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Equestrian Camping near Reeds Spring, MO

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    Bar K Wrangler Camp provides primitive equestrian camping along Swan Creek in Missouri's Ozarks region. Located approximately 20 miles from Reeds Spring, this free horse camp features open grassy areas suitable for RV and tent camping with horses. The campground maintains basic amenities with picnic tables, fire rings, and pit toilets but no drinking water. The camp area is well-maintained with mowed grass offering ample space for trailer parking. Horses can access the crystal-clear creek for water, with multiple entry points along the gravelly bottom. The spacious layout allows equestrians to spread out across the property, with many campers noting they often have large sections of the camping area to themselves.

    The equestrian trail system connects riders to multiple routes through the surrounding Mark Twain National Forest. Swan Creek runs alongside the campground, providing natural water access for horses after trail rides. Riders should be prepared for primitive conditions as no horse corrals or dedicated equine facilities are provided—highlines or portable corrals are recommended. The campground sits at the end of a mile-long gravel road that can be somewhat rough for larger trailers. Horse owners appreciate the secluded nature of this camping area, with most reporting they were the only group within at least two square miles during their stay. Daily trail rides connect campers to scenic Ozark woodland trails and creek crossings, making this a peaceful destination for those seeking basic bridle trail camping.

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    Best Equestrian Campgrounds near Reeds Spring (12)

    Filters    Tent onlyRVDispersedCabinGlampingPetsEquestrian

      1. Busiek

      4.0(8)12mi from Reeds SpringTents

      "Gun range, Horse Riding Trails, Camping and a water source. The scenery is so breathtaking and you never want to leave!"

      "Busiek isn't to far of the beaten path. It has several trails and camping sites. There is plenty of wildlife available for viewing."

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      2. Roaring River State Park Campground

      4.2(48)28mi from Reeds Spring169 sitesRVs, Tents, Cabins

      "Located in South Missouri it is an easy day trip into Branson Missouri or Eureka Springs Arkansas. Very well located and very well run by the state."

      "Campground 1 was tucked up in an inlet that went back into the valley. It dead ends at a wonderful trailhead. The west side on CG#1 is lined by a beautiful creek that runs into the rotating river."

      from $16 - $53 / night

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      3. Bar M Resort & Campground

      5.0(2)10mi from Reeds Spring2 sitesRVs, Tents

      "Access to Table Rock, Game Room, Pool and Jacuzzi. Small cabins and A-frames to rent. They have it all. This is my getaway**!"

      "Nice, easy and quiet with a great pool and lake access! We will definitely be coming back. Site 47 has a bit of sun"

      from $50 - $60 / night

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      4. Great Escapes RV Resorts Branson

      4.8(6)16mi from Reeds Spring18 sitesRVs, Tents, Cabins, Glamping

      "Half the sites are close to pool and playground, but not many trees. The other half are an easy 2 minute walk and tree covered!"

      "Close to lake Bull Shoals, Taneycomo, and Branson if that's your thing."

      from $48 - $251 / night

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      5. Big M

      4.2(5)21mi from Reeds Spring62 sitesRVs, Tents, Glamping

      "Nestled snug on the Missouri Arkansas border is a gem of a campground. Large grassy sites some most with electricity and water, and some with sewer. Sites are paved and pretty level."

      "Our campsite had a lot of privacy on 3 sides and had a small creek running through a ways behind it, downhill."

      from $16 - $28 / night

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      6. Bar K Wrangler Camp

      3.8(4)22mi from Reeds Spring

      "There are a few tent sites along the road and there is plenty of grassy area near the creek for RVs/trailers."

      "This a horse camp, but there is plenty of space to just pitch a tent if needed. Free site with a beautiful backdrop"

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      7. Swan Creek

      5.0(1)22mi from Reeds SpringTents

      "Has great dispresed camping, free, creek is accessible, has equestrian area to camp with horses, bout 45 minutes to a hour from Springfield. No service for ATT."

      8. Steel Creek Campground — Buffalo National River

      4.5(25)50mi from Reeds Spring40 sitesTents

      "The sign said "campground full" but thanks to another review we disregarded this and found an open site, as did the person who drove in behind us."

      "You wake up every morning to the sound of the Buffalo River coursing by just a few hundred yards away, and are greeted by the breathtaking view of the bluffs you are surrounded by!"

      from $20 / night

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      9. Erbie Campground — Buffalo National River

      3.9(14)47mi from Reeds SpringRVs, Tents

      "Located within a few miles of the horse camp , this site is Aimed more at group camping, there is not as much shade as I’d like to see."

      "I explored each in detail and took a day to enjoy the trails around them.   "

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      10. Beaver Lake Hide A Way

      3.3(6)42mi from Reeds SpringRVs, Tents, Cabins

      "Easy access to Rocky Branch boat launch ramps"

      "Nice and close to beaver lake. They had kayakes to rent and jet skies. Fishing is good as well. Also lots of wild life! Owls, lizards, tons of birds, deer, and foxes. I would definitaly come back!"

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    Recent Equestrian Camping Photos near Reeds Spring, MO

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    Equestrian Camping Reviews near Reeds Spring, MO

    119 Reviews of 12 Reeds Spring Campgrounds

    • David L.
      Jun. 22, 2019

      Swan Creek

      Dispersed Camping Galore

      Has great dispresed camping, free, creek is accessible, has equestrian area to camp with horses, bout 45 minutes to a hour from Springfield. No service for ATT.

    • Hannah W.
      Oct. 15, 2018

      Steel Creek Campground — Buffalo National River

      Close sites, beautiful area

      We rolled in at 8pm on a Friday night. The sign said "campground full" but thanks to another review we disregarded this and found an open site, as did the person who drove in behind us. The 26 sites are in two layers, one closer to the parking lot, one closer to the woods, river and bluffs. Rangers patrol regularly and are very helpful. There is a ranger station beyond the horse campground which is a pleasant walk or a quick drive. We stopped there to get our National Park stamp! Easy access to a trail directly from the lot, or walk beyond the horse camp to the Old River trail head. Centerpoint Trail is a 15 minute drive away and offers access to the Big Bluff/Goat Trail. Caution drivers: the road in to the campground is windy and steep. A sign warns against bringing RVs. However there were an enormous bus and tons of horse trailers and campers at the bottom of the hill - braver people than I:) Bathrooms are clean, dimly lit at night presumably to keep bugs out. Each site has a lantern pole, fire ring and picnic table. Lost Valley Trail and shelter are a 10-15 minute drive away. Since it was raining we cooked our dinner in the shelter. Overall a beautiful place with great access to multiple trails as well as river access. Sites are a little close, but if you're fine with having neighbors 20 or so feet away, we highly recommend:)

    • Jane T.
      Apr. 16, 2019

      Erbie Campground — Buffalo National River

      Erbie is a great base for group camping! It is located right by Erbie putin

      Located within a few miles of the horse camp , this site is Aimed more at group camping, there is not as much shade as I’d like to see. It is immediately next to Erbie put in, with walking distance to both the Erbie Ford and the old community of Erbie, which includes several old homes that have been preserved, the old Erbie Church and Cherry Hill cemetery.

      Both cecil Cove Trail and the main Buffalo River trail are right there. With bathrooms and a nice swimming hole, this is a local favorite. The water is seasonal, so ne aware of flash flood risks.

    • B
      Jul. 7, 2021

      Down Home Campgrounds

      Hidden Gem

      This place is a true hidden gem. It is so close to the Buffalo River, Jasper, and Erbie Horse camp. We had such a great weekend with our family! Loved being away from all of the crowds in this secluded area.

    • NThe Dyrt PRO User
      Nov. 30, 2021

      Bar K Wrangler Camp

      Hey Cowboy

      Open:  year round

      FREE

      FCFS

      Pack it in Pack it out

      LNT

      This a primitive horse camp that is not far off the highway.  It is far enough that it is or  can be quiet.  It is also great for star gazing, hiking, mountain biking and trail rides.  Swan Creek runs along side the camp so you will need to be aware of possible flash floods if you are camped right next to the creek.  There are picnic table, fire ring and a pit toilet.  NO WATER

      BTYFI

      Travel safe

    • T
      Sep. 2, 2019

      Steel Creek Campground — Buffalo National River

      Needs improvement

      We booked 6 sites of horse camp for Labor Day weekend back in July. They had plenty of time to take care of sites. We got there and the grass was high on all sites. One of the guys with us brought a battery operated weed eater and started to weed eat our area when a park ranger stopped and said we weren’t allowed to weed eat only they are allowed to mow. We asked if they would mow sites and they said NO. The people right down from us on other horse site had to keep horses tied to trailer because weeds were that high you couldn’t get to horse post. One of had brought our RV with horses and were told we weren’t allowed to bring RV even though when we booked it online, it gave us the option to book RV with horses. We usually come to horse camp 5-6 times a year, but think this might be our last time going. Seems they are trying to close down horse camp.. we had reservations on Memorial Day and when we got there it was full of tent campers with NO HORSES but they were allowed to stay there. This place is turning into a joke. You pay $20 a night to get nothing but harassed by the park rangers!!

    • M
      Jun. 1, 2018

      Steel Creek Campground — Buffalo National River

      Clean, accessible and a great starter site!

      This is a great campsite if you’re wanting to get outdoors, but aren’t quite adventurous to go full-out. You wake up every morning to the sound of the Buffalo River coursing by just a few hundred yards away, and are greeted by the breathtaking view of the bluffs you are surrounded by!

      It has running water, and even a pretty nice public bathroom. Fees are not outrageous, and there is even a site for campers with horses. Overall, it was a great experience, and I’d recommend to all! One thing to consider, however, is to make sure your car has pretty good handling and brakes— as the drive up to the entrance and down to the campsite is steep and curvy (it is paved, though)!

    • Brandon M.
      Oct. 2, 2020

      Busiek

      Words really can't describe.

      But here we go....

      This place is AMAZING! Gun range, Horse Riding Trails, Camping and a water source. The scenery is so breathtaking and you never want to leave!

    • W
      Mar. 14, 2017

      Steel Creek Campground — Buffalo National River

      Buffalo Base Camp

      Steel Creek campground is a beautiful grass savanna orbited by 500 foot bluffs. From the campsites is a short hike through large beautiful hardwood trees. A glorious river of milky blue green waters flows at the base of the bluff around the camp's peninsula. East of Ponca this is the closest area to car/RV camp. This camp is also horse camp friendly. Many trails come through Steel Creek for backpackers, horse trails, and of course canoe/kayakers dock and launch from here. I call this base camp because there are so many trails and historic options in this upper area of the Buffalo. My one and only con is the tent camp area is open to all the other tent campers. In other words your camping side by side. Aside from that its definitely worth it!

    Guide to Reeds Spring

    Bar K Wrangler Camp sits approximately 20 miles from Reeds Spring in the Missouri Ozarks. This free equestrian camping area provides access to multiple forest trails through the Mark Twain National Forest. The camp connects directly to Swan Creek, which runs alongside the facility and features a clear, gravelly bottom suitable for horse watering.

    What to do

    Creek swimming access: Bar K Wrangler Camp offers multiple entry points along Swan Creek where horses and campers can cool off. "The creek was obviously spring fed, crystal clear and had a gravelly bottom. There were plenty of places to get in the water," notes Patricia S.

    Hiking and nature viewing: Busiek provides excellent hiking opportunities close to Reeds Spring. "I have been hiking here twice but haven't camped yet. The trails and the river make for some great scenery. Be wary of the water level, this can impact any hiking you might be looking to do, so be ready," explains Josh S. The area supports diverse wildlife observation opportunities as well.

    Trout fishing: Roaring River State Park Campground offers dedicated trout fishing facilities about 45 minutes from Reeds Spring. "They have three loops each with their own shower houses. Loop one is out away from the river tucked in a narrow cannon really cool feeling. Loop two and three are on the river," states Jason C.

    What campers like

    Spacious camping areas: At Bar K Wrangler Camp, the open layout allows for comfortable spread-out camping. "I went here with a group of friends looking for a free campsite that had enough space. This place is great! When we arrived a few people were sitting in the creek so we moved further upstream and found a nice site with easy creek access," shares Brandon D.

    Secluded experience: Campers appreciate the privacy at Bar K. "We were likely the only group for at least 2 square miles," mentions Brandon D., highlighting the isolation factor that attracts many equestrian campers seeking quiet trail experiences.

    Family-friendly amenities: Great Escapes RV Resorts Branson provides organized activities for families camping near Reeds Spring. "They had a bunch of wonderful activities that were perfect for my 10 year old and I felt completely safe allowing my son to play around on his own," explains Linze K.

    What you should know

    Primitive facilities: Bar K Wrangler Camp offers basic amenities only. "This a primitive horse camp that is not far off the highway. It is far enough that it is or can be quiet. There are picnic table, fire ring and a pit toilet. NO WATER," advises N I.

    Access challenges: Getting to Bar K requires navigating unpaved roads. "There is about a mile of dusty, gravel road that is a little rough," reports Patricia S. This can be difficult for larger trailers, especially after rain.

    Cell service limitations: Swan Creek and surrounding areas have limited connectivity. "No service for ATT," notes David L., while another camper at Bar K mentions "We had great T-Mobile 10 miles south, but it dropped to zero by the time we drove into camp."

    Tips for camping with families

    Water activities: Big M provides additional water recreation opportunities. "We stayed at Big M in campsite 44 in mid-May. The marina had a decent restaurant where you could get a beer and dinner," shares Hayley G.

    Bug protection: Pack appropriate insect repellent for equestrian camping near Reeds Spring. "Just make sure to bring the bug spray and tikis bc there are tons of bugs," advises Linze K. from nearby trails.

    Trail difficulty assessment: When planning rides or hikes with children, check current conditions. Many trails connecting to Bar K Wrangler Camp cross creeks that can be affected by recent rainfall, potentially limiting access or creating hazardous conditions.

    Tips from RVers

    Campsite selection: Larger rigs should carefully evaluate site options at Bar K, as the terrain varies significantly. While the grassy areas can accommodate RVs and trailers, level spots may be limited during busy periods.

    Setup considerations: Since Bar K Wrangler Camp has no dedicated equine facilities, RVers with horses need portable containment systems. Highlines or portable corrals are necessary for overnight camping with horses.

    Weather preparedness: Steel Creek Campground — Buffalo National River experiences similar seasonal conditions to Bar K. "You can see beautiful bluff from the campground. The campsites are all in a big grassy field which I love," explains Lindsey P. Be prepared for potential flooding along creek areas during heavy rain periods.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Reeds Spring, MO?

    According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Reeds Spring, MO is Busiek with a 4-star rating from 8 reviews.

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

    TheDyrt.com has all 12 equestrian camping locations near Reeds Spring, MO, with real photos and reviews from campers.

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