Best Equestrian Camping near Ridgedale, MO

Swan Creek offers free dispersed camping with a dedicated equestrian area for camping with horses. Located approximately 45 minutes to an hour from Springfield, this area provides creek access and ample space for horse trailers. The primitive campground accommodates both tent and RV camping, though visitors should note there is no cell service for AT&T users. Bar K Wrangler Camp, another horse-friendly option, features primitive camping with picnic tables, fire rings, and pit toilets. The camp is well-maintained with mowed areas and provides plenty of space for RVs and trailers along the grassy areas near the creek.

The Buffalo National River area offers several equestrian camping options within driving distance of Ridgedale. Steel Creek Campground includes a horse camp section with sites that can accommodate horse trailers, though some visitors have noted issues with high grass at certain times. The campground provides access to multiple trails including the Old River trail and Centerpoint Trail, making it ideal for trail riders. Erbie Campground also features a separate horse camp area designed for larger vehicles needing pull-through access. Both locations connect to the Buffalo River trail system and Cecil Cove Trail, providing extensive riding opportunities through the Ozark landscape. Campers should be prepared for primitive conditions as most horse camps offer only basic amenities.

Best Equestrian Sites Near Ridgedale, Missouri (18)

    1. Great Escapes RV Resorts Branson

    6 Reviews
    Forsyth, MO
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (417) 546-3000

    $48 - $251 / night

    "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."

    2. Bar M Resort & Campground

    2 Reviews
    Kimberling City, MO
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (417) 338-2593

    $50 - $60 / night

    "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"

    3. Roaring River State Park Campground

    45 Reviews
    Eagle Rock, AR
    34 miles
    Website
    +1 (417) 847-2539

    "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."

    4. Steel Creek Campground — Buffalo National River

    24 Reviews
    Ponca, AR
    33 miles
    Website
    +1 (870) 861-2570

    $20 / 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."

    "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!"

    5. Busiek

    8 Reviews
    Chestnutridge, MO
    26 miles
    Website
    +1 (417) 895-8660

    "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."

    6. Erbie Campground — Buffalo National River

    14 Reviews
    Marble Falls, AR
    30 miles
    Website
    +1 (870) 439-2502

    "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.   "

    7. Big M

    5 Reviews
    Golden, MO
    25 miles
    Website
    +1 (417) 271-3190

    $16 - $28 / night

    "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."

    8. Bar K Wrangler Camp

    4 Reviews
    Chadwick, MO
    27 miles
    Website
    +1 (573) 364-4621

    "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"

    9. Horseshoe Canyon Ranch

    9 Reviews
    Ponca, AR
    35 miles
    Website

    $5 - $245 / night

    "They have horse back riding and tons of world class rock climbing. Very safe and clean. Facilities were just fine."

    "Car camp, hammock, tent camp, or rent one the cabins to enjoy the roaming goats and horses around the property. Infamously known in AR as one of the best climbing spots."

    10. Down Home Campgrounds

    2 Reviews
    Marble Falls, AR
    28 miles
    Website

    $30 / night

    "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."

    "Location had a nice setup for the bath house and a great setup for the camp sites."

Show More
Showing results 1-10 of 18 campgrounds

2025 Detourist Giveaway

Presented byToyota Trucks

Review Campgrounds. Win Prizes.

Enter to Win


Recent Equestrian Camping Photos near Ridgedale, MO

2 Photos of 18 Ridgedale Campgrounds


Equestrian Camping Reviews near Ridgedale, MO

151 Reviews of 18 Ridgedale 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)!

  • 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!

  • 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!


Guide to Ridgedale

Equestrian camping opportunities near Ridgedale, Missouri provide access to extensive trail systems throughout the Ozark Mountains. The region sits at elevations ranging from 700 to 1,500 feet, creating varied terrain for horse riding adventures. Trail conditions can change seasonally, with spring bringing muddy sections after rainfall and summer offering drier, more accessible routes.

What to Do

Trail riding at Buffalo National River: Multiple trailheads provide access to over 75 miles of trails connecting the river and surrounding hills. At Horseshoe Canyon Ranch, visitors appreciate the diverse terrain: "Beautiful pastures and surrounded by rock that hundreds come to visit, you won't be disappointed to check it out!" according to Luke O.

Fishing in local streams: Swan Creek and other waterways offer clear water fishing opportunities. A camper at Bar K Wrangler Camp noted, "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."

Hiking through Ozark forests: Seasonal wildflowers and wildlife viewing opportunities abound on foot trails. At Busiek, one visitor shared, "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."

What Campers Like

Peaceful locations: Many horse-friendly campgrounds offer quiet settings away from crowds. At Down Home Campgrounds, campers appreciate the seclusion: "Loved being away from all of the crowds in this secluded area."

River access: Creek and river frontage provides water for horses and recreation for riders. A camper at Bar K Wrangler Camp described their experience: "When we arrived a few people were sitting in the creek so we moved further up stream and found a nice site with easy creek access. We were likely the only group for at least 2 square miles."

Well-maintained facilities: Despite being primitive, many equestrian camps have basic amenities kept in good condition. One Busiek visitor noted, "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."

What You Should Know

Seasonal water levels: Creek crossings can become impassable after heavy rains. A visitor to Roaring River State Park Campground cautioned, "The staff did an exceptional job of cleaning and maintaining the park, especially after the terrible flood not even a year ago."

Cell service limitations: Most horse camps have limited or no connectivity. A Bar K Wrangler Camp visitor reported, "We had great T-Mobile 10 miles south, but it dropped to zero by the time we drove into camp."

Access road conditions: Many equestrian campgrounds require travel on gravel or dirt roads. One camper at Down Home Campgrounds shared, "We had a great stay here it was very secluded and very easy to find."

Tips for Camping with Families

Kid-friendly water features: Shallow creek areas provide safe play spaces. At Big M, one camper noted, "Great play area for kids. Well kept bathrooms and showers. Marina has a great restaurant that you will not be leaving hungry."

Bring entertainment: Limited amenities mean planning activities. A visitor to Horseshoe Canyon Ranch advised, "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."

Wildlife viewing opportunities: Families can spot local animals including deer and armadillos. One camper at Roaring River State Park noted, "Lots to do and see at the hatchery and play in the river. Hikes were overgrown but beautiful. Highly recommend!"

Tips from RVers

Site leveling challenges: Many primitive horse camps have uneven parking areas. A visitor to Steel Creek Campground observed, "The campsites are all in a big grassy field which I love. There are trails to the river nearby and a great swimming hole!"

Trailer access considerations: Some roads require careful navigation with larger rigs. At Big M, one RVer shared, "Sites are paved and pretty level. Only inconvenience were the roads in. Be prewar warned. It is a nail biter."

Reservation planning: Popular equestrian camping areas fill quickly during peak season. A Roaring River State Park visitor advised, "Reservations are highly recommended as this is a trout fishing park and fills up during the summer and on weekends."

Frequently Asked Questions

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

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Ridgedale, MO is Great Escapes RV Resorts Branson with a 4.8-star rating from 6 reviews.

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

TheDyrt.com has all 18 equestrian camping locations near Ridgedale, MO, with real photos and reviews from campers.