit cards.

  • Savannah T.
    Aug. 24, 2019

    Camp Branch Campground

    Lovely!

    the view is fantastic!!! The bike trail is about 3 steps away from our site. only downside is it is only electric hookups. ( only a downside if you are a travel trailer/rv)

  • J
    Jul. 15, 2020

    Crow's Creek Campground

    One of the best!

    We camped here in June 2020.  We had a nice RV site with electric.  The best part is the view of and access to the lake! So beautiful and relaxing.  We had a nice gravel site with fire ring and picnic table. We could walk right down a grassy hill to the trail along the lake.  We had lots of grassy space around us to set up and play yard games. Trails and roads within the campsite are paved, so it's great for bikes and scooters.  Grounds are well maintained and grassy areas feel fine to walk through and play in.  Nearby area beaches to play at, a playground, and a short drive to stores to get anything we forgot! We love this beautiful place and will return!

    Cons: the full hookup sites don't have a view of the lake. This is why we chose an electric only site and used a spigot in the campsite to fill our tank.

  • Brittnie T.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 10, 2025

    Crow's Creek Campground

    Mother’s Day Weekend 2025

    The roads and trails are nice for scooters and bikes. Fairly close to the water and playground; within walking distance.


Guide to Cowgill

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 ample facilities

  • At Watkins Mill State Park Campground, you'll find spacious sites with fire pits and picnic tables, perfect for relaxing after a day of riding.
  • Wallace State Park Campground features well-separated tent sites surrounded by trees, providing privacy and a peaceful atmosphere for horse campers.
  • Camp Branch Campground offers a well-maintained park with recreational activities and paved walking trails, ideal for those looking to explore the area on horseback.

Equestrian campers like these nearby activities

Campers appreciate these amenities for horses

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Cowgill, MO?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Cowgill, MO is Wallace State Park Campground with a 4.6-star rating from 33 reviews.

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

TheDyrt.com has all 7 equestrian camping locations near Cowgill, MO, with real photos and reviews from campers.