Best Equestrian Camping near Ste. Genevieve, MO

St. Joe State Park Campground offers two distinct camping areas with specialized horse accommodations. Campground 2 features larger sites specifically designed for equestrian needs, with ample space for horse trailers and equipment. The park maintains separate trail systems for horses, mountain bikes, and ATVs, ensuring safe riding experiences for equestrians. Sites include gravel parking areas, picnic tables, and fire rings. The equestrian campsites accommodate both tents and RVs, with electric hookups available. Vault toilets are located near the horse camping area, while shower facilities require a short drive to the main campground. The spacious design allows campers to keep horses at their sites rather than in communal corrals.

The park's trail system provides extensive riding opportunities with 11 miles of paved trails suitable for less experienced riders and horses. St. Francois State Park also accommodates equestrians with dedicated horse stalls and a large parking area for horse trailers. Trails wind through forested areas and along bluffs above the Big River, offering scenic riding routes. Johnson Creek Recreation Area in Shawnee National Forest provides a more primitive horse camping experience with hitching posts and non-potable water spigots at most sites. The campground features three small loops, with one specifically designed for equestrian camping along the forest edge. Riders access multiple connecting trails directly from the campground, making it convenient for daily rides without trailering horses to different locations.

Best Equestrian Sites Near Ste. Genevieve, Missouri (13)

    1. Randolph County State Recreation Area

    8 Reviews
    Chester, IL
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (618) 826-2706

    "Getting around is a little right for bigger rigs but still doable as long as you’re careful."

    "Easy walk to the lake with a gorgeous view, , 2 different playgrounds walkable distance from campground."

    2. St. Francois State Park Campground

    28 Reviews
    Bonne Terre, MO
    26 miles
    Website
    +1 (573) 358-2173

    "Not a huge campground but, Its a really simple beautiful place to enjoy Missouri's rolling hills. It is located 1 hour from St. Louis and 30 ish min from Elephant Rock State park."

    "My site was close to the camp host and the shower house. Shower house was nice with 4 separate showers with locking doors. Water pressure was great and they were clean."

    3. St. Joe State Park Campground

    20 Reviews
    Park Hills, MO
    29 miles
    Website
    +1 (573) 431-1069

    "So, as one of Missouri’s atv parks, this can be a load one. But, you can camp at campground 2, and you’re dealing with a MUCH more classic camping scenario."

    "A great spot with a minute walk to a very well kept shower house and bathroom. We really liked this spot at CG#1."

    4. World Shooting and Recreational Complex

    2 Reviews
    New Athens, IL
    22 miles
    Website
    +1 (618) 295-2700

    5. Cherokee Landing

    3 Reviews
    Bonne Terre, MO
    28 miles
    Website
    +1 (573) 358-2805

    $25 - $36 / night

    "We love the beautiful lake, the swimming area is big and has a nice patio for access. You can rent a cart to go running around the huge campground. Very friendly staff."

    6. Johnson Creek

    5 Reviews
    Ava, IL
    30 miles
    Website
    +1 (618) 253-7114

    "single, double, and triple camping spots set up on three loops in this small campground nestled in the corner of shawnee national forest. there's a central bath house located near check in. only amenities"

    "The site was fairly secluded, and right on Kincade lake."

    7. Pyramid State Recreation Area

    5 Reviews
    Ava, IL
    34 miles
    Website
    +1 (618) 357-2574

    "Much enjoyed driving around exploring this large state park in IL. Seems to be awesome for fishing as there are many lakes. Great access to the lakes for canoe & kayak."

    "The park office is a pretty long drive from the north end campground. The hiking is limited but the campground was peaceful and close to the lakes. Probably covered in bugs in the summer."

    8. Johnson Creek Campground

    2 Reviews
    Ava, IL
    31 miles
    Website
    +1 (618) 253-7114

    "As with all of southern Illinois it’s very senic rock formations neat trails and fishing."

    9. Huzzah Valley

    11 Reviews
    Patterson, MO
    50 miles
    Website

    $11 - $65 / night

    "They offer trail rides on their horses. Dog friendly. Connected to ozark trail."

    "The "Zoo" is for the younger and rowdier crowd, and is located north of HWY 8, away from the family-friendly sites, and has later quiet hours and is known for its party-like atmosphere. "

    10. Horseshoe Lake State Park Campground

    10 Reviews
    Collinsville, IL
    50 miles
    Website
    +1 (618) 931-0270

    "Great spot in a beautiful area close to St. Louis. No power but access to drinking water and waste water dump for just 8$."

    "Horseshoe Lake is one of my most visited parks and most favorite park in the STL and surrounding areas. First off absolutely beautiful land and peace is easily achieved."

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Recent Equestrian Camping Photos near Ste. Genevieve, MO

1 Photos of 13 Ste. Genevieve Campgrounds


Equestrian Camping Reviews near Ste. Genevieve, MO

98 Reviews of 13 Ste. Genevieve Campgrounds


  • iloveitontop R.
    Sep. 13, 2016

    St. Joe State Park Campground

    Great place if you are boating or ORV.

    Nice park with a large camp sites with premiere off-road vehicle area. The park also features four lakes, two swimming beaches, equestrian trails, a hiking and bicycling trail and picnic sites, as well as two campgrounds capable of accommodating campers with ORV or horse trailers.

  • Matt S.
    Sep. 3, 2016

    St. Francois State Park Campground

    St. Francois SP is Fair to Average.

    This campground was packed, but it started off on the wrong foot. The entrance comes up quick and is right off a state highway with traffic moving between 65-80 mph so of course I passed the entrance and had to double back.

    When I pulled into the park there was bunch of construction. There were a few trails but honestly it really seemed like an RV park with very few tents. The showers and bathrooms were clean but there were too many people, it was very crowded.

    I should add as a positive that here were equestrian trails and a large parking lot to park your horse trailer.

    St. Francois State Park is close to St. Louis so it is probably a popular destination, it just didn't feel like camping. I'm sure it will improve a little when the construction is completed, but I doubt it will be above three stars.

  • Grant M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 27, 2021

    St. Joe State Park Campground

    Good for ATV’s, also good for horses and people.

    So, as one of Missouri’s atv parks, this can be a load one. But, you can camp at campground 2, and you’re dealing with a MUCH more classic camping scenario. The park is big enough you don’t hear the small engine vehicles over here.

    The campground 2 sites are set up for horses, something I know almost nothing about, but they make the sites larger to accommodate equestrian needs and that’s nice. Hiking, MTB, and horse trails are separate from the atv trails. There’s even a nice 11 mile long paved trail that has some hills but will work for kids/strollers/etc.

    There are a number of more interesting parks in the area for what I think of as a true camping experience, but this is a good one if you’re also on the pokemon plan (gotta camp ‘em all). If you like atv/utv/dirt bike stuff, man, campground one is for you, and it looks like a blast, read up on the lead mine tailing warnings.

  • Ashley Y.
    Aug. 8, 2016

    St. Joe State Park Campground

    Great multi use campground

    I only rated this a 3 because of location. Its located next to odd Monsanto property but great vineyards. I know. Weird. Anyway great multi use if you enjoy hiking, mountain biking ATV and horses. My husband and I went to check out cave vineyard which is exactly what it sounds like and is not to be missed. The facilities at this campground were top notch and the the sites were huge! Missouri always does a great job and its a great place to camp. A few minutes drive from the popular st. Genevieve.

  • Olivia S.
    Jul. 20, 2020

    St. Joe State Park Campground

    Reviews on Campground #1 & #2

    I’ve camped at both campgrounds offered at St. Joe. In the fall of 2018, we stayed at CG#1, the spot has a nice gravel tent pad with border, picnic table, and a fire pit. The spot also offered a concrete section for a camper and cars. We had a pop-up and one tent and it was very spacious. A great spot with a minute walk to a very well kept shower house and bathroom. We really liked this spot at CG#1.

    CG#2 is located about 2-3 away from the main campground, this includes the shower house and main bathrooms. There is no shower house at CG#2. I stayed at CG#2 about a week ago. Very similar in design to the sites at CG#1, it also offers amenities for those with horses. We had a spot with electric and no water, water is located close by the vault toilets. The site has a gravel parking area rather than the concrete one at CG#1. We had two tents, two cars, and five people, just as spacious. If you want more seclusion and don’t really care about being right next to the showers, I would suggest CG#2.

    Also, there was a trail located right by our spot at CG#2, it’s a good hike!!

    Two clean and well kept swimming areas, great trails, good camp sites, and great bathrooms/showers!

  • Stacia R.
    Apr. 27, 2019

    Johnson Creek

    off the beaten path

    Located on Kincaid Lake in the northwestern edge of the Shawnee National forest. The campground has three small loops. Two are more forested with smaller sites and one is more open on the edge of the forest, and geared up for equestrian camping. There are very basic pit toilets that were fairly new and clean. You can get potable water at the entrance. We camped here mid-April and the campground water spigots had not been turned on yet. Camping is $10 a night - self check in. No need to worry about finding firewood, as it is plentiful within the forest. Listened to owls at night before bed.

    We took a short ride to nearby Ava and checked out Scratch Brewery. Delicious and unique little place that is off the beaten path. Only open on weekends, but highly recommend.

  • J K.
    Aug. 10, 2019

    Randolph County State Recreation Area

    Nice quaint campground

    This is a great little campground with a fishing lake. Sites are gravel but well maintained. Sites are fairly close with most shaded. Getting around is a little right for bigger rigs but still doable as long as you’re careful. Make sure you fill up at the dump station before you get to the campground because there’s no easy way to turn around if you miss it. It’s approximately a mile before the campground on your left. Be aware that there are no showers though, only bathrooms. Fifty-one Class BE campsites, 95 Class C campsites, an equestrian site with eight stalls for horses, and four Class D (primitive) campsites are available throughout the area. A group camp area has its own shelter, stone fireplace, electricity and tables. Some campsites at Randolph County SRA can be reserved online through Reserve America at www.reserveamerica.com Randolph County State Recreation Area is a mecca for outdoor recreational activities. Fishing, hiking, picnicking, boating, hunting and camping are just a few of the choices on the 1,101 acres at the site. Located five miles northeast of Chester, Randolph County SRA lies in the rolling hill country of southern Illinois. Offering a cool retreat from hot summer days, well shaded picnic areas, hiking trails and scenic forest stands await park visitors.

    Park Information:

    West Central Illinois

    4301 S. Lake Drive Chester IL 62233

    618-826-2706

    N: 37.968 W: -89.802 History In 1958, land was purchased and plans started to build a dam and spillway for a 65-acre lake. The lake was completed in 1961, and since that time, recreational facilities have been added to provide picnic shelters, toilets, a boat ramp and a concession stand at Randolph County SRA..

    Directions All access to Randolph County SRA is from the west entrance off Palestine Rd. Coming from the North on Route 3, visitors will turn east on Shawneetown Trail south of the town of Ellis Grove. At Palestine, turn south on Palestine Road and proceed two miles, then turn left at the entrance sign. Coming from the north on Route 150, turn west on Shawneetown Trail and proceed to Palestine, then turn south on Palestine Road and proceed to the entrance sign and turn left into the area. Coming from the south from Chester, head north on Palestine Road to the entrance sign and turn right into the area.

  • Mike V.
    Jul. 1, 2016

    Pyramid State Recreation Area

    Pyramid State Park, IL, initial visit

    Much enjoyed driving around exploring this large state park in IL. Seems to be awesome for fishing as there are many lakes. Great access to the lakes for canoe & kayak. Did a nice long walk along one trail late May and there was a lot of bird activity. Can't explore it all on one visit. Saw several people camping, and some were horse back riding on a trail. Hope to go back some day and spend more time there.

  • e
    May. 31, 2018

    Johnson Creek

    woods camping byo horse

    single, double, and triple camping spots set up on three loops in this small campground nestled in the corner of shawnee national forest. there's a central bath house located near check in. only amenities there are a pit toilet, so come prepared. drinking water available right outside the camp and most sites have a non-potable water spigot, horse hitch, and fire ring. close to lake kinkaid and johnson creek. there are a few trails that connect to this spot.

    if you have a golden pass then you can receive a discounted stay.


Guide to Ste. Genevieve

Horse camping in Missouri offers a unique opportunity for equestrian enthusiasts to explore the great outdoors while enjoying the company of their horses. With various campgrounds equipped with essential amenities, riders can experience the beauty of nature alongside their equine companions.

Most campgrounds have horse-focused amenities like stables and trails

  • St. Joe State Park Campground features spacious sites and access to over 2,000 acres of land perfect for horseback riding.
  • Johnson Creek offers equestrian camping with designated areas for horses, ensuring a comfortable stay for both riders and their mounts.
  • Cherokee Landing provides horse-friendly accommodations along with access to scenic trails, making it a great choice for equestrian adventures.

Equestrian campers enjoy these nearby activities

Equestrian campgrounds include essential facilities

  • Johnson Creek Campground provides basic amenities like picnic tables and fire rings, ensuring a comfortable camping experience for horse owners.
  • Apple Creek Conservation Area features level camping spots with access to fishing and kayaking, making it a versatile location for equestrian campers.
  • St. Joe State Park Campground includes well-maintained facilities and a friendly atmosphere, perfect for families and groups looking to enjoy horse camping together.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Ste. Genevieve, MO?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Ste. Genevieve, MO is Randolph County State Recreation Area with a 4.1-star rating from 8 reviews.

What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Ste. Genevieve, MO?

TheDyrt.com has all 13 equestrian camping locations near Ste. Genevieve, MO, with real photos and reviews from campers.